Halloween is coming — time to scare the bejesus out your attendees at haunted hotspots around the country
Halloween is coming and what could be more memorable than an event with a touch of the paranormal? Haunted hotels and venues offer a unique backdrop for gatherings, adding an element of intrigue and excitement that’s hard to replicate. If you’re brave enough to venture into the realm of the spectral, here are some tips for planning a truly unforgettable “haunted” event venues along with a listing of some haunted venues in the United States.
Embracing the Eerie
With careful planning and a touch of creativity, you can create a truly memorable and spine-tingling event that your guests will be talking about for years to come. Just be sure to keep your wits about you and your camera ready – you never know who (or what) might make an appearance! Here’s how to do it right.
Choose the Right Venue: Research hotels and event spaces with documented paranormal activity and intriguing ghost stories. Look for venues that embrace their spooky reputation and offer unique features like historic architecture, hidden passageways, or even on-site ghost tours.
Set the Scene: Transform your event space into a haven for happy haunts. Decorate with cobwebs, flickering candles, and vintage portraits with eerie eyes that seem to follow you. Dim the lights, play eerie music, and serve spooky-themed cocktails to set the mood.
Weave in Local Legends: Share chilling tales of the venue’s resident ghosts or local legends to add to the atmosphere. You can even create custom-designed place cards with the names of famous spirits associated with the location.
Ghostly Guests: Encourage attendees to embrace the theme by coming in costume. A Halloween-themed party or a “dead celebrities” gala can add an extra layer of fun and interaction.
Paranormal Investigations: For a truly immersive experience, hire paranormal investigators to lead a ghost hunt during your event. Guests can use EMF readers, EVP recorders, and other ghost-hunting tools to try to communicate with the other side.
Ghost Tours: Arrange a guided tour of the venue, highlighting its haunted history and spooky spots. If possible, invite a local historian or paranormal expert to lead the tour and share fascinating insights.
Set Expectations: Be upfront about the venue’s reputation and any planned activities so guests can come prepared. You can even include a disclaimer on the invitation, like “Beware of friendly ghosts!”
Respectful Curiosity:
Capture the Memories: Encourage guests to document their experience with photos and videos. You never know what (or who) might appear in the background! Set up a designated photo booth with spooky props for fun, shareable moments.
Be Respectful: While embracing the spooky theme is fun, remember to approach the stories and potential paranormal activity with respect and sensitivity. Avoid sensationalizing or mocking the history of the venue or the experiences of those who have reported encounters.
Hunt Ghosts Coast to Coast
There are many hotels and event venues known for their ghostly reputations. Here are some good options in several cities around the country.
Northeast — New York City
New York City, with its long history, has its fair share of hotels and venues rumored to be haunted. Here are some of the most notable, perfect for an event with a chilling twist:
The Algonquin Hotel: This historic hotel in Times Square is said to be haunted by the ghosts of literary giants like Dorothy Parker and members of the Algonquin Round Table. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and hearing unexplained noises. The Algonquin offers several elegant event spaces, including the famous Round Table Room, where you can practically feel the presence of literary spirits.
The Hotel Chelsea: A legendary landmark with a rock-and-roll past, the Hotel Chelsea has a long list of famous residents, some of whom are said to still linger. Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen’s tragic story is forever linked to the hotel, and guests have reported ghostly encounters. The hotel boasts unique event spaces with vintage charm, perfect for a gathering with a touch of the macabre.
The Bowery Hotel: This trendy hotel in the East Village is rumored to be haunted by several spirits, including a mischievous little girl who likes to play pranks on guests. The Bowery Terrace, with its retractable roof and city views, could make for a glamorous yet spooky event setting.
The Plaza Hotel: This iconic hotel has had its share of ghostly sightings, including the apparition of a woman in a white dress.
The Waldorf Astoria: Rumored to be haunted by a former resident, Cole Porter, who supposedly plays the piano in the wee hours.
The Merchant’s House Museum: This historic house museum in Greenwich Village is considered one of the most haunted places in NYC. It was home to the Tredwell family for nearly a century, and many believe their spirits still reside there. The museum offers evening tours and can be rented for private events, providing a truly unique and eerie atmosphere.
Southeast — Atlanta
Atlanta has a rich history, and with that comes a few spots with spooky reputations! Here are some of the top hotels or event venues in Atlanta rumored to be haunted, perfect for adding a chilling touch to your next gathering:
The Fox Theatre: This iconic landmark is a favorite for events and performances, but it’s also known for its resident ghosts. Staff and guests have reported seeing apparitions, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling cold spots. The most famous ghost is said to be an old organist who still plays his favorite tunes after hours.
The Georgian Terrace Hotel: This historic hotel has hosted many famous guests, including President Calvin Coolidge and F. Scott Fitzgerald. It’s also rumored to be haunted by a former employee who tragically fell down an elevator shaft. Guests have reported seeing her apparition and experiencing strange occurrences in the elevators.
Rhodes Hall: This grand mansion, known as “the castle on Peachtree,” is a popular wedding venue, but it also has a spooky side. The ghost of the original owner’s wife is said to roam the halls, playing with the lights and making her presence known.
The Wren’s Nest: This historic house museum was once home to Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus tales. Visitors and staff have reported encountering the ghosts of Harris and his family, as well as hearing unexplained noises and feeling cold spots.
Stonehurst Place Bed and Breakfast: This elegant mansion offers a luxurious stay, but it also has a few ghostly residents. Guests have reported seeing apparitions and experiencing strange phenomena, particularly in the attic and the library.
Midwest — Chicago
Chicago, with its rich history and dramatic past, has its fair share of spooky tales and haunted locations. If you’re looking to add a chilling touch to your next event, consider these venues with a reputation for paranormal activity:
The Congress Plaza Hotel: Often dubbed “Chicago’s most haunted hotel,” the Congress Plaza boasts a long list of ghost stories and reported sightings. Guests and staff have described encounters with a “woman in white,” a mischievous little boy on the 12th floor, and even the lingering presence of Al Capone. Its grand ballroom and historic architecture make for an eerie yet elegant event setting.
The Drake Hotel: This iconic hotel on the Magnificent Mile is rumored to be haunted by a “woman in red,” often seen on the 10th floor. The Drake’s Gold Coast Ballroom and Palm Court provide opulent spaces for events, with a side of spooky history.
The Allerton Hotel: Located in the heart of the Gold Coast, the Allerton Hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who jumped from the roof in the 1940s. Its Tip Top Tap ballroom and rooftop bar offer stunning city views, along with a potential ghostly encounter.
Event Venues:
The Red Lion Pub: This English-style pub in Lincoln Park is known for its cozy atmosphere and resident ghost, a former bartender who supposedly still lingers around the bar. It’s a great option for a casual gathering with a spooky twist.
Southwest — Houston
Houston has its share of history, and with that comes a few places with lingering… presences. Here are some hotels and event venues with a reputation for being haunted, perfect for adding a chilling touch to your gathering:
Hotel Icon: Formerly the Union National Bank building, this hotel is said to be haunted by a “Man in a Brown Suit” who appears on the 10th floor and sometimes jumps from the window (don’t worry, he disappears before hitting the ground!). Guests have also reported unexplained noises and smells. The hotel has various meeting rooms and event spaces, including a grand ballroom, where you might encounter some unexpected guests.
Sam Houston Hotel: Named after the famous Texan figure, this hotel is said to be haunted by Sam Houston himself. Guests have reported seeing his apparition in the lobby and feeling his presence in certain rooms. The hotel offers several event spaces, including a rooftop terrace with city views, where you might just catch a glimpse of the ghostly general.
La Carafe: Houston’s oldest building, this bar is said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including a woman in white and a bartender who died on the premises. Guests have reported seeing apparitions, feeling cold spots, and hearing unexplained noises. While primarily a bar, La Carafe offers a unique and intimate setting for small gatherings with a spooky twist.
West — Los Angeles
West
Los Angeles is indeed known for its share of haunted locales. Here are some of the top hotels and event venues with chilling reputations.
The Hollywood Roosevelt: This iconic hotel, where the first Academy Awards were held, is rumored to be haunted by Marilyn Monroe (who lived there), Montgomery Clift, and other spirits. Its Blossom Ballroom is a popular event space with a glamorous, possibly ghostly, touch.
The Millennium Biltmore Hotel: A historic landmark, the Biltmore has hosted numerous celebrities and presidents. Guests and staff have reported apparitions, strange noises, and cold spots, particularly on the 10th floor and in the Music Room. This grand hotel offers several elegant event spaces.
The Chateau Marmont: This legendary hotel in West Hollywood has a long history of Hollywood scandals and tragedies. It’s said to be haunted by various figures, including John Belushi (who died there) and the ghost of a little girl. The Chateau offers unique event spaces like the garden terrace and the penthouse.
The Queen Mary: Permanently docked in Long Beach, this historic ocean liner is a popular event venue with a reputation for paranormal activity. Guests have reported sightings of ghostly passengers and crew members, unexplained noises, and cold spots throughout the ship.
Hollywood Forever Cemetery: This cemetery is the final resting place of numerous Hollywood legends and offers unique event spaces like the Masonic Lodge. While not a hotel, it’s known for its spooky atmosphere and occasional ghost sightings.
Any thoughts, opinions, or news? Please share them with me at vince@meetingsevents.com.
