When guests arrive at the lobby of The Zone’s Haunted Hotel, they are warned that “persons of weak constitution” should not enter.

For those who choose to stay, beware that the ghouls living inside this hotel will scare up some screams, the kitchen only serves up the “other, other white meat” and crawling critters have taken over the bathroom. 

Patrons may choose two levels of scariness at the Haunted Hotel. 

The scarier option leaves guests to find their own way through the Haunted Hotel while actors seek out ways to terrify them. 

For the tamer version, Bernard, a corpse-like concierge, will lead guests through each room and actors will not be present. 

On Friday, Bernard, played by Ian Fee, greeted the first hotel guests of the night: Ryder Doyle, 4 and his mother, Erin 24. Other guests include Erin Doyle’s sister, Trina, 22 and their mother, JoAnn, 50.

While Fee’s job during the year is maintenance manager at The Zone, during October it becomes the “instigator of mayhem,” he said. With a background in theater, Fee has designed haunted houses at The Zone for the last three years.

Fee asks Ryder Doyle what level of scariness he wants. 

“I want the scary version,” Ryder Doyle said confidently.

The group is directed down a darkened hall to room No. 664 before leaving them to their own devices.

After several screams and nervous laughs, the group makes it through in one piece. Ryder Doyle is safe in his mother’s arms and the group leaves smiling.

The Haunted Hotel is open from 4 to 8 p.m. Fridays and from noon to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Halloween. Cost is $6.

The Zone Family Fun Center is located at 3240 U.S. 2 E. north of Kalispell.

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].