Celebrate Halloween with this collection of Haunted Hotels, Creepy Hostels and Spooky Castles, as revealed by Booking.com customer reviews
There are many reasons to travel: escaping the day-to-day, finding adventure or simply doing something you have never experienced before. Before the coronavirus outbreak, 58% of people considered “finding thrills and excitement” to be an important personal motivation, so once they feel safe to travel again this will likely be a similar incentive. As nights get longer and Halloween approaches, some travelers might even work up the courage to find the ultimate thrilling experience - staying the night in a haunted room.
Booking.com has delved into its more than 188 million verified guest reviews to present a collection of unique properties offering some level of paranormal activity, as revealed in reviews left by Booking.com customers. From a “classic” haunted castle to a creepy converted prison hostel, Booking.com has a range of spooktacular accommodations to fit every fright level.
While we make no promises that you won’t be spooked, travelers can rest assured that they will have a safe stay as Booking.com now ensures properties’ safety measures (such as hygiene, sanitization, physical distancing) are clearly visible on the property page. With over 14 million listings on Booking.com now having implemented health and safety measures, the platform is making it easier for everyone to experience the world, in the way that fits their needs.
HI- Ottawa Jail Hostel - Ottawa, Canada
Starting its life as Nicholas Street Gaol, this former prison in central Ottawa has since been converted into a hostel. Although some of the rooms have been renovated to meet the standard of modern-day comforts, the hostel still has the original wooden prison doors and all of the windows still have bars.
What’s more, some say that the facility still houses some of its erstwhile inmates: ghostly screams and mysterious noises are common occurrences. The most sighted apparition in Ottowa Jail is Patrick J. Whelan, an Irish tailor who was executed onsite for the alleged murder of a local politician…
“It's a unique experience to stay there! Beware of ghosts!” – Marion, France
Tulloch Castle Hotel - Dingwall, UK
Tulloch Castle is located in Dingwall, the Scottish Highlands, and was originally built in the 12th century. Now converted into a hotel, Tulloch Castle is a unique accommodation with a chilling and historic past, having even been used as a makeshift hospital after the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. Guests love taking the ghost tour, which explores the building’s many passageways and staircases, but don’t stray too far as the halls are said to be haunted by the infamous Green Lady of Tulloch.
“... had a good time with the rest looking for the ghosts and spirits in the bedrooms, who sadly were on their night off, but soon found that they had spirits also in the bar!!” – Donald, UK
This converted monastery dates back to the 12th century, and if you dare to stay here you may catch a glimpse of the mythical hooded monk, or the young green-eyed girl who has been seen wandering through the halls, according to some. You can even embark on murder mysteries or ghost tours here, or dine at the glorious medieval banquet which is held every weekend.
“The whole experience was magical and fantastic…” - Veronica, UK
Q Station - Sydney, Australia
Today, Q Station in Sydney has been converted into a Visitor Center and heritage accommodation but is still known as Australia’s most haunted spot and has been featured on TV shows and in horror movies. As well as ghost tours that explore this chilling past, Q Station also offers informative historical tours and outdoor activities such as kayaking and snorkeling.
“Saw echidnas, bandicoots and lots of GHOSTS!” – Kathleen, Australia
Hotel Paris - Florence, Italy
In a city as romantic as Florence, it is only fitting that one of the most famous ghost stories is also a love story: Bianca Capello, a Venetian noblewoman renowned for her beauty, secretly married Francesco I de’ Medici, Grand Duke of Tuscany, following a longstanding affair. However, in October 1587 the couple died under mysterious circumstances – possibly by poisoning.
Hotel Paris is a former palazzo that served as the meeting site of the two illicit lovers. Now converted into a boutique hotel, it is said that the spirit of Bianca Capello still sometimes wanders these halls, looking for her husband the Grand Duke.
“The room was big and the kids got excited reading about the ghost that the hotel claims roams the area” – Xenia, Italy
With a mission to make it easier for everyone to experience the world when it's safe to travel again, Booking.com is sharing travel offers for travelers to use when looking for chills and thrills this Halloween. Whether planning ahead or booking last-minute, local options around the corner or further afield, discounts start at 15 percent.
*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 50,688 respondents across 29 markets (1,991 from Australia, 999 from New Zealand, 1,994 from USA, 1,990 from Canada, 1,998 from Mexico, 1,989 from Colombia, 1,995 from Brazil, 1,990 from Argentina, 1,994 from Spain, 1,989 from Italy, 1,986 from France, 1,990 from UK, 1,994 from Germany, 1,988 from Netherlands, 986 from Denmark, 989 from Sweden, 1,980 from Poland, 993 from Croatia, 1,996 from Russia, 982 from Israel, 1,997 from India, 1,999 from China, 997 from Hong Kong, 1,955 from Thailand, 1,997 from Singapore, 996 from Taiwan, 1,988 from Indonesia, 1,994 from South Korea, 1,952 from Japan). In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2019.
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