Waking the spirits, the first cool front is running through Texas. All it takes is a cool north breeze to get everyone in a frisky mood, including the spirits. Just like an old-fashioned duel, two Texas cities duke it out for the title of most haunted city in the state. For those who want to spice it up, book a room for a ghostly getaway in San Antonio or Galveston to spice up your fall. Not all are up for a haunted stay, but if you are, here are the Most haunted hotels in Texas.
Why is Texas SO Haunted?
As a Texas native, I blame it on history. Most ghost stories in Texas are rooted in historic events. From the Alamo to the 1900 unnamed hurricane to tragic accidents, Texas ghost stories start with a news story, then develop into ghostly tales.
Sometimes those ghostly tales involve locations, like hotels. Especially historic, centuries-old hotels where untimely deaths or tragic accidents occurred.
MOST Haunted Hotels in Texas
The Menger Hotel in San Antonio
Emily Morgan Hotel in San Antonio
The Gunter Hotel in San Antonio
Hotel Galvez in Galveston
The Tremont House in Galveston
The Driskill Hotel in Austin
Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas
Stockyards Hotel in Fort Worth
The Hotel Paisano in Marfa
Gage Hotel in Marathon
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Haunted Hotels in San Antonio
Routinely named one of the most haunted cities in the U.S., ghosts linger at street corners, and some live in the hotels of San Antonio. With the Alamo anchoring the downtown, some claim spirits still linger nightly in the oldest part of the city.
The Menger Hotel
Opened in 1859, the Menger Bar sits just off The Menger Hotel lobby. Its carved cherrywood and mirrored back bar make the space resemble a London club. In 1898, Theodore Roosevelt recruited men for his Rough Riders between drinks. Over the years, the Menger’s bartenders claim Teddy Roosevelt still sits at the bar, beckoning them for a drink.
In addition to Teddy Roosevelt, the Menger Hotel is home to dozens of spirits. In its early years, the wealthy of the area would check in sick relatives. Some would not walk out.
Located at 204 Alamo Plaza, next to the Alamo.
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The Emily Morgan Hotel
Located close to the Alamo, the Emily Morgan Hotel was part of the Long Barracks of the Alamo. The infamous battle in 1836 left many spirits to wander the area. Over 600 people lost their lives in the Alamo.
However, after the dust had settled, a building was up and was used as a hospital. According to sources, the most haunted parts of the Emily Morgan Hotel housed those suffering from psychological distress.
Located at 705 E. Houston St.
The Gunter Hotel
Completed in 1909, the Gunter Hotel hosted one of its more notable guests: an unknown blues musician. In the 1930s, a talent scout set up a temporary recording studio in Room 414 for a guitar player from the Mississippi Delta. Over three days, Robert Johnson recorded 16 tracks for a blues album.
Then, he died tragically under mysterious circumstances in 1938. Johnson’s influence over the genres of blues and rock and roll earned him a posthumous Grammy Award and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. On the sixth floor, housekeeping is rumored to clean in pairs.
Located in downtown San Antonio at 205 E. Houston St.
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The Haunted Hotels of Galveston
The Hurricane of 1900 blew ashore overnight, leaving piles of destruction at dawn. It is estimated that at least 6,000 people died. For this reason, Galveston remains one of the most haunted cities in Texas.
Grand Galvez Resort
After the popular Beach Hotel burned to the ground, the Grand Galvez Resort replaced it in 1911. Named after the city’s namesake, Bernardo de Galvez, it’s the Grand Dame of the Seawall and an excellent choice for guests who want luxurious appointments and a ghostly past.
According to local lore, the haunting of the Galvez is based more on urban folklore than documented experience, though the tale of the Love Lorn Lady looking for her lost love continues to circulate.
With Gulf of Mexico views, the palm-flanked drive leads guests back to a more gracious era, featuring period furnishings and generous common spaces. The outdoor pool area offers ample room for lounging. In its historic lobby, the hotel serves one of the top Sunday brunches in Texas.
Located at 2024 Seawall Blvd. in Galveston.
The Tremont House
As the third incarnation of The Tremont House, the newest hotel sits in the heart of Galveston’s most haunted area. The first Tremont opened in 1839, then was destroyed by a fire in 1865. In 1872, the second hotel opened and withstood the 1900 Hurricane to be demolished in 1928. In 1985, the current hotel opened in the restored Leon and H. Blum building.
According to local legend, a mischievous prankster named Jimmy calls the Tremont House home. He’s been known to play tricks by moving objects, and if you knock on the elevator door, Jimmy might knock back.
Located at 2300 Ships Mechanic Row in Galveston.
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Austin
As the Capital of Texas, interesting characters gather regardless of whether the state legislature is in session. The interesting thing about Austin’s haunted hotels is that one is modern.
The Driskill Hotel
Built in 1886, the Driskill Hotel was built by cattle rancher Col. Jesse Driskill, who wanted to own the finest hotel south of St. Louis. After a drought and a harsh winter, he sold the property. As Austin’s oldest operating hotel, the Driskill Hotel has hosted the inaugural balls for Texas governors since it opened.
Thought to be one of the most haunted hotels in Texas, it is the eternal home to several ghosts. Col. Jesse Driskill is thought to haunt his own hotel. Unable to commit to an earthly life with their grooms, a pair of brides spend their time around the bridal suite. Each committed suicide a couple of decades apart.
Another young girl fell down the grand staircase while playing and was thought to be a playful spirit. Room 525 and the fourth floor allegedly harbor the most paranormal activity in this iconic hotel in the middle of the Austin entertainment district.
Located at 604 Brazos St. at Sixth St. in Austin.
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Omni Hotel Austin
Most think historic hotels are the only ones to harbor spirits, though newer properties can, too. The Omni Austin Hotel is a modern glass tower with 400 rooms and one unregistered guest.
A traveling salesman checked in on his last legs, and an ill-placed call to his soon-to-be ex-wife sent him to the bottle. Shortly after, he leaped out of his room, then his spirit bounced up and walked back into the hotel to stay for eternity.
Located at 700 San Jacinto in Austin.
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Dallas
In Texas, Dallas is known as the Big D, as well as the North Texas center for culture and the arts. Though who says ghosts don’t love luxury too?
Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
Built in 1923, The Stoneleigh Dallas is an Art Deco hotel with interiors designed by Dorothy Draper, the designer of The Greenbrier in West Virginia. According to legend, the original hotel manager used some secret passages for his girlfriend, Margaret, to pass freely. One night, clouded in mystery, Margaret fell to her death from the top floor and is rumored to still roam the property.
Located at 2927 Maple Ave. in Dallas.
The Adolphus Hotel
In 1912, beer magnate Adolphus Busch opened the opulent Beaux-Arts hotel in Dallas. Over the years, the Adolphus Hotel hosted many dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip.
Most guests want to know about the jilted bride who still looks for her fiancé at The Adolphus Hotel. Steps from the location of her ill-fated wedding ceremony, she supposedly hanged herself. It is also known as one of the top haunted hotels across Texas.
Located at 1321 Commerce St. in Dallas.
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Fort Worth
In a town that was equal parts cattle ranchers and cattle rustlers, gunfights sparked to life in downtown Ft Worth at any time. More rugged than its North Texas neighbor, Fort Worth also offers a ghostly past.
Stockyards Hotel
When it opened in 1907, the Stockyards Hotel shone a Texas Ranger’s revolver, and guests checked in from all over the state. One such guest was a cowboy, complete with boots and spurs. Some claim to see his image while others hear the clomping of his boots and the jangle of his spurs.
Though it was a couple that might be most remembered. Room 305 offers a prime lookout for both the bank and the police station across the street. Because of that detail, the infamous bank robbers Bonnie and Clyde came to the Stockyards Hotel. By then, the duo was notorious, and local law caught wind of them, so they moved on shortly after. Over the last 100 years, Exchange Street got paved, and the Stockyards Hotel is now part of a National Historic District.
Located at 109 E. Exchange Ave. in Ft. Worth.
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Haunted Hotels in West Texas
On the western horizon of Texas, the warm wind can carry ghostly spirits as well as dust.
The Hotel Paisano in Marfa
Marfa is no stranger to unexplained phenomena, with its mysterious lights floating in the desert. Built in 1930 by architect Henry Troshe, The Hotel Paisano served as a home base for actors like Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean and Rock Hudson during the filming of the epic film The Giant in the 1950s.
Though its uninvited guests might be the stars of the hotel in the 21st century, rumors continue to circulate. James Dean stayed on at the Paisano after the filming, and he died shortly after his West Texas stay.
Located at 207 Highland St. in Marfa. Closed for renovation until 2027.
Gage Hotel in Marathon
With its Big Bend location, the renovated hotel features southwestern design elements for a sense of laid-back luxury. Originally built in 1927, it was designed by the same architectural firm that designed The Hotel Paisano in Marfa.
According to local legend, a ghostly spirit wanders the hallways of the historic hotel, rumored to be the original owner. Room 10 is especially active in paranormal activity.
Located at 102 NW 1st. St. Highway 90W. in Marathon.
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