You’re standing in a hallway that feels miles long. The carpet is thick, the wood paneling is original polished birch, and there’s this faint, metallic scent of salt air and history that you just can’t find in a Marriott. It’s heavy. Not in a bad way, but in a "this ship carried 800,000 soldiers during WWII" kind of way. Honestly, a stay on the Queen Mary is one of those bucket-list things people do for the "gram" or the ghosts, but most people show up totally unprepared for what it actually feels like to sleep inside a 1,000-foot piece of floating metal.
It’s big. Really big.
When the RMS Queen Mary first sailed in 1936, she was the height of Art Deco luxury. Now, docked permanently in Long Beach, California, she’s a hotel. But calling it a hotel is kinda like calling the Grand Canyon a hole in the ground. It’s a time capsule. If you’re looking for a Hyatt Regency experience with USB-C ports next to the bed and lightning-fast elevators, you’re gonna be miserable. But if you want to feel like you’ve stepped back into a world of transatlantic crossings and 1930s glamour, there’s nothing else like it on the planet.
What a stay on the Queen Mary is really like (The good, the bad, and the creaky)
Let’s be real for a second. The rooms—or "staterooms," as the staff insists on calling them—are small. Unless you’re dropping serious cash on a full suite, you’re basically living in a wood-lined cabin. Most of them still have the original portholes, though they’re bolted shut for safety and climate control.
One thing people always get wrong is the bathroom situation. You’ll see these two weird knobs in the tub: one for "Fresh" and one for "Salt." Back in the day, you could actually take a heated seawater bath. They don’t pump the ocean water in anymore, obviously, but the fixtures are original. It’s super cool to look at, but keep in mind that the plumbing is nearly a century old. Sometimes the water takes a minute to get hot. Sometimes the pipes groan like a grumpy ghost. That’s just part of the charm. Or the headache, depending on how much coffee you’ve had.
💡 You might also like: Flights to Chicago O'Hare: What Most People Get Wrong
The Art Deco obsession
The Queen Mary is basically the world’s largest museum of Art Deco design. We’re talking about over 50 different types of rare wood veneers. You’ll see marquetry everywhere—intricate wood inlays that depict scenes of circus performers or mythological figures. The Main Lounge (now called the Grand Salon) is three decks high. Standing in there makes you feel tiny. It’s the kind of architecture that doesn't exist anymore because it’s too expensive to build. If you appreciate craftsmanship, you’ll spend three hours just staring at the handrails.
Food and Drink: Don't miss the Observation Bar
If you’re staying overnight, you have to spend time at the Observation Bar. It’s at the front of the ship, and it’s where the elite used to hang out. The view of the Long Beach skyline at night is incredible. They still serve classic cocktails, and honestly, the Old Fashioned there hits different when you’re surrounded by 1930s bakelite and curved glass windows.
For dinner, Chelsea Chowder House is the go-to. It’s more casual than the high-end Sir Winston’s (which is often closed for private events anyway). Get the chowder. It’s thick, it’s legit, and it feels right when you’re on a ship.
The Ghostly Elephant in the Room
We have to talk about it. Most people booking a stay on the Queen Mary are doing it because they saw a TV show about ghosts. The ship has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in America. Room B340 is the famous one. It was actually closed off for years because of "paranormal activity" complaints, but now they’ve leaned into it. You can book it. It costs more. They even provide a Ouija board and tarot cards in the room.
📖 Related: Something is wrong with my world map: Why the Earth looks so weird on paper
Does it actually feel spooky?
Honestly? Yeah. Even if you don’t believe in ghosts, the ship is full of "liminal spaces." Those long, empty corridors with the dim lighting and the low ceilings... they play tricks on your mind. The most famous spot is the First Class Swimming Pool. It’s been out of commission for decades, but people swear they see wet footprints or hear splashing.
Then there’s the engine room. It’s massive. It’s where "Door 13" is located—the spot where a young crewman named John Pedder was reportedly crushed during a routine drill. Whether you believe the stories or not, walking through the bowels of the ship at 11 PM is a vibe you won't get at the Hilton.
Survival Tips for Your Overnight Trip
If you’re going to do this, do it right. Don't just show up and wing it.
- Bring a portable fan. The HVAC system on an 80-year-old ship is... temperamental. Some rooms get stuffy. A little airflow makes a huge difference.
- Wear comfortable shoes. You are going to walk. A lot. The ship is massive, and you’ll find yourself climbing stairs and trekking from the bow to the stern multiple times a day.
- Book a tour. Staying there is cool, but you miss 80% of the history if you don't take the "Glory Days" or "Haunted Encounters" tour. The guides actually know their stuff and can point out things you’d never notice, like the original 1930s fire alarms or the secret passages used by the crew.
- Check the event calendar. The Queen Mary hosts huge events like Dark Harbor (Halloween) or ScotsFestival. If you want a quiet, historical stay, avoid these dates. If you want a party, these are the best times to go.
Parking and Logistics
Parking is a bit of a pain. It's $30+ a day, which is typical for California but still annoying. Once you’re on the ship, you’re somewhat isolated. There isn’t much within walking distance outside of the immediate dock area. If you want to explore Long Beach (like the Aquarium of the Pacific), you’ll want to take the Passport bus or a quick Uber.
👉 See also: Pic of Spain Flag: Why You Probably Have the Wrong One and What the Symbols Actually Mean
Why it actually matters
In a world where every hotel feels like a carbon copy of the last one, the Queen Mary is an outlier. It’s a survivor. It survived the Great Depression. It survived the "Grey Ghost" years of WWII when it was painted battleship grey and stripped of its finery to carry troops. It survived the transition from sea travel to jet engines.
When you spend the night, you’re supporting the preservation of a literal monument. The ship has faced huge financial hurdles and maintenance issues over the last few years. Staying there helps keep the lights on and the rust at bay.
Is it perfect? No. The Wi-Fi can be spotty. The floors aren't always level. You might hear your neighbor cough through the wall. But you’re sleeping in the same place where Winston Churchill once planned D-Day. You’re walking the same decks as Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Trip
Ready to pull the trigger? Here is how to actually execute the perfect visit:
- Check the deck plan before booking: Not all rooms are created equal. If you want a view, make sure you're booking an "outside" stateroom with a porthole. "Inside" rooms have no windows and can feel a bit claustrophobic for some.
- The "Grey Ghost" perspective: If you have time, visit the engine room early in the morning before the crowds. The scale of the turbines is mind-blowing. It gives you a real appreciation for the engineering that went into this beast.
- Dining strategy: Breakfast on the ship is pricey. If you're on a budget, grab something in Long Beach before you head over to the dock. But definitely save your splurge for a drink at the Observation Bar at sunset.
- The B340 Room: If you want the "haunted" room, book months in advance. It’s almost always sold out. If you just want to see it, you can usually walk by the door on the B-deck, though you can't go in unless you're the guest.
- Check the current status: Maintenance on a ship this old is constant. Before you book, check the official website to see which tours or areas (like the pool or the bow) might be temporarily closed for restoration.
A stay on the Queen Mary isn't just about a bed for the night. It’s about total immersion in a different era. Pack your patience for the old-school quirks, bring a camera for the Art Deco details, and maybe keep an eye out for any "guests" who haven't checked out since 1939.