This California Hotel Lets You Sleep On A Ship And The Reviews Are As Glamorous As They Are Ghostly

It’s not every day you can check into a hotel that once crossed the Atlantic – and might still be haunted by its past. The Queen Mary, docked permanently in Long Beach, California, offers travelers a chance to sleep aboard a real 1930s ocean liner that blends vintage glamour with spine-tingling mystery. Whether you’re drawn by the Art Deco elegance, the gourmet dining, or the ghost stories whispered in darkened hallways, this floating hotel promises an experience unlike any other. From luxury suites with porthole windows to paranormal tours through shadowy corridors, the Queen Mary delivers history, hospitality, and a touch of the supernatural all in one unforgettable stay.

Step Aboard a Legend

Imagine checking into a hotel room that once sailed across the Atlantic, carrying celebrities, royalty, and wartime troops. The Queen Mary isn’t just any hotel – it’s a retired British ocean liner from 1936, now permanently docked in Long Beach and transformed into one of California’s most unique overnight experiences.

Walking up the gangway feels like stepping through a time portal. The ship’s towering smokestacks and sleek Art Deco lines greet you before you even enter, setting the stage for a stay that blends nostalgia with adventure.

Whether you’re a history buff, a paranormal enthusiast, or simply looking for something different, spending the night aboard this legendary vessel offers thrills you won’t find at any ordinary hotel. It’s glamour and mystery rolled into one floating masterpiece.

A Floating Piece of History

Built in 1936, the Queen Mary began life as a luxury liner, ferrying the world’s elite across the ocean in unmatched style. Passengers enjoyed champagne dinners, ballroom dancing, and first-class service as they cruised between Southampton and New York.

When World War II broke out, the ship traded glamour for grit, becoming a troop carrier nicknamed the “Grey Ghost” for its speed and stealth. It transported over 800,000 soldiers, playing a vital role in the Allied war effort.

“You can feel the history in every hallway – it’s like the Titanic, but you can actually sleep here,” one traveler noted. Today, that rich past lingers in every corner, making your stay feel like living inside a museum that breathes with stories from another era.

Restored and Reimagined

After decades of wear and changing ownership, the City of Long Beach regained control of the Queen Mary in 2021. Partnering with Evolution Hospitality, they launched an ambitious restoration project aimed at bringing the ship back to its former glory while ensuring modern guests enjoy comfort and safety.

The goal isn’t to erase the past but to honor it. Original woodwork, brass fixtures, and Art Deco details are being carefully preserved, allowing visitors to experience authentic 1930s elegance without sacrificing today’s conveniences.

These improvements mean you can enjoy vintage charm – like porthole windows and curved hallways – alongside updated amenities. It’s a delicate balance between nostalgia and necessity, ensuring the Queen Mary remains a living piece of history rather than a forgotten relic slowly fading away at the dock.

Sleep in Art Deco Luxury

Forget cookie-cutter hotel rooms with bland beige walls. When you book a stateroom aboard the Queen Mary, you’re sleeping in authentic 1930s quarters complete with original woodwork, curved ceilings, and genuine porthole windows that frame views of Long Beach Harbor.

Each room tells its own story. Some suites once housed Hollywood stars and dignitaries, while others served as officers’ quarters during the war. The attention to period detail is stunning, from the brass fixtures to the vintage furniture.

“It’s like time-travel with room service – classic decor and all the nostalgia,” said a reviewer. Whether you choose a cozy interior cabin or a spacious suite with harbor views, you’ll fall asleep surrounded by history, wondering whose footsteps echoed through these halls decades before yours.

Dining with a View

Hungry after exploring the ship? The Queen Mary offers three distinct dining experiences, each with its own personality and menu. Chelsea Chowder House & Bar serves upscale seafood and perfectly grilled steaks, ideal for a special dinner with harbor views.

Craving something more atmospheric? Head to the Observation Bar, where you can sip expertly crafted cocktails in a 1930s lounge setting complete with live music and vintage decor. It’s easy to imagine Cary Grant leaning against the bar here.

For a relaxed meal, the Promenade Café offers comfort food with panoramic ocean views – think burgers, salads, and sandwiches enjoyed while watching boats glide past. No matter which spot you choose, dining aboard the Queen Mary adds flavor to your adventure, making every meal feel like part of the journey itself.

Where History Meets Mystery

Here’s where things get spine-tingling. The Queen Mary isn’t just famous for its elegance – it’s also one of America’s most haunted locations. Paranormal tours take brave guests through shadowy corridors, engine rooms, and the infamous stateroom B340, where unexplained activity has been reported for decades.

The ship has been featured on countless ghost-hunting shows, with investigators documenting strange sounds, temperature drops, and even apparitions. Some believe spirits from the ship’s wartime past never left, while others think tragic accidents left restless energy behind.

“We heard footsteps in the hall at 2 a.m. – and no one was there,” wrote one wide-eyed guest. Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, the Haunted Encounters tours offer thrills that go beyond typical tourist attractions, blending history with genuine chills.

Glamour Meets Ghosts

So what makes the Queen Mary truly special? It’s the rare combination of luxury, history, and mystery all wrapped into one unforgettable experience. Whether you come for the Art Deco elegance, the gourmet dining, or the thrill of potentially encountering a ghost, this ship delivers on every front.

You can spend your day exploring historical exhibits and maritime artifacts, then enjoy a murder mystery dinner before retiring to your vintage stateroom. It’s part museum, part adventure, part luxury getaway – and completely unlike anything else in California.

“It’s part museum, part ghost story, part five-star getaway – and 100% worth the trip,” one guest raved. Located at 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, the Queen Mary is easily accessible and makes a perfect stop on any California coastal road trip. Book your night aboard and see for yourself.

Spectacular Murder Mysteries

Imagine stepping into an era of glamour and intrigue. The Queen Mary hosts spectacular murder mystery dinners that transport you to the 1930s. Guests become sleuths for the night, unraveling secrets amidst lavish settings. The ship’s vintage charm adds authenticity to the suspenseful atmosphere.

You’ll dine in style, surrounded by whispers of the past and echoes of laughter. Each event promises intricate plots and unexpected twists, inviting you to solve the enigma while savoring exquisite cuisine. It’s a night where elegance meets mystery, creating memories as vivid as the ship’s storied past.

What makes these evenings truly unforgettable is the seamless blend of performance and participation. Actors in period attire mingle with guests, drawing everyone into the unfolding drama. One moment you’re sipping champagne; the next, you’re interrogating a suspect beneath the ship’s grand chandeliers. Every clue, every conversation pulls you deeper into the story, blurring the line between spectator and sleuth. By the end of the night, you’re not just a guest aboard the Queen Mary – you’re part of her timeless legend.