A Ghost Hunter's Guide to the Most Haunted Hotels & Inns in America by Terrance ZepkeMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
The eerie cover of this book sets the ghostly mood for what this book is all about. It covers over a dozen of America's hotels and inns that are said to be and/or documented to be haunted. Although this book really can't be used as any sort of travel guide for a spooky adventure to go on since the hotels and inns are not near each other and scattered all around the country, it is a great book to see if one is near where you are going.
The book is brilliantly done with only information related to the hotel or inn and its history. The way the book is set up, the name of the hotel or inn is listed with a title page so there is no mistaking what hotel or inn is being talked about. On the following page again the name is listed and many times a picture also. Then under that are some 'Fun Facts' which are just bits and pieces of information that are in some way related to that hotel or inn. An example of a fun fact (for the Stanley Hotel) is that Jim Carrey was suppose to stay at the Stanley Hotel while the movie 'Dumb and Dumber' was being filmed however he spent less than an hour in his room before checking out. He never said what happened but when he checked out he didn't even take his belongings with him and sent hotel staff to get his luggage.
Next is the 'History' section which explains the history of the building, people who owned it, even how much money it was bought for or they charged for a night's stay back in it's earlier years. Depending on the building the 'History' has different information in it including information on renovations done. All of the information in this section is interesting and useful (some with photos) in understanding the next section.
'The Hauntings' section is tied many times to the history of the building since not all of these buildings were always hotels or inns and so understanding the history of the building makes perfect sense when knowing it was once used as a hospital so that is why ghost doctors and/or nurses are seen. Even in those that were always used as hotels and inns, many of these hauntings are believed to be by early owners or in some cases by the quests or both. This section also may have photos and explains what ghosts are there or thought to be there as well as what they do to guests to scare them. (For example, if they show themselves, move things, make noises, etc.) It also states if it was investigated by groups, such as, TAPS, Ghost Hunters, and Ghost Lab, just to name a few and what the results are of their investigation are.
The last section is the 'Visitor Information' which state the contact information of the Hotel or Inn including the address and website. At the end of this section the approximate location within the state is often given (NE corner of the state) and mileage from major cities are also given, such as 373 miles from Denver, CO or 20 hours from San Antonio. TX. This section also contains information regarding if ghost investigations are allowed and if you can book any room including the most haunted room. Some of these properties you are not allowed on without a reservation and I noticed one where no person is allowed on the property at all. Others actually have 'Ghost Tours' so you don't have to stay at the hotel or inn to see it.
All the information under each property is relevant to that property and even though I won't be visiting any, I still enjoy the stories. (I only found a few typos with no format issues.) The layout is clean with no confusion as to what property is being talked about and definitely sparks an interest or at least a debate if these people really seen or felt what they did or if their is some other 'worldly' explanation for the experiences they claim to have seen or felt.
I recommend this book to all those who are interested in paranormal/ghosts stories of real properties as well as to those brave enough to reserve a room in one of these ghostly hotels or inns.
*I received a copy of this book for my unbiased review.
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