Podcast Title: The Dinner Table: A Southern Cannibal Podcast
Episode: 8 TRUE Scary Hotel Horror Stories | Episode 605
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Introduction
The Dinner Table Podcast brings listeners chilling true stories from around the globe, narrated by Southern Cannibal. In Episode 605, titled "TRUE Scary Hotel Horror Stories," several guests recount their terrifying experiences in various hotel settings. These narratives delve into encounters with unknown aggressors, unsettling atmospheres, and the struggle to maintain personal safety in places meant for rest and relaxation.
1. Jessica's Iowa Hotel Nightmare [00:05]
Narrator: Jessica, a 22-year-old traveling photographer in 2010.
Summary:
Jessica recounts a frightening incident while staying at a hotel in Harlan, Iowa, during her job with a traveling photography group. One morning, a seemingly ordinary interaction with a man staying for a construction job takes a sinister turn. After exchanging pleasantries, Jessica begins receiving persistent and unanswered phone calls to her room. Later, the same man appears in the hotel hallway, prompting Jessica to confide in a female photographer who experienced similar disturbances.
The situation escalates during a thunderstorm when Jessica hears repeated knocks on her door from the man. Despite contacting the front desk and eventually the police, the hotel's response is inadequate, leaving Jessica feeling unsafe until the issue is finally addressed by relocating her and her colleagues to different rooms.
Notable Quotes:
- “When I saw him turn his head to my door as if he was listening for something, my heart started to race.” [Timestamp: 20:50]
- “I’m too afraid to change rooms because I don’t want to leave this room. I have the cross latch pulled over and the deadbolt locked.” [Timestamp: 35:30]
2. A Frightening Encounter in San Diego [~15:00]
Narrator: A 40-year-old man, former strip club bouncer.
Summary:
On his third night in a San Diego hotel, the narrator encounters a suspicious situation involving a woman attempting to lure him into her car late at night. After a night out with friends, he notices unusual behavior from a woman in a sedan who persistently asks for a ride despite the proximity of the road and her obvious intoxication or impairment. His instincts tell him something is off, leading him to decline her offer. However, the situation escalates when an SUV arrives, and multiple men attempt to block his exit, creating a high-adrenaline escape scenario.
Notable Quotes:
- “This was feeling like a weird kid ice cream truck situation. How often does anyone ask a big bearded guy to hop in their car at 3am in a hotel parking lot?” [Approx. 15:00]
- “I’ve never had my adrenaline so high as it was in that moment.” [Approx. 17:45]
3. Motel 6 in New Hampshire: A 22-Year-Old’s Terror [~25:00]
Narrator: A 22-year-old male working hospital shifts.
Summary:
The narrator, burdened with consecutive hospital shifts, decides to stay at a Motel 6 in southern New Hampshire. Upon checking in, he faces initial access issues but secures his room and attempts to rest. His night is disrupted by loud arguments nearby and, most alarmingly, by someone attempting to force entry into his locked room. Witnessing a dark figure through the door crack, he confronts the intruder without any defensive tools, narrowly preventing a breach.
Notable Quotes:
- “I saw a dark figure in maybe a hoodie or jacket. The instant I said that, the door closed and the person seemingly left.” [Approx. 30:20]
- “Please, please, please just stay at a regular hotel. I promise you it's worth it.” [Approx. 34:15]
4. Jessica's Harassment at the Madison Hotel, NYC [~35:00]
Narrator: Jessica, a 23-year-old front desk employee.
Summary:
Jessica shares her harrowing experience working at the Madison Hotel in Midtown NYC, where she becomes the target of a guest named William. Initially charming and considerate, William's behavior quickly becomes invasive and obsessive. He persistently seeks personal connections, disregarding Jessica's boundaries despite her clear discomfort. His monitoring extends beyond the hotel, following her to public places and leaving unsolicited gifts.
Over time, Jessica's anxiety escalates, leading her to document his harassment and eventually involve the police. Her decision to confront William and seek help marks a turning point, allowing her to reclaim her sense of safety. The ordeal leaves lasting effects, prompting her to change jobs and seek therapy, ultimately finding peace and strength despite the trauma.
Notable Quotes:
- “I'll be back soon, he said. I hoped he was just being polite. I was wrong.” [Approx. 38:30]
- “Keeping quiet doesn't keep you safe. Next time, I'll speak up sooner.” [Approx. 44:10]
5. The Hotel Ukraine Horror in Kyiv [~50:00]
Narrator: A guest on a short trip to Ukraine.
Summary:
Recently narrating her experience, the guest describes booking an extra night at Hotel Ukraine in Kyiv for a speaking engagement. Upon arrival, she notices intoxicated guests and a strange atmosphere. Her discomfort increases when she enters an elevator with a group of odd-looking individuals who behave unnervingly, culminating in one man trying to touch her head. Her subsequent flight from the hotel is fraught with suspicion towards the staff, particularly a receptionist named Masha whose behavior raises red flags. Despite reporting the incident and having evidence, the hotel denies any wrongdoing, leaving her to warn others against staying there.
Notable Quotes:
- “What was that even? Why was that dude petting me? Why were they smiling?” [Timestamp: 50:30]
- “Solo female travelers do not book Hotel Ukraine.” [Timestamp: 58:45]
6. Marla's Creepy Behavior at a Rochester Hotel [~1:05:00]
Narrator: A female guest, Mr. Miller.
Summary:
Mr. Miller recounts his unsettling stay at a budget hotel near Rochester, New York. The elderly receptionist, Marla, exhibits overly friendly and intrusive behavior, including placing cookies in his room without request and making unsolicited phone calls to check on him. As his stay progresses, Marla's visits become more invasive, culminating in three soft knocks on his door late at night and a terrifying presence in his room. After an unnerving confrontation with Marla, he flees the hotel in fear, later discovering that the hotel denies any improper activities despite his video evidence.
Notable Quotes:
- “I saw her staring over my bed, trying to see how I look when I sleep.” [Timestamp: 1:14:30]
- “I checked into the Marriott Downtown at 3am still shaking.” [Timestamp: 1:20:10]
Conclusion
Episode 605 of The Dinner Table Podcast presents a compelling collection of true stories that highlight the vulnerability individuals can face in places designed for comfort and safety. From persistent harassment to direct threats to personal security, these narratives underscore the importance of trust, intuition, and the necessity of taking action when feeling unsafe. The guests' experiences serve as cautionary tales, reminding listeners to remain vigilant and prioritize their well-being, even in the most unexpected settings.
Disclaimer:
The above summaries exclude advertisement segments and focus solely on the content-driven horror stories shared by the guests.