Chilling Encounters: Two Bay Area Hotels Ranked as America’s Most Haunted

As Halloween approaches, the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historic Hotels of America program has revealed its list of “America’s Most Haunted” hotels for 2024. Among them are two luxurious establishments in the Bay Area that have gained a reputation for eerie encounters and ghostly happenings.

Claremont Club & Spa: A Haunted Haven

Located in Berkeley, the Claremont Club & Spa is renowned for its elegant rooms and breathtaking views. However, this 22-acre resort is also famous for its supernatural occurrences that defy explanation.

Guests at the Claremont Club have reported unsettling experiences, including inexplicable lifts moving on their own and disembodied voices. Particularly chilling tales emerge from the fourth floor, where visitors claim to have encountered extreme temperature fluctuations and cold spots in their rooms.

One ghostly legend speaks of a 6-year-old girl haunting the premises. Described as “peaceful,” she is said to greet guests with a soft “Hello” during the night.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa: A Wine Country Specter

The other hotel on the list is the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, a luxurious 5-star lodge nestled in Wine Country. This establishment is known for its rich history and a multitude of ghosts who are believed to linger.

Also read: 2025 Social Security COLA Payments: Check the Schedule for Increased Benefits

According to reports from guests, the Fairmont can feel quite isolating at night. Many have experienced unsettling phenomena, such as doors slamming and fleeting glimpses of shadowy figures. Others have recounted seeing something dart down the hall and around corners.

One particularly infamous location within the hotel is The Round Room, considered possibly the scariest hotel room in California. Guests who have stayed there reported hearing unknown noises, experiencing flickering lights, spotting shadowy figures, and even the sound of running water.

Other Haunted Hotels in California

In addition to the two Bay Area hotels, the Hotel del Coronado in San Diego also features on Historic Hotels’ list. Guests there have encountered their share of spooky occurrences, further solidifying California’s reputation as a hotspot for haunted hotels.