Ghosts blamed for rows between {couples} at England’s ‘most haunted resort’
One haunted hotel has been causing chaos for couples opting to stay as poltergeists appear to be moving their belongings, resulting in huge bust-ups between lodgers
A cheeky ghost at England’s most haunted hotel has been accused of sparking rows between couples by moving their clothes. Judith Blincow, who has worked at the Mermaid Inn for 43 years, says she finds the hotel’s spooky reputation “hilarious” – even if guests don’t.
The 60-year-old said thrillseekers flock to stay in the same six ghost-filled haunted rooms, with Room One the most requested by brave visitors. Nestled on a cobbled street, the 600-year-old Mermaid Inn has seen centuries of strange goings-on.
Owner Judith explained she often hears couples arguing after staying in Room One, blaming each other for things the hotel’s resident poltergeist may have done. “You can often hear them bickering on the way back to their cars – ‘You moved my clothes!’ and ‘Stop trying to wind me up!’” Judith told What’s The Jam.
Many guests arrive armed with ghost-hunting gadgets, hoping to spot one of the Inn’s infamous spirits. Judith said: “There used to be a rocking chair in Room 17 but it got so creaky we moved it to the hall.
“The amount of guests that ask if they can have it in their rooms is crazy. We’ve had so many people leave their ouija boards and other weird gadgets and gizmos behind,” she added.
“Someone asked to do a seance here too. I don’t want to know what they’re up to – I just let them get on with it.
“We get about 12 requests a month from paranormal activists who want to come in and investigate.” Each January, the hotel, in Rye, East Sussex, closes for maintenance and allows large groups of ghost hunters to stay overnight – on the condition they donate to the National Deaf Children’s Society, the Inn’s chosen charity.
Despite the number of couples who leave bickering, Room One remains a firm favourite for ghost hunters, thanks to regular reports of mischievous spirits. Judith said: “They [the ghosts] like me, if there’s anything here – so I’m happy.”
Guests are told not to wander the halls at night, as the creaky old floors can easily wake others. The team pride themselves on keeping the Inn as traditional as “humanely possible”, only upgrading when absolutely necessary.
Judith said: “It creaks, but we are the real thing – if you don’t like it, stay in a Travelodge.” The award-winning Inn has 31 rooms sleeping up to 70 guests, plus a restaurant, function room, the famous Giant’s Fireplace Bar and cellars dating back to 1156.
An overnight stay for two starts at around £200 with bed and breakfast, rising to £300 for a dinner-inclusive package. The Mermaid Inn even featured in the first series of Most Haunted back in 2002 but producers’ spooky smoke machines had to be stopped after guests thought the hotel was on fire.
Judith said: “I think people are bored of their normal lives and want a bit of a thrill.” She now offers ‘A Walk Through Time’ – a guided tour of the haunted hotel – on the last Sunday of every month.
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