Spooky destinations for halloween travel

thrill-seekers and ghost hunters! Halloween is the perfect time to dive into the spooky side of travel, and PlaninGo has rounded up 10 haunted hotels that’ll give you chills and thrills. From the eerie halls of The Stanley Hotel, inspired by Stephen King’s The Shining, to the ghostly whispers of Pera Palace in Istanbul, these destinations are packed with cursed legends, unexplained phenomena, and spine-tingling stories. Whether you’re drawn to the dark history of Salem’s witch trials or the mysterious specters of a Scottish manor, these haunted havens promise an unforgettable Halloween adventure. Ready to check in for a scare? Let’s explore these creepy spots together!

1. The Stanley Hotel – Estes Park, Colorado, USA

Step into the haunting legacy of The Shining at The Stanley Hotel, where eerie whispers, mysterious piano tunes, and unexplained flickers of light send chills down your spine. Nestled in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, this haunted haven has been home to numerous ghost sightings, making it the perfect Halloween getaway for the brave of heart. The Estes Park mansion reached a new level of fame and, of course, uneasiness through Stephen King’s masterpiece and its unforgettable adaptation with the timeless acting of Jack Nicholson.

PlaninGo invites you to walk the Stanley halls and grab a drink at its goated whiskey bar. Whether you’re intrigued by the cursed history or eager to experience a witching hour unlike any other, The Stanley promises a spine-tingling adventure for thrill-seekers craving a taste of the paranormal this Halloween season.

2. Salem Inn – Salem, Massachusetts

Visit the infamous town of witches and immerse yourself in the dark history of Salem. The Salem Inn, situated in the heart of one of America's most haunted towns, offers a unique opportunity to experience firsthand one of the darkest moments in American horror history. Two hundred convicted of witchcraft, 20 people hanged - and even one man pressed to death - with the youngest victim having only watched four summers go by.

However, these are delicious treats for Halloween lovers and thrill-seekers. We recommend spending a spooky night where witch trials left a cursed legacy, and it’s reported that ghosts won’t leave you alone, tugging sheets, moving furniture, and even gazing celebrity-long into the mirrors, especially in room 612.

3. Lord Milner Hotel – Matjiesfontein, South Africa

The Lord Milner Hotel isn’t just a retreat in the desert—it’s a haunted oasis with a long history of hearings that will make your arm hair rise! As a result of these controversial hearings and prosecutions, the hotel now rents beds to its permanent residents, the lingering ghosts.

No matter how clean TripAdvisor rates this hotel, no amount of cleaning can eliminate the intermittent noises that occasionally occur, often caused by the pale guests.

We recommend venturing into the haunted halls where the past seems more present than ever. Matjiesfontein is the perfect setting for those craving an otherworldly escape. As for the scenery, it’s a fresh setting, vexed and peeved, like a game in the African landscape.

4. Langham Hotel – London, England

They say Englanders are a superstitious bunch, or are they? English national cricket team will tell you otherwise: of the tails they encountered back in 2014 and the ironic liveliness of the specters and ghosts roaming the halls and venturing into the rooms of unsuspecting travelers.

The Langham Hotel in London exudes timeless elegance—but beneath the opulence lies a spooky undercurrent. Known for its eerie encounters, including a ghostly German prince, this iconic hotel is home to chilling legends that have lingered for centuries.

As fans of a good jump scare, we highly recommend giving the hotel a try. For almost 200 years, the Langahm Hotel has succeeded in providing some unlucky guests a run for their money. And who knows, you could be the next one.

5. Pera Palace Hotel – Istanbul, Turkey

Step into the shadows of Istanbul’s history at the Pera Palace Hotel, where mysteries and hauntings are as much a part of the ambiance as the lavish décor. Room 411, once occupied by Agatha Christie, remains at the center of eerie tales, making it a fitting Halloween destination for fans of spooky stories and cursed legends.

For Halloween travelers, the Pera Palace is jam-packed not only with stylish furniture and decor but also with shiver-sending stories of intelligence staff and spies who had their last meals in the Pera’s quarters.

So, if you’re unbothered by questionable glances at the front, ask for room 411 and see for yourself whether these stories are true or just made up!

6. Parador de Jaén – Jaén, Spain

Perched high above the hills of Jaén, this ancient castle-turned-hotel carries an unsettling charm that comes to life during Halloween. Legends of cursed spirits and ghostly figures abound in this medieval fortress, where guests have reported eerie encounters with a wandering apparition known as Terrible Lizard.

For those seeking a truly scary Halloween, PlaninGo invites you to explore the haunted halls of Parador de Jaén. Step into a world of dark secrets and cursed stories that echo through the night—if you can handle it.

7. Akasaka Weekly Mansion – Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo might be a bustling metropolis, but at the Akasaka Weekly Mansion, the city’s restless spirits find no rest. Known for eerie apparitions and unexplained phenomena, this budget-friendly hotel has become a hotspot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers alike. Several ghost stories have been associated with it, especially during the 1980s and 1990s. Visitors and residents of Akasaka Mansion have reported eerie occurrences, such as strange noises, cold drafts, and unexplained shadows. Some claim to have seen apparitions in hallways or rooms, adding to its reputation as a spooky and haunted spot.

PlaninGo brings you a haunted stay like no other, where the darkness lingers and whispers. Are you brave enough to spend the night in one of Tokyo’s most haunted hotels?

8. Château de Marcay – Marcay, France

Castles are meant to keep the ones who tell us harm outside, but what about those lurking within?

Deep in the heart of the French countryside lies Château de Marcay, a 15th-century castle with a cursed history. Though surrounded by lavish scenery and seemingly endless blue skies, the interiors scream of a much darker backdrop. The Château de Marcay is renowned for its ghost sightings and mysterious sounds. But that’s not all: urban myths go as far as claiming the slaying of a woman who was a werewolf on the castle grounds.

This may be your only chance to walk the ground where werewolf pawns touched the surface. Interested?

9. Bunchrew House – Inverness, Scotland

Nestled in the Scottish Highlands, Bunchrew House is the perfect spot for those looking to blend eerie supernatural history with the rugged beauty of Scotland. Kenneth, the 12th Mackenzie clan chief's wife, Isabelle, has been reputed to wander the passageways and spotted at a favorite table in the dining room by more than one.

PlaninGo invites you to experience the mystery of Scotland at Bunchrew House this Halloween. With ghostly apparitions and chilling tales to discover, this haunted manor offers a truly hauntingly beautiful setting for your eerie holiday escape.

10. Hotel El Convento – San Juan, Puerto Rico

At the top of the crop of historic settlements in Puerto Rico, the Hotel El Convento’s rich history, dating back to the 1600s, brings a spooky atmosphere to life every Halloween. Between bone-chilling swishing sounds and disappearing nun-robes, the duo screamed gold mine for local and international ghost hunters.

Let PlaninGo guide you to a haunted Halloween in the tropics, where cursed spirits and spooky stories come to life under the Caribbean moon. Don’t sleep on the possibility of checking out the rumors and the thrill of encountering the wandering souls.