This Haunted 180-Year-Old Upstate NY Hotel Offers Overnight Ghost Hunts — And It’s Just 2 Hours From NYC

A cozy small town escape may be tempting, but only the fearless should dare book a stay at this haunted Upstate hotel. The Shanley Hotel, one of America’s most haunted hotels , is tucked away in the modest town of Napanoch, New York, with a population of just 837. Attracting droves of paranormal enthusiasts, the bed and breakfast has welcomed thousands of guests over the years—some who have left, while others never escaped. Even our editor—an aficionado of all things ghostly and spine-chilling—had nothing but rave reviews for her experience at the hotel: > Without question, The Shanley Hotel is the most memorable place I’ve checked into . Filled with history, quirky oddities, and a rich backstory, this Catskills destination is the perfect place for paranormal fans to test the waters and dive into the supernatural. The hotel staffers guide guests through EVP sessions and other spooky activities, and I can personally attest to the fact that a soccer ball mysteriously flew across the room — without anyone kicking it! Haunted Shanley Hotel history ----------------------------- The structure debuted as the Ritch’s Hotel on Main Street back in 1845 as a vacation destination from the city. The property was sold in 1851 before being renamed as Hungerford’s Hotel. Over the course of the next 44 years, the hotel had changed ownership numerous times before a fire burned it to the ground in 1985. Adolph Wagner, the landlord at the time, rebuilt and reopened the hotel within the same year. It wasn’t officially named the Shanley Hotel until 1906 when James Shanley, an Irish immigrant, purchased it in 1906. Over the hotel’s time in James’ control, it operated as a speakeasy, hosted esteemed guests like Eleanor Roosevelt, and caught fire , yet again. It was during those years that much tragedy occurred around and within the hotel walls. James’ wife, Beatrice, had dreams of a big family and birthed three children, all of whom passed before reaching one years old. Later on, Beatrice’s own sister, Esther, had died from influenza, leaving Beatrice to raise her two nieces. The in-hotel barber’s daughter, “Rosie” Greger, drowned in a well across from the hotel and a doctor’s son was ran over by his own father in an alley between the hotel and the doctor’s home. By 1991 the hotel shut down and remained abandoned for more than a decade . The Shanley Hotel only reopened in 2007, experiencing another closure from 2017 to 2018, before undergoing its current management today. Paranormal investigations at the Shanley Hotel ---------------------------------------------- Nowadays, guests of the Shanley Hotel can go ghost hunting to try and connect with a grieving Beatrice, or hear from a whispering Rosie in the hallways. ### Private investigations The Shanley Hotel is available for private hire. Here’s whats included in a private investigation: * A brief history of the hotel from a staff member * A staff-led investigation from 7pm to 10pm (if requested) * Free time to explore dedicated areas and haunted rooms * Free use of various paranormal equipment * Overnight accommodation ### Non-sleepover paranormal mini investigations The Shanley Hotel’s non-sleepover paranormal mini investigations give visitors a chance to explore the ghosts of the hotel without having to spend the night. The mini investigation includes: * A brief history and evidence of the hotel’s hauntings * Paranormal 101 crash course * A staff-led paranormal investigation with various paranormal equipment ### Paranormal team night investigations This option is public and only available for experienced investigators. * 25-minute history presentation and evidence review * Investigators will be on their own to explore dedicated areas from 7pm – 11pm (paranormal equipment not provided) * Souvenir Shanley water bottle Public ghost hunts at the Shanley Hotel --------------------------------------- In addition to the investigations, the hotel also offers monthly public ghosts hunt —perfect if you’re looking for something hair-raising to do this fall. The public ghost hunts include: * A history review * A staff-led paranormal investigation * Psychic mediumship gallery (when psychic is available) * Dowsing rods and pendulum sessions (upon request) * One question group tarot card readings (when available) * Human pendulum (when available) * Free time to explore designated areas available upon completion of the staff-led investigation Learn more about the haunted Shanley Hotel and how to book one of its paranormal experiences on its website. It’s even a stop on the Haunted History Trail of New York State! Source: https://secretnyc.co/the-haunted-shanley-hotel-catskills-ny/