Haunted Hotels in Santa Maria
In the heart of Santa Maria, California, the Santa Maria Inn has been welcoming travelers since 1917, and over the decades, it has gained a lasting reputation for its spectral guests. This elegant landmark, once a favorite stop for Hollywood stars of the Golden Age, is said to be home to lingering spirits who never checked out.
Visitors often report flickering lights, cold spots, and the faint scent of perfume drifting through empty corridors. The most famous tale tells of a woman in a long gown appearing near Room 210, believed to be a former actress from the hotel’s glamorous past. Blending vintage charm with whispers of the supernatural, the Santa Maria Inn offers a hauntingly elegant glimpse into California’s storied history.
Haunted stay options in Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria Inn
Address: 801 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454
Phone: (805) 928-8400
Website: santamariainn.com
Price Range: Average rate: $150–$250 per night.
Notable Paranormal Signs: Male apparition in Room 210, faint weeping sounds, unexplained cold spots, phantom perfume scent, feeling of being watched.
History and Hauntings:
Opened in 1917 by Frank J. McCoy, the Santa Maria Inn became a beloved stop for travelers journeying between Los Angeles and San Francisco, especially Hollywood stars like Rudolph Valentino, Charlie Chaplin, and Bing Crosby during the golden age of film.
Its charming English country style and lush gardens provided a tranquil oasis. This rich history, steeped in celebrity lore, has given rise to persistent ghost stories.
The most famous spirit is said to be Rudolph Valentino himself, whose apparition is sometimes glimpsed in Room 210, his favorite suite, or felt as a fleeting cold spot.
Another tale involves a sea captain who allegedly murdered his mistress in the inn; guests report hearing faint weeping or feeling an unseen presence, particularly on the older, original side of the hotel. The faint scent of phantom perfume is also occasionally noted.
Amenities: Free WiFi, Outdoor pool, Restaurant, Bar/Lounge.
Haunted Rating: 2 out of 5 Ghosts.
Best Time to Visit: Best visited during summer (Jun–Aug) for Santa Maria Valley barbecue.
Find other Haunted Hotels in California By City
Find other Haunted Hotels in California By City
Click your city to find a Haunted Hotel near you.