Stay in New York’s scariest hotel

My best friend is a paranormal skeptic, while I am a believer. Don’t get me wrong, I look for physical reasons why certain things might happen; however, I am not opposed to the idea of ​​the paranormal at all. Some things simply defy logical explanations. My best friend and I want to go “ghost hunting” together so we can prove to each other that our beliefs are correct. And what better place to do that than the Shanley Hotel!

Just because you rent a room at Shanley doesn’t mean you’ll stay there overnight. Over the years, visitors have reported rocking chairs that rocked by themselves, mysterious bells, hot and cold spots, whistles, footsteps, piano music, voices, children’s laughter – even the smell of cooking when food isn’t being prepared. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at Shanley and reported a feeling of being watched.

The Shanley is known as a paranormal hotel and has been featured on the television shows “Ghost Lab” and “Ghost Hunters.” For those brave enough to explore the hotel, refreshments are served during the ghost hunt/investigation, and a continental breakfast is included with overnight stays.

The Tragedy of the Shanley Hotel

The current Shanley Hotel was built in 1895 after a fire destroyed the original building. As a summer vacation destination for New Yorkers, it was a popular and bustling establishment. James Shanley purchased the hotel in October 1906. Mr. and Mrs. Shanley, who were friends with Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt, to name a few, were well-loved in the community and brought elegance to the hotel.

James Shanley died in 1937 and his wife sold the hotel to Allen Hazen in 1944. After Mr. Hazen’s death, the hotel changed hands several times before being abandoned from 1991 until 2005, when Sal Nicosia purchased it and began restoring the hotel to its original glory. Interestingly, Mr. Shanley and Mr. Hazen were born (October 31st – Halloween!) AND died on the same dates in different years.

The Shanley has seen its share of tragedy. Mr. Shanley’s sister-in-law died there, leaving him and his wife with their children (who gave birth to three children, all of whom died before nine months). The hotel barber’s daughter drowned in the well on the property; rumors of murder, suicide, and other deaths have been reported over the years, so it’s no wonder so many ghosts still roam the place.

THE HAUNTED SHANLEY HOTEL PACKAGE (CATSKILLS)

Known for its paranormal occurrences, the Shanley is also known for the strange. You can stay at this haunted hotel, but it can be difficult to get past the whistles, footsteps, piano music, children’s laughter, mysterious bells, apparitions, and other hauntings that haunt the hotel every night. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at the Shanley and report feeling like they are being watched.

The price of this package is for 2 people and includes:

• Guest rooms for overnight stay
• Public 4-hour staff-led paranormal activities (8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.)
• Free time to hunt and explore on your own
• Snacks, lemonade, mineral water, coffee
• Continental breakfast

Haunted Shanley Hotel Private Group Package (Catskills)

The price of this package is for up to 7 people and includes:

• Accommodation options
• Private 3-hour staff-led paranormal activities (7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.)
• Free time to hunt and explore on your own
• Use of selected paranormal equipment
• Snacks, lemonade, mineral water, coffee
• Continental breakfast
• 10% off items in the gift shop

Please see the booking link for available dates and other package details. Even if you can’t make it this Halloween season, no problem, as the Shanley Hotel offers these packages year-round!