1. The Langham Hotel | London, Great Britain
The luxurious Langham Hotel located in Central London, between Hyde and Regent’s Parks. 1C Portland Pl, Marylebone, London W1B 1JA, United Kingdom
Built in 1865, the luxurious Langham Hotel is London’s first purpose-built luxury hotel. The hotel is often frequented by celebrities, royalty, ghosts, and has been a place of lodging for even some notable literary greats such as Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, the only true regular guests seem to be its ghosts. Just this past summer, members of the British National Cricket Team fled the hotel after a paranormal encounter. The live-in ghosts include the following:
1. A German prince who committed suicide via jumping out the window of the 4th floor. He has been sighted walking through doors in the early morning, and is said to be the most active ghost in the building, and is fond of notorious Room 333. Look for a stocky man in a military jacket.
2. A honeymooning doctor who committed suicide after murdering his wife. His ghost has also been seen in Room 333. Look for a man with Victorian style dress.
3. A ghost who has a thing for tipping guests out of their bed while sleeping, especially in our favorite Room 333. Reportedly, one guest was shook with such enthusiasm that the guest fled the hotel in the middle of the night.
There are also reports of a man with a gaping wound on his face who inhabits the hallways on the 3rd floor, a fluorescent ball of light which coalesces into a human form, and the ghost of Emperor Napoleon III who lived at the Langham during his exile, and can be spotted in the hotel basement.
2. Fairmont Banff Springs | Alberta, Canada
Conveniently located near the beautiful Bow Falls, this lavish property is especially picturesque during the winter season.
405 Spray Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1J4, Canada
Located in the Rocky Mountains and rising majestically above the small town of Banff, AB, is the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Originally built in 1888 as one of the country’s grand railway hotels, it is unquestionably one of Canada’s most famous properties and most iconic landmarks. Over the last few decades Fairmont has gained an international reputation for excellence. The Banff Springs Hotel exemplifies this reputation in the clearest possible way. An imposing yet architecturally stunning structure, the Banff Fairmont enjoys a pristine location in the heart of Banff National Park, which is itself a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hotel sits just above the mighty Bow Falls, is a few minutes’ drive away from the famous Banff Hot Springs and rises above the township of Banff like a mighty Leviathan.
The Banff Springs Hotel also features many a ghost story. The two most famous are probably the “Ghost Bride” and the “missing” room 873. Reportedly, in the 1920s a young bride fell to her death while descending one of the hotel’s marble staircases on her wedding day. Since that time, you can see her either walking up and down that same staircase.
The story surrounding room 873 is also interesting: A man reportedly murdered his family in the room and, afterwards, guests reported many disturbances in the room, and even near its vicinity – quite macabre. In response, hotel management sealed off the room, and it was wiped from existence.
Lastly, it wouldn’t quite be Canada if they did not have their own friendly ghost. Reportedly, there is a bellhop dressed in full uniform on the ninth floor who disappears after he is done helping guests. He is believed to be the ghost of former employee Sam Macauley, who died in 1967 following the announcement of his retirement. Make sure to tip him well; he’s so dedicated, he’s still working even in the afterlife.
3. Augustine Hotel | Prague, Czech Republic
As Prague’s newest and simultaneously oldest 5 star luxury hotel, the property is a 13th century monastery. Letenská 12/33, 118 00 Pr 1, Prague, Czech Republic
Prague’s newest five-star hotel, the Augustine Hotel Prague, is simply heavenly, fashioned as it is from seven buildings surrounding the cloisters of the 13th century St. Thomas Church and Monastery, and featuring a working community of Augustinian friars living in adjoining quarters. The result is an upscale hotel that conveys ecclesiastical serenity — but not monastic austerity.
The beautiful tower suite (pictured above) stretches over three floors and at its peak, its windows display a 360-degree vista of the historic city. The catch? It is reportedly haunted by a monk who once inhabited the Monastery who prefers to roam around various rooms turning lights on-and-off, opening windows, and moving objects in the room.
4. Bela Vista Hotel & Spa | Portimão, Portugal
Located on the beaches of the Algarve, this boutique luxury hotel is the quintessential place for romance. Av. Tomas Cabreira Praia da Rocha, 8500-802 Portimão, Portugal
Surrounded by a breathtaking scenery, the Bela Vista Hotel combines refinement with hospitality in a historical space, perfectly adapted to the most modern requirements. The mansion, which houses the Bela Vista Hotel, dates back to 1918 and preserves the romantic aesthetic that inspired it.
Situated on the promenade near the beach, this otherwise tranquil hotel is believed to be haunted by the previous owner, who is said to have died in Room 108. Sightings are common, and according to the book, Histórias de um Portugal Assombrado, there are numerous accounts of groans, unexplained whimpers, and the sound of someone or something pounding on the walls at night.
5. Château de Brissac | Brissac-Quincé, France
The Castle is now the residence of the thirteenth Duke of Brissac, and hosts guests as a lovely Bed & Breakfast. Rue Louis Moron, 49320 Brissac-Quincé, France
While the park offers magnificent views in the shade of centuries-old trees, the visit reveals a dazzling decor. Here rival beauty, gold leaf ceilings, precious furniture and especially a lovely Belle Epoque theater, dedicated to the opera, a golden drawing room, a cellar that includes a tasting of the wines of the property.
Brissac is a family castle in which each generation has endeavoured to transmit the love and the respect of a patrimony to maintain a tradition of hospitality. In the dining-room you will see that the table is already set as if many guests were invited to dine with the Duke (including guests that may no longer be among the living). Guests have recalled seeing the property’s famed “Green Lady” throughout the years. One of Château de Brissac’s former owners during the 15th century reportedly killed his wife and her lover when he caught them together. Since then the wife’s spirit is rumored to be wandering the castle and is known as the “Green Lady”, from the color of her gown.
6. The Shelbourne | Dublin, Ireland
This nearly 200 year-old five-star luxury lodge sits proudly on Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin. 27 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, Ireland
With almost two hundred years of rich history behind its genteel brick facade, The Shelbourne is a place steeped in stories. It was a Tipperary man by the name of Martin Burke who had the idea of opening a grand and fashionable hotel in one of the city’s most exclusive neighbourhoods. In 1824, he leased three townhouses (Number 27, 28 and 29) on the edge of St. Stephen’s Green and set out to offer the best of hospitality to the most demanding guests. Within 25 years of opening the doors for the first time, the hotel’s popularity and success was so great that Mr. Burke decided to expand, adding the adjoining houses of 30 and 31 St. Stephen’s Green and 12 Kildare Street.
Iconic stars have spent time within its walls, including Charlie Chaplin, Greta Garbo, Laurel and Hardy, James Cagney, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Rita Hayworth, Elizabeth Taylor, Maureen O’Hara, Rock Hudson, Paul Newman, Robert Redford John F. Kennedy, and countless more. Most recently, actress Lily Collins of The Mortal Instruments recounted her paranormal encounter during her stay at the hotel.
There have been numerous reports of guests leaving the hotel terrified as sink, bath, and shower taps have reportedly been turned on by themselves and doors slamming on their own whilst hearing giggling. The hotel is reportedly haunted by the spirit of one 7 year-old mischievous Mary Masters who died of cholera in 1846 who has been spotted by guests and staff alike in various rooms and in the basement.
Still here? Among the living? We appreciate that you’ve taken the time to read our post! Happy October!
