This novel is a one of Collins's "sensation novels", with ghost story and detective story. It depicts some supernatural horrors and abnormal events happened in a modern hotel converting from an ancient palazzo.

The Haunted Hotel is a clever combination of detective and ghost story set in Venice, a city of grim waterways, dark shadows and death. The action takes place in an ancient palazzo coverted into a modern hotel that houses a grisly secret. The supernatural horror, relentless pace, tight narrative, and a doomed countess characterise and distinguish this powerful tale.

William Wilkie Collins (8 January 1824 – 23 September 1890) was an English novelist, playwright, and author of short stories. His best-known works are The Woman in White, The Moonstone, Armadale, and No Name.