Today’s Summer of Horror trope is creepy, haunted motels and hotels, and it was actually tough to find these! Of course, we have a few classics that you’re already familiar with, but I’ve managed to scare up a few others. I’ll link my reviews if I’ve read them, otherwise they are linked to Goodreads.
The Shining by Stephen King. Starting with the granddaddy of them all, The Shining is still one of the best, scariest hotel-centric horror stories I’ve ever read.
The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James. This one is fresh in my mind, since I recently reviewed it. Creepy old motel: check. Unsettling ghostly events: check. Mysterious deaths: check!
Psycho by Robert Bloch. Another great classic, I’m sure everyone is familiar with the story of creepy Norman Bates. I’m not sure I’ve ever read this book, although the movie is a favorite!
The Return by Rachel Harrison. This is Rachel Harrison’s debut, I believe, and it was very odd and creepy. The story takes place at a very weird hotel, and the characters are unpredictable. If you want to dip your toes in her books, this is a great place to start.
The Storm by Rachel Hawkins. This isn’t technically horror, but I wanted to include it since the whole dramatic story revolves around a hotel. This is a fun thriller with some great twists!
Asylum Hotel by Juliet Blackwell. An abandoned hotel perched on a sea cliff is under renovation for a relaunch, and guess what? There might be ghosts…
Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen. This book isn’t out until October, but I have it on my TBR. The story takes place in Austria at a castle-turned-hotel.
Do Not Disturb by Frieda McFadden. I’m not surprised that McFadden has tackled this horror trope! This has the perfect setting: a “broken down, isolated” motel.
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