There are many places in the world that claim to have ghosts roaming about. Sometimes, the locations are private residences, and sometimes they are public establishments. Generally, the greater the number of reported ghost sightings, the stronger an alleged haunt’s credibility. So, clearly, not all paranormal abodes are created—or haunted—equally.

London, England, is no newcomer to the world of the haunted and paranormal. Having been around for two thousand years, London has plenty of history- and plenty of true-life horror stories- to support a healthy population of spooks. One might easily imagine seeing the historic streets through another lens that revealed a myriad of lingering spirits amongst the living.

The Langham Hotel, located in the heart of London, is reported to be one of the most haunted locations in the city. It first opened in June of 1865. In just over one and a half centuries, the hotel has accumulated no less than five notorious spooks that guests and staff have seen and reported on multiple occasions. 

A commonly reported sight is the appearance of a ball of light that gradually morphs into the shape of a human. One famous sighting of the ball of light occurred in 1973. A BBC Radio announcer was staying in the Langham Hotel’s infamous room 333. This room is purportedly the most haunted room in the entire hotel. During the night, the announcer awoke and saw the orb of light. The orb gradually changed into human form. In his shocked and fearful state, the announcer observed that the spirit’s legs appeared to extend approximately two feet down into the floor. Interestingly, after this incident, information was released that the Langham Hotel’s original floor was two feet below the level of the modern floor. The alteration had been done to accommodate the addition of central heating pipes for guests’ comfort.

Other stories surrounding the haunting of the Langham Hotel abound and are available with a simple internet search. For the brave and adventurous, however, the hotel staff can accommodate guests’ wishes to have a chance at experiencing the legendary hauntings in person. Is that a wise decision? Generally, the odds are in their favor. On the other hand, if their ghoulish encounter goes awry, they just might end up joining London’s resident population…of haunting spirits.