My best friend is a paranormal skeptic, while I'm a believer. Now, don't get me wrong, I'll look for physical reasons why certain things might be happening; however, I don't dismiss the idea of the paranormal at all. Some things just go beyond logical explanation. My best friend and I want to go "ghost hunting" together so that we can prove our beliefs to be true to one another. And what better place to test this out than the Shanley Hotel!

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Just because you rent a room at the Shanley doesn't mean you'll be staying the night. Over the years, visitors have reported rocking chairs seen rocking on their own, mysterious clock chimes, cold and hot spots, whistling, footsteps, piano music, voices, the laughing of children - even the aromas of cooking when no food is being prepared. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at the Shanley, and report the feeling of being watched.

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The Shanley is known for being a paranormal hotel, and was featured on TV shows "Ghost Lab" and "Ghost Hunters." For those who are brave enough to explore the hotel, refreshments served during ghost hunts/investigations. That, and continental breakfast with an overnight stay.

THE TRAGEDY OF THE SHANLEY HOTEL

The current Shanley Hotel was built in 1895 after a fire destroyed the original building. A summer vacation destination for NYC-folk, it was a popular and bustling establishment. James Shanley bought the hotel in October 1906. Friends with Thomas Edison and Eleanor Roosevelt, to drop a few names, Mr. and Mrs. Shanley were esteemed 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 passed away, the hotel changed owners multiple times, before being abandoned from 1991 until 2005, when Sal Nicosia bought it and began restoring the hotel to its original glory since. An interesting note is that Mr. Shanley and Mr. Hazen were born (October 31–Halloween!) AND died on the same days, different years.

The Shanley has seen its share of tragedy. Mr. Shanley’s sister-in-law died there, leaving her children to him and his wife (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 were reported throughout the years, so it is no wonder so many spirits still linger here.

THE HAUNTED SHANLEY HOTEL PACKAGE (CATSKILLS)

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Known for its paranormal occurrences, The Shanley is no stranger to the strange. You can stay overnight in this haunted hotel, but it may be difficult to make it past the whistling, footsteps, piano music, children’s laughter, mysterious clock chimes, apparitions, and other haunts that pervade the hotel each evening. Many have seen shadows and apparitions at the Shanley, and report the feeling of being watched.

This package is priced for 2 and includes:

  •  Overnight Guest Room
  •  Public 4-hour staff led paranormal activities (8PM-12AM)
  • Free Time to hunt and explore on your own
  • Snacks, soda, bottled water, coffee
  • Continental breakfast

PRIVATE GROUP HAUNTED SHANLEY HOTEL PACKAGE (CATSKILLS)

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This package is priced for up to 7 and includes:

  •  Overnight accommodations
  •  Private 3-hour staff led paranormal activities (7PM-10PM)
  • Free Time to hunt and explore on your own
  • Use of select paranormal equipment
  • Snacks, soda, bottled water, coffee
  • Continental breakfast
  • 10% off gift shop items

Available dates and additional package details can be found on the booking link. Even if you can't make it this Halloween season, that's fine because the Shanley Hotel offers these packages year-round!

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