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Horror hotels Weekend Destinations Thrill-seekers can hare their way ❛❛ around❛❛ above fellow shoppers on not for the roller coasters and zip lines from the Saturday, October 26, 2019 faint-hearted silver screen Saturday, October 26, 2019 Saturday, With the spookiest time of year fast approaching, As the nights draw in and October 31 approaches, international currency and payments specialist – hotel experts Guestline count down four hotels Caxton – reveals the top four freakiest and most that all have one thing in common, they share the ghoulish destinations in the world. This list attracts hallowed halls of horror cinema. scare-seeking tourists every Halloween; would you You can forget Psycho and The Bates Motel; these Weekend Weekend be brave enough to visit? are all real-life hotels that you can actually book, CHERNOBYL: UKRAINE The catastrophe that shook The real taste of America something of a rarity with many flms sets for horror the world in 1986 is still as harrowing for audiences based in the warehouse of a big-name production today. The explosive meltdown during an extreme company. power spike caused more than 350,000 people to Find out where these horror hotels reside and how be evacuated from radiation-contaminated areas of MINNEAPOLIS deep you’ll have to reach into your pockets to stay Ukraine, Russia and Belarus. Today, Chernobyl is there. a mere a ghost town with only a few thousands of By Rory Smith 1. Timberline Lodge, Oregon individuals brave enough to continue to live in the Movie: The Shining (1980) IMDB rating: 8.4 affected areas, which are still permeated with high levels The Shining is noted of radiation. It has only been deemed safe for public hile I’m sure a real taste of for being one of the visits since 2011, yet within the last eight years this America could be had in most effective chillers of spooky, desolate landscape has been drawing people all time, and Timberline to Ukraine from all over the world. The most common any one of its 50 states, I’m W Lodge in Oregon is symbol of the disaster is the abandoned Pripyat struggling to think of a reason why best remembered for amusement park, which includes a skeletal, empty the memorable exterior Ferris wheel and ghostly, untouched bumper cars. Minnesota wouldn’t be at the top of even the most prolifc traveller’s shots that feature DRACULA’S CASTLE: TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA towards the flm’s snow- Dracula has gone down in history as a trailblazing, recommendation list. driven climax and still horror-infuencing villain. The legend of ‘Vlad the As I was constantly reminded, with the draw of New looks much the same Impaler’ or Dracula, frst gained popularity in German York, California and Florida, “Minneapolis probably isn’t today. speaking countries during the frst place you’d think to visit when crossing the Based within a ski resort this location is one of the the 1400s, when stories of pond”. most beautiful areas for not just people heading on a his wickedness began to But this alone strikes as the ideal reason to take winter sports holiday but one of the most ideal sites in spread. This story has led advantage of the truly beautiful landscape and adventures the world for commercial photography. to many representations the City of Lakes has to offer. Target Field, home of the Minnesota Twins Don’t forget to bring your camera if you want to of this character Away from the dawdling tourists and clusters of people stay in one of these cosy lodges, which don’t quite throughout history, most spread throughout the hotspots of the country, along with mirror the terrifying atmosphere in The Shining. famously portrayed in St. Paul, the Twin Cities provide a place to unwind without Bed & Breakfast: £227.23 (Per night) Bram Stoker’s Dracula. fear of becoming just one in a cluster yourself. Website: www.timberlinelodge.com Bran Castle, otherwise The two cities provide an abundance of indoor and Image provided by Timberline Lodge, Oregon known as Castle Dracula, outdoor activities enriched with local and national culture is based in Transylvania, including food, industrial heritage, sport and music. 2. Millennium Biltmore, Los Angeles Romania and now offers Across the world locations can call themselves the Movie: Ghostbusters (1984) IMDB ranking: 7.8 Halloween tours of the birthplace of a prince, but only one can boast the Serving up laughs and scares in equal measure, region. These tours birthplace of THE Prince. Ghostbusters was the top grossing movie of 1984 Paisley Park, the manor home of Prince Rogers Nelson, allow Halloween fans to visit the Snagov Monastery, The Minnehaha Falls and numerous scenes took place at the 4-star Poienari Castle and Dracula’s castle in Borgo pass. It along with the world-renowned First Avenue music venue Millennium Biltmore in Los Angeles (renamed the also provides an after dark, special Halloween party in where countless acts have paved their way, provide the Sedgewick Hotel in the movie). the biggest medieval castle in Romania, Hunyad Castle. perfect spots for music afcionados looking to scratch that Today, the hotel remains largely unchanged and Bloody Marys anyone? itch, or visitors simply wanting to delve into the musical proudly claims to have hosted no less than nine culture of Minneapolis. U.S presidents. A night in the upscale two-storey HOIA BACIU FOREST: CLUJ-NAPOCA, ROMANIA Tales of the multi-instrumentalist were echoed Presidential Suite will set you back close to £1,800, A truly terrifying forest in Romania, the Hoia Baciu throughout the Twin Cities and stories of residents which is immaculately clean with not a spot of forest is infltrated with paranormal activity and boasts frequently catching the icon playing with up-and-coming Minneapolis provides an abundance of indoor and outdoor activities enriched with local and national culture including food, industrial heritage, sport and music An aquarium inside the Mall of America Mall of America ectoplasm in sight. Who you gonna call if you need a a number of reasons to include it on our Halloween- musicians at the back of a dive-bar’s stage further pushed midnight snack? Why, room service of course. numerous navigational computers could be the ideal place of natural beauty, while Lake Harriet Bandshell Park inspired destinations. Mother nature isn’t as graceful the overall warm, friendly and down-to-earth feeling that to Minneapolis will cater for the pallets of both fast-food two more in the equally homely Hyatt Regency in Bed and breakfast: £241.46 (Per night) place to spend a few rainy hours, day, or even a week. allowed visitors to take to the water via boat. FACT BOX in Hoia Baciu, as an unusual feature of the forest is the surrounded the people of Minnesota. lovers and those looking for a real taste of locally foraged Bloomington, just a short trip from the Mall of America. Website: www.millenniumhotels.com/ abnormally shaped trees, which grow out of the ground Minneapolis is home to the Mall of America. Located Thrill-seekers can hare their way around above fellow Food, food and a lot more food. dishes. Both were a pleasure to stay at with friendly staff looking ● Aer Lingus fies daily to Minneapolis-St Paul, at hook-shaped angles. Though, the aspect that attracts in the city of Bloomington, it is the largest shopping and shoppers on roller coasters and zip lines, gamers can While it comes as no surprise that a trip to the states Currently home to the best performing baseball team in to help in any way they could. via Dublin, from 14 UK regional airports, including most horror-hungry individuals is the photo taken in entertainment centre in the United States and proves to marvel over the very latest in virtual reality, foodies can will involve consuming at least twice your bodyweight in the USA, Target Field was an impressive spectacle that is Flying with Aer Lingus was as quick and painless as air Birmingham. Fares start from £229 each way. 3. Bauer Hotel, Venice 1968 by a military technician, which seemingly showed be the number-one tourist attraction in the whole of the nourish on everything imaginable, fashionistas can deep fried cheese curds, deep fried gherkins and even without a doubt worth a visit. travel can be. Movie: Don’t Look Now (1973) IMDB ranking: 7.3 an UFO-like object hovering above the forest. Other Midwest, attracting more than 40 million visitors each browse the latest trends from worldwide brands and with deep fried green beans – all of which are surprisingly The Minnesota Twins put on a fne performance in an With the airliner’s newly opened service to ● A stay for two adults at the four-star Loews Boasting some of the most disturbing imagery tourists claim to see the ghost of a young girl that went year. golf courses and other activities around every corner, delicious – make no mistake in thinking cuisine is given a equally fne stadium. Minneapolis-St. Paul marking the start of its 16th Minneapolis Hotel starts from £115.07 for one night to ever grace the silver screen, Don’t Look Now is missing in the forest years ago, whilst others say that Spanning 4.2 million sq ft, the mall houses more than sports people can enjoy what’s on offer. The mall has back-seat role in Minnesota’s four-wheel drive. The 40,000-seater provided more than just a place to transatlantic destination, the gateway to Midwest America in a Superior King room, excluding taxes and fees. the kind of flm that will make your skin crawl for they can hear the wind talking to them. This one isn’t for 520 stores, 50 restaurants, a number of nightclubs, hotels everything. Whether it be tucking into the infamous Juicy Lucy, watch sport, but the opportunity for a family trip with great has never been more open. A stay for two adults at the four-star Hyatt Regency weeks. Multiple shots were flmed in the nearby Hotel the faint-hearted. and North America’s largest indoor theme park. With countless waterfalls, lakes and parks winning a jaw-dropping cheese-injected beef burger that bursts food and drink. Long-haul fights can seem daunting but a comfortable Bloomington Hotel starts from £91.97 for one night in a Gabrielli, however, the notorious love scene between While I can’t say I had time to pop into every shop, awards for the state year-on-year, it really is a case of take open upon the frst bite, or fne-dining in top restaurants A night was spent in the luxurious Loews Hotel located fight was augmented by the best airliner food I have ever King Bed room. actors Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie took EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY: PHILADELPHIA the state-of-the-art mall with its own reception desk and your pick. The Minnehaha Falls was an idyllic, impressive serving local foods, you can rest assured knowing a trip opposite First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis, before tasted. place in the Bauer Hotel. Abandoned prisons are the pinnacle of all Halloween- Of course, the décor in the fve-star Bauer has inspired locations, however, the Eastern State been updated since the ‘70s, however, the distinctive Penitentiary in Philadelphia is particularly horrifc. The gold trim used on the bed frame in the movie and the castle-like prison was built in 1829 and is renowned can be joined in the day and at night. Once you’re inside served in the banqueting hall, it’s a great experience. deluxe vintage style remains in many of the hotel’s for taking solitary confnement to an all-new level. the darkness of the castle walls, it could be any time of And the entertainment continues while you eat, rooms to this day. In the heart of Venice this classic Inmates were forced to live alone, exercise alone, and Haunted happenings at Warwick Castle day outside, and visitors are dragged screaming into with sword fghts between knights, making the whole décor hotel with luscious spa facilities might just been sleep alone; when a the gruesome past of the castle with characters like experience unforgettable, especially for the younger the spooky weekend getaway you need. prisoner left his cell, the torturer, the executioner and the judge bringing the guests. Bed and breakfast: £526.34 (Per night) a guard would cover It’s October half term, it’s rainy and cold and How about a trip back in time where your little junior ghost hunt, experiences made all the more fun by legends to life. A fnal spooky story, with extra special By Sally-Anne Youll Website: www.bauervenezia.com/en/ his head with a hood you’re fast running out of ideas to keep the kids monsters can stay in a Knight’s lodge, see real-life sword the hosts who dress up and get into character to make effects, fnishes off the experience, leaving visitors entertained. fghts, delve into dungeons, stir up a few spells with the experience all the more authentic. emerging into the daylight with an undeniable sense of to prevent him seeing 4. The Headland Hotel, Cornwall So how do you stop the school holiday boredom friendly witches and search for spooks within the walls There are tours around the castle itself, some with a unease. FACT BOX or being seen. The Movie: The Witches (1990) IMDB ranking: 6.8 seeping in? of a genuine ancient castle? ghost theme, revealing some of the spooky encounters As Melissa Paniccia, head of history at the castle, says: When: The Haunted Castle runs until November 3 What’s New: prison had to abandon The Headland hotel has welcomed many its solitary system If this sounds perfect, you should look no further reported by staff and stories surrounding some of the “With fearsomely fun attractions for all ages ranging from This year there are three new attractions at the Castle, the Junior than Warwick Castle where boredom is well and truly long-gone occupants. Wicked Witches to the dead come back to life, Halloween Ghost Hunt, Paranormal Encounters and Dead of Knight scare celebrities and Royals over the years, including due to overcrowding, maze. The Castle Dungeon also enjoys a new Halloween twist to regular customers Charles, Prince of Wales, and though the forms of banished and there is plenty to keep kids of all ages, After dark, things take a turn for the scarier, with the is one of the most evocative times for the castle that the show with an eerie new story in the fnal room. Day Prices: and adults, entertained for days. The Haunted Castle costs from £20 per person for daytime Camilla Parker Bowles, Duchess of Cornwall. punishment did not get new Dead of Knight experience being well worth a visit bristles with the energy of those who’ve lived – and died – Warwick Castle has been turned into The Haunted for slightly older children and those adults who love to entrance and from £15 per person for evening entrance (5pm Author Roald Dahl was famous for his deliciously any less severe (for here over the centuries.” to 10pm from 24th-31st October only). Ticket prices are based Castle for the halloween period, adding extra thrills, be scared out of their wits. dark children’s books and The Witches, which was example, chaining an If terror and gore are not your cup of tea, all the usual on advance booking, minimum fve days in advance. Some scares and surprises for visitors. With more of the castle’s talented cast of actors turned into a feature flm in 1990’s. Most of the flm’s inmate’s tongue to his activities are on offer, such as Falconer’s Quest and attractions incur an additional charge (the Castle Dungeon). This year there are three new attractions, and they and staff taking up roles as zombies, blood-splattered Tickets including the Castle Dungeon experience cost from £25 action played out at The Headland Hotel in Cornwall. wrists) before it closed archery and, of course, walks around the wonderful castle are helpfully divided into three fear-factor levels – Plucky servants and more, those who venture into the gloomy per person. Spend the ‘knight’: Treat the family to a spooky Perched on a clifftop with dramatic ocean views, for good in 1970. walls and grounds. sleepover in the medieval-themed Knight’s Village in the Pumpkins, Daring Dukes and Brave Knights. corridor are in for a terrifying experience. this decadent retreat is a spot of serenity by the sea. Interestingly, the infamous Al Capone was incarcerated With so much to do, a second day is often needed, and castle grounds. Halloween stays in lodges set in the riverside By day, the castle is brought to life with the Dead The actors jump out at every turn against a backdrop woodland start from £80.50 per person per night including With full spa services, the Headland hotel in Cornwall here. The spooky site now welcomes thousands of the castle now offers the chance to stay overnight in the Centre Stage, with characters in costume telling stories, of screams and moans. breakfast, car parking and two full days to enjoy The Haunted is a great weekend escape for any couple or family. thrill-seekers every year, both for its museum and ghost Knight’s Village. Castle. Accommodation in a Woodland Lodge in the Knight’s getting everyone well and truly into the spirit of the We loved it and emerged shaken, but laughing at our Much more relaxing than the witches might have let tours. There are a number of paranormal happenings A complex of wooden lodges set amongst the trees Village at Warwick Castle starts from £62 per person per night occasion. reaction to some of the frights. along the banks of the river offer a cosy end to the frst based on a family of four sharing a Woodland Lodge. Rates are on. that have been reported, including shadowy fgures, subject to availability. Youngsters can visit the witches tower, or go on a The dungeon tour is another must-do highlight and day. With evenings meals and a hearty buffet breakfast Bed and breakfast: £170 (Per night) disembodied laughter and footsteps that pace through Website: www.headlandhotel.co.uk the corridors.