Haunted Hotels in London

London is one of the oldest cities with a rich and haunting history dating all the way back to the Roman era. As you can imagine, it’s full of spooktacular buildings and is dubbed one of the most haunted locations in the UK. For those planning a visit to the capital who want to witness a paranormal being, there are plenty of spooky accommodation options. 

In this travel guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most haunted hotels in London, including the Langham, the Rookery, the Chelsea Cloisters, the Savoy, the Grange Blooms Hotel, the Georgian House Hotel, and the Drayton Court Hotel. Each of these properties has its own ghostly legends and spine-tingling tales, guaranteed to make your stay in London a truly unforgettable experience. 

So why not book a room at one of these haunted hotels and see for yourself if the ghostly rumours are true? Let’s dive in and uncover the chilling history behind each of these hotels.

The most haunted hotels in London

The Langham

The Langham Hotel in London is said to be one of the most haunted hotels in England. The hotel, which opened in 1865, is allegedly occupied by the ghost of a German Prince who committed suicide in room 333. 

According to legend, the Prince was staying at the hotel with his wife and became so despondent over her infidelity that he took his own life. His ghost is said to still roam the halls of the hotel, and many guests have reported strange occurrences and ghostly sightings in the exact room where he died which is no strange coincidence.

Other visitors have reported feeling a cold breeze or a sense of unease in room 333 and there have even been reports of folk seeing the Prince’s spirit which is particularly disturbing.

In 1973, a BBC radio announcer named James Alexander-Gordon awoke suddenly in the night to see a fluorescent ball which slowly took on the shape of a man wearing Victorian evening wear during his stay at The Langham. 

The announcer quickly asked the ghost what it wanted in mid-panic and it began to float towards him, with its legs cut off some two feet below the ground, arms outstretched, eyes staring emptily. At this point the announcer got up and fled the room and the hotel. 

Address:  1C Portland Pl, London W1B 1JA

The Rookery

Dating back to 1764, The Rookery is a deeply historic hotel located in Clerkenwell situated in the heart of London. Its central location has seen many visitors pass through its doors over the years and today it is said to be the permanent home to several ghosts. 

One of the most famous is that of a woman dressed in Victorian clothing, who haunts the hotel’s restaurant. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly apparition sitting at a table, staring at them with an eerie expression. 

The hotel’s vintage interiors make the perfect setting for any enthused ghost hunter visiting the City of London. Guests feel at home in the four-poster beds but whether they’ll get a good night’s sleep is out of their control…Only the spirits can decide their fate. 

Address:  12 Peter’s Ln, Cowcross St, London EC1M 6DS

The Chelsea Cloisters

The Chelsea Cloisters hotel in London is a popularly known residence, situated in the trendy and popular area of Chelsea. The hotel was initially built as a luxurious apartment complex in the 1930s, characterised by its elegant and exquisite architecture. Throughout its history, the hotel has been the centre of speculation about inexplicable movements and events classed under paranormal activities.

Several reports have been recorded over the years regarding the hotel’s unwelcoming haunted reputation. Some guests have claimed to hear footsteps, doors opening and closing, and strange noises in the hallways at night. Reports have also surfaced from people alleging to have witnessed an unknown entity lurking in the hotel’s hallways. In one case, a guest stated that the elevator suddenly stopped between floors, and the doors opened to reveal nothing but thin air.

The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who died in the hotel many years ago. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly apparition in the hallway and in their rooms, and some have claimed to have heard her crying at night.

Despite the reports, the origin of the paranormal activities at the Chelsea Cloisters hotel remains a mystery. However, the mystery and legend of the hotel’s ghostly presence are still popular among tourists and London residents, who continue to flock to one of the most haunted hotels in London.

Address: Sloane Ave, London SW3 3DW

The Savoy

The Savoy hotel in London is one of the oldest and most iconic hotels in the city. It first opened its doors in 1889, and since then, it has become a popular destination for celebrities, politicians, and royalty. However, despite its grandeur, the hotel has a reputation for being one of the most haunted hotels in London. 

Some of the most famous ghost stories associated with the Savoy Hotel include the ghost of a young girl, who is said to have drowned in the hotel’s swimming pool, and the ghost of a woman in a long, white dress who is said to wander the corridors of the hotel. Additionally, there are reports of ghostly figures in the hotel’s American Bar and the sounds of phantom music and laughter in the ballroom. 

Another famous ghost sighting at the Savoy hotel is of a lady in black who haunts the fifth floor, known as “the ghost floor.” The lady in black is said to have committed suicide in one of the rooms on this floor.

Other reported ghosts include a waiter who worked at the hotel during the 1920s, a little girl who plays in the basement, and a man who is often seen in the River Restaurant. Some have even reported experiencing strange noises, doors opening and closing on their own, and even seeing ghostly figures walking through the halls.

Address: Strand, London WC2R 0EZ

Grange Blooms Hotel

The Grange Blooms Hotel is a luxurious and elegant 18th-century townhouse located in the heart of London, near the British Museum. Built in the 19th century, the hotel boasts intricate Victorian architecture and magnificent interiors that elegantly reflect the building’s rich history and inside, the hotel boasts a warm and welcoming atmosphere, thanks to its period furniture and antique appeal. 

However, this hotel is also an infamous haunted site in the capital with several stories and sightings being reported over the years of it being a public building. The hotel was once a 1960s gentleman’s club and was later converted into a hotel in 1986 with the past as a gentlemen’s club thought to have contributed to its spookiness. 

Ghostly sightings include a woman who reportedly walks up and down the lobby staircase, dressed in period attire from the 1800s. Other strange occurrences are doors closing and opening by themselves, hotel rooms suddenly turning chillier inexplicably, and the ethereal voices of disembodied whispers and laughter. 

The hotel is also said to be haunted by the ghost of Dr. John Cumming, an eccentric clergyman who is said to have spent much of his time at the hotel researching apocalyptic prophecies in the Old and New Testaments. Some guests have even reported seeing a ghostly figure reading a book in the hotel’s lounge, leading many to believe that it may be Dr. Cumming himself, still studying his Bible. 

The hotel has since embraced its haunted history and often offers ghost-themed tours to guests who are brave enough to try them. Despite these supernatural occurrences, the Grange Blooms hotel continues to be a highly-rated accommodation option in London that welcomes visitors from all over the world.

Guests can enjoy beautiful views of the hotel’s gardens from the restaurant, and whisky enthusiasts will love sampling the selection in The Malt Library Bar.

 Address: 7 Montague St, London WC1B 5BP

Georgian House Hotel

The Georgian House Hotel is a unique and charming British bed and breakfast, located near Victoria Station, offers a great location and a variety of amenities, along with a sprinkle of the paranormal. Built in 1851, it exudes a unique charm and beauty that’s steeped in history, and its rich heritage makes it a popular haunt for those looking for an atmosphere to match their accommodation. However, this hotel comes with a rather sinister legend, as the Georgian House Hotel is apparently haunted.

The hotel’s history is fascinating and rich in intrigue. Over the years, the building has been used for everything from a private residence to a hotel, and it even once served as the headquarters for the Police Federation. The property’s varied history may be a contributing factor to its reputation for ghostly sightings. 

There have been reports of guests spotting ghostly apparitions of former residents, including a woman dressed in Victorian clothing and even an old lady who has been dubbed the “missing guest”. Some attribute the hauntings to the underground chambers that once existed below the property, while others believe the disturbances are related to the hotel’s original owners or previous occupants.  

Some guests have reported strange occurrences in the hotel, particularly on the top floor, where the ghost of a harmless old man is said to dwell in the rooms and the sound of children running down the corridors can be heard. 

One guest even claimed to have heard mischievous children giggling and banging doors on the floor above, only to be told by hotel staff that there were no children staying in the hotel. The current hotel manager has reportedly also encountered these children and has reassured them that they are welcome to play as long as they stick to the upper floors.

Despite its ghostly reputation, the Georgian House Hotel remains a popular destination for travellers seeking to soak up some of London’s unique charm. Guests can rest assured that whether they’re looking for a luxurious stay in the city or a little bit of supernatural excitement, this hotel offers both in spades. 

Whether the haunting tales are true or not remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: the Georgian House has an aura of intrigue and history that’s sure to appeal to those seeking a more memorable London experience.

Address: 35 – 39 St George’s Dr, Pimlico, London SW1V 4DG

Drayton Court Hotel

The Drayton Court Hotel is a Victorian-era hotel, located in the Ealing neighbourhood in London. It was initially built in 1893 as a brewery, and later converted into a hotel in 1929. With its stunning Edwardian architecture and ornate interiors, the hotel has served as a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. The building is a Grade II listed property and has retained its original features, like the stained-glass windows and beautiful woodwork.

However, it is also said that the hotel is home to some ghostly residents who have been causing quite a stir. According to local legends, there have been numerous reports of unexplained sightings of shadowy figures, sudden temperature drops, and strange noises heard through the corridors. 

Guests have reported seeing a ghostly woman sitting at the bar, and some have seen a man walking around the premises with a top hat. There has also been a sighting of a little girl who is believed to have died in a fire at the hotel, who has been seen wandering around the hallways. All these ghosts are believed to be the remnants of the hotel’s previous occupants who have refused to leave and continue to haunt the premises to this day.

According to legend, Drayton Court Hotel is one of London’s most haunted hotels. A young girl who died in the hotel many years ago is said to haunt the hotel. Guests have reported seeing her ghostly apparition in the hallway and in their rooms, and some have claimed to have heard her crying at night.

Address:  2 The Avenue, London W13 8AG

The Royal Horseguards Hotel

The Royal Horseguards Hotel in London, England is a renowned luxury hotel located in the heart of the city. The hotel has a rich history, having originally been built in 1884 as the National Liberal Club. It was then acquired by the government in 1902 and used as the headquarters of the Secret Service during both world wars. The building was later converted into a hotel in 1971 and has undergone extensive renovations since then, while still retaining much of its historic charm.

Despite its opulent atmosphere, the Royal Horseguards Hotel is infamous for its spooky past. It is believed that the ghost of a Young Woman in White haunts the hotel’s corridors and staircases. According to legend, the woman was a maid who fell in love with a member of the National Liberal Club and was forbidden to see him. 

She took her own life by jumping off a balcony, and her spirit has been seen wandering the halls ever since. Guests and staff members alike have reported seeing her ghostly apparition. With such an interesting backstory, it’s no wonder the Royal Horseguards Hotel is a popular destination for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts alike.

Address: 2 Whitehall Ct, London SW1A 2EJ

The Tower Hotel

The Tower Hotel is a luxury hotel located near the Tower of London in London, UK. The hotel was originally opened in 1973 and underwent extensive renovations in 2011. It is a popular destination for tourists due to its prime location and stunning views of iconic landmarks such as Tower Bridge and the River Thames. However, it is also known for being haunted by ghosts.

Many believe that the Tower Hotel is haunted due to its location near the Tower of London. The Tower of London has a long history of execution, torture, and imprisonment, and it is said that the spirits of those who suffered within its walls still linger in the area. 

There have been several reported ghost sightings at the hotel, including the ghost of a lady in white who is rumoured to have jumped from the roof of the hotel and one of a little girl in Victorian dress who has been seen playing in the corridors. There have also been reports of ghostly figures and strange sounds in the hotel’s rooms and hallways.

Despite its reputation for being haunted, the Tower Hotel remains a popular destination for visitors to London who are looking for luxury accommodations with a touch of intrigue. You’re sure to have an unforgettable stay at the Tower Hotel whether you believe in ghosts or not.

Address: St Katharine’s Way, London E1W 1LD

The Cadogan Hotel

The Cadogan Hotel is a luxurious hotel situated in Sloane Street, Knightsbridge London. The hotel was built in the late 19th century as a private residence and was later converted to a hotel in the early 20th century. The hotel has a rich history and has been mentioned in several popular works of literature, including Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and the Sherlock Holmes novel “A Scandal in Bohemia.”

The hotel is known for its apparent haunted presence as several guests and staff members have claimed to have witnessed supernatural occurrences in the hotel. One of the most famous ghosts is that of Lillie Langtry, an actress and mistress of King Edward VII. It is believed that she haunts room 118, where she stayed during her visits to London. 

Guests have reported seeing a woman in a Victorian gown walking through the hotel corridors and disappearing into the walls of the room. Other sightings include a ghostly figure in the lobby and the sound of children playing in empty hallways. The hotel even offers a ghost tour for guests interested in exploring the haunted history of the building.

Visitors who happen to stop by during the holiday season may catch a glimpse of the elusive stage actress Lillie Langtry. Despite passing away in 1929, Langtry is said to make an appearance around Christmas time, as she had lived in a building annexed to the hotel.

Legend has it that she once seduced the future King Edward VII in one of the hotel’s Sloane Street rooms. Even though she spent her final days in Monaco, Langtry is said to return to her beloved home during the festive season.

Address: 75 Sloane St, London SW1X 9SG