13 Haunted Vacation Rentals for Very Brave Souls

2 guests/$295 per night

This “second-floor haunted oasis” is located in a mansion in the historic village of Lansingburgh (about five miles from downtown Troy), which has been owned by the same family for six generations. The resident ghosts are harmless, but one guest did claim that a pranking poltergeist kept hiding her car keys. Just keep your belongings close, and you’re sure to enjoy this comfortable room with plenty of communal spaces to mingle with the friendly hosts and other guests. 

What guests say: “Michele has an accommodating and welcoming space (especially for a haunted house!). We didn’t get any visits from ghosts but don’t rule it out. The host went out of her way to talk to us about the area and provide us with tips on what to do and the place was very clean. Great host and experience!”

4 guests/$109 per night

In the midst of historic Gettysburg, the farmhouse and barn on this property were used as a Civil War field hospital after the town’s namesake battle. According to the host, Stephani: “I will be your only ‘living’ host, but there are many others who reside with me. They have lived at the farm for many many years, some for hundreds of years. Yes, the house is haunted, but they are all friendly!” Aside from tons of ghost stories, Stephani will share cuddles with her pets, morning coffee, and fishing poles to use in the nearby pond.

What guests say: “I can’t imagine staying in the Gettysburg area and NOT staying at Stephani’s place. It’s a true gem in all facets of the word. It’s impossible not to feel the history of the area while staying there. The aura is amazing, as is the host.”

4 guests/$236 per night

This 1799 guest house is in the heart of Savannah’s Landmark District in the middle of a “private urban woodland.” Filled with antique furniture and art from the region, it was used in Robert Redford’s film The Conspirator and is on many home and ghost tours because it has retained so much of its historic charm. Or maybe it’s on those tours because Laura, the ghost who haunts the cottage, beckons people so they can see the gorgeous flowers that she still grows. She’s allegedly good-tempered, though she may try to get your attention by opening windows and turning the lights on and off. Probably best to admire the flowers, but not pick them, then.

What guests say: “This cottage is within walking distance to amazing restaurants and historic sites! Vicki has the tiniest detailed cozy touches to make this Airbnb truly unforgettable. From fresh flowers to movies and literature relating to Savannah’s great history, you’ll be glad you didn’t stay in a modern hotel. Our favorite part was reading the guest book of all the spooky experiences! We had a few ourselves, but would definitely stay here again! The best way to describe this place is as if someone’s cozy grandmother’s house and a museum had a baby, this cottage would be the result.”

12 guests/$722 per night

Does this list of haunted vacation rentals even exist if it doesn’t include a home in Salem, Massachusetts? The Henry Derby House is a charming Victorian home from 1838, painted bright yellow with green shutters and window boxes full of colorful flowers. It is close to downtown Salem, and you’ll have access to all of it. Well, you and the ghost of at least one spirit: a teenage girl who seems to be stuck on the third floor but takes it in good stride and has a bit of fun with the situation, moving objects and even tucking people into bed and tickling their feet. If the latter scares you, may we suggest packing thick wool socks?

What guests say: “The location is excellent, very near and walkable to many shops, restaurants, and other attractions but still relatively quiet also. So many beds and bathrooms. The 3rd floor did feel a little spooky, even before we looked up the history. Also, I didn't realize ghost cats were a thing until we had a brush with this one. Very responsive host, though no problems came up.”

16 guests/$1,100 per night

A Victorian-era building that was a brothel, casino, and saloon is appealing enough on its own. But then to know that it’s haunted by the ghost of a miner who died in a gunfight? Sign us up. The Black Monarch has its original ornate solid oak doors, bay windows, hardwood floors and stairs, and tin ceilings. It’s full of furniture that feels like it belongs in a brothel (even though it’s probably 100 times more luxurious), as well as creepy art and taxidermy. The town of Victor was once the second-largest gold mining district in the United States, but like so many others, the population dwindled from 18,000 to 397. (No word if the ghosts are factored into the most recent census count.) And while one might think they’d get a good night’s sleep in a town with so few people, don’t count on it. A common “complaint” is being awakened in the middle of the night by men and women carousing on the main floor.

What guests say: “The Black Monarch is probably the most unique place I’ve ever stayed—in fact, our bed was a ouija board! This is not a hotel such as the Stanley Hotel, where they have ghost tours and fake history. This place has a true spooky and unique history with incredibly thoughtful touches to add personality. I could tell a ton of planning and effort went into every single little detail.”

8 guests/$450 per night

This Maryland mansion looks like the setting of American Horror Story: Roanoke, and while the backstory isn’t quite as sinister as a Ryan Murphy plot, there are still some supernatural elements that would delight any ghost hunter. The estate dates back to 1852 and reportedly has a few spirits roaming the halls and grounds, though most guests seemed more preoccupied with the gorgeous antique furniture and easy access to Washington, D.C. You’ll just have to book a stay and see what jumps out at you.

What guests say: “Absolutely wonderful!! This home is so charming, beautifully decorated, spacious, and just such a gem! Convenient and central location too in the MD area & not far from DC/VA, which is an added bonus—and on 4 acres of land. So many cool things to look at too, almost like you’re at a historic museum. Just…wow!!”

6 guests/$233 per night

This 150-year-old home has been featured on ghost-hunting shows Paranormal State and Portals to Hell and is owned by a paranormal researcher who promises that the ghostly residents are friendly. If exploring the otherworldly is of interest to you, then you’ll want to spend time in the display room on the first floor: Part museum, part “training ground,” it’s designed to help people get familiar with the tools, theories, and approaches of paranormal investigation. Although the home is haunted, it is also meant to be relaxing with opportunities to connect with both your travel buddies and spirits (practice decks of psychic reading cards are provided). 

What guests say: “If you love old houses, then this is your place. Floorboards creak and doors stick a little, but that’s what adds character to old homes. Very quiet and peaceful place to just relax and do nothing read a book, or take a nap. Yes, this place is haunted, but the spirits are peaceful. If you don’t mind the occasional knock or bump in the night or daytime, then this is your place.”

12 guests/$500 per night

This 19th-century Gothic “castle” has 20 rooms, a four-story tower with amazing views, marble fireplaces, a ballroom, a swimming pool, and the ghosts of at least two children and an older man (who brings with him an aroma of cigar smoke). Is that man Henry Richard Hazelhurst, who made a fortune in the iron trade during the Civil War and died inside the mansion in 1900? Are the children two of several who died in the home? Perhaps. As the story goes, all was well until the mansion suffered great loss during a fire and the new owner rebuilt it in a very different style—one that was not, apparently, to the liking of the former master of the house. His ghost is said to make itself known through loud footsteps, windows that won’t budge, and swinging chandeliers. But hey! A gorgeous mansion with a ballroom and a pool? Totally worth it.

What guests say: “The place is spectacular, steeped in history, and impeccably clean. You can lounge by the pool, grill, relax with a drink at night or dine in the lavish dining room—all of which we did and would absolutely do again. FYI considering this place has been in many movies, the pictures really do not do it the justice it deserves !!!! I would 100% recommend the property, the location, and our gracious hosts to anyone in the future and would hope to go back again someday.”

2 guests/$189 per night

This 1900 building is a schoolhouse turned tool factory turned artist’s studio turned Airbnb, located inside of the Cedar Park Cemetery, which is home to thousands of burial plots and has all sorts of notable people resting in peace. This building has several lofts—this one is Chinese-inspired, meaning you’ll sleep in an authentic 18th-century opium wedding bed. Not creepy enough for you? Think about it this way: If no one is renting out the other spaces, you’ll be the only living soul for miles.

What guests say: “A converted schoolhouse that is nestled in a historic cemetery—and it’s every bit the interesting and unique experience that you could imagine. Laura Ann is an absolutely delightful host: friendly, helpful, quick to respond, everything that you hope for in an Airbnb host. The building and this particular room are fun, funky, quite comfortable, well-appointed, and completely interesting spaces that make you smile and engage all your senses, making for a completely enjoyable stay.”

2 guests/$71 per night

Guests who have stayed in this private suite in Wake Forest have reported floating orbs, hearing a music box turn on by itself, and even feeling pinches from unseen forces. This property might leave you seriously spooked—and not just because of the “vampire Audrey Hepburn” painting on the wall—but you’ll more likely enjoy chats with the host David (whose great-grandfather built the house), cuddles with his dog Buttercup, and easy walks to nearby parks and street fairs.

What guests say: “I found the energy in this ‘haunted’ space to be very positive and welcoming. The guest suite is just beautiful, pristinely clean, and tidy. The bed is crazy comfortable. The location is super convenient for walking to the Wake Forest business areas. This is a top-notch stay!”

4 guests/$69 per night

A visit to this house in the Benton Park neighborhood of St. Louis feels like a journey back in time. The home was built in 1890, and the listing’s second-floor studio apartment originally served as the maid’s quarters. Customer reviews mention all sorts of mysterious experiences, from kitchen cabinets opening on their own to actual bumps in the night. But most reviews focus on the friendly hosts and comfortable interiors, and any mentions of ghosts are lighthearted in nature.

What guests say: “Debbi and Tom were some of the best Airbnb hosts I’ve had. The place is super cozy and in a great location. Deb surprised us with some local treats and gave us a short history lesson about the place as well as the ghost, Agatha. While we didn’t actually see Agatha, we did hear some mysterious thumps throughout the night which was very exciting. If you’re ever in the St. Louis area, I cannot recommend this place enough. I know for sure we will book again next time we visit!”

2 guests/$136 per night

There are three rooms you can call your own for the night in the 130-year-old Parks-Bowman Mansion in NOLA’s Garden District—but if you would like to meet a new friend, this is the one you want. The large bedroom is on the third floor and has views of New Orleans and a stately oak tree, a sitting area, and a private balcony. You’ll also have access to the entire house, including the music room, formal dining room, parlor, garden, lap pool, and two friendly dogs who call the mansion home. Another resident of the space is the ghost of a young girl with dark hair who is occasionally seen wearing a long yellow dress and walking with a limp—much like the youngest daughter of the first family to ever occupy the house in the late 1880s, who died at a young age and was buried on the grounds. She’s allegedly quite shy, so you may not see her; but pay attention, and you might hear footsteps, doors opening and closing, or a soft lullaby, or just have the comforting sensation of someone sitting next to you on the bed.

What guests say: “Loved staying here! May have had a ghost experience where I was tapped on the back a couple of times, but that just added to the fun! The house is amazing and [host] Adrienne is great. Would love to stay here again.”

4 guests/$90 per night

Spend the night in the primary bedroom of a home once named “the most mysterious house in Saint Paul” by The Pioneer Press, and maybe you’ll cross paths with Rosalia Fihn, a girl who caught typhoid fever in 1908 and died. You’ll know it’s her because of her white dress—and, you know, the fact that she’s a ghost. When not interacting with dead people, you can enjoy the bedroom with tall ceilings, lots of sunlight, a queen bed, and even an air mattress if you want to have a midnight seance with a couple of your friends. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the large courtyard with a fire pit, picnic area, and the fact that you get to pet a very friendly Doberman named Scorch.

What guests say: “Sean is a great host. He has a lot of pride in his home and has spent a lot of time and effort making sure it is comfortable for his guests. I loved the character, workmanship, antiques, and Scorch, the sweetest Doberman you ever will meet. We would definitely stay again.”