Brave souls who want to immerse themselves in spooky surroundings this Halloween needn't forego luxury in search of a fright.
In recent years ghost hunting has had a renaissance, spurned on by iconic television shows such as Celebrity Ghost Stories, Creepy Canada and, of course, I'm Famous and Frightened!
The TV genre has encouraged amateur enthusiasts to spend their annual leave days poking around abandoned buildings and forgotten cellars in search of a paranormal encounter.
While the thrill of being somewhere with a touch of the terrors about it is obvious, horror hunting often comes with the downside of discomfort.
Unfortunately most abandoned mansions and disused meat packing plants are poorly decorated and free from most modern comforts.
Filling a gap in the market, Booking.com has compiled a list of luxurious stays in historically haunted areas that are perfect for spook searches who don't like to slum it.
Braşov, Romania
Braşov is the home of the legendary Dracula and the historic region of Transylvania - a mysterious land best known for its medieval towns, mountainous borders and gothic castles.
Whether you think the folk legends of bloodthirsty vampires and howling werewolves are fact or fiction, Braşov is a place to consider for your Halloween festivities.
You can even book a guided tour of Bran Castle to hear tales of Vlad the Impaler, thought to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's spooky 'Count Dracula'.
If you don't manage to spot any cape-wearing undead, you may be able to see a brown bear running through the area's bountiful woodland, as Romanian is home to 60% of Europe's population.
Where to stay: Located in the medieval heart of Braşov, the four-star boutique Vila Katharina hotel is an architectural jewel of the 18th century with plenty of velveteen, wood panelled charm.
Guests can enjoy various nearby activities including a historical church tour and hiking, while the Council Square is a short walk away.
New Orleans, USA
New Orleans, known for its eccentric carnival celebrations, does not disappoint when it comes to Halloween, second in the city's calendar only to Mardi Gras.
The city is known for its eerie Voodoo history, atrocities committed in the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, secret brothels with horrible histories, and graveyards teeming with stories of the undead.
New Orleans's many ghost tours trace the bloody steps of infamous crimes and delve into the eerie cemeteries that earn the city the moniker City of the Dead.
You can experience guided ghost tours, voodoo shops and street parties such as the famous Krewe of Boo.
Where to stay: Hotel Peter and Paul is a former 19th century schoolhouse, rectory, church and convent restored and repurposed as a unique hotel.
Only a short distance from St Louis Cemetery No 1 and based in the heart of the city, each building of the hotel has its own narrative, ensuring that no two rooms are exactly the same.
There is also a fantastic terrace, offering a truly authentic New Orleans experience.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Although held a little later than traditional Halloween celebrations, Mexico Day of the Dead and the Sugar Skull Tradition on the first and second of November are iconic occasions for undead enthusiasts.
A famous Mexican tradition, the Day of the Dead is a celebration of the departed souls returning to earth to visit their loved ones.
Candles, flowers, and favourite foods are presented to graveyards and travellers dress up in imaginative costumes and parade through the streets of Mexico.
Where to stay: Part of the old convent of San Pablo, the hotel Casa Antonieta is one of the first buildings to be built in Oaxaca and served as a parish for the indigenous population that lived across the city.
The architectural beauty of the hotel is striking, while the courtyard offers a peaceful spot to relax with a coffee.
Located in the Oaxaca Historic Centre and a short walk from the cathedral, this hotel offers a luxurious stay steeped in historical culture.
Tarrytown, New York
Tarrytown is a few miles away from the infamous village of Sleepy Hollow and the legendary headless horseman.
Around Halloween time, rumours of riders with their noggins lopped off surge amid visits to Philipsburg Manor and Irving’s Sunnyside home.
Tarrytown is located in the Hudson Valley, which has more than its fair share of otherworldly locations including the stomping ground of Dutch folk legend Rip Van Winkle in the Catskill Mountains and Pine Plains - a known spot for UFO sightings.
Where to stay: Set in a 19th-century Norman-style castle overlooking the Hudson River, the historic Castle Hotel & Spa is a five-star hotel offering a full-service spa and an outdoor pool complex with a hot tub.
Washington Irving’s estate and other historic sites like the infamous Sleepy Hollow Cemetery are located just a short drive from the hotel.
Derry, Northern Ireland
Nobody does Halloween like Northern Ireland with the bewitching Banks of the Foyle Halloween festival known the world over.
The Halloween parade is deemed the biggest in Europe, making Derry the ideal destination for Halloween enthusiasts.
A devilish week of firework displays, street parades and mythical mayhem makes Derry the top UK destination for the frightening festivities.
Where to stay: The Grade B1-listed Bishop’s Gate Hotel is positioned within the historic city walls of Derry City’s Cathedral Quarter.
Built in 1899, Bishop’s Gate Hotel blends Edwardian architecture, stylish appointments, and luxurious facilities, which have been sensitively restored to pay homage to the rich heritage of the building.
With a fitness area, restaurant, champagne, and cocktail bar and a 90-person capacity ballroom, the hotel is fully equipped for a grand and luxurious stay.
