by Ceri Hughson

Although in relative terms Washington DC is one of the newer cities in the world, it has had over 200 years to become the rich source of ghosts for the intrepid ghost hunter, it is today. Have a look below to find some of the best places to stay and visit for a haunted stay to remember.


Where to Stay

Renaissance Mayflower Hotel
Every year on January 20, strange manifestations occur in this luxury hotel, with flickering lights and elevators that do not move. President Calvin Coolidge was due to appear at his inaugural ball on that very day in 1925.

He didn’t attend because he was mourning the death of his teenage son. It seems he would have liked to go after all.

Omni Shoreham Hotel
This hotel has the onlyhaunted guest room in the capital. It is aptlynamed the “Ghost Suite”. If you would like toactually stay in the hotel room, the number ofthe room is 870. Sweet dreams!!!

Hay-Adams Hotel
This hotel is said to haunted by the wife of Henry Adams - the original owner. There are reports of hearing weeping, and housekeeping staff have been known to have been called by their names and to receive hugs from an unseen presence. These events occur usually around December time on the anniversary of her death.

Mrs Adams committed suicide in 1885, but it is thought that this might have been suspect as her husband never mentioned her name after her death.

Where to Visit

The White House
As you would expect the White House has some of the more well known spirits haunting its corridors. Tales of deceased staff who still fulfil their duty are reported still.

Winston Churchill refused to stay in the Lincoln Bedroom after sighting the famous president and more recently Hilary Clinton was heard saying on the Rosie O’Donnell Show, “There is something about the house at night that you just feel like you are summoning up the spirits of all the people who have lived there and worked there and walked through the halls there.”

Decatur House
This house is haunted by Stephen and Susan Decatur. Susan has been heard crying while Stephen, who died during a fatal duel, was seen staring sadly out of the bedroom window. This site can also be visited as it now holds a museum.

Ford’s Theatre
The fatal shooting of Abraham Lincoln still affects this theatre. He has been seen here along with his assassin John Booth. John Wilkes footsteps have also been heard running towards the presidential area.

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