Posted in North Carolina September 01, 2019 by

Stay Overnight In The 111-Year-Old Grand Old Lady Hotel, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In North Carolina

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 111-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 spot in North Carolina belongs on the bucket list.

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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.
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 bed sheets being abruptly yanked from their body. Still others have hear 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 on 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 111-year-old Grand Old Lady Hotel any night of the year. Go ahead. What are you waiting for? Halloween??
Google Maps

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!