Featured on WRAL-TV's Tar Heel Traveler!

Once one of the most respected psychiatrists in the field of sleep disorders and abnormal psychology, Dr. Gideon Black was the Chief Psychiatrist at the Night Terrors Institute. But Dr. Black became obsessed with a single question: What happens when a nightmare is allowed to continue after the patient wakes up?

His experiments began with sleep deprivation…then hypnosis…then sensory manipulation…then treatments no legitimate medical institution would ever approve. Driven from the medical world, Dr. Black leased a hidden space deep beneath the Garret Hotel, where he could continue his “research” far from the scrutiny of his former colleagues. Dr. Black believes fear is not an illness…It is a doorway. And somewhere behind that doorway lies a person’s true self. His patients rarely agree. But to Dr. Black, disagreement is simply another symptom. Dr. Gideon Black is now accepting new patients. But once you enter…your nightmare is no longer a dream.

Are you ready to find out what’s hiding behind your fear?

The Hotel

Haunted Attraction

Open October - April

Voted as the #1 haunted attraction in North Carolina on NorthCarolinaHauntedHouses.com, The Hotel isn’t just a haunted attraction — it’s a full-throttle descent into fear itself. From the moment you enter, you’re no longer a guest — you’re a participant in a living nightmare. Each season brings a fresh wave of terror, with new storylines, environments, and psychological twists that ensure no two visits are ever the same. This isn’t just about jump scares. It’s about immersion. You’ll navigate dark corridors, encounter unpredictable characters, and face challenges that blur the line between fiction and reality. The fear is tailored, the experience is personal, and the horror is relentless.

Unique and unpredictable, The Hotel pushes you to new heights of dread. Whether it’s a whisper in the dark or a hand from the shadows, physical contact is part of the experience. You won’t just witness the horror… you’ll feel it.

An extreme experience is available for those who can brave a more demanding experience! (Available for ages 18 and up only)

Ghost Tours

Paranormal Investigations

Open all year.

Enjoy an evening of ghost stories, combined with paranormal investigation!

Armed with professional ghost-hunting equipment, you and your small group will explore the darkened halls and forgotten corners of the hotel, searching for signs of lingering spirits. Cold spots. EMF spikes. Disembodied voices. You won’t just hear the stories — you’ll chase the evidence.

Tours are intimate, immersive, and unpredictable. They are conducted in small groups to heighten the experience — and the tension. You’ll be guided, but never truly safe. The spirits here don’t perform. They respond! Whether you're a seasoned investigator or a curious thrill-seeker, this experience is guaranteed to leave a mark. What happens inside… is very real.

Psychic Readings

Connect With Spirits

Open all year.

A private psychic reading at the historic Garrett Hotel is more than just fun — it’s a journey into the unknown. Conducted by one of our gifted, natural-born psychic mediums, each session offers a rare opportunity to connect with spirit guides and energies from the other side. These aren’t vague impressions. Our psychics specialize in delivering specific, validating messages — insights that often reveal hidden truths, personal revelations, and connections to loved ones long passed. Whether you’re seeking clarity, comfort, or curiosity, your reading will be tailored to you and your spiritual path.

The Garrett Hotel has seen tragedy, triumph, and things that defy explanation. When you sit down for your reading, you’re not just exploring your own path… you’re stepping into a place where the veil is thin, and the past is never silent. Now it’s your turn to experience the energy that lingers within. What will they say to you? Only one way to find out!