The Lone Star State, where history and the supernatural collide in the most entertaining way possible! Texas isn’t just about cowboys and barbecue; it’s also home to some spine-tingling, hair-raising haunted hotels that promise an unforgettable stay. Get ready to pack your bags and your courage as we embark on a ghostly journey through the heart of Texas, where you’ll find accommodations that are eerily comfortable, devilishly charming, and hauntingly hospitable. If you’re itching for a spooktacular getaway that’s more fun than frightening, these haunted hotels in Texas are sure to cast their spell on you!
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The Menger Hotel
204 Alamo Plaza, San Antonio, TX 78205
Brief History
The Menger Hotel, located in San Antonio, Texas, is a historic gem that boasts a rich and storied history dating back to its founding in 1859 by William and Mary Menger. Situated just steps away from the iconic Alamo, the Menger Hotel has been a witness to numerous pivotal moments in American history.
During the late 19th century, the Menger played a significant role in Texas’ burgeoning cattle industry and became a favored gathering spot for cattle ranchers, military personnel, and travelers passing through San Antonio. In fact, Teddy Roosevelt recruited his Rough Riders in the Menger’s bar during the Spanish-American War.
Over the years, the hotel has undergone several expansions and renovations, transforming it into the elegant and historic establishment it is today. It has hosted numerous notable guests, including Ulysses S. Grant, Robert E. Lee, and Mae West.
The Menger Hotel remains an enduring symbol of San Antonio’s history, offering modern-day guests a chance to step back in time while enjoying luxurious accommodations and timeless charm.
Hauntings
The Menger Hotel in San Antonio, Texas, carries a fascinating reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the country. Within its historic walls, a myriad of eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena have been reported by numerous guests and staff over the years. These spectral experiences include sightings of prominent historical figures like Teddy Roosevelt and his Rough Riders, who are believed to frequent the hotel’s corridors in period attire. The Menger’s bar, in particular, has become a known focal point for paranormal activity, where a well-dressed female apparition is said to appear and vanish mysteriously.
In addition to visual sightings, guests have described hearing strange sounds throughout the hotel, including disembodied voices, inexplicable footsteps, and unexplained knocking. Some have even recounted hearing phantom echoes of a historic battle, possibly tied to the hotel’s proximity to the Alamo. Room 316, notorious for its ghostly occurrences, has been the site of flickering lights, objects moving on their own, and an overwhelming sense of an unseen presence. Furthermore, the vintage elevators, still operated by human attendants, have been associated with reports of the elevator operator mysteriously appearing and disappearing, reappearing only when needed.
See my full list of haunted hotels in San Antonio.
The Driskill Hotel
604 Brazos St, Austin, TX 78701
Brief
The Driskill Hotel, located in the heart of Austin, Texas, is a historic gem that has played a significant role in the city’s history and culture. Here’s a brief history of this iconic establishment:
The hotel was built by Colonel Jesse Driskill, a successful cattle baron, and entrepreneur, and it opened its doors on December 20, 1886. At the time, it was the most luxurious hotel in Texas and a symbol of Austin’s growth and prosperity.
Designed by architect Jasper N. Preston in a Romanesque Revival style, the Driskill Hotel exudes opulence and grandeur. Its architectural details, including marble floors, stained glass windows, and intricate woodwork, showcased the finest craftsmanship of the era.
Throughout its history, the Driskill has welcomed numerous prominent guests, including U.S. presidents, notable artists, and celebrities. It has also been a hub for political and social gatherings in Texas.
The Driskill has seen its share of ups and downs, including changes in ownership, but it has managed to maintain its status as a premier destination in Austin. It has undergone several renovations and updates to blend modern amenities with its historic charm.
Over the years, the hotel has earned a reputation for being haunted, with stories of unexplained phenomena, including ghostly apparitions and strange occurrences in various parts of the building. These tales of the supernatural have only added to the hotel’s mystique.
Today, the Driskill Hotel stands as an iconic landmark in Austin, offering guests a blend of timeless elegance, Southern hospitality, and a unique connection to the city’s rich history. It continues to be a sought-after destination for travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
Hauntings
The Driskill Hotel in Austin, Texas, is not only celebrated for its historic charm but also for its reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Over the years, guests and staff have reported numerous paranormal encounters and unexplained phenomena within its elegant confines.
One of the most well-known spirits said to haunt the Driskill is that of Colonel Jesse Driskill himself, the hotel’s founder. Guests have reported encountering his apparition on multiple occasions, often described as a well-dressed man who appears and disappears mysteriously.
Another famous ghostly presence is that of Samantha Houston, the daughter of a U.S. senator, who stayed at the hotel and fell to her death from a staircase. Her ghostly figure is said to appear on the grand staircase, and some have reported hearing the sound of a young girl’s laughter echoing through the halls.
The hotel’s room 525 has a particularly eerie reputation. Guests who have stayed in this room have reported a feeling of being watched, sudden drops in temperature, and unexplained flickering lights.
Throughout the hotel, visitors have described hearing disembodied voices, footsteps, and the rustling of clothing, even when no one is present. Some have reported that items mysteriously move on their own.
Hotel ICON, Autograph Collection
220 Main St, Houston, TX 77002
Brief History
The hotel was originally constructed in 1911 as the Union National Bank Building, designed by renowned architect Joseph Finger. This 12-story Beaux-Arts-style building quickly became a prominent fixture in downtown Houston, symbolizing the city’s economic growth during the early 20th century.
Over the decades, the building underwent several transformations, serving various purposes, including housing the headquarters of Gulf Oil Corporation. It wasn’t until 2004 that the building was meticulously restored and reimagined as the Hotel Icon, an upscale boutique hotel.
The Hotel Icon pays homage to its historical roots, preserving many architectural elements from its past. Its elegant interiors blend modern amenities with early 20th-century charm, featuring a grand lobby with soaring ceilings, marble columns, and stunning architectural details.
The hotel has become a popular destination for travelers seeking a blend of luxury and history in the heart of downtown Houston. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring the city’s cultural attractions, dining scene, and business district.
With its rich history and timeless elegance, the Hotel Icon stands as a testament to Houston’s growth and transformation over the years, offering guests a unique blend of historic ambiance and contemporary comfort.
Hauntings
During it’s time as a bank and financial offices it is rumored that panic swept through the building over the financial losses of the economic crash in the 1920’s. It’s been recounted that a group of individuals, which included investors linked to the bank and occupants of the upper-level businesses, succumbed to their despair, choosing to end their lives within the hotel’s premises. As some guests have shared, these sorrowful episodes have left an eerie mark, where they’ve either witnessed or, more frequently, heard the haunting echoes of these individuals’ final moments.
The most prevalent occurrences involve spectral echoes akin to gunshots resonating through the corridors, as well as the chilling sensation of bodies impacting the floor. Furthermore, a ghostly figure, dressed in the attire of a 1920s businessperson, is said to materialize, perched on the window ledge of select guestrooms. This spectral figure gazes outward before taking a fateful plunge.
In the hushed hours of the night, certain guests have been stirred from their slumber by inexplicable sounds, including unfamiliar voices, or by the unsettling feeling of an unwelcome presence sharing their room. Collectively, these encounters contribute to the Hotel Icon’s mystique as a place where the past’s lingering whispers manifest in both auditory and spectral forms.
The Adolphus
1321 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202
Brief History
The hotel was founded by Adolphus Busch, the co-founder of Anheuser-Busch brewing company, and it officially opened its doors on October 5, 1912. Adolphus envisioned a luxurious and grand hotel that would cater to the elite and offer unparalleled hospitality.
The Adolphus quickly became a symbol of elegance and sophistication in Dallas, featuring opulent interiors, ornate details, and impeccable service. Its 22 stories made it the tallest building in Texas at the time.
Over the years, the hotel has hosted numerous notable guests, including celebrities, politicians, and business leaders. It became a hub for social events and gatherings in Dallas, solidifying its status as a cultural landmark.
During World War II, the Adolphus played a vital role by serving as a temporary home for military personnel. It also underwent renovations and modernizations to keep up with changing times.
Throughout its history, the Adolphus has undergone several renovations to preserve its historic charm while incorporating modern amenities. The hotel’s original Beaux-Arts architecture and timeless elegance continue to captivate visitors.
Today, the Adolphus remains a premier destination for travelers seeking a blend of history, luxury, and Southern hospitality in the heart of Dallas. It stands as a testament to the city’s growth and evolution, offering guests a glimpse into its rich past while providing a contemporary and refined experience.
Hauntings
The Adolphus Hotel in Dallas, Texas, with its rich history dating back over a century, has earned a reputation as one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Numerous reports of paranormal encounters and eerie phenomena have made the Adolphus a favorite topic among ghost enthusiasts.
One of the most well-known ghosts at the Adolphus is the “Lady in White.” She is often seen on the 19th floor, elegantly dressed in a white gown. Some guests have reported hearing her laughter or catching a glimpse of her in the hallways before she disappears.
The 7th floor of the Adolphus is known for its ghostly activity. Guests have reported hearing strange noises, disembodied footsteps, and the rattling of doorknobs, even when no one is there. Some have claimed to see apparitions in old-fashioned clothing.
There have been reports of a ghostly elevator operator who assists guests in the vintage elevators. Guests have mentioned that this operator is dressed in period attire and sometimes disappears before the ride is complete.
Room 407 is believed to be particularly haunted. Guests have reported a range of strange occurrences, including objects moving on their own, mysterious cold spots, and the feeling of being watched.
Some guests have claimed to hear the sounds of a wedding reception taking place in the ballroom, only to find it empty upon investigation. Theories suggest that this phenomenon may be linked to a wedding that took place at the hotel many years ago.
The Haunted Magnolia Hotel
203 S Crockett St, Seguin, TX 78155
Brief History
The Magnolia Hotel was originally constructed in 1840 by Texas Ranger James Campbell as a two-room log cabin. Over the years, it evolved and expanded into a hotel, becoming a prominent fixture in Seguin.
During the Texas frontier days, the hotel served as a hub for travelers and settlers. It provided shelter, food, and a sense of community in the rapidly growing town. Throughout its history, the Magnolia Hotel hosted a variety of notable figures, including cattle ranchers, politicians, and even a U.S. President. It witnessed many pivotal moments in the town’s history.
In recent years, the Magnolia Hotel has undergone extensive restoration and preservation efforts to maintain its historical integrity and protect it from decay. The hotel was recognized for its historical significance in 2012 when it received a Texas Historical Marker.
Hauntings
The Magnolia Hotel has gained notoriety for its alleged paranormal activity. Numerous guests and visitors have reported encounters with ghosts and spirits within its walls. The Magnolia Hotel’s history is marked by dramatic events, including violent incidents and deaths. Some believe that this history has left behind residual energy, contributing to the paranormal activity.
One of the most well-known hauntings at the Magnolia Hotel involves the spirits of children. Visitors have reported hearing the laughter of children running up and down the hallways, even when no living children are present. Some have claimed to see apparitions of young girls and boys playing in the hotel.
Another frequently reported apparition is that of a woman in a white dress. She is often seen roaming the hallways or standing near windows. Witnesses describe her as a melancholic figure who appears lost or in distress.
Perhaps the most infamous entity at the Magnolia Hotel is the “black mist.” This malevolent presence is said to be particularly aggressive and has been known to physically harm guests. Some have reported feeling choked or scratched by an unseen force.
Visitors have experienced poltergeist-like phenomena, such as objects moving on their own, doors slamming shut, and unexplained noises. Some have even captured these incidents on camera.
That’s A Wrap!
In the vast expanse of Texas, where barbecue and cowboy legends often steal the spotlight, we’ve uncovered a side that’s rich in history, mystery, and a generous helping of the supernatural. Staying in these haunted hotels isn’t just about spine-tingling thrills; it’s a ticket to an unforgettable adventure that’s both thrilling and entertaining. From the opulent grandeur of The Menger Hotel in San Antonio to the timeless elegance of The Driskill Hotel in Austin and all the uncanny experiences in between, you’re guaranteed to depart with anecdotes that will keep your friends spellbound. So, secure your reservations, embrace the enigmatic, and may your Texan ghostly escapade be a symphony of laughter, goosebumps, and lasting memories.
Explore more haunted places in Texas as wells as across America, in the best towns to visit for Halloween.
Check out more destinations and haunted hotels:
- Haunted Hotels California
- Haunted Hotels Los Angeles
- Haunted Hotels San Diego
- Haunted Hotels New York
- Haunted Hotels San Antonio
- Haunted Hotels Arizona
- Haunted Hotels Colorado
- Haunted Hotels Savannah
- Haunted Hotels New Orleans
- Haunted Hotels in Salem MA
Disclaimer: Links in this page are meant to help you find relevant information and book attractions easier by linking directly to specific pages on partner websites (i.e. TripAdvisor, Vegas.com). If you click a link, we may earn a small commission on transactions. This helps support the cost of running our website, and it adds absolutely no extra cost to you as the consumer. Thank you, we appreciate your support! You can read more on our disclosure policy.
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