Watch CBS News

Best Haunted Bars And Hotels In South Florida

When planning a weekend getaway or some drinks with your friends to experience that ghostly thrill, you don't have to leave South Florida. Get ready for Halloween celebrations with the best selection of haunted hotels and bars. Hopefully you're one of the lucky ones witnessing the spirit by the window.

Las Olas Riverside Hotel
620 E. Las Olas Blvd.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 467-0671
www.riversidehotel.com

The only hotel on Las Olas Boulevard and the oldest in Fort Lauderdale, Riverside is said to be inhabited by several spirits mostly active in the late hours of the night into early morning. Among those you may encounter are a young girl, a rather outgoing young man smashing his hand and face against the glass to scare those on the other side and an older man with a raincoat wandering through the rooms. Enjoy a drink at the hotel's bar while you keep an ear and eye tuned in to the spirits lurking.

Related: Best Live Latin Music In Miami

Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel
101 N. Ocean Drive
Hollywood, FL 33019
(954) 921-0990
www.hollywoodbeach-resort.com

Hollywood Beach Resort Hotel opened in 1926 and it was one of Al Capone's favorite spots. Guests, employees and renters have all had their own appearances and encounters during their stay. Be prepared to come back with your own stories of haunted sightings. There is a food court right along the boardwalk full of restaurants and bars. Work up an appetite with a tour around the hotel and then refuel after an exhausting, frightful experience.

Miami River Inn
118 S.W. S. River Drive
Miami, FL 33130
(305) 325-0045
www.miamiriverinn.com

This is a beautiful hotel along the Miami River in the oldest part of town. Having survived a few hurricanes since the early 1900s, the hotel is inhabited by several ghosts that will often let out noises from their frightening hurricane experiences. You can enjoy your stay by reading from the book selection in one of the common areas and share breakfast with fellow visitors, but also expect to hear doors shutting loudly, footsteps running toward your door, furniture screeching, ornaments crashing and then moments of silence again. Neighboring Brickell Avenue and Mary Brickell Village offer a cheery escape to the haunted experience.

The Biltmore Hotel
1200 Anastasia Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(855) 311-6903
www.biltmorehotel.com

The Biltmore Hotel was once a veteran's hospital and during the Roaring '20s, was party central for gamblers and gangsters. A murder on the 13th floor back in 1929 left what is now believed to be Fatty's ghost moving inexplicably, stopping the elevator at the disabled floor 13 known as the Bridal. The hotel golf course, spa and the spectacular Sunday brunch will be your best friends in distracting you from the spirits. The Biltmore features four dining options all complete with a bar to keep you hydrated during the spooky outing.

The Blue Anchor British Pub
804 E. Atlantic Ave.
Delray Beach, FL 33483
(561) 272-7272
www.blueanchor.com

If you are in Delray Beach, you cannot miss The Blue Anchor British Pub in Atlantic Avenue. The whole storefront of the English pub was transported and moved to Florida. Little did store owners know, along with the oak doors and stained glass, the ghost of a woman killed in the bar by her jealous husband traveled the thousand miles as well and resides on the premises. During your visit to the pub, you may hear footsteps or smashing noises mostly around the anniversary of her killing.

Related: Best Bars For The 30-Something Crowd

Francesca Belluomini is a freelance writer covering all things Miami. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.