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Portsmouth, New Hampshire was settled in 1623. As a result, it’s certainly one of New Hampshire’s oldest towns. Unsurprisingly, as one of the oldest states in the nation New Hampshire is home to some seriously old and historic buildings. We all know there is a tendency for spooky stories to be associated with places that have been around for hundreds of years, and the Hotel Portsmouth is no exception. It’s over 135 years old, and local legends tell us that not all of the original guests have checked out. Some spirits are said to be hanging around the halls of the hotel, perhaps giving visitors a more personal experience with history than they bargained for.

The Hotel Portsmouth was originally the Sise family home. The three-story Federal mansion was built by a successful Portsmouth businessman named John E. Sise in 1881.
BHendsbee/Tripadvisor
It was passed to his eldest daughter, Mabel Sise, and her husband in the early 20th century. Mabel and her South Church minister husband, Alfred Gooding, doubled the size of the home to make it more comfortable.
The Hotel Portsmouth / Facebook
And, in 1985 the Sise Mansion was expanded again before opening to the public as the Sise Inn.
FilmScoreComposer/Tripadvisor
While there aren't many stories about hauntings prior to 1985, they certainly began to swirl upon this reopening. Apparently the home's supernatural residents became interested in a bit more interaction with the living.

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It wasn't long before rumors spread that Suite 204, on the hotel’s third floor, was rife with paranormal activity.
CaroleJR2014/Tripadvisor
The suite's ghost has been known to lock and unlock the door to the room. The entity also likes to play with the ice machine, sometimes making piles of ice in the hall, or even throwing it at guests.
In April of 2014, the building was renovated and reopened again as the Hotel Portsmouth.
RHINOWIN/Tripadvisor
While this renovation was considered historically-sensitive, the six month renovation didn't do much to quell the interest of ghosts occupying the haunted hotel.
Some say activity actually picked up after this renovation. In fact, there were more reports of a male spirit haunting the hotel. Apparently, this guy is certainly best avoided since he has a naughty habit of grabbing the bottoms of unsuspecting women.
jamb28/Tripadvisor
Guests have reported seeing other paranormal activity, including objects being thrown, chairs moving on their own, and even feeling the sensation of someone climbing into bed with them when they are alone in their room.
The Hotel Portsmouth / Facebook
The Hotel Portsmouth is truly beautiful, but you might want to be ready to make some new friends when you choose to stay!

If you’re feeling brave enough to stay overnight, you can check rates and availability to book a room at The Hotel Portsmouth by visiting the official hotel website. You can learn more by following the Hotel Portsmouth on Facebook. The property can be reached on 603-433-1200.

If you love the creepier side of the state you might want to head to Jackson. The town is home to 3 haunted hotels and that’s not an exaggeration!

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More to Explore

Haunted New Hampshire

Michelle S. | December 19, 2022

What haunted hiking trails can I take in New Hampshire?

There are plenty of haunted hiking trails to take in New Hampshire if you're looking for a bit of a thrill. First, consider heading to Monson which is located just north-west of Nashua. Here you'll find New Hampshire's first inland colony, settled in the 1730s. The town is now considered a ghost town and the trail through the settlement is an eerie place to explore. More experienced hikers can head to the trail that leads to the Appalachian Mountain Club's (AMC) Lake of the Clouds Hut. Leading to a beautiful view, the hut at the top is considered one of the most haunted places in the state.

Are there any haunted restaurants or bars in New Hampshire?

There are quite a few haunted restaurants and bars in New Hampshire. Check out the following spots if you'd like to be unnerved:

 

And if you simply love to eat out in New Hampshire, there are plenty of spots that don't come with a side of paranormal activity. Check out the most bucket list worthy restaurants in the state.

Can I visit any abandoned places in New Hampshire?

You can visit quite a few abandoned places in New Hampshire. Start with a few of the following:

 

And, when you're done with those, consider a trip to some of the most fascinating ghost towns in New Hampshire.

 

 

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The Hotel Portsmouth, Court Street, Portsmouth, NH, USA