The Haunted Shanley Hotel

We definitely had experiences at the Shanley Hotel. Our paranormal guide, Kim, helped us to use a dowsing rod, spirit box, EMF meter, and flashlights while investigating the hotel. It was very interesting. Something touched my friend’s head while he was walking down the stairs. I was walking behind him and it definitely wasn’t me. I think something touched me in the Bordello area, because I kept feeling like there were spiderwebs on my face. We slept in the Blue Room. The bed shook and something touched or sat on my feet at one point. In one of the rooms on the 3^rd floor (Claire’s room, I think), the air felt very heavy. I felt as though I was being weighed down, it was hard to breathe, and I didn’t feel well in that room. Joe’s room gave me the creeps, each time I went in there (day and night). None of the experiences were frightening, thankfully. Sal was a wonderful host and I really enjoyed chatting with him about the history of the hotel, etc. Kim was a wonderful guide and we were very thankful that she took the time to explain everything to us. I would definitely stay at the Shanley again.

Sal is a fantastic host and the experience at The Shanley is unique and fun. Kim was our paranormal guide and she was great as well. If you’re in the area and looking for a fun haunted excursion, I’d say that this can’t be beat. Come with an open mind and bring a flashlight (the twist-​on kind)! I’d definitely return.

The spirits are definitely in at the Shanley! The owner Sal is one of the nicest people I’ve met in a long time! He goes out of his way to make you feel at home and is very personable. We took some video and definitely saw spirits in the videos. The person who came with me was pretty much a skeptic and he left a believer. I highly recommend the Shanley hotel!

I am sorry I didn’t write this review sooner!
We have gone to the Shanley twice and had incredible experiences both times!
I can tell you this, wether you believe in spirits or not, you will leave here believing in them.
I was standing alone and had something pull my hair so hard and jerk my neck back, that I ran screaming into the street. There wasn’t anyone near me and I am 100% sure of that! It frightened me and I loved it at the same time.
We were trying to sleep at night and our sheets were pulled off of us and thrown to the ground.
Doors will slam, objects will move and chairs will rock.
I was also lucky enough to take a picture in the dark and catch a spirit in it. I will out the picture when I am done writing my review.
This was the best and most real experience of my life. It took any doubt I had in my mind away. I always knew spirits existed and this verified it all for me.
I believe the Shanley is some sort of portal that spirits cross through.
You should go and see for yourself!!! If you can get a reservation!!!

We stayed at the Shanley this past Friday night. I cannot tell you what an amazing experience it was. Sal — is THE BEST. He will become like family to you.
Honestly, if you are looking for something that you will never forget — this is definitely the place. I cannot wait to go back again.

Bedding is hardly laundered. Owner is a heavy smoker. the place smells like an ash tray. beds are creeky & uncomfortable. For the price you pay, you get generic coffee and stale day old doughnuts. across the street from a section 8 complex.
NOT worth your money if your looking for a «haunted» location–
bring your black light and check the bedding before you lie down.

I recently spent the night here with a big group of friends, as part of an organized «ghost hunt». Although I’m a confirmed skeptic, I still had a blast!
The Shanley is a beautiful old grande dame of a hotel — yes, the paint is peeling and parts of the house are still being renovated, but that only adds to its charm. It’s kitschy and overstuffed and beautiful and mysterious, with trap doors leading to a hidden basement (used to hide liquor during Prohibition), and winding wooden stairs leading up to a former bordello. And they have plenty of stories — the Shanley’s been everything from a great house, to a boarding house, so lots of people have died there, some of them violently.
Aside from an ensuite bathroom in one room, bathrooms are shared, but clean and pretty. They have ghost hunting equipment that you can use, the beds are comfy, they serve strong coffee all night long, and delicious pastries in the morning — what else could you want in a haunted hotel? Sal, the owner, is wonderfully friendly, as is the whole staff. I highly recommend that everyone go here at least once, because you’ll never have another experience quite like it! Did I see ghosts??? I had some experiences that were hard to explain, but mainly, I had fun. Go with a big group of friends, it’s more fun that way!

This place has an amazing energy!
Is it haunted? Well, that’s for you to decide. In my opinion (as an open minded skeptic) WITHOUT A DOUBT. What may surprise you is the benevolence and playfulfness of all the spirits. No bad energy to be found at all. If you go into it with a positive attitude, the spirits are (very!) receptive. It’s been a dream of mine to encounter spirits, to try to get some confirmation to the big questions of life and souls. I left with a sense of peace, feeling like I’d definitely gotten some answers.
As for the hotel itself — beautiful, historic, comfortable, welcoming. I went with a group of friends, we rented the place out. The owner, Sal, provided many snacks for us. He is charming gentleman and definitely one of the highlights was meeting him.
Another thing — Sal has hookups to spiritual mediums. I feel like having the psychics there facilitated a lot of activity. Ask Sal about Lady Nyna and Shawn Peterson if you are interested in a deeper experience. They were phenomenal. Our group was hard core and didn’t stop the investigation until well after sunrise. They stayed up with us, working the entire time.
As a diva at heart, I have to add that the bed was so comfortable and even though I am a notorious insomniac, I had some of the best sleep of my life at Shanley! But I’m a freak, so of course I would sleep better in a haunted hotel. ;)
I recommend to anyone and everyone with an open mind and kind, playful heart. Take a group of friends.
My weekend at Shanley will go down as one of the best memories of my life. Thank you Sal!

What an amazing place!!! The owner, Sal, has such a warm and inviting energy– as much as the SPIRITS! which most certainly exist and are absolutely responsive. Always remember, to go with respect and an open mind and you are sure to leave with a positive memory AND a full tummy of so many sweet treats!

The Shanley Hotel is absolutely out of this world!
First and foremost, Sal Nicosia, the owner of Shanley, is such a wonderful and welcoming and generous man, and I applaud him for the care and love he has put into keeping the Shanley up and running and putting all him time and effort into preserving this amazing piece of history. The hotel itself is so cozy and perfect, and it’s almost like a second now after just one visit.
That said, the spirits are INN! I went to visit with a group of 16 friends, both skeptics and believers alike, and we ALL had a phenomenal time. There is most definitely a lot of spirit activity at Shanley, and you understand almost immediately why they’ve chosen this as their final home. With people like Sal and his family and staff running the place, why would anybody, dead or alive, ever want to leave?
I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Shanley, if not for the ghosts, then for the warm, welcoming stay that you are sure to want to visit time and time again. I know my friends and I will absolutely be coming again soon!
THANK YOU SAL & CO FOR A WONDERFUL WEEKEND! xoxo
PS For a great place to dine, check out Gaby’s Café in the neighboring town of Ellenville, just a 10 minute drive away from Shanley.

Where should I go to be spooked out on Halloween? Why not Shanley Hotel? My friends decided to plan this crazy trip upstate to the Hudson Valley to stay the night for Halloween at this place. Wow, what an experience! It was exciting and scary at the same time. The hotel tour operators spend about 30 minutes with you, then leave you to explore for a good 2 hours. This hotel was featured on Ghost Hunters. I can’t tell you much more, but the rooms were interesting. Everything was kept really well for being such an old establishment.