LONDON, October 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

With Halloween fast approaching, HostelBookers, the budget accommodation specialist, offers travellers a few spooky options for those looking to celebrate with spirits other than those found in a bottle. From a 200-year-old manse in Transylvania, to a converted jail in Ottawa, and a former brothel in San Diego, these properties offer as many tricks as they do treats for the intrepid traveller. For those fainter at heart, nice hotels with no ghosties will be the perfect choice.

There are loads of ghosts and ghouls around the rural setting of Captain Halpin's Bunkhouse in Wicklow, Ireland. The hostel organises special evenings out to go and hunt them down. There's a murder mystery night for all guests and a traditional Halloween party with apple bobbing and scary story time by the fire.

For a treat The Bracken Court is a four-star luxury hotel situated in the lively fishing village of Balbriggan, just outside Dublin. Golf, fishing, horse-riding and other outdoor pursuits are all nearby, while a variety of relaxing treatments are available in the hotel.

The HI-Ottawa Jail Hostel, which has been rated as one of the top ten spookiest buildings, is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Guests can sleep in the stone penitentiary's old wrought-iron cellblock and can request the eerie 'Crime and Punishment' tour which includes death row and the gallows where criminals were hanged. One such criminal is alleged murderer Patrick James Whelan, who proclaimed his innocence until the moment of his execution, and is said to still walk the corridors. To calm the nerves, there is Mugshots Bar, which holds dance parties on Friday nights.

If you don't actually want to be scared to death, take a break at The Embassy Hotel & Suites - Ottawa. They offer guests a perfect starting point for exploring countless attractions and endless adventures. With the cost of an entire suite less than a single hotel room, the Hotel offers comfort, choice and convenience with its 130 suites, each equipped with a full kitchen. There are two restaurants on site, a gym and a sauna. Parking is also available for a daily fee.

In San Diego, USA Hostels, located in the heart of the Gaslamp District, is renowned for housing a brothel in the late 18^th century. It's common to hear stories about the lights going on and off without reason, unexplained breezes, knocking on walls and more strange sounds. Also, if you happen to be a fan of old Western gunfights at the OK Corral, this might be the best place for you! It's said that the ghost of Sheriff Wyatt Earp still wanders around seeking revenge for his friend Doc Holliday.

Located off Interstate 5, Chula Vista Hotel is only minutes from downtown San Diego, Tijuana, great restaurants, shopping and fun attractions. San Diego International Airport and San Diego Convention Centre are also only six miles away.

Contact: Giovanna Gentile, giovanna.gentile@hostelbookers.com, t: +44(0)20-7440-4905

SOURCE HostelBookers.com