The Haunted Royal Sonesta Hotel
Hotels

The Haunted Royal Sonesta Hotel

Modern Luxury Meets Ancient Spirits

Modern Era6 min readBy Tim Nealon
The Royal Sonesta Hotel Austin sits on land with a dark and troubled history. Built over what was once a Civil War hospital and morgue, the hotel is plagued by paranormal activity. Guests and staff report encounters with spirits from various eras, making it one of downtown Austin's most actively haunted locations.

Did You Know?

Located Near The Most Haunted Capitol in the Country. Hotspot for Art Lovers. Conveniently Located. Allegedly Haunted.

The Haunted Royal Sonesta Hotel

Room 408 Activity

Those sensitive to supernatural disturbances will savor their stay at this luxury establishment. One TripAdvisor reviewer found Room 408 particularly wicked... Yes. I stayed in room 408 this past week. A few minutes after I laid down and turned the light off, the light in my room turned on and then began flashing...maybe 5 or 6 times. The light then stayed on for maybe 10 seconds. The door to the bathroom began to slowly open (I had closed it earlier) until it was wide open. The light went off a few seconds later and then stayed off the rest of the evening. Let's just say I had trouble sleeping that night. What's haunting Austin's historic hotel? Let us know if you encounter any paranormal activity!

Why Stay at the Royal Sonesta?

Luxury Amenities

This elegant hotel provides state-of-the-art splendor alongside supernatural sensations. With two luxury dining establishments, patrons will savor exquisitely crafted cocktails amidst the five-star cuisine. If you're looking for an upscale spot for your next business meeting, you'll appreciate the hotel's 6,000-square-feet event space. Guests will also delight in the Sonesta's Art Deco facade and historic bar. Those looking to stay active will find a complimentary fitness center as well as nearby jogging routes. If you're looking for something more decadent, enjoy the hotel's evening wine reception. The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel caters to everyone's lifestyle – including our friends on the other side.

Visiting the Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel

Location and Information

Located at 701 Congress Avenue, the Royal Sonesta Hotel is a downtown staple. Patrons will find the quintessential Austin experience. For more information about the Royal Sonesta Hotel, please visit their website. If you'd like to learn more about the Ghosts of Austin, book an adventure with Ghost City Tours. There's nothing we do better than the curious and creepy. The Royal Sonesta is yet another reminder of [what makes Austin such a haunted city](/austin/why-is-austin-haunted/).

Written By

Tim Nealon

Tim Nealon

Founder & CEO

Tim Nealon is the founder and CEO of Ghost City Tours. With a passion for history and the paranormal, Tim has dedicated over a decade to researching America's most haunted locations and sharing their stories with curious visitors.

Tours That Visit The Haunted Royal Sonesta Hotel

These Austin ghost tours include The Haunted Royal Sonesta Hotel on their route.

Austin Haunted Pub Crawl - guests enjoying haunted pub crawl in historic Austin bars
From$34.99

Austin Haunted Pub Crawl

4.9 (1560 reviews)

If you're looking for an unforgettable way to experience Austin after dark, ditch the hotel room and step into an evening filled with ghost stories, good drinks, and great company on our Haunted Pub Crawl, the top-rated adults-only paranormal bar tour in the city, with a 4.9-star rating and thousands of glowing reviews from guests who came for the fun and stayed for the chills.This is more than just a night of bar hopping. It's a journey into the haunted heart of Austin, where gritty Wild West history meets real-life hauntings, all served up with a healthy pour of cocktails and Texas charm. From historic saloons to haunted taverns, you'll visit the city's most legendary drinking establishments, each one more paranormally active than the last.Expect to laugh, gasp, and maybe even get a few goosebumps as you sip your way through haunted hotspots where the drinks flow and the spirits linger. Some guests report feeling cold spots, others have captured strange images, and a few have even had full-blown paranormal encounters. You never know what the night might bring.

2-Hour Tour

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