ARE you curious to know some of the most popular and favourite “haunts” around the world where guest and visitors experience paranormal phenomenon like strange orbs of light, sounds of stuff happening that is not actually happening or things being moved around without anyone touching it? At least not to someone’s knowledge!

Okay, I don’t mean to freak you out, well... maybe just a little, in case you’re one of those who like a little extra chill on an already chilly night.

We shall start with “Hoshi Ryokan” a traditional Japanese inn around the area of Awzu Onsen, Komatsu, Japan. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is the oldest operating hotel in the world. Founded in 718 AD, the inn has been run by the same family for 46 generations.

Wow! How’s that for a commitment? The long history of this hotel spans 1300 years when a hot spring burst up from the ground adding to its popularity as the waters of the spring are said to have properties to cure many illnesses. Understandably, there are more stories of paranormal phenomenon going on here than anywhere else in the world. The owners say that it is not possible to make a list of all the ghosts that visit the ancient halls, but the visit of one ghost in particular is very much respected.

The ghost of Hakusan, a Japanese deity who is said to have come in the dream of one of his followers 1,300 years ago and told him about the magical spring lying at the base of the mountain on which he was meditating. The ghost is said to have said, “There you will find an underground hot spring with wondrous restorative powers. The people of the village unfortunately do not know of this good fortune. Descend the mountain and head to Awazu”.

And that is what Taicho Daishi did. He got together with the people of the village and dug out the hot spring. When the sick people got into the waters, its healing properties worked on them and since then it is a sacred, mystical place for visitors and ghosts alike.

We now land at the Provincial Hotel in New Orleans, US. Known for its paranormal activity, there have been many reports of a man in military uniform haunting certain places. A couple from Washington State related their somewhat horrifying experience with the authorities. The soldier has been known by other reports to have a preference for oldies rock station and whenever the radio is turned on, no matter what station it is tuned onto, it goes to the same station and music. A ghost hunter from Palestine said he materialised in front of him just like he was really there.

Similarly, spirit mediums have experienced his appearance many times and say that he looks like a solid person. In fact, once he tried to speak and the words when played on the EVP’s special tape said, “Please, tell Dianne I have to go”.

After saying that, the young soldier was seen to have turned and walked right through the wall of the haunted room. Another paranormal team also reported their EVP picked up the words, “I need to leave, she doesn’t love me, she loves you.” And yes, many images have been captured by paranormal investigators of his stern face and shiny medals.

We now check into London’s posh Langham Hotel. Located near the famous and regal Regent’s Park, this luxurious Victorian-style hotel too is liked by hotel guests and yes some other entities as well. Built between 1863 and 1868, many royalties have stayed here, including the Prince of Wales, Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde and other dignitaries. Most importantly, Arthur Canon Doyle wrote his Sherlock Holmes mystery, A Scandal in Bohemia and The Sign of Four, at this hotel. Oscar Wilde is said to have written his famous work, The Picture of Dorian Gray, in 1940 at this reputed hotel.

There are five ghosts that do not like to leave this lovely hotel and have been making interesting occurrences take place over the last 170 years! A silver-haired Victorian doctor is often seen here. He is said to have committed suicide here after murdering his wife!

A BBC announcer reported seeing a gentleman known as Ray Moore in a jacket and short-cropped hair. This ghost is often seen taking a morning walk across the halls and through doors in the early hours. But for those unbelieving people, ‘Room 333’ is actually recommended. It is the most haunted room in the hotel and not many have left without an interesting episode.

A BBC reporter is said to have run out of the room when a ball of light took the shape of a man and reached for him! He ran and got the concierge and they went back to the room only to find the ghost still there leaning over his bed!

We now leave for Romania to check out the interesting scenarios at the Decebal Hotel in Baile, Herculane. Due to its ghostly activity, the hotel has become quite famous as an attraction for tourists and locals alike. The popular ghost of a tall woman haunts the Herculane mountain spa and walks through the hallways. It is believed that some ancient Russian treasure was buried here 150 years ago and that is what the ghost-lady is guarding.

As reported by Victoria Iovan, the young woman who visited it with her friend: “I photographed my friend in the hotel. Back home, I was shocked to see another woman’s shadow in the picture. She looked like a priestess in long white clothes”.

Another report to the authorities came from a high school student who went there with his classmates on an adventure. They felt cold air around them and saw a white shape of a woman trying to come close. Needless to say, they ran real fast. The hotel is closed for renovation and is considered unsafe due to bad building conditions.

Last, but not the least, we invite you to the reputed, majestic and beautifully made ocean liner, The RMS Queen Mary. It is harboured on the docks now at Long Beach California after completing one thousand trips across the Atlantic. Now turned into a hotel, The Queen Mary, amongst its many luxuries, also has a “Guided Ghost Tour”, accompanied by a medium who can communicate with all the spirits that one might meet along the tour! Tickets anyone?