AskMen.com - Haunted hotels

Have you ever heard of a ghost who plays the same, creepy tune on the piano over and over? What about a ghost who pinches the bottoms of unsuspecting guests? If you’re looking for a little paranormal activity this Halloween, then consider booking a room at one of the haunted hotels below. While many hotels and inns claim to be haunted, the ghosts lurking in these 10 places are particularly rowdy. Yes, they roam the hallways and scare the guests like most ghosts do, but they also make things levitate, ride invisible horses and buggies, and get fresh with the guests.So if you’re up for a little ghostly adventure, head to one of the hotels on this list. But do keep in mind that when you turn off the lights, you might not be alone.
Number 10
Myrtles PlantationSt. Francisville, Louisiana The ghost at Myrtles Plantation is so well-known that she even has a name: Chloe. Chloe is said to roam around the grounds of this Louisiana-based hotel, and many guests have claimed to catch her image on camera. Myrtles’ ghostly reputation has been reported in The New York Times, Forbes and on the Travel Channel. Catch one of their legendary mystery tours on Friday and Saturday evenings.Height of fright: Near the grand piano, a ghost is said to continuously play the same melody.
Number 9
Ancient Ram InnWotton-under-Edge, EnglandThe owner of the Ancient Ram Inn has come face-to-face with its ghosts: He claims to have been pulled out of bed by cold, hairy hands. His own daughter reports to have seen a creature that looked like a large black cat. But the Ancient Ram’s ghosts don’t limit themselves to haunting the owner and his family. Guests have heard strange knocking, doors slamming during the night, and have smelled some very strange odors permeating the hallways.Height of fright: Beware of the Bishops Room. Here visitors reported that their beds levitated and that winds have ripped artwork from the walls.
Number 8
Stanley HotelEstes Park, ColoradoThe hotel’s original owners -- the Stanleys -- haven’t quite accepted their demise. According to reports, a ghostly couple haunts the lobby, the billiard room and sometimes plays a tune on the piano. But there must be a few other ghosts loitering in the hotel, as there are reports of children’s voices being heard when none were around.Height of fright: Room 217 inspired Stephen King to write part of The Shining when he stayed there. Also, the entire fourth floor is said to be teeming with ghostly activity.

The Plough InnNorth Yorkshire, EnglandThe original owner as well as the maid of The Plough Inn both died in a fire back in the 1940s, but they never really left the building. According to some visitors, the maid’s spirit comes by at night to fluff their pillows. Other visitors have reported to seeing a woman in a long black dress meandering in the hallways. Some guests have even caught orbs of light on camera. Height of fright: The attic, where ghost hunters are said to have identified ghosts in 2004.
Number 6
Dalhousie Castle HotelBonnyrigg, ScotlandDalhousie Castle’s ghost is known to most visitors as The Gray Lady. According to legend, The Gray Lady is the ghost of the mistress of the house's original master. She was imprisoned in the castle by his wife and died there. The Grey Lady glides up and down the staircases, makes bizarre noises and sends out cold bursts of air.Height of fright: Steer clear of the corridors at night, where The Grey Lady is said to roam freely.
Number 5
Dragsholm Slot- HotelSealand, DenmarkThere are three regular ghosts that are said to haunt this hotel: a former maid of the hotel who comes by to check that everything is in order, the daughter of the former owner who died tragically but still wanders the hallways at night, and a prisoner who was captured there.Height of fright: The courtyard where ex-prisoner the Earl of Bothwell is reported to ride in his horse and carriage every night.
Number 4
Langham HiltonLondon, EnglandTo the unsuspecting visitor, the Langham Hilton is simply a posh London Hotel. But to many who have spent the night there, the Langham is one of England’s most haunted buildings. According to legend, a BBC announcer who was staying there awoke to see a fluorescent ball in his room change into an Edwardian gentleman. This ghost is seasonal, so head to the Langham in October to catch a glimpse of it.Height of fright: The basement, where the ghost of Napoleon III is said to have settled down for the rest of eternity. Yes, they even have ghosts in Canada...

Number 3
Ballygally Castle HotelBallygally, Northern IrelandAccording to the tale, Lady Shaw was running through the castle trying to escape her husband when she jumped out of a window and fell to her death. Clearly, she was not ready to leave the building because, to this date, she is said to loiter the premises. Another ghost named Madame Nixon also calls Ballygally her home. Guests identify Madame Nixon by the sounds of her dress rustling when she walks.Height of fright: All of the guest rooms are haunted. Lady Shaw likes to tease the guests by knocking on the doors of their rooms and running away.
Number 2
Story InnStory, IndianaThe ghosts at Story Inn go beyond the usual haunting. Yes, they roam the hallways like most ghosts do, but Story’s ghosts also have attitude: One ghost was seen fixing her nails and another is said to have pinched a guest's bottom while she was in the throes of a romantic evening.Height of fright: The Blue Lady Room, named after the blue light next to the bed -- when you turn it on the ghost appears.
Number 1
The Fairmont Algonquin ResortNew Brunswick, CanadaThe Fairmont Algonquin is not your usual seaside resort. Rebuilt in the early 1900s after being destroyed by a fire, the Fairmont has a colorful history. According to Fairmont legend, a woman apparently died of a broken heart in the hotel after she was left at the alter by her fiance. She has never quite left the Fairmont and guests have reported seeing her roam the hotel with her wedding dress still on.Height of fright: Near the elevator, where guests have reported to having been greeted by an older bellman, and the hotel does not, in fact, have a bellman that fits that description.