Last Updated on 11 February 2026 by Vanessa
As someone who can’t resist a good ghost story, staying at the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas had been at the top of my bucket list for years. It’s supposedly America’s most haunted hotel. From reported ghost sightings and mysterious apparitions to unexplained phenomena, its haunted history lingers in every creaking floorboard and flickering light.
But let’s not forget one of the most lovable highlights of 1886 Crescent Hotel: its resident cats — some real, and some a little more ghostly. 😺
But what is it actually like to stay here? Is the Crescent Hotel worth booking for your trip to Arkansas?
In this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know before staying at the Crescent Hotel—from the most talked-about rooms and evening atmosphere to ghost tours, practical tips, and what to expect during your stay. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway in Eureka Springs or searching for a unique historic hotel in the United States, here’s what you should know before you book.
Staying at the haunted 1886 Crescent Hotel: the historic Eureka Springs landmark where some guests check in… but never leave!
1886 Crescent Hotel – Quick Stay Overview
- Location: Eureka Springs, Arkansas, USA
- Hotel type: Historic haunted hotel
- Star rating: 3.5–4 stars (historic property)
- Guest rating on booking.com: 8.6
- Average price per night: Mid-range (usually $150–$300+ depending on season and room type)
- Room types: Rooms range from cozy historic suites to larger guest rooms with Victorian charm
- Best for: Couples, paranormal enthusiasts, historic hotel lovers, Halloween getaway
- Not ideal for: Travelers looking for modern luxury or predictable chain-hotel stays
- Best time to visit: Fall and Halloween
Highlights:
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Known as America’s Most Haunted Hotel
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On-site ghost tours and paranormal experiences
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Historic architecture dating back to 1886
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Scenic hilltop views over Eureka Springs
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Hotel cats 🐾
👉 Check availability and rates HERE.
Haunted history of 1886 Crescent Hotel
Once you step foot inside the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas, you may find yourself immersed in a world where the line between the living and the dead blurs.
Famous ghost sightings and apparitions
Numerous guests have shared spine-tingling encounters, ranging from sightings of black figures in mirrors to witnessing orbs and ghostly mists taking the form of a little girl. Several visitors have also reported hearing faint piano music in empty rooms, mysterious footsteps in hallways, and doors opening or closing on their own.
Eerie voices echo through the halls, books levitate through the air, and electromagnetic field (EMF) meters go haywire, beeping and flashing in response to unseen forces. Some staff members even claim that items moved by spirits have left physical marks on furniture or walls.
Medium readings and the portal theory
The tales of haunting and otherworldly occurrences at the 1886 Crescent Hotel were well-known to Marty and Elise Roenigk when they purchased the property in 1997.
Recognizing the hotel’s reputation, they enlisted the help of two certified mediums to conduct a reading of the building.
The mediums discovered that the hotel served as a portal, a connection to another dimension inhabited by the spirits of the departed. They noted that certain areas, such as the Victorian-era solarium and the east wing, seemed to have stronger energy fields, making them “hotspots” for paranormal activity. This portal could be accessed by those attuned to the same frequency as the ghosts.
💡 Insider tip: If you’re staying overnight, ask for a room near the east wing or Victorian solarium. These areas are known for strong paranormal activity, and many guests report ghostly encounters here.
The morgue
Interestingly, the supposed portal is located on the site of a former morgue. This morgue was part of the hospital era of the hotel in the 1930s, when it served as a cancer treatment center, and many believe the spirits of former patients still linger.
The resident cats of 1886 Crescent Hotel
While the ghosts may steal the spotlight, it’s important not to overlook the feline residents who have left their pawprints on the history of the Crescent Hotel.
Cats have played an integral role in the hotel’s ambiance, providing both comfort and companionship to guests throughout the years.
Morris, the legendary ginger tabby
The feline legacy began with Morris, a ginger tabby who arrived at the hotel in 1979 and remained a beloved member of the staff until his passing in 2000.
So cherished was Morris that a cat door was installed in the back side of the lobby exclusively for his use.
Hotel records show Morris remained at the Crescent through periods of disrepair and revival, making him a fixture even when the hotel wasn’t fully operational.
Locals often referred to him as the hotel’s “general manager,” and more than 300 people attended his farewell ceremony when he died.
His grave and a memorial headstone can still be visited on the hotel grounds, and his photograph and a tribute poem hang in the lobby as part of Crescent Hotel history.
Even today, many guests claim to catch glimpses of his ghostly form wandering the hotel’s halls. Others report feeling a cat brush against their legs in the lobby or near Morris’ memorial — even when no living cat is present.
Tiddles
After Morris, a brown Siamese mix named Tiddles became a guest favorite before eventually passing.
Another brief resident — a white cat — stayed only a short time, as he was simply not suited to the busy hotel environment.
Frisco and Shadow
Following in Morris’ and Tiddles’ furry footsteps, a succession of cats has taken up residence at the 1886 Crescent Hotel.
Frisco and Shadow, for example, were both born on the premises.
Known as a polydactyl cat due to his six toes on each front foot, Frisco had a knack for making visitors feel at home. He would often sleep in guest rooms overnight, sometimes surprising housekeeping when she remained in a room after checkout.
In contrast, Shadow was more reclusive but no less loved by staff and visitors alike.
Rufus
Another notable feline was Rufus, with his distinctive crooked tail. Rufus seemed to have a particular affinity for attending weddings at the Crescent, adding a touch of charm to the special occasions. Brides and grooms often include photos of Rufus in their wedding albums.
Casper and Jasper
The hotel is now home to Casper and Jasper, the current feline residents who arrived on Halloween 2009.
Casper, true to his name, enjoys stalking dogs that accompany their owners to the hotel. He’s the social cat. You can often spot him in the lobby or sunning himself on windowsills.
Jasper (the black long-haired cat with white paws) prefers to playfully swipe at passing people’ shoelaces.
Ozzy
In May 2024, Ozzy (a black and white short-haired cat) suddenly showed up at the Crescent Hotel offices and began spending time with the staff. He now spends most of his time in the lobby, and guests even got to help choose his name.
📍 Did you know that the Crescent Hotel has officially been pet‑friendly for decades and welcomes cats and dogs with a pet fee.
Embracing the haunted hype
With its haunted history, the 1886 Crescent Hotel has embraced its supernatural reputation and transformed it into a fascinating experience for their guests.
Nightly ghost tours and ESP weekends
The hotel now offers ESP weekends, overnight ghost experiences, and nightly ghost tours, allowing visitors to experience the paranormal side of the establishment firsthand.
Tours start at 08:00 pm every evening and last for 75 minutes. They offer a chance to uncover the mysteries of the hotel and potentially witness the unexplained. They are guided by knowledgeable staff who share detailed stories about the hotel’s past, infamous residents, and reported hauntings, making them both educational and spine-chilling.
While not every tour guarantees a ghostly encounter, the hotel’s haunted reputation remains an enticing draw for enthusiasts of the supernatural.
Seances on Halloween night
On Halloween night, those seeking a deeper connection with the other side can participate in a seance. This seasonal event sells out quickly, so planning ahead is highly recommended.
Illusionist and medium Sean-Paul, along with Juliana Fay, return to the Crystal Ballroom of the 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa.
Their aim is to communicate with the ghostly spirits that frequent the hotel’s rooms and roam its hallways.
This special event promises an evening of intrigue and potentially hair-raising encounters as attendees attempt to bridge the gap between the living and the dead in “America’s Most Haunted Hotel.”
Practical information regarding the 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Address
1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, 75 Prospect Ave, Eureka Springs, AR 72632, United States.
How to get there
Feeling brave enough to visit the 1886 Crescent Hotel? Here’s how to get to this iconic haunted destination:
By car
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- From Fayetteville, AR: Take Highway 16 East → US-412 East → AR-23 South into Eureka Springs. Follow the signs to the Crescent Hotel.
- From Springfield, MO: Drive south on US-65, then take US-62 West into Eureka Springs. Follow signs to the hotel.
- From Little Rock, AR: Take I-40 West → US-65 North → AR-23 North into Eureka Springs. From there, follow signage to the Crescent.
- Parking: The hotel offers free guest parking in an on-site lot.
If you need to rent a car, I highly recommend DiscoverCars for the best deals.
By air
The nearest major airport is Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) in Highfill, AR. (Check the best flight rates HERE.)
Car rental is available at the airport. Shuttle services also run between XNA and Eureka Springs. Book ahead for availability.
Getting around Eureka Springs
Eureka Springs is a walkable town, and the Crescent Hotel is centrally located. You can easily explore shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot. Or why not take a guided walking tour that lets you explore the historic architecture of Old Town Eureka.
Want to go further? Take a local taxi or hop on the Eureka Springs Trolley, which runs on scenic routes to key spots around town.
A haunted haven for cat and ghost enthusiasts
Love ghost stories? Obsessed with cats? Or just searching for a truly unique overnight experience? The 1886 Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs has it all. Even if the spirits stay quiet, the hotel’s haunted history, cozy historic rooms, and resident cats make for a visit you’ll never forget.
Planning a fall or Halloween visit? Rooms book out early, so start planning now.
Have you had your own ghostly encounter—at the Crescent or somewhere else? Share your story in the comments!
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Related:
Kat Robinson is a passionate food historian and traveler based in Little Rock, Arkansas. She specializes in Arkansas’s rich food history and knows the state’s restaurant scene inside and out.
Kat hosts the popular show Make Room For Pie: A Delicious Slice of The Natural State and serves on the committee for the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame. She’s also a talented author, known for books like Arkansas Food: The A to Z of Eating in The Natural State and Another Slice of Arkansas Pie: A Guide to the Best Restaurants, Bakeries, Truck Stops, and Food Trucks for Delectable Bites in The Natural State.
You may have seen her work featured in places like Food Network and Forbes Travel Guide. Through it all, Kat stays committed to exploring and preserving Arkansas’s diverse food culture.
She lives in Little Rock with her daughter Hunter and her partner Grav Weldon—an artist and photographer who shares her love for Southern food, culture, and history. Together, they make a great team, capturing the flavors and stories of the American South.
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5 responses
Great information. Definitely adding this to my list of places to visit!
We’ve visited a few “haunted” hotels in Colorado (the Stanley and the Boulderado), but visiting the Crescent hotel sounds like a fun experience (especially around Halloween).
I love visiting places that are quirky, and this is definitely high on my list.
Thanks for sharing, I’m not into haunted places as I’m a bit of a scaredy cat! This would be a great place to visit if you were less of a scaredy cat!
I’m not into haunted places, however if there are cats I would love to visit just to enjoy the company of the feline friends.