Visiting London? Check-in to one of these Haunted Hotels…if you dare

By Edo Jenson

If you are traveling to London, you have may see the usual sites: Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussaud’s. London, like many of Europe’s cities, can offer the curious traveler more than old buildings and museum tours. The history of the city contains many eerie and macabre events and some London hotels sport their very own ghosts that the lucky, or unlucky, lodger might encounter.

The Georgian House Hotel

The Georgian House Hotel, built in 1851, is located in the middle of London. It is close to Victoria station but outside the worst traffic zones.  It is also reported to be the home of several ghosts. The apparition of a man has been reported in the basement staff room, the kitchen, and a top floor bedroom; whether this is one ghost or three is unknown.

The hotel is better known for the ghosts of two children who play on the upper floors. Many years ago, a hotel manager claims she spoke with them. She told them that they were welcome to stay in the hotel, but must remain on the upper floors and not scare other children. They have honored her wishes to this day! Not all ghosts in London hotels are this courteous.

The Langham Hotel

The Langham Hotel is a luxury hotel built in 1865, the first of the London hotels to be labeled a Grand Hotel. This five-star facility is host to one of London’s finest restaurants, a cocktail bar, and a full service spa. Guests have included royalty, celebrities, and several ghosts.

Several spirits on Victorian garb have been reported over the years. Others have seen the ghost of a German solder, and Napoleon III is said to appear in the basement from time to time. Room 333 is supposed to be the most common site of hauntings, but apparitions have been seen in many parts of the hotel.

Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa

If you venture outside the circle of London hotels, you might consider the Macdonald Berystede Hotel & Spa located near Ascot, 45 minutes from London. It is near the Royal Ascot Racecourse on six acres of beautifully manicured landscaping which includes a croquet lawn and putting green.

The hotel is built on the site of a 19th century country house that burned down in 1886. Many people have encountered the Blue Lady, rumored to be the ghost of Eliza Kleininger who died in the fire. Nearby is a cottage that sports another apparition, and at Sunninghill park people occasionally hear the thunder of hooves when no horses are around.

Combine your stay at one of these haunted London hotels with a variety of ghostwalks. Walk the streets that Jack the Ripper stalked. Tour the Tower of London and hear tales of the torture and executions, including Richard III’s rumored murders of two children to open his path to the throne. Visit Highgate Cemetary and hope you don’t come across the dreaded Highgate Vampire.

A stay at one of the haunted London hotels can be an unforgettable experience…if you survive.

Edo Jansen is the co-owner of EuroBookings.com, a discount European hotel booking company that offers deep discount rates on popular European and London hotels. EuroBookings.com offers translation in 13 languages, and charges no reservation fees, no cancellation fees, and no advance payments.