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Idaho is full of quirky haunts but one of the creepiest has got to be this hot spring hotel which used to be an old sanatorium. Located in the small town of Lava Hot Springs, this inn has quite the history and its reputation has attracted a lot of attention to an otherwise quiet town. In fact, the hotel was even featured on a popular ghost-hunting television show. There’s no doubt that there’s something strange going on at this Lava Hot Springs haunted hotel. Do you think you would spend the night at this haunted hotel in Lava Hot Springs? Check it out.

People have been taking advantage of the hot springs found in the town of Lava Hot Springs for centuries. If you find yourself visiting the town today, you might end up spending a few nights at the notable Lava Hot Springs Inn. However, it's bound to be an experience that you'll never forget.
Brad Hough/Google
Today, the inn's exterior very much resembles an old hospital/sanatorium. After all, that's what it was for many years. The building acted as a hospital for decades before being turned into a hotel during the 1980s.
Housten Rogers/Google
The hospital was built sometime in the late 1930s and was used for the rehabilitation of soldiers during World War II. After the war, the hospital was used to care for the county's elderly patients. Some of these patients still make their presence known to this day.
Brent Lundell/Google
If you consider yourself a paranormal enthusiast, you might want to challenge yourself to spend a night in Room 13 which is reportedly the "most haunted" room in the hotel. Many guests recall seeing an apparition of a woman named Martha when they stay in the room.
TravelToolie/TripAdvisor
People are usually awakened by the presence of Martha in the room. She appears to be wearing a hospital gown and is known to ask guests, "What are you doing here?" Sometimes she can be seen knitting, sewing, or looking out the window.

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You might be interested (or creeped out) to know that the sitting room on the hotel's second floor was once the hospital's operating room. Room 13 was the anesthesia room where patients were prepped before operations.
Lan T/TripAdvisor
Don't worry though. Room 13 isn't the only Lava Hot Springs Inn haunted room in the building. An apparition of an angry elderly lady is known to pop up in Room 10 and Room 7 is known to contain the ghost of an old World War II soldier. It turns out that many of the hospital's patients ended up staying here forever.
Tomas Dawson/Google
When staying at the hotel, it's not uncommon to hear muffled conversations, footsteps in empty hallways, doors slamming, water faucets mysteriously turning on, and more suspicious activity. However, the hotel staff is quick to reassure guests that none of the ghostly activity has appeared to be malicious in any way.
Chris CHantrill/Google
There sure is a lot to uncover at this creepy ex-sanatorium. Even if you don't totally believe in ghosts, it's hard to deny the unique energy that surrounds this place. Spend the night only if you dare!
Oscar Alcaca/Google

Have you ever spent the night at this haunted hotel in Lava Hot Springs? Did you run into any ghosts? Let us know in the comments section! If you loved learning about the Lava Hot Springs Inn’s history and want to keep exploring Idaho’s haunts then be sure to check out our Ultimate Haunted Southern Idaho Road Trip. Just be sure to look at the ultimate road trip packing guide that we made for you so you’ll have everything you could possibly need.

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More to Explore

Haunted Hotel In Lava Hot Springs

Sarah M. | August 24, 2022

What's the most haunted hotel in Idaho?

If staying at the haunted hotel in Lava Hot Springs fanned the flames of your ghost chasing wanderlust, there are some other haunted hotels in Idaho you should check out -- or into:

  • One notoriously haunted hotel in Idaho is the Idaho Hotel in Silver City.
    • Formerly the jewel of Idaho's mining camps during the gold rush days of the late 1800s, Silver City is a rare example of a former town that is still intact, and while it has yet to ever truly find itself in the "ghost town" category, it is nevertheless the site of plenty of spooky legends, particularly at the old and notoriously haunted Idaho Hotel on Jordan Street.
    • The sagging 1866 wooden structure is a truly unique one that fits perfectly with the landscape.
    • A sense of trespassing, as though one is disturbing a sacred site, hangs heavy in the musty indoor air.
    • Indeed, this rustic hotel is rumored to be full of paranormal activity and has been the site of multiple ghost hunters-type investigations.
    • An overnight stay, and one is left with the chilling thought that visitors might well be inviting the wrath of the gods were they to disturb any object.
    • Would you dare spend the night at this haunted Idaho hotel?

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Lava Hot Springs Inn & Spa, 1 Center St, Lava Hot Springs, ID 83246, USA