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Whether you believe in ghosts or not, a stay at this grand old hotel in North Carolina is a must for an adventurous soul. But if you do believe in spirits from another time lingering on in this world, you’ll love a stay at this 113-year-old spot where ghosts are said to roam the halls, play tricks on the guests, and more. For anyone checking off a list of places you’re likely to see or sense a ghost, this haunted hotel in North Carolina belongs on your bucket list.

Welcome to the Grand Old Lady Hotel (formerly the Balsam Mountain Inn).
Facebook/Grand Old Lady Hotel
Seen here with a bright red roof in 1949, the hotel was opened in 1908 and was only steps from the railroad stop at Balsam Mountain. It was a favorite among travelers who, in the summer, would come and stay long periods for the cool temperatures and mild weather.
Seen here in 1909, only a year after opening, the three-story hotel was carved into the mountainside and was an enormous wood-frame structure.
Grand Old Lady Hotel
After the railroad was rerouted, the hotel went into a slow and steady decline and eventually sat empty until reopening a few decades ago.
TripAdvisor/cdrvi
And recently, it was sold and rebranded as the Grand Old Lady Hotel. As an unintentional bonus to the new owner, along with the hotel and furnishings...
Came a few permanent residents.
Photo credit: Patricia Toth McCormick / Getty Images
Over the last hundred-plus years, a few people have (allegedly) refused to leave their perfect mountain perch. In fact, so many ghost sightings have been reported here that the former owner had placed a ghost register in every room so guests could record their experiences.
As with any grand old hotel, there are bound to be stories but those told by guests and folks who have worked in the building are enough to make your hair stand on end.
TripAdvisor/Alisha D
However, short of a few resident pranksters, we couldn't find a single report of any malicious activity by the ghosts here.

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It would seem they are, at the very least, friendly ghosts.
TripAdvisor/Alisha D
But that doesn't mean they're happy. A local paranormal research company is frequently called in to help tame the spirits at the GOLH and it seems to work.
And while a stay here isn't guaranteed to include an experience with a ghost...
Grand Old Lady Hotel
There are a couple of rooms (205 and 207) where the activity is said to be very high.
What kinds of haunts have guests reported at the hotel?
Photo credit: Celeste Romero Cano / Getty Images
Some see shadows that have no source, while others have reported the bedsheets being abruptly yanked from their body. Still others have heard giggling or footsteps where no other guests could be seen. And in extreme cases, objects have been moved or even thrown.
If you've never actually spent the night in a haunted hotel, this may be a great place to start — especially since most reports concur the spirits here are friendly. That doesn't mean your hair won't stand on end — but it's a pretty good indication that you WON'T wake up in the middle of the night and find a ghost sitting on your chest sucking the wind out of your lungs!
TripAdvisor/6th Fairway
Ready for your first potential paranormal experience? You can spend the night at the 113-year-old Grand Old Lady Hotel any night of the year. Go ahead. What are you waiting for? Halloween??
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For stunning views, the charm of a huge old country hotel, and a potentially haunting experience, head to this (allegedly) haunted hotel in North Carolina where you’re sure to enjoy your stay – even if you don’t see a ghost.

The Grand Old Lady Hotel is open year-round and has a restaurant on the property. It’s located 12 miles northwest of Sylva and 9 miles southeast of Waynesville. Learn more and make reservations on the official website. See more images of the beautiful, grand old hotel on their Facebook page.

Address: 68 7 Springs Drive, Balsam, NC, 28707

For a haunting experience closer to the coast, check out the Brunswick Inn in Southport. Read more about it in this previous article!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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haunted hotel in North Carolina

Beth C. | June 02, 2021

What are some other haunted places in North Carolina?

After reading the above article about the Grand Old Lady Hotel, it probably won't surprise you to learn that North Carolina is one of the most haunted states in the U.S. From abandoned old houses to asylums, museums, and creepy streets, the Tar Heel State has its fair share of paranormal activity. For some additional haunted places in North Carolina, look no further than St. James Episcopal Church in Wilmington, the Road to Nowhere and Fontana Lake, The Country Squire, Norton Creek Trail, Helen's Bridge, Henry River Mill Village, and the Grove Park Inn. Learn more about the 8 best places in North Carolina to spot a ghost...if you dare!

What is the most historic hotel in North Carolina?

It stands to reason that the oldest hotel in North Carolina would also be the most haunted. This title goes to the Brookstown Inn in Winston-Salem. The inn is located in a building that dates back to 1837 and was originally used as an old cotton mill. While the inn has been renovated and updated, many guests report that there are some spirits that linger. Also, many photos taken in the hotel show orbs mysteriously appearing later. Would you spend the night in this historic yet potentially haunted hotel?

What is the most haunted place in all of North Carolina?

Have you ever heard of the Devil's Tramping Ground? It's an infamous landmark due to the fact that it might just be the single most haunted place in North Carolina. It's a patch of earth measuring roughly 40 feet in diameter where nothing will grow. There's something sinister about the fact that it doesn't support any life. It's even rumored that if you live an item there, it will be thrown out overnight. Learn more about this terrifyingly haunted campground in North Carolina.

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Grand Old Lady Hotel, 68 7 Springs Dr, Balsam, NC 28707, USA