Top 5: Haunted Hotels in Massachusetts

If a good night’s rest isn’t a top priority for your overnight accommodations, make a reservation with the specters haunting any of these hotels in the Bay State.

The Orleans Inn, Orleans, Cape Cod, Mass.

Found in Orleans, Mass., on the elbow of Cape Cod, guests and employees at this Victorian estate have experienced frights like sudden gusts of cold air, inexplicable foot steps and spooky apparitions in the windows. Stories were scary enough to spark the interest of TAPS, The Atlantic Paranormal Society and stars of Ghost Hunters on the SyFy Channel, who made reservations in April 2010 to explore the inn during one of their episodes, “Inn of the Dead.”

The Salem Inn, Salem, Mass.

This hotel is comprised of three historic homes smack dab in the middle the charming, seaside town that’s become a major Halloween destination since being the home of the notorious Salem Witch Trials in 1692. Employees and guests report ghosts of a cat who haunts the parlor, as well as a woman named Katherine and a little boy heard running up and down the stairs. Room 17 of the West House is where the more chilling encounters have occurred.

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast, Fall River, Mass.

While paranormal reports are on the low-end at this inn, the chilly, gruesome tale of Lizzie Borden and her axe don’t make it any easier to sleep at night. In 1892, Ms. Borden was acquitted for the axe murder of her father, Andrew Borden, and stepmother, Abby Borden, which took pace at this house-turned-hotel. Guests can stay in the same rooms where the family once slept.

Omni Parker House Hotel, Boston, Mass.

The city of Boston was founded in 1630, and is filled with haunted happenings and ghostly sites. This hotel is one of the oldest (and finest) in the city, and many eerie tales can be heard at the concierge desk. The most recurring is the ghost of Harvey Parker, the founder of the hotel, who has been seen roaming the hallways and asking guests about their stay.

Deerfield Inn, Deerfield, Mass.

This quaint and historic inn is where you’ll find friendly ghosts more interested in moving tables and hiding your books than scaring you away. Staff and guests have reported paranormal sightings of a “bossy” innkeeper named Cora, walking around and keeping an eye on things, and her husband John. Room 48 is said to be haunted by Hershel, a silly and mischievous spirit who enjoys playing tricks on guests.