Hotels Throwing Hauntingly Awesome Halloween Bashes

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Halloween is just a little over a week away and the spooky holiday -- filled with goblins, jack-o'-lanterns, and pranks -- is not just for trick-or-treating tots. Kids can dress up as their favorite characters (expect to see a lot of Elsas this year), while adults...can do the same! Some of the best costume parties and Halloween events will be held at hotels this year; expect DJ-spun tracks, Halloween-inspired cocktails, and some elaborate costume choices. We've rounded up nine hotels that will be throwing epic Halloween bashes that may even bring out the kid in you; but don't worry, they're 21+, so you can successfully avoid the little ghosts and witches. From casual costume parties to elegant masquerades, these soirees will guarantee that you'll have a hair-raising Halloween!

Wythe Hotel, Brooklyn

With a hopping rooftop bar boasting jaw-dropping views of Manhattan, a wonderful restaurant, and cutting-edge industrial design, the Wythe is a destination unto itself. It’s located near the subway, as well as dozens of restaurants, bars, and shops in the heart of trendy Williamsburg. On Halloween, the hotel will be hosting a “Dia de los Terribles Halloween Party” from 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. $20 will get you admittance and an hour-long open tequila bar. The Dia de los Muertos-themed event will include various DJ sets, a photo gallery of Day of the Dead rituals from around the world, and a screening of Under the Volcano.

Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, Los Angeles


This 300-room Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, an L.A. landmark, combines the shimmer of silver-screen history with a cutting-edge party scene centered around its multiple bars and massive pool. The hotel will once again have its annual Halloween bash on Halloween itself, which conveniently falls on a Friday this year. The popular party will have several DJs, as well as musical duo DVBBS, spaced in four different areas — the pool, lobby, ballroom, and nightclub, Teddy’s. The $100 general admission ticket gets you access to all these areas. You might not spot a ghost, but you very well may spot a celeb!

Liberty Hotel, Boston


Occupying a former jail, the 298-room Liberty Hotel is truly unique, with a playful design that incorporates the incarceration theme in fun ways. Clink. is the name of the restaurant off the lobby; the walls of Alibi, the lounge downstairs, are hung with celebrity mug shots (Sinatra, Morrison, Nolte); and instead of a typical “Do Not Disturb” sign, guests hang a “Solitary” key ring on their doorknobs. The hotel has even kept the jail’s iron bars and worked them into the decor, so it’s truly a perfect spot for a ghostly affair. For this Halloween, the hotel has chosen “The Shining” theme and its doors will open at 8:00 p.m. DJs, specialty cocktails, and costumed guests will all be present. General admission tickets are already sold out, but you can still reserve dinner at Clink., or big spenders can purchase a bottle service package or book a room at the hotel.

Hotel ZaZa Houston


The funky boutique Hotel ZaZa Houston (with a sister property in Dallas that’s also hosting a Halloween celebration) is stylishly designed, with an excess of quirky artwork, patterned pillows and lampshades, and various adornments. It’ll be hosting its annual Halloween Freak Show on the 31st, with well-known drag queen Lady Bunny as the MC, and it’ll feature various live acts to go with the theme. The event will take place from 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. in the hotel’s Monarch restaurant. Tickets are $75 and costumes are encouraged, but not mandatory.

W San Francisco


An outpost of the generally solid “lifestyle”-focused chain, the W San Francisco in the SoMa art district offers clean, airy rooms and above-average amenities in a whimsical, stylish setting. The hotel will host three separate Halloween events. The first is a Halloween International Ball on Oct. 25, featuring a night of DJs playing in three separate rooms. Halloween night will be celebrated with their Spooky event — five rooms with various music acts and some undoubtedly spooky and sexy costumes. General admission tickets are $60 and doors open at 9:00 p.m. The Saints & Sinners Ball will be held the next night; expect to see many faces painted, and both angel and devil costumes.

Hotel Valley Ho, Phoenix


An institution in Scottsdale since it opened in 1956, the Valley Ho exudes retro charm that draws the young and hip. In 2005, a full renovation brought it into the 21st century, while retaining (and refreshing) the cool 1950s style. Grounds are immaculate, the pool is one of the liveliest in Phoenix, rooms are stylish and colorful, and both restaurants serve tasty food. The hotel will be throwing a Ghouls Night Out event for All Hallows’ Eve; taking place in the Graveyard Ballroom area, it will include DJ sets and costume contests, with both a two-night stay and $1,000 cash as prizes.

The NoMad Hotel, New York City


Centrally located near Madison Square Park, The Nomad (which shares its name with the surrounding neighborhood north of Madison Square Park) is a luxurious, impeccably designed hotel. The hotel’s focal point is its eponymous bar and restaurant, featuring five separate-but-connected spaces that sprawl along the ground floor. If you’re looking for a classier Halloween, The NoMad will be hosting its Masquerade Ball, a black tie event with masks required. Benefitting the City Harvest, a $250 ticket will get you admittance and a chance to check out performances by SugarTone Brass Band and Chris Norton Septet, among others. Tricks will be provided by theory11, a group of magic artists, and treats will come from the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant.

Sofitel Los Angeles


Massively renovated in 2006, this 295-room outlet of a French chain on the border of West Hollywood and Beverly Hills combines Continental elegance and Hollywood trendiness, with luxurious rooms, a trendy bar and restaurant, and a gorgeous spa and fitness center. On Halloween, the hotel, in conjunction with MADE Nightlife, will be hosting The Hanté Sofitel, a costume party with DJ sets. Guests can expect to rub costumed shoulders with a few celebs. General admission tickets are on sale for $40, but will go up as it gets closer to Halloween.

W Washington DC


The gorgeous, 317-room W Washington D.C. opened in July 2009, taking over the historic Hotel Washington’s 1917 Beaux Arts building. From 8:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. on the 31st, the hotel will host a Halloween Social at its POV rooftop bar and terrace. Unsurprisingly, DJs will be providing music and the Best Costume winner will receive a sleepover package at one of the hotel’s WOW Suites, with breakfast included. Tickets cost $40 and a portion of the proceeds will go to Luke’s Wings, benefiting wounded warriors and veterans.

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