Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Savvy spirits, like discerning travelers, seem to prefer high-end hotels. "You really can't blame them for spending the afterlife in style, choosing comfort over cobwebs and classic fineries over creaky floors," jokes Mike Thiel, Founder and President of Hideaways International, Inc. (www.Hideaways.com). "After all, who wouldn't enjoy spending eternity in a luxe hideaway? And while ghosts enjoy the frills of a stylish hotel, ghoul-loving guests enjoy a few bump-in-the-night thrills, too."

Hideaways.com's Top 13 Haunted Hideaways

#1 The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

#2 Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ireland

#3 Hotel El Convento, Puerto Rico

#4 The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Arkansas

#5 Ballyseede Castle, Ireland

#6 Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica

#7 Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Canada

#8 Omni Royal Orleans, Louisiana

#9 The Fairmont Banff Springs, Canada

#10 Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, California

#11 The Russell Hotel, Australia

#12 The Langham Hotel, England

#13 Napa River Inn, California

"Each place is great to visit when you want to combine posh with paranormal, glam with ghoulish, and sightseeing with frightseeing," says Thiel. "So send the Ghostbusters home."



Curious about the list? Learn more about the "Ooohhh" and "Booooo" factor for each.

#1 The Stanley Hotel, Estes Park, Colorado. The "ooohhh" factor: Valley views, fine dining, elegant atmosphere, and gracious accommodations. The "booooo" factor: Here, in room #217, Stephen King reportedly began his novel, The Shining. The hotel's "Ghost and History Tour" shares its rich history of ghost stories and sightings while bringing guest right into its most haunted rooms and places, including the hotel's underground tunnel.

#2 Ballygally Castle Hotel, Co. Antrim, Ireland. The "ooohhh" factor: Irish character, charm, and a stellar location along a hauntingly beautiful stretch known as the Glens of Antrim. The "booooo" factor: According to legend, former owner Lord James Shaw took his newborn son and locked his wife in the tower. While trying to escape, Lady Isobella fell to her death from a window—she is reputed to be a "friendly" spirit who walks the corridors.

#3 Hotel El Convento, San Juan, Puerto Rico. The "ooohhh" factor: Ideal spot in the heart of Old San Juan, with stunning views of the historic downtown and San Juan's beautiful bay. The "booooo" factor: This 17th-century private home, owned by Dona Ana de Lansos y Menendez de Valdez, turned into a convent when Dona Ana's husband died and she became a nun. She lived here for the rest of her life. Guests report hearing swishing sounds like those of a nun's dress--some say she even wakes them if they've slept in!

#4 The 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa, Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The "ooohhh" factor: Nostalgic accommodations, modern amenities like a spa and a trendy bistro restaurant, and an alluring mountaintop location. The "booooo" factor: This hotel is quite popular with see-through guests, including a mysterious person in a white nightgown who appears at the foot of the bed—but only in the luxury suites. The hotel's "Ghost Tour" explores haunted hallways while looking for the many permanently checked-in spirits.

#5 Ballyseede Castle, Co. Kerry, Ireland. The "ooohhh" factor: A delicate mixture of old-world decadence (five-course dinners) and modern luxury (spacious rooms) fit for royalty—and golfers will love its proximity to several championship courses. The "booooo" factor: The ghosts of previous landlords are said to roam the long corridors, and each March 24th the castle's friendly ghost—known as Hilda—makes her return appearance.

#6 Rose Hall Great House, Jamaica. The "ooohhh" factor: A serene setting on the breathtakingly beautiful coastline and terrific touches like a state-of-the-art spa and Robert von Hagge's new White Witch golf course (where 16 of the 18 holes have spectacular views of the Caribbean). The "booooo" factor: This plantation property was owned by John Palmer and his wife Annie in 1820. Annie supposedly possessed "voodoo" powers and, during her time as the plantation's mistress, is said to have done away with John and two subsequent husbands as well as countless slave lovers. This "White Witch of Rose Hall" was found dead in her bedroom and is said to still wander the halls of the Great House.

#7 Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Ottawa, Canada. The "ooohhh" factor: In-the-center location and superb amenities, from enchanting views of Parliament to a distinctive Art Deco-style pool. The "booooo" factor: Just 12 days before the hotel's grand opening in 1912, its chairman, Charles Melville Hays, died on the Titanic. Some say Hays did indeed make it for the opening, and that his spirit still occasionally makes an appearance.

#8 Omni Royal Orleans, New Orleans, Louisiana. The "ooohhh" factor: Great style, from its 19th-century Creole flair to its heated rooftop pool with amazing views all the way to the river, and a fantastically fashionable spot. The "booooo" factor: Decades ago, with no central heat, maids warmed up guests' bedding by putting a pan filled with hot coals at the foot of the bed and tucking in the covers around the guests; this service has long since passed, but guests still report waking up to find themselves snugly tucked into their beds.

#9 The Fairmont Banff Springs, Alberta, Canada. The "ooohhh" factor: A unique blend of majestic scenery, European-style luxury, and flawless service. The "booooo" factor: The hotel is said to be haunted by bellhop Sam Macaulay, who died in 1978 after he was forced to retire. In the years since, this friendly white-haired ghost has walked the hallways and assisted guests—carrying luggage and letting those with lost keys into their rooms, then vanishing before there's time to offer a tip.

#10 Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles, California. The "ooohhh" factor: A center-stage address, an A-list clientele, and blockbuster features like the famed Tropicana Bar. The "booooo" factor: Here, and only here, would Marilyn Monroe supposedly haunt her favorite room, the poolside Suite 1200. Guests have reportedly seen the blonde bombshell looking back at them from the suite's mirror.

#11 The Russell Hotel, Sydney, Australia The "ooohhh" factor: Charmingly historic touches, caring service, and a sweet spot close to the Sydney Opera House. The "booooo" factor: The Russell's "Ghost Tours Package" shares true ghost stories told by locals in the shadows of haunted sites, narrow alleyways, and spine-chilling courtyards.

#12 The Langham Hotel, London, England. The "ooohhh" factor: Thanks to its recent £80million restoration, this Grand Hotel (the first in Europe) now offers impeccable touches along with its legendary "service with poise." The "booooo" factor: Room #333 is popular for ghost guests. In 1973, a phantom chased BBC announcer James Alexander Gordon out of the room, and in 2003, a woman abruptly checked out after reporting that her slumbers had been interrupted by a ghost who continually shook her bed during the night.

#13 Napa River Inn, Napa, California. The "ooohhh" factor: Here, old elegance meets new luxury, from claw-foot tubs to a town car that gives free rides within Napa. The "booooo" factor: The owners of the original building—a feed store in the 1800s—are said to still be in residence. Guests reportedly hear doors opening and closing by themselves, a man's footsteps in the halls, and elevators going up and down with no one inside.



About Mike Thiel

Mike Thiel founded Hideaways International™ in 1979. Over the last three decades, he has traveled the world sampling its best lodgings and travel experiences, and has become a sought-after guest on radio and television news and talk shows across the country.

To arrange an interview with Mike Thiel, contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.

About Hideaways International™

Hideaways International, Inc., which operates the Hideaways Aficionado® Club, has been seeking the best-of-kind and out-of-the-ordinary for its savvy, discerning, and well-traveled members for more than three decades. Members, who hail from around the world, range from notable celebrities, musicians, publishers, authors, captains of industry, and politicians to ordinary folks with extraordinary taste. All are part of this lively community with a passion for travel away from the madding crowds.

For more information, visit www.Hideaways.com or contact Gail Richard at 603-430-4433, ext. 112, or pr@hideaways.com.

Gail Richard

Press Contact for Hideaways International, Inc.

Hideaways International

Portsmouth, NH

603-430-4433