Luxury and horrors very rarely intersect, but Destination Luxury searched the globe for some hotels so special that you may never want to leave…literally. From The Shining‘s Overlook Hotel to A&E’s Bates Motel to the horror of 1408, there is very little that isn’t terrifying about a hotel that lashes out to the very guests. We at Destination Luxury took the initiative to find the Twilight Zone of hotels that we dare the bravest of the brave to stay in. Just don’t say we didn’t warn you.
THE STANLEY
Historic, beautiful, isolated and spooky, The Stanley Hotel was the inspiration for the Overlook Hotel in Stephen King’s hit novel The Shining. Unlike that eponymous hotel, the ghosts of the Stanley seem to be more than friendly: one of the named specters, Ms. Wilson, goes so far as to unpack your luggage for you. Just watch out for the fourth-floor toddlers or the ghostly nannies who might tuck you in at night. Sweet dreams.
HOTEL ROOSEVELT
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With such spectral stars as Marilyn Monroe, the Hotel Roosevelt might just be the literal Hotel California. Mysterious phone calls, cold spots, and spectral photographs bring in a fantastic sense of spook and spectacle at this four-star boutique hotel. As you spend time with those beyond the grave, enjoy the Cabana Suite or the Gable Lombard Penthouse, and all the luxuries of Hollywood. If you can ever checkout, that is.
ANCIENT RAM INN
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Claiming to be built on a pagan burial ground in 1145 CE, this little bed & breakfast has been so terrifying with its haunts that patrons have allegedly jumped out of windows in pure terror. Called the most “haunted B&B” by Daily Mail, this affordable and chilling tourist destination has creepy ghost kids placated by plush toys, a sex-crazed demonic incubus, and an alleged High Priestess named Rosie who hasn’t let go of her murder after almost a millennium. This isn’t your grandmum’s cheery old rest-stop.
THE MYRTLES PLANTATION
img via Tripadvisor
Advertising itself as “one of America’s most haunted homes”, this boutique Bed & Breakfast features fine dining and hot and cold running chills. Built in 1796 and holding in all that antebellum splendor these mansions are known for, it also holds all the horrors that came with it. Chloe, as the little ghost girl has been named, began appearing in 1992 in photographs taken for an insurance company and now has a nasty habit of popping up in photos and reflections around the plantation grounds.
THE MARSHALL HOUSE
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Located in Savannah, Georgia, the most “haunted city in America,” the Marshall House features five star accommodations such as wine tasting, a scenic view of the historic city, and of course, the spirits of Confederate soldiers. Used as a hospital during the Civil War, sightings of soldiers, children, and other things not of this world seemed to have taken residence in the city that never rests in peace. Plus, you’ll only be a few blocks away from such tourist destinations as the Hampton Lillibridge House, which one of the few houses in America to receive a bona fide exorcism.
THE FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS HOTEL
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Over a century old and located in scenic Alberta, Canada, this castle-like structure was supposed to be a relaxing stop for train travelers in the early 20th century. Visitors talk about seeing the Bride, who broke her neck falling down a flight of stairs after her wedding dress caught aflame. More bone-chilling, though, is the Family of 873 who were murdered in cold blood. If you can ignore the terror, you can find some beautiful skiing, indoor swimming, and some of the most beautiful views in Canada…just make sure you know where your exits are.
COPPER QUEEN HOTEL
img via westernmininghistory.com
From the Canadian tundra to the South West of America, the Copper Queen proves that creeps and haunts aren’t really picky on where they settle. This little hotel has the distinguished honor of being one of the oldest hotels in Arizona, located in the quaint town of Bisbee. Beneath the hotel’s Old West charm is the mysterious haunting of Room 411, and the ghost of Julia Lowell, a woman of the night who took her life when she was spurned by her lover. Male guests have reported hearing seductive whispering in their ears and some have seen her dancing seductively in the stairwell. Is it any wonder we don’t really recommend this as a honeymoon spot?
THE BULLOCK HOTEL
Our last little haunted spot takes us to Deadwood, South Dakota. A fitting name for such a hotel, really. When you’re not enjoying the casino or restaurant, you can enjoy this late 19th century architecture…oh, and the fact that the original owner, one Seth Bullock, never actually left his beloved establishment. Almost a century after his death in 1919, he still makes sure the employees work hard by spooking those on breaks, and others have reported whistling and photographs showing strange, inexplicable orbs of light. A perfect place to go next time someone says you’re too devoted to your job.
So, would you stay in such a haunted hotel? Let us know in the comments below.
