Nestled in the foothills of the Shawangunk Mountains is the small town of Napanoch, New York.  Within its quiet streets it holds a treasure for both the weary traveler and the paranormal enthusiast – the Haunted Shanley Hotel.  The historic Bed & Breakfast has boasted several famous guests as well as a few infamous ones that used to patronage the Gentleman’s Club and Bordello.  A few of those guests have never left and still linger in the corridors waiting to greet newcomers and welcome back the returning guests.

In 1845, Thomas Ritch was the first to put mortar to stone (or more accurately, nail to wood) and erect the Ritch’s Hotel on Main Street.  Napanoch was a nice vacation destination from those attempting to escape the hustle & bustle of the larger cities.  Due to the convenience of the railroad, many a traveler came to rest his head.  The Thomas Ritch Hotel claimed in a local newspaper to be “…one of the area’s best with fine food and new furnishings…”   Even after Ritch sold the hotel in 1851, the newly named Hungerford’s Hotel continued to purport the property as “…one of the most beautiful and commodious public houses to be found in any section of the country.”  Mr. Hungerford catered to the same clientele as Mr. Ritch, including the elite Gentleman’s Club that boasted a very distinguished membership and was quick to dandle the ladies of the bordello on their knees.