10 Most Haunted Hotels In Florida: Exploring The State’s Spookiest Stays

Florida’s sunny image hides a quieter, more mysterious side found in its historic hotels. Beyond palm trees and beaches, many of these grand buildings carry decades of stories that never quite faded away. This article explores ten of Florida’s most haunted hotels where history and unexplained activity seem to coexist.

Each location offers a distinct atmosphere shaped by its past—some filled with elegance, others marked by tragedy. From Coral Gables to St. Augustine, these hotels invite visitors to experience both Florida’s charm and its lingering mysteries.

1) The Biltmore Hotel, Coral Gables

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables opened in 1926 as a luxury resort during Florida’s land boom. Its Mediterranean Revival architecture and grand tower made it one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Miami area. Over the decades, the building has served as a hotel, a military hospital, and a medical school.

Many guests and staff have reported unexplained sounds, flickering lights, and sightings of figures in old-fashioned clothing. Some stories link these occurrences to the 1929 shooting of gangster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, who was killed on the hotel’s 13th floor during a Prohibition-era party.

During World War II, the U.S. government converted the property into a military hospital. Some believe the building’s hospital years left a lingering energy that contributes to its haunted reputation.

Today, the Biltmore operates as a luxury hotel once again, offering modern amenities alongside its storied past. Visitors come as much for its historic charm as for its reputation as one of Florida’s most haunted places.

2) The Don CeSar, St. Pete Beach

The Don CeSar Hotel stands on St. Pete Beach as one of Florida’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in 1928 by Thomas Rowe, the grand pink structure—often called “The Pink Palace”—was designed in Mediterranean Revival style and quickly became a retreat for the wealthy and famous.

Many guests and staff have reported unexplained activity within its halls. Some accounts mention flickering lights, mysterious footsteps, and the faint sound of music echoing from empty rooms. These stories have contributed to the hotel’s reputation as one of the most haunted in the state.

The most enduring legend involves Thomas Rowe himself. Visitors claim to see a man resembling him wandering the property, often described as wearing a white suit. According to local tales, he appears near the spot where he once met his lost love, Lucinda, whose memory inspired the hotel’s creation.

Despite these ghost stories, the Don CeSar remains a functioning luxury resort. Its history, architecture, and enduring folklore attract both travelers seeking comfort and those curious about its haunted reputation.

3) The Edison Hotel, Fort Myers

The Edison Hotel in Fort Myers dates back to the early 20th century and sits near the historic district associated with Thomas Edison’s winter estate. Its age and proximity to other notable landmarks have made it a frequent subject of local ghost stories.

Guests and staff have occasionally reported unexplained sounds and faint footsteps in empty hallways. Some mention lights flickering or doors closing without a clear cause, though none of these reports have been verified.

Paranormal investigators have visited the property over the years, often linking the activity to its long history and the many travelers who passed through Fort Myers during its development. The hotel remains a functioning property that attracts both history enthusiasts and those curious about its reputation.

While no documented evidence confirms supernatural activity, the Edison Hotel’s atmosphere and location contribute to its place among Florida’s most talked-about haunted hotels.

4) The Vinoy Renaissance, St. Petersburg

The Vinoy Renaissance in St. Petersburg opened in 1925 under the direction of Aymer Vinoy Laughner. Built in less than a year, the Mediterranean Revival hotel quickly became a seasonal retreat for wealthy visitors escaping northern winters.

Locals often call it “The Pink Lady” because of its distinctive color and historic charm. The hotel’s architecture and waterfront location make it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

Reports of unexplained activity have circulated for decades. Guests and staff have described hearing footsteps in empty halls, seeing shadowy figures, and sensing sudden temperature drops. Some accounts mention apparitions near the upper floors and marina area.

During World War II, the U.S. Army used the building as a training facility, a period that adds another layer to its long history. Whether viewed as legend or lingering memory, the Vinoy’s reputation for paranormal occurrences continues to attract curious visitors and ghost enthusiasts alike.

5) The Casa Monica Resort, St. Augustine

The Casa Monica Resort in St. Augustine dates back to 1888 and stands as one of Florida’s most historic hotels. Built by Franklin W. Smith and later purchased by Henry Flagler, the building has served as both a luxury hotel and a courthouse before its restoration in 1999.

Many guests and staff have reported unexplained activity throughout the property. Accounts mention footsteps in empty hallways, flickering lights, and cold spots in specific rooms. Rooms 411 and 511 are frequently noted in local ghost stories.

The hotel’s long history and connection to St. Augustine’s broader reputation for paranormal activity contribute to its haunted status. Paranormal investigators and visitors often include Casa Monica on ghost tours exploring the city’s historic district.

Despite its eerie reputation, the resort continues to operate as a high-end destination. Its architecture, period furnishings, and location in one of America’s oldest cities make it a notable stop for travelers interested in both history and the unexplained.

6) The Hotel De Soto, Bradenton

The Hotel De Soto in Bradenton, Florida, dates back to the early 20th century and has long been part of the city’s historic district. Once a popular stop for travelers, the building later gained attention for reports of unexplained activity and ghost sightings.

A major fire in February 2022 caused extensive damage to the upper floors, leaving much of the structure unstable. Despite the destruction, local residents and investigators continue to discuss the building’s haunted reputation.

Visitors and nearby workers have reported hearing footsteps and voices when no one is present. Some claim to see faint figures through the windows at night, even though the hotel remains closed to the public.

Historians note that the building’s age and past renovations may explain some of the sounds and shadows. Still, its long history and recent tragedy make the Hotel De Soto one of Bradenton’s most talked-about haunted sites.

7) The Hotel Ponce de Leon, St. Augustine

The Hotel Ponce de Leon opened in 1888 as one of Henry Flagler’s grand resorts in St. Augustine. Built in the Spanish Renaissance style, it featured luxury amenities such as electric lighting installed by Thomas Edison and intricate Tiffany stained glass. Today, the building serves as part of Flagler College.

Many visitors and staff report unexplained activity within its halls. Some claim to hear footsteps in empty corridors or see flickering lights that cannot be explained by maintenance issues. Others note a lingering sense of presence in rooms once occupied by wealthy guests of the late 19th century.

Stories often link the hauntings to Flagler himself, whose deep connection to the hotel and the city remains part of local lore. While no verified evidence confirms these accounts, the site’s age and history contribute to its reputation as one of St. Augustine’s most haunted landmarks.

The combination of architectural beauty and ghostly tales makes the former Ponce de Leon Hotel a notable stop for those exploring Florida’s haunted heritage. Visitors can still admire its preserved design while considering the stories that have endured for more than a century.

8) The Island Hotel, Cedar Key

The Island Hotel in Cedar Key stands as one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating inns. Built in 1859, the structure originally served as a general store and post office before becoming a hotel and restaurant. Its thick walls helped it survive the 1896 hurricane that devastated much of the town.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the hotel retains much of its 19th-century character. Wooden floors slope with age, and murals painted in the mid-1900s still decorate the dining area. Guests often describe the building as feeling untouched by modern changes.

Reports of unusual activity have circulated for decades. Staff and visitors have mentioned hearing footsteps, voices, and doors closing when no one is nearby. Some accounts refer to several distinct spirits, including former owners and guests.

Despite these stories, the Island Hotel continues to operate as a welcoming bed-and-breakfast. Its long history and preserved architecture make it a notable stop for those interested in Florida’s coastal heritage and ghost lore alike.

9) The Florida House Inn, Amelia Island

The Florida House Inn in Fernandina Beach dates back to 1857, making it one of Florida’s oldest continuously operating hotels. Its long history and preserved 19th-century architecture contribute to its reputation as a site of reported paranormal activity.

Guests and staff have shared accounts of unexplained footsteps, faint voices, and cold spots in certain rooms. Some visitors describe seeing a melancholy male figure, while others mention a woman’s presence near the guest rooms.

The inn’s location on Amelia Island places it within an area known for ghost tours and historic landmarks. Many believe its age and continuous use have helped preserve traces of the past, adding to its haunted reputation.

Despite these stories, the Florida House Inn remains a functioning bed and breakfast that welcomes guests seeking both comfort and a glimpse into Florida’s history.

10) The Seven Sisters Inn, Ocala

The Seven Sisters Inn stands in Ocala’s historic district, housed in a restored Victorian mansion. Built in the late 19th century, the property combines classic architecture with a reputation for unexplained activity that has drawn both travelers and paranormal investigators.

Guests and staff have reported sounds, shadows, and temperature changes in certain rooms. Some describe seeing a woman in white who appears near the bathrooms or hallways before vanishing. Others mention faint voices and footsteps when no one is present.

Television crews and ghost hunters have visited the site to document these experiences. The inn’s owners acknowledge its haunted reputation but emphasize that most encounters seem calm rather than threatening.

Today, the Seven Sisters Inn continues to operate as both a bed and breakfast and a point of interest for those curious about Florida’s haunted history. Its mix of preserved elegance and lingering mystery keeps it a notable stop on many haunted travel lists.

History of Haunted Hotels in Florida

Florida’s haunted hotels trace their origins to the state’s early development, when tourism, luxury, and tragedy often intertwined. Many of these properties blend architectural grandeur with stories of past guests, staff, and events that left lasting marks on their halls.

Origins of Paranormal Legends

Reports of hauntings in Florida hotels often stem from the state’s long history of hospitality and reconstruction. During the early 20th century, grand resorts such as the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and Casa Marina Hotel in Jacksonville Beach attracted wealthy visitors, soldiers, and celebrities. Over time, deaths, accidents, and unexplained events became part of their legacy.

Many of these stories evolved from real incidents recorded in newspapers or local archives. Staff members and guests described footsteps, voices, or flickering lights, often linking them to known historical figures or tragic events. These firsthand accounts helped shape local folklore.

Some hotels incorporated these legends into their identity. They offered ghost tours or themed stays, blending tourism with storytelling. This combination of history and mystery turned several Florida hotels into enduring cultural landmarks.

Notable Historical Events

Several key events contributed to the haunted reputations of Florida’s historic hotels. The Biltmore Hotel, built in 1926, served as a hospital during World War II. Reports of former patients and soldiers lingering in its corridors became central to its ghost stories.

At the Casa Marina Hotel, opened in 1925, hurricanes and economic downturns marked its early years. Guests later reported seeing apparitions near the ballroom and beachfront, often tied to the hotel’s early management and social gatherings.

Other properties, such as those in St. Augustine and Key West, witnessed fires, Prohibition-era crimes, and unexplained deaths. These incidents, documented in local records, laid the foundation for many of Florida’s most enduring paranormal claims.

Common Paranormal Phenomena Reported

Guests and staff often describe recurring patterns of activity that suggest lingering presences within Florida’s most haunted hotels. These reports typically involve visible figures, unexplained sounds, and subtle environmental changes that defy easy explanation.

Apparitions and Ghost Sightings

Many visitors claim to see apparitions resembling former guests, owners, or staff members. At some historic inns, witnesses describe full-bodied figures walking through hallways before disappearing. Others mention faint reflections of people in mirrors or windows when no one else is present.

In several hotels, such as those in St. Augustine and St. Pete Beach, sightings often occur near rooms tied to past tragedies or long-term residents. Staff sometimes identify these figures by name, linking them to documented individuals from the hotel’s early years.

Guests also report shadows or outlines moving across walls or stairways. These visual experiences frequently happen at night or during low light, adding to their credibility among paranormal investigators who record the events using cameras or thermal sensors.

Unexplained Noises and Activities

Unidentified sounds are among the most consistent reports. Footsteps echo in empty corridors, doors latch or unlock by themselves, and furniture shifts slightly without visible cause. Some hotels note recurring knocking patterns that occur at the same hour each night.

Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVPs) have been captured in several properties, particularly on upper floors or near parlors. Investigators often record faint whispers, names, or short phrases when no one else is speaking.

Other disturbances include flickering lights, temperature drops, and the scent of old perfume—especially in rooms associated with former residents. These subtle details, while not dramatic, contribute to the reputation of Florida’s haunted hotels as locations where unexplained activity occurs with notable regularity.