Haunted Hotels
Want to scare the daylight out of your groups? Consider checking in and spending the night in one of these haunted hotels, where groups could tour the grounds and hear local stories of hauntings—but there's no promise you'll all be checking out.
The Stanley Hotel
I wish we could stay here forever ... and ever ... and ever.
The Stanley Hotel, located in Estes Park, Colorado, even spooked the master of horror, Stephen King, and inspired the setting for The Shining. Stay in this hotel and participate in one of their ghost tours—one of which is a five-hour-long ghost hunt that leads guests through the hotel's most haunted spaces. Groups could see the basement rooms of The Concert Hall and the famous tunnel after dark, where Flora and F.O. Stanley are still said to be seen. | www.stanleyhotel.com
The Queen Mary
The 1930s cruise liner docked in Long Beach, California, is known as "the haunted ship" for its numerous disasters, including a split hull that left few survivors. Onboard, groups could participate in a number of tours, including a twilight historical tour, a paranormal investigation through the liner's most haunted locations, a paranormal ship walk and an opportunity to dine with the spirits.
| www.queenmary.com
The Crescent Hotel
Guests have reported strange occurrences and sightings at Crescent Hotel in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Groups could hear Ozark Mountain ghost stories around a flickering campfire and visit the morgue at midnight—all while hearing about the legendary Michael and Theodora, Ghost in the Morgue, Girl in the Mist, and the Lady in the Victorian lingerie in room 3500. (Wait. What?) | www.crescent-hotel.com
The Myrtles Plantation
Located deep in the heart of Voodoo land in St. Francisville, Louisiana, the Myrtles Plantation is believed to be one of America's most haunted houses. Over 12 ghosts are rumored to haunt the plantation, which was built circa 1796. The most famous is a former slave named Chloe, known for her green turban. The Myrtles Plantation offers guided historic and mystery tours. | www.myrtlesplantation.com
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel
If sleeping in an old jail cell isn't enough, guests claim they've heard voices, found strange orbs in their photos, been pushed, and have even seen and spoken with the bearded ghost of a former inmate—a man hanged after being convicted for murder. (Falsely, he claims). At HI Ottawa Jail Hostel in Ottawa, Ontario, groups could visit death row, the gallows inside the Old Carleton County Jail and other haunted locations while the tour guide recounts Ottawa's supernatural encounters. | www.hihostels.ca
Written by Cassie Westrate, staff writer for Groups Today.
Photo courtesy of Hostelling International—Canada - Région du Québec et de l'Ontario.
