5 scary movie houses and hotels in the USA that you can actually book

Twi-hard fans can sleep in Bella’s bedroom (pouting and pining for Edward Cullen is fully encouraged), have a meal at Charlie Swan’s dining room table, and act out scenes from the movies (there are even cardboard cut-outs of Kristen Stewart and Taylor Lautner for added fun) at the Twilight Swan House. Though the series takes place in Forks, Washington, the house is located three hours south in Oregon. But if you want to stay here, be patient — even 14 years after the movie came out, the Twilight Swan House tends to book out a year in advance. // Rates start at $380 per night

If you’re a fan of The Shining, you’ve got plenty of options. Though most of Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film adaptation of Stephen King’s novel was shot on a soundstage in England, there are several hotels throughout the US with connections to the film. First up is the Timberline Lodge (rates from $220) in Mt. Hood, Oregon, where Kubrick filmed exterior shots of the movie’s Overlook Hotel. You won’t find hedge mazes or Room 237 (the site of some seriously sinister things in the movie) – the director was asked not to use the room used in the novel (217), because the hotel didn’t want to freak out future guests, so he created a room that didn’t exist. Next, head to California's The Ahwahnee (rates from $513) in Yosemite National Park, a grand lodge that inspired the Overlook Hotel’s interior sets (there’s no mistaking the red doors on the elevators). Still not enough? Visit the place that scared Stephen King into writing the book: The Stanley Hotel (rates from $319) in Estes Park, Colorado. This famously haunted property does have room 217 (the hotel’s most requested ) and offers nightly ghost tours, too.

While movie and TV adaptations of the Lizzie Borden story depict different versions of her home in Fall River, Massachusetts, it’s best to see the house (where the infamous axe murders took place in 1892) for yourself. Now a spooky B&B, The Historic Lizzie Borden House still looks much like it would have in the late 19th century, with period furnishings and artifacts from the notorious murders. If you’re too afraid to spend the night, you can take a ghost tour, which offers a glimpse of the basement (where it’s believed the murder weapon was hidden but never found). Braver souls can book the Andrew & Abby suite, the upstairs room where Abby Borden’s head was smashed to pieces. Lovely. // Rates start at $248 per night

If you’re into the spooky theme but not big on terror, go for something more PG at the LA’s Biltmore Hotel, a filming location for the original Ghostbusters. This wasn’t the grand hotel’s only cameo – the Beaux Arts-style building makes appearances in tons of other films, like Beverly Hills Cop and Cruel Intentions – but few scenes can match Peter, Ray, and Egon firing their proton packs in the hotel’s ballroom (in real life, the ornate lobby) while chasing down a mischievous ghost named Slimer. Thankfully the Full Roaming Vapor (yes, we learned a lot from those Ghostbusters) didn’t scare away guests or do any irreparable damage. The hotel is still luxurious and ready for its next close-up. // Rates start at $143 per night

One of the most terrifying horror movies of all time, the Texas Chainsaw Massacre is something you either watch with your eyes covered or can’t look away from. If you’re in the latter category (like the millions of fans who a film featuring a creepy, chainsaw-wielding killer named Leatherface become one of the most successful horror movie franchises in history), don’t miss a chance to make an overnight pit stop at the movie’s iconic “Last Chance Gas” location. Now simply called The Gas Station, the property offers four cabins, vintage gas pumps and Coke machines, a horror movie souvenir shop, and a replica of the van and pick-up truck used in the film. And did we mention the delicious barbecue brisket and sausage? Though technically not a scary movie house, we think this creepy gas station will still do a great job of getting your blood pumping. // Rates start at $129 per night