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Old Haunts

The Country’s Most Haunted Hotel Rooms

If <em>The Shining</em> taught us one thing, it’s that Big Wheels are creepy. If it taught us two things, it’s that there’s something spooky about creaky old hotels. So just in time for Halloween, here are five of the country’s most notorious haunted hotel rooms. If you hear anything, we’re sure it’s just the wind.

Room 217 at the Stanley Hotel

Room 217 at the Stanley Hotel

Creepy: This is where Stephen King got the idea for The Shining, so expect creepy bears, elevators gushing blood and... outstanding service. If a stroll through the hotel’s haunted ballrooms doesn’t provide inspiration, try the TV channel that plays The Shining on a continuous loop. To be clear: it’s not a documentary.
Less Creepy: The hot stone massage in The Parlour Spa.

Stanley Hotel, 333 Wonderview Ave, Estes Park, CO, 970-577-4000

Room 525 at the Driskill Hotel

Room 525 at the Driskill Hotel

Creepy: Thanks to the “suicide brides” urban legend—two women allegedly committed suicide in the same bathroom 20 years apart to the day—the room had been closed and bricked up for years. But now, it’s open for Halloween season—you know, if you’re feeling romantic.
Less Creepy: The succulent rib eye from the hotel’s Driskill Grill.

The Morse Room at the Lizzie Borden

The Morse Room at the Lizzie Borden

Creepy: This is your typical New England B&B. Well, other than being the site of the most infamous hatchet murders in American history. In the Morse room, you’ll sleep on the very bed where one of the bodies was found. We’ll assume the sheets have since been changed.
Less Creepy: Free wi-fi.

The 14th Floor of the Hotel Monteleone

The 14th Floor of the Hotel Monteleone

Creepy: According to legend, the spirit of a lost child haunts the 14th floor (actually the 13th). Locked doors open on their own. Elevators stop at nonexistent floors. Mints mysteriously show up on pillows. Okay, that’s probably housekeeping.
Less Creepy: A perfectly delightful lukewarm rooftop pool with haunting views of the New Orleans skyline.

Suite 229 at the Hollywood Roosevelt

Suite 229 at the Hollywood Roosevelt

Creepy: Half the hotels in Los Angeles claim to be haunted by the ghost of Marilyn Monroe, but this is the only one with a view of the Tropicana Bar and Pool. Bonus: the spirit of Monty Clift is known to hold court around Room 928. And nothing is scarier than undead method actors...
Less Creepy: Martinis with reanimated cougars at Teddy’s.

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