Stephen King refers to them as “Thirteenth Floor” stories, and anyone who likes ghost stories knows that the haunted hotel is a common theme.

This reoccurrence could be merely coincidence, a reflection of the discomfort humans experience when confronted with the unfamiliar. A hotel room is the embodiment of that: an unfamiliar bed in an unfamiliar room most likely in an unfamiliar town.

Then again, maybe hotels are just a haven for haints.

On Oct. 23 and 24, The Thomas House in Red Boiling Springs hosted the first two nights of its Haunted Hotel Halloween dinner theater, part of their monthly dinner theater series. They will give two more performances on Oct. 30 and 31 at 7 p.m.

The production features reenactments of some of the hotel’s ghost sightings and is followed by a candlelight tour of the hotel.

Actors in this year’s production are Kim, Mark, and Marina Evans, Cindy Smith, Tyler and Darrell Cole, Kelly Holland and Randy, Joanne and Flora Shelton. It is directed by Misty Embry and written by Darrell and Tyler Cole.

Interest in the hotel’s ghosts rose when it was featured in an episode of A&E’s “Paranormal State” in April.

“We have all kinds of paranormal groups come, like the Tennessee Ghost Hunters” said Evelyn Cole, or Miss E., who owns, operates and resides in the hotel with her family.

“I can’t say that I’ve ever seen anything,” she said, “but I hear things.”

Miss E. says that among the things she’s heard are footsteps and someone whistling.

“Too many people come to me and tell me the same things, and they don’t know each other so I guess it just depends on whether or not you want to believe.”

To make reservations for this or any upcoming dinner theater performances, or to inquire about dining or room rates, call the Thomas House at 669-3006 or e-mail them at thomashouse@nctc.com.