You can spend the night in several authentic New Mexico ghost town hotels, including Clayton’s Hotel Eklund (established 1892) with its bullet-scarred walls, the Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas where Doc Holliday once stayed, and the haunted Amador Hotel in Las Cruces. For a more rustic experience, book the Historic Ghost Town House in Magdalena—an actual relocated mining-era home—or stay at the Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel in an abandoned settlement. Each location blends preserved Western architecture with modern amenities, and many guests report paranormal encounters that’ll make your overnight adventure unforgettable.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel Eklund in Clayton, built in 1892, offers 24 rooms with authentic Wild West atmosphere and historic bullet holes.
- Plaza Hotel in Las Vegas features Victorian architecture from 1882 where Doc Holliday and Teddy Roosevelt once stayed.
- Historic Ghost Town House in Magdalena relocated from Kelly mining town in the 1920s, preserving authentic mining-era character.
- Airbnb rentals available from $108/night, including Historic NM Ghost Town House accommodating four guests with modern amenities.
- Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel and Shakespeare Ghost Town Base provide haunted lodging with vintage decor and nearby mine tours.
Hotel Eklund Clayton: Where Irene’s Spirit Still Roams Room 307
Rising from Clayton’s dusty streets in 1892, the Hotel Eklund has witnessed over 130 years of frontier violence, railroad prosperity, and unexplained phenomena that continue to unsettle guests today. You’ll discover bullet holes puncturing the tin ceiling—remnants of deadly gunfights when co-owner Cipriano shot a man dead defending his father.
The hotel history reveals Carl Eklund’s original elaborate bar still serves drinks beneath that scarred ceiling, while framed newspaper clippings document wrongful hangings outside.
Ghost legends center on Room 307, where Irene’s restless spirit allegedly roams.
Now restored as a 24-room boutique hotel by architects Keith and Jeannette Barras, you can experience authentic New Mexican cuisine, sleep among Wild West photographs, and perhaps encounter the supernatural presence that refuses to check out. The hotel’s rough-cut sandstone construction stands as testament to frontier craftsmanship and durability. The Early Commercial architecture reflects Clayton’s late 19th-century commercial development, contributing to the historic Main Street character recognized by its National Register designation in 2002.
Plaza Hotel Las Vegas: A Hollywood-Famous Haunted Haven Since 1882
When Las Vegas boasted 6,000 residents as New Mexico Territory’s largest city in 1882, businessmen led by Benigno Romero, Jean Pendaries, and Carlos Blanchard pooled $25,000 through the Las Vegas Hotel & Improvement Company to erect what they envisioned as the Southwest’s premier destination.
The three-story brick Plaza Hotel delivered on that promise with its Italianate Victorian architecture, 14-foot ceilings, and walnut staircases leading to 37 elegant rooms.
You’ll walk the same halls where Doc Holliday gambled and Teddy Roosevelt announced his candidacy after his 1899 Rough Riders reunion.
The hotel’s historical significance extends beyond politics—Hollywood’s made it a filming favorite from silent westerns to *No Country for Old Men*.
The building earned its place among Las Vegas’s nearly 1000 structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places, testament to the city’s remarkable architectural heritage.
Today’s 72 rooms blend period charm with modern amenities, letting you experience authentic territorial elegance.
The basement conceals historic tunnels that once connected to other buildings including the Castaneda Hotel and a bank, possibly used for transporting gold, silver, and coal through the underground network.
Amador Hotel Las Cruces: Meet Annie, the Second Floor’s Youngest Ghost
Long before Las Cruces became New Mexico’s second-largest city, Martin Amador built a modest one-story adobe home in 1866 at the corner of Water and Amador streets.
By 1885, he’d transformed it into a two-story luxury hotel that served as a Wild West era Camino Real stopover—and reputedly a brothel.
Today, you’ll find New Mexico’s only remaining two-story adobe public building undergoing historical preservation, slated for completion as an events center in 2028.
But the Amador Hotel’s most intriguing feature isn’t its Territorial-style architecture—it’s the ghost lore surrounding Annie, who haunts the second floor with shadowy appearances and mysteriously flickering flashlights.
The building’s 140+ year history witnessed celebrities, officials, and countless travelers. For twelve years, the original structure served as both family residence and lodging for freight drivers traversing the region.
Martin Amador himself was a pioneer and businessman who played multiple roles in the region’s development as a freighter and farmer.
Now, it stands as a cultural landmark where paranormal encounters blend seamlessly with authentic frontier heritage.
Historic Ghost Town House Magdalena: Sleep in an Authentic Mining Era Home
You can sleep in a genuine piece of New Mexico’s mining history when you book this century-old home on Airbnb—originally built in a silver mining ghost town 30 miles away and relocated to Magdalena during the 1920s.
The renovated house preserves its authentic mining-era character while offering modern overnight accommodations in the heart of this historic village.
From the original structure’s weathered wood to its carefully maintained period details, you’ll experience what life was like for the miners and settlers who once called these remote mountain towns home. The cottage-style rental provides a unique vintage experience that attracts tourists interested in the area’s historical ambiance and ghost town heritage. Nearby, the Magdalena Old Hall Hotel, built in 1917, remains a historic cowboy hotel that continues to welcome visitors to this day.
Original 1920s Relocation Story
As Magdalena’s fortunes shifted in the 1920s, the town’s architectural landscape told a story of families adapting to economic uncertainty. When mining revenues dwindled and livestock drives declined from their 1919 peak, residents employed creative relocation strategies rather than abandoning their heritage.
The MacTavish-Blackburn House exemplifies this resilience—built before 1887 and moved to make way for progress during boom times.
You’ll witness historical preservation through:
- Original construction predating 1887, making it Magdalena’s oldest surviving residence
- Strategic relocation in the early 1900s when MacTavish built his newer home
- Continuous family occupation until 1940, spanning the town’s rise and decline
- Architectural integrity maintained through economic hardship and population drops exceeding 26%
This dwelling represents freedom-seeking pioneers who refused to surrender their legacy. The town became an incorporated municipality in 1884, establishing the legal framework that would sustain it through economic fluctuations. The town’s revitalization draws artists and writers who now remodel historic homes while preserving the character that made Magdalena a commercial hub for over a century.
Preserved Mining Town Character
When you step into an authentic mining-era home in Magdalena, you’re inhabiting the same spaces where grimy-faced prospectors once celebrated silver strikes and weathered market crashes. These structures were hauled from neighboring Kelly after its 1947 abandonment, preserving original 19th-century architecture that embodies the Territorial West’s raw character.
You’ll find homes reflecting the era when Kelly’s population peaked near 3,000, supported by 30 miles of tunnels and dozens of operational mines.
The town’s mining equipment still dots the landscape, while the 121-foot Kelly Mine headframe—designed by Alexander G. Eiffel—towers as a *testament* to boom-era ambition.
Ghost stories circulate through Magdalena’s historic corridors, particularly around Kelly’s crumbling church foundations.
You’re sleeping within living history, surrounded by authentic remnants of New Mexico’s mining legacy.
Airbnb Booking and Amenities
Listed as the Historic NM Ghost Town House on Airbnb, this century-old residence relocated from Kelly’s silver mining district in the 1920s offers an extraordinary lodging experience that bridges authentic territorial history with modern comfort. You’ll find thoughtful amenities that enhance your independence:
- Fully equipped kitchen lets you prepare meals between local dining adventures in Magdalena and Socorro.
- Reliable WiFi and laptop-friendly workspace keeps you connected when desired.
- Free on-site parking provides convenient access for outdoor adventures in Game Units 13 and 17.
- Pet-friendly accommodations welcome your four-legged companions.
At $108 nightly for four guests with two beds, you’re booking a Guest Favorite property rated 4.87 from 156 reviews—proof that authentic historical character pairs perfectly with modern convenience.
Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel: Vintage Trailer Stays in an Abandoned Settlement
Nestled 15 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences along NM 52, the Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel stands as a 170-year-old adobe sentinel in what’s now designated as a “Traditional Historic Community.” This remarkable structure survived from Cuchillo’s heyday as a bustling stage stop and trade center between the 1880s and 1930s.
During that period, travelers crossed the rugged landscape between Chloride’s mines and the railroad terminus at Engle. Haunted legends permeate the old bar, drawing paranormal enthusiasts and ghost hunters to investigate supernatural claims.
You’ll find authentic New Mexican cuisine served on weekends during cooler months, while the lodging next door welcomes overnight guests enthusiastic to explore this atmospheric ghost town. Vintage decor throughout the property transports you back to frontier days, complemented by ghost tours that illuminate Cuchillo’s storied past.
Shakespeare Ghost Town Lodging: Modern Comfort Near Preserved History
While Cuchillo offers immersive on-site lodging within its historic adobe walls, Shakespeare Ghost Town takes a different approach—you’ll base yourself in nearby Lordsburg’s modern hotels and venture out to explore this meticulously preserved 1800s mining settlement.
Unlike Cuchillo’s on-site adobe lodging, Shakespeare Ghost Town visitors stay in nearby Lordsburg hotels while exploring the preserved 1800s mining settlement.
The Comfort Inn & Suites sits just 2.5 miles away, offering heated pools and hot breakfast before your historical adventures.
Days Inn provides similar amenities with RV parking for road-trippers seeking unrestricted travel.
Your Shakespeare exploration includes:
- Guided mining tours through authentic buildings and Shakespeare Cemetery
- Access to 60+ former mines around Steeple Rock
- Local dining options after dusty ghost town wandering
- Outdoor activities exploring Arizona-New Mexico borderlands
Hotels start at $57 nightly, with 16 properties competing for your business. Check in at 2:00 PM, then disappear into New Mexico’s mining past.
What to Expect During Your Haunted Hotel Stay
You’ll encounter authentic Western architecture featuring sandstone walls, tin ceilings with bullet holes, and century-old saloon bars where history lingers in every corner.
During your stay, expect comfortable rooms with modern amenities alongside reports of otherworldly presences—though skeptical innkeepers focus on hospitality rather than ghost stories.
These historic accommodations blend paranormal intrigue with practical comforts like hearty breakfasts, family-friendly policies, and access to nearby trails and natural attractions.
Paranormal Activity and Encounters
When darkness falls across New Mexico’s ghost towns, visitors report encounters that defy rational explanation.
You’ll find yourself immersed in locations where the veil between worlds seems thinnest, from forbidden tunnels echoing with miners’ last breaths to spectral sightings of figures in white drifting through canyons.
During overnight stays, you might experience:
- Phantom footsteps and voices at Silver Creek Inn, where rocking chairs move without explanation
- Ghost lights resembling mining helmets floating through Dawson’s cemetery after midnight
- Moving shadows documented repeatedly by investigators at Kelly’s graveyard since 2001
- Unexplained sounds from abandoned mines at Bonito Lake, where submerged history resurfaces
These aren’t manufactured thrills—they’re documented phenomena that’ll challenge everything you thought you knew about reality.
Historic Architecture and Atmosphere
As you cross the threshold of New Mexico’s haunted hotels, you’re stepping into architectural time capsules where every creaking floorboard and shadowed hallway whispers stories from the 1800s.
Hotel Eklund’s authentic Wild West saloon and the Plaza Hotel’s 1882 structure showcase meticulous architectural restoration that honors original frontier craftsmanship.
You’ll find claw-foot bathtubs beside modern amenities, blending historic charm with contemporary comfort.
The Amador Hotel’s 1866 construction features shadowy corridors and preserved details.
While the Lodge Resort & Spa’s 1899 Arts and Crafts design includes outdoor relaxation spaces.
Reclaimed materials at Ghost Town Guest House authentically mimic 150-year-old mining structures.
Whether it’s flickering gas log stoves or portraits hanging in atmospheric lounges, these spaces transport you to New Mexico’s untamed past.
Safety and Accommodation Amenities
Before booking your stay at one of New Mexico’s haunted hotels, understand that paranormal encounters range from harmless curiosities to unsettling physical interactions. At Amador Hotel, guests have reported scratched arms during encounters with Annie’s ghost, while La Posada de Santa Fe’s Julia maintains a gentler presence despite moving objects.
Most haunted accommodations operate with standard safety protocols.
What You’ll Find Beyond the Ghosts:
- Authentic Wild West saloons serving local cuisine at Hotel Eklund
- La Posada’s six-acre downtown Santa Fe property with 157 luxury rooms
- El Rancho Hotel’s historic trading post featuring Native crafts
- Outdoor activities near Plaza Hotel’s forests and fields
These properties blend paranormal intrigue with genuine hospitality, letting you explore New Mexico’s supernatural side on your terms.
Planning Your Ghost Town Overnight Adventure in New Mexico
New Mexico’s ghost towns offer more than day trips—they’re gateways to immersive overnight experiences where you’ll sleep amid the echoes of mining-era history. Start your planning by booking early, especially for limited-capacity properties like the Ghost Town Guest House in Magdalena (open spring to October) or Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch (March-November, maximum 16 guests).
Use Albuquerque as your base for efficient 3-night circuits combining multiple sites like Chloride, Hillsboro, and Lake Valley.
Enhance your adventure with local dining options at authentic spots like Old Cuchillo Bar & Hotel, then follow outdoor activity tips by pairing ghost town exploration with horseback excursions through Gila National Forest.
Ghost Ranch near Santa Fe books quickly for its Georgia O’Keeffe-inspired landscape, so secure accommodations months ahead through their website.
Safety Tips and Etiquette for Paranormal Accommodations
While ghost town accommodations promise authentic historical ambiance, they present unique safety challenges that demand careful preparation and respect for both the structures and fellow guests. Understanding proper etiquette ensures you’ll experience ghostly legends without compromising your safety or disrupting paranormal research opportunities.
Ghost town stays offer authentic historical immersion but require vigilant preparation to balance adventure with structural safety and respectful coexistence.
Essential Safety Guidelines:
- Navigate carefully through wheelchair-inaccessible areas and watch for structural hazards while children explore.
- Move swiftly through fog-enhanced atmospheres to avoid carbon monoxide accumulation during ghost hunts.
- Respect quiet hours (9pm-8am) so fellow investigators can conduct sensitive paranormal research.
- Never remove artifacts—federal laws protect these historical treasures, and disturbing them disrespects the site’s legacy.
Pack recovery gear, check weather conditions, and travel with companions.
These remote locations demand self-sufficiency and preparedness for authentic wilderness experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed at New Mexico’s Ghost Town Hotels and Accommodations?
You’ll find your furry companions welcome at New Mexico’s ghost town lodgings! Pet policies vary by location, with dog-friendly accommodations near Shakespeare and Steins charging $10-15 nightly. You’re free to explore these historic sites together on-leash.
What Is the Typical Price Range for Overnight Ghost Town Stays?
You’ll find ghost town stays ranging from $57 to $189 per night, with most hovering around $173. For price comparison and booking tips, consider vintage trailers for budget options, while historic inns offer mid-range comfort worth exploring.
Do These Haunted Hotels Offer Refunds if Guests Get Too Scared?
None of these haunted hotel policies mention guarantee refund options if you’re too scared. You’ll need to contact each property directly about their cancellation terms, as paranormal experiences aren’t typically covered by standard refund policies.
Are Ghost Hunting Equipment Rentals Available at These Historic Properties?
Unlike the Ghostbusters crew, you won’t find ghost hunting equipment rentals at these historic properties. The haunted artifacts and paranormal phenomena remain, but you’ll need to bring your own gear to investigate, ensuring equipment security throughout your stay.
Can Children Stay Overnight at These Reportedly Haunted New Mexico Locations?
Yes, children can stay overnight at these haunted New Mexico locations. You’ll find no age restrictions at properties with supernatural encounters and haunted legends, from ghost town rentals to historic hotels where paranormal activity’s been reported for generations.
References
- https://touristish.com/ghost-town-guest-house/
- https://www.newmexico.org/haunted/
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28952-Activities-c47-t14-New_Mexico.html
- https://www.historichotels.org/hotels-resorts/la-posada-de-santa-fe-a-tribute-portfolio-resort-and-spa/ghost-stories.php
- https://www.newmexicomagazine.org/blog/post/abandoned-ghost-towns-new-mexico/
- https://elranchohotelgallup.com
- https://www.townofsilvercity.org/437/Ghosts-and-Haunted-Places-Books
- https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/12631530
- https://www.expedia.com/Shakespeare-Ghost-Town-Hotels.0-l553248621532642989-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels
- https://glampinghub.com/unitedstatesofamerica/southwest/newmexico/cuchillo/unique-getaway-cuchillo-new-mexico/
