Fantasy Hotel Novels
Isn’t it curious when you find this crazy small subgenre of books- like supernatural hotel novels- and then you realize every book you are reading fits into that genre? That is what happened with Jackie and me. I knew I needed to make a list of these fantasy hotel novels because they are delightful!
Jackie and I have read so many fantastic hotel novels. But only recently did we realize that a bunch of these had a fantasy element as well. Is there anything better than a magical hotel stay? Probably not.
The best thing about this list is that while these books are fantasy, many of them have fantasy elements rather than being full world-building books. So, whether fantasy is your preferred genre or not usually your thing, there is a book for everyone on this list.
The Best Fantasy Hotel Novels
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
The Best Supernatural Hotel Novel
The White Octopus Hotel by Alexandra Bell- Jump to Section
The Best Witch Fantasy Hotel Novel
The Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping by Sangu Madanna- Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Supernatural Hotel Novels
The White Octopus Hotel
Author: Alexandra Bell
Year: 2025
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
This dual-timeline story takes place at a gorgeous hotel in the Swiss Alps, where Eve Shaw, an art appraiser in 2015, is visiting after meeting Max Everly, a man who shares the same name as her favorite composer, born over 100 years earlier.
When she arrives at the White Octopus Hotel, Eve is thrown back in time to 1935 as she tries to undo a mistake from her past, avoid falling in love with Max, and head back to her own time.
Trigger Warnings
Child Death, War, Grief
Why Kirsten loves it
This fantastic novel was steeped in such creative magic that I could vividly picture everything. The Art Deco hotel would have been a treat on it’s own, but adding in the magical paintings, objects, and others items really made it immersive. I was swept away by this charming story.
Find this book in: Hotel Novels / Historical Fantasy Books / Books Like the Night Circus / Best Books of 2025 / Fantasy Hotel Novels
The Listeners
Author: Maggie Stiefvater
Year: 2025
Genre: Literary Historical Magical Realism
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
It’s 1942 and June Porter Hudson is the general manager of the Avallon Hotel in West Virginia, but everything changes when the family who owns the hotel makes a deal with the state department. Now, the hotel takes in captured Axis diplomats and suspected spies while the various countries negotiate for their safe return.
Tasked with keeping the hotel running while tensions rise, she must convince her staff to serve enemies of war. As FBI Agent Tucker Minnick listens for secrets, June faces a dangerous choice that could put everything at risk. Meanwhile, the literal undercurrent of the hotel, the sweetwater, is a magical stream that feeds off the emotions of those who interact with it. June needs to figure out how to keep the sweetwater balanced as well as her guests.
Trigger Warnings
War
Why Kirsten loves it
The subtle magical realism of the sweetwater helps to heighten the tension of the already elevated stakes of the story. Read the author’s note where it’s clear the incredible amount of research Stiefvater did for this story and the wonderful way she incorporated real historical events into the novel.
The dynamics of the hotel guests, the love triangle, the sweetwater, and the incredible characters all combined to create a narrative unlike any other.
Find this book in: Historical Fantasy / Fantasy Hotel Novels/ Best Fantasy Books of 2025
Magic and Mischief at the Wayside Hotel
Author: Elizabeth Everett
Year: 2026
Genre: Cozy Romantasy
Spice Rating:💋💋💋
Age Range: 18+
Plot
The Wayside Hotels are magical buildings that hop between worlds, shuttling their magical inhabitants across the universe – like a more epic Knight Bus! But Number Five Wayside is malfunctioning, and it needs a reboot. Too bad it decided to dock itself on Earth – the only nonmagical planet!
Pax, the hotel manager, and his travel companions decide the wayside must be on earth for a reason, so they decide to welcome a human into the fold. When Josie and her young son rent an apartment at the Wayside, they begin to realize things are a bit amiss with their new home. As Pax and Josie grow closer together, it becomes harder to keep the secrets of the Wayside from her.
Why Kirsten loves it
This delightful story had me grinning and giggling. I fell in love with the residents of Number Five Wayside and the hotel’s goofy antics. More than that, though, Josie and Pax’s love story felt magical in a non-magical way. I was rooting for them the entire time and you will be rooting for them too! #gifted by Berkley Publishing.
Find this book in: Fantasy Hotel Novels / Cozy Fantasy Romance Books / Best Beach Reads 2026
Witch Fantasy Hotel Novels
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping
Author: Sangu Madanna
Year: 2025
Genre: Fantasy
More info: Bestselling Author of Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Sera Swan was one of the most powerful witches in Britain until she resurrected her great-aunt Jasmine at 15 years old. The Guild kicked her out and now she is helping Jasmine run an inn.
Where she once had seemingly unlimited power, she now has only trickles and she has spent the last 15 years searching for the spell that will restore her power.
The inn is filled with a cursed fox, found family, and Luke Larson, a magical historian. He might be the perfect person to help her.
Why Jackie loves it
I LOVED Mandanna’s last book and this one might even be better. There is romance in this book, but it feels more like a cozy magical romance rather than a romantasy. The characters has me laughing out loud and cheering for their happiness and success along the way. #Gifted from PRH Audio
Find this book in: Best Witch Books / Fantasy Hotel Novels
The Faraway Inn
Author: Sarah Beth Durst
Release Date: March 31, 2026
Genre: YA fantasy
More info: New York Times Bestselling author of The Spellshop
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Calisa is excited to go stay with her great aunt in Vermont for the summer. She needs to get away from the boy who broke her heart. Auntie Zee runs a bed and breakfast, but rather than the cozy inn she was expecting, it is rundown.
Her aunt is also less than welcoming and tells her she can only stay for three days before she has to go home. Calisa decides that we will help her aunt fix the inn and become invaluable. This way, her aunt will let her stay. She quickly realizes that there is something magical about it as well.
Why Jackie loves it
This is an absolutely adorable, cozy fantasy book. I wanted to curl up by the moving fire in the book and not put it down. I can tell that this book is YA because of the small plot points that feel different from Durst’s adult books. However, I loved it. The magical world that Durst creates is so unique and lovely- I wish it were real!
Find this book in: YA Witch Books / The Ultimate List of YA Fantasy Books / Fantasy Hotel Novels
Expert Tip
Fantasy Hotel Books are a very specific subgenre of book. Kirsten and I realized we had read and loved every one of these books. So whether you have a chance to go away or are looking for a book getaway, these are the perfect reads. They are fun and unputdownable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a supernatural hotel novel?
These are all books that take place in a hotel with a supernatural element.
Related Content
Epilogue
What is your favorite fantasy hotel novel?
