Fancy yourself a horror cliché? C’mon, you know who we are talking about, the people who stumble into the creepy attic/forest/abandoned house even though we are all screaming at them to run the other way? The moronic ones that seem to be oblivious to the paranormal, axe-wielding phantom that awaits them? Well… that could be you!
Kick your Halloween plans up a notch and swap the company of inebriated friends in Harley Quinn and last-minute zombie costumes, to spend October 31st with some real (if you believe in it) ghosts and ghouls. Pack your bags, purchase the best ‘found-footage’ camera and book yourself into one of these (supposedly) haunted hotels.
The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado, United States
If there was ever a hotel that optimised horror hospitality, it would probably be the notorious Stanley Hotel. Once the epitome of glamour, the hotel was falling into disarray when it was visited by a young Stephen King in the 1970’s. The hotel’s eeriness was the inspiration for his third novel, The Shining. Today, the hotel is not perturbed by its alleged haunted reputation and if anything, embraces its paranormal connections. Showing the film on loop in its hotel rooms, hosting groups of paranormal investigators and even building a replica of the maze that appeared in the film are just some of the things that fans of the classic novel and film can anticipate. Staff and previous guests, including King himself, have reported to have witnessed all the classic horror tropes, from strange bumps and laughter in the night, to flickering lights and banging doors.
Chillingham Castle, Chillingham, England
Given that Chillingham Castle dates back to 1344, when it was fully fortified, it’s no surprise that ghosts are part of its storied history. There are ghost tours available for anyone interested in getting to know more about the castle’s past (or simply want to know what could be waiting for them in the shadows. Some spooky sightings or happenings include a ghost in the pantry, voices in the chapel, ghosts in the courtyard and a ghostly presence in what was the castle’s torture chamber (go figure). For an especially chilling experience, stay in the Pink Room, said to be favoured by a ghost known as the “blue boy.” Guests of the room have reported flashes of blue light and loud, wailing noises. Delightful!
Ross Castle, County Meath, Ireland
Another haunted castle option is Ross Castle in County Meath. The story behind the most prominent paranormal presence starts with a woman named Sabina, whose father, the 12th Lord of Delvin, built the castle. She fell in love with a man named Orwin, the son of an Irish chieftain. However, because she was the daughter of an English lord, the pairing was forbidden. During an attempt to elope, Orwin drowned crossing the lake. Sabina died soon after when she refused to eat or drink following her lover’s death. Ever since, guests have noticed her restless figure roaming the castle.
Toftaholm Herrgard, Smaland, Sweden
Another love story gone array, Toftaholm Herrgard is said to be haunted by a peasant who hung himself from one of the rafters when the baron’s daughter that he fell in love with married someone else. Several guests believe they have seen the boy and others have heard a variety of strange noises during their stay. It’s not often you can stay in a hotel with both a boutique and eerie feel.
Nottingham Road Hotel, Kwazulu Natal, South Africa
Nottingham Road Hotel is situated in the charming Midlands Meander area of Kwazulu Natal, just two hours from Durban. The historic hotel is one of the most popular in the area and another spot to stay with a spooky past. Both guests and staff have reported seeing the spirit of a woman roaming the hotel and its grounds. The story goes that she threw herself to her death over the balcony outside her room after having her heart broken (I think I am starting to see a pattern here…). She has apparently taken a particular interest in room 10, but she’s not known for scaring people – more for tidying up. She’s been rumoured to straighten bed sheets and move flower arrangements. So not really the place to go if you are looking for a proper scare!
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel, Ottawa, Canada
There’s a hostel in Canada’s capital that allows you to spend the night in an authentic jail cell (albeit with free WiFi). HI Ottawa Jail Hostel is conveniently located in downtown Ottawa and, in addition to letting you sleep in the slammer, offers free breakfast. All these perks and quirks aside though, what makes this hostel stand out are the numerous ghostly encounters guests report. Our advice to those looking to stay here: sign up for the daily free tour to learn more about the history of the jail and its former inmates. Best to be forewarned as the hostel is purported to be one of the most haunted buildings in Canada.
Russell Hotel, Sydney, Australia
Russell Hotel is located in The Rocks,the oldest area of Sydney and one of the most convenient for checking out many of the city’s best known attractions. The boutique property also has a reputation for being haunted, thanks to the area’s storied and somewhat seedy past. Now a favourite location among visitors to Sydney, The Rocks was once known as a crime-filled area that attracted some shady characters as well as sailors looking for adventure in port (with many getting more than they bargained for once they found themselves in the neighbourhood’s dark alleys). One such seafarer is said to haunt the halls of the Russell Hotel, taking particular interest in room eight. Some guests have reported waking to find him staring at them from the foot of the bed.
Battery Carriage House Inn, South Carolina, United States
Located across from Charleston Harbor, the historic Battery Carriage House Inn has just 11 guestrooms and is known as one of the most romantic inns in Charleston. However, it is also reputed to be one of the most haunted. So if you like your romantic getaways with a side of the spooky, this might be the place for you. The property is said to be home to several ghosts. Over the years, many guests have reported strange and spooky sightings, all of which are well documented on the inn’s website. Rooms three, eight and 10 in particular, have been known for their paranormal presences and unexplained happenings, including a sighting of a headless torso in room eight and a congregation of ghosts in room three.
Airth Castle, Airth, Scotland
Imposing castle facade? Check. 12th century cemetery? Yep. This popular Scottish wedding venue has had many reports of ghostly sightings, including a nanny with two young children who perished in a fire and a maid who was strangled by her master. Others have heard the sound of children playing in various rooms and there is also allegedly a ghost dogs that has a tendency for biting people’s ankles in the hallway.
Akasaka Weekly Mansion, Tokyo, Japan
This is one for those who spent weeks being scared to look under the duvet after watching The Grudge. These long-stay apartments have had numerous reports of ghostly encounters, including apparitions appearing at the foot of people’s beds, a woman crawling along the floor and people feeling the sensation of hands touching them. The most terrifying account is from a woman claiming to have been dragged out of her bed and across the floor by her hair. Yikes.
- In the Halloween mood? Then check out “Trick or treat? Halloween costumes from around the world“
