Grand Midway Hotel

Within the realm of "Hotels Near Of Me," the Grand Midway Hotel in Windber, PA, at 1303 Midway Ave, Windber, PA 15963, USA, stands apart from conventional accommodations. It is not merely a place to rest your head but a destination in itself, renowned for its distinct paranormal atmosphere, eccentric decor, and extensive collections. This establishment caters to a niche audience: those fascinated by the supernatural, horror, and unique historical experiences. It is operated by its owner, Blair Murphy, who is often praised by guests for his hospitality, extensive knowledge, and engaging tours of the property.

The environment of the Grand Midway Hotel is undeniably its most captivating feature. Far from a typical chain hotel, it embraces a "paranormal" or "haunted hotel" identity. The decor and atmosphere are described as "very interesting" and "eclectic, sometimes eerie," with "so many things to see." The building itself is historic, dating back over a century, and its age contributes to the mystique. Guests consistently highlight the unique collections of horror, movie memorabilia, and artifacts that fill its walls, creating an immersive and visually stimulating experience. Among its most famous features are two Guinness World Records: the largest Ouija board on its rooftop and the world's largest Tarot card on its ceiling, both adding to its macabre charm. Specific themed rooms, such as the Canopy Room with its moving nun statue, the Demon Room with its "possessed art gallery," and the Monkey Room (rumored to contain human bone chips in the walls), further enhance its unique character. The overall ambiance is often compared to a "funhouse" due to the sheer volume of eclectic and darkly themed decorations. The hotel is located in Windber, a historic community that offers a blend of small-town charm, and its unique nature makes it a significant local attraction.

The services offered by the Grand Midway Hotel are tailored to its unique proposition. Unlike traditional hotels, it primarily offers guided tours and overnight stays for paranormal investigation or unique themed experiences rather than standard room bookings for casual travelers. Guests can arrange to spend a night or a weekend, often with exclusive access to the entire hotel for their group. The owner, Blair Murphy, frequently conducts "excellent tours," sharing "many interesting stories about the hotel and its past." These tours are lauded as "fascinating" and "extensive," providing historical context alongside the paranormal lore. For those brave enough to stay overnight, the experience includes access to various themed sleeping rooms. Amenities for overnight guests typically include private bathrooms, private movie screening rooms, and a shared kitchen with a coffee maker and fridge. Private parking in the "Cemetery Lot" is also provided. The hotel emphasizes providing an "exclusive access" experience to its eerie wonders. While it functions more as an event space and a museum than a traditional lodging establishment, the level of personalized engagement from the host is a frequently praised aspect of the service.

The features of the Grand Midway Hotel rooms and spaces are truly one-of-a-kind. Instead of generic room numbers, guests can experience "monster-themed sleeping rooms." Examples of these unique accommodations include:

• The Werewolf Suite: Featuring a California King bed with chains for "full moon safety," along with wolfman films and a collection of bones and skulls.
• The Mermaid Suite: Designed with an underwater ambiance, a large fish tank, and a library of mermaid films.
• The Dragon Suite: A haven for fantasy enthusiasts, with themes of Dungeons and Dragons and Lord of the Rings.
• The Mummy Suite: A Queen bed and a sarcophagus provide a blend of comfort and ancient mystery.
• The Frankenstein Suite: An enormous bed and a Tesla coil, evoking the tale of Frankenstein.
• The Vampire Suite: Spanning two rooms, offering warmth, historical charm, and a collection of vampire films, with a rumored secret back room.
• The Canopy Room: Known for its paranormal activity, featuring a moving nun statue and a "defiant female spirit," also reportedly visited by a ghostly "Professor."
• The Demon Room: An art gallery with a "dark past" where a man reportedly vanished.
• The Bunk Room Bunker: A dimly lit space with two sets of bunk beds for four guests, described as "spooky" and "hauntingly vacant."

Beyond the sleeping rooms, the hotel is a repository of unique artifacts. It houses pieces from the Titanic, adding to its historical intrigue. Owner Blair Murphy is also known to have obtained parts of author Anne Rice's doll collection, which he plans to display. The sheer volume and specificity of these collections contribute significantly to the hotel's distinctive character, making it a compelling destination for collectors and enthusiasts of the macabre. The very nature of the hotel is an attraction, drawing paranormal investigators and curiosity seekers from afar.

Promotional information for the Grand Midway Hotel heavily leverages its reputation as a haunted and unique location. The hotel is often featured in paranormal investigations and documentaries (such as "Dark Echoes Paranormal" on Amazon Prime). It promotes itself through direct booking inquiries, often via text message, encouraging guests to "secure your spot" for an unforgettable night. Pricing for exclusive group access for a full night (e.g., 6 PM to Noon for up to 14 guests) is typically around $500, with half due to book (non-refundable but transferable). For smaller groups or individual floor bookings, the price is around $250. The promotions emphasize the "exclusive access to the entire hotel," "endless paranormal possibilities," and the chance to "explore eight monster-themed sleeping rooms." Event listings on platforms like Eventbrite also showcase specific events, such as "A Titanic Night of Magic and Hauntings" or "Investigation and Gallery Reading," which may include guided tours, solo roam experiences, and overnight accommodations at varying price points (e.g., tours for $100, solo roam for $75, overnight double occupancy for $125). These events often highlight new paranormal experiments, historical accounts, and tales of murders and mysterious disappearances associated with the hotel. While the hotel is not a traditional lodging establishment with typical promotional deals, its unique offerings and the promise of a truly distinctive experience serve as its primary draw. Those interested are encouraged to contact the hotel directly via phone at (310) 827-1748 or +1 310-827-1748 to inquire about availability, specific event dates, and current booking arrangements, as its operational model is highly individualized.