Halloween is fast approaching and sooner or later, tales about ghosts, urban legends and mythological creatures will once again resurface and bring everyone scary and exciting chills.
This year, as most Halloween gatherings are not yet possible due to social distancing, Booking.com has curated a selection of seven ghostly getaways where you can experience a Halloween to remember.
Leave behind the creaky floorboards, icy drafts and haunted hallways and opt for comfort and luxury for your Halloween stay. You don’t have to stay in a house of horrors to celebrate Halloween 2021, let your imagination run wild in these spooky destinations
Da Lat, Vietnam
While Da Lat is famous for its cool weather and floral seasons, the place is also known for historical and old colonial houses that are sometimes rumored to come with ghostly sightings. A trip to the central highlands of Dalat during Halloween wouldn’t be complete without hearing a ghost story or two from the locals about previous supernatural encounters at the railway station and old houses.
Crazy house in Da Lat
Where to stay: Nothing beats a spooky-themed getaway than a stay at the Crazy House. A popular attraction in itself, Crazy House is known for its avant garde and quirky architecture. The interiors of this one-of-a-kind place include spiral staircases, bridges and uniquely-themed rooms – one would almost feel like being transported to a mythical woodland.
Con Dao, Ba Ria – Vung Tau
Con Dao Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, is also known as a mysterious land with mysterious secrets. Visitors cannot miss a visit to the legendary tomb of Vo Thi Sau – a famous Vietnamese heroine who bravely fought during the French war in Vietnam. This spiritual place attracts night tours among adventurous travelers and pilgrims who want to pray for fortune, health and peace. Vo Thi Sau has inspired legendary stories and her tomb has become one of Con Dao’s most famous tourist spots.
Intercontinental Grand Ho Tram
Where to stay: Situated along the coastline of Ho Tram, InterContinental Grand Ho Tram provides the perfect backdrop for your next getaway. Offering one of the best golf courses in Vietnam – The Bluffs, luxurious spa service and diverse cuisine from Europe and Asia, this resort will make your stay extra special. It usually offers a variety of spooky-themed yet fun activities that promise to bring you an unforgettable Halloween holiday.
Braşov, Romania
Braşov is the home of the legendary Dracula and the historic region of Transylvania. This mysterious land is best known for its medieval towns, mountainous borders and gothic castles. Whether you think the folk legends of bloodthirsty vampires and howling werewolves are fact or fiction, Braşov is a place to consider for your Halloween festivities. You can even book a guided tour of Bran Castle to hear tales of Vlad the Impaler, thought to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s spooky ‘Count Dracula’/
Where to stay: Located in the medieval heart of Braşov, the four-star boutique Vila Katharina hotel is an architectural jewel of the 18th century. Guests can enjoy various nearby activities including a historical church tour and hiking, while the Council Square is a short walk away. The Vila Katharina oozes an elegance and sophistication from the past, yet offers guests the comfort and luxury of the present.
Paris, France
Whether you are looking for a trick or a treat, Paris can deliver it all; from extravagant Halloween displays at a nearby magical amusement park, to ghostly tours through the city of fright. The capital is full of phantoms from it’s bloody past such as Marie Antoinette to the resistance fighters of the revolution and is the perfect European city break for Halloween.
Where to stay: The 19th century building, Hôtel Brighton is situated in the heart of Paris, opposite the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens. The property is beautifully furnished with antique furniture, chandeliers and Parisian décor. Combining historical charm with modern comfort, rooms feature picturesque views of the courtyard, the Eiffel Tower or the les Tuileries Gardens.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Although a little later than traditional Halloween celebrations, Mexico is the number one destination with the famous Day of the Dead and the Sugar Skull Tradition on the first and second of November. A famous Mexican tradition, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of the departed souls returning to earth to visit their loved ones. Candles, flowers and favorite foods are presented to graveyards and travelers dress up in imaginative costumes and parade through the streets of Mexico. This colorful ritual celebrates the day of the dead and is a true celebration of life.
Where to stay: Part of the old convent of San Pablo, the hotel Casa Antonieta is one of the first buildings to be built in Oaxaca and served as a parish for the inigenous population that lived across the city. The architectural beauty of the hotel is striking, while the courtyard offers a peaceful spot to relax with a coffee. Located in the Oaxaca Historic Centre and a short walk from the cathedral, this hotel offers a luxurious stay steeped in historical culture.
Tarrytown, New York
Tarrytown is a few miles away from the infamous village of Sleepy Hollow and the legendary headless horseman. Experience haunted hayrides, gothic mansions and street parades in the ghoulish historic town of Sleepy Hollow. Top attractions include Sleepy Hollow cemetery tours, horseman’s hollow and a Historical Walking Tour of West Village in the City.
Where to stay: Set in a 19th -century Norman-style castle overlooking the Hudson River, the historic Castle Hotel & Spa is a five-star hotel offering a full-service spa and an outdoor pool complex with a hot tub. Washington Irving’s estate and other historic sites like the infamous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery are located just a short drive from the hotel. With over a hundred years of history, the Castle is undoubtedly a sumptuous escape to the enchanted era of America’s Gilded Age.
Londonderry, UK
Nobody does Halloween like Northern Ireland with the bewitching Banks of the Foyle Halloween festival. The Halloween parade is deemed the biggest in Europe, making Londonderry the ideal destination for Halloween enthusiasts. A devilish week of firework displays, street parades and mythical mayhem makes Londonderry the top UK destination for the frightening festivities.
Where to stay: The Grade B1-listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is positioned within the historic city walls of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter. Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel blends Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments and luxurious facilities, which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building. With a fitness area, restaurant, champagne and cocktail bar and a 90-person capacity ballroom, the hotel is fully equipped for a grand and luxurious stay.