St. Albans Sanatorium — 2025 Review

St. Albans Sanatorium (Haunted Hill Manor Haunted House) – 2025 Review

Date: 9/26/2025

Location: Radford, Virginia

Website: https://www.stalbansvirginia.com/event-list

Overall Rating: 7/10

St. Albans Sanatorium is hands-down one of the creepiest properties we’ve ever encountered — the history, the decrepit architecture, and the natural ambiance ooze with potential for scares. The haunt itself is a ~20-minute walkthrough that leans into both detailed scenes and the unsettling feel of the building itself. While some areas felt a bit hodgepodge or could benefit from more cohesive theming, the atmosphere of St. Albans is so strong that even standing still inside the building can raise the hair on the back of your neck. It’s a crazy fun time… straight jackets optional.

Entertainment Value: 5.5/10

Outside of the haunt, there wasn’t much offered on the night of our visit, other than one very effective roaming chainsaw actor. The property itself has great photo potential with large outdoor props, but more photo ops, snacks, games, or character tie-ins could help create a fuller experience. On the positive side, their merch shop had a surprisingly good selection. Adding food or drink options (like cotton candy or even simple canned sodas) could bring in extra revenue and give guests more to do while they wait. Off-season events, such as “dark Valentine” nights or their interactive St. Patrick’s escape-style haunt, sound very promising and help keep the property alive year-round.

Costume & Makeup: 7.25/10

Costumes and makeup were solid and effective for the characters portrayed — lab techs, dolls, zombies, and especially the standout Mothman. While not extravagant, everything looked good under the haunt’s dim lighting and paired well with the atmosphere. A few props and animatronics leaned toward a “Spirit Halloween” vibe, but overall the makeup team delivered convincing looks that fit the characters.

Cast & Crew: 7.75/10

The volunteer cast deserves credit — they were engaged and energetic, even on a slower night with big gaps between groups (which can make it hard to stay “on”). Some actors had great dialogue and creative interaction, while others defaulted to overused lines like “get out” or simply screaming. With a little more guidance on creative skits and character development, this team could elevate their performances significantly. Staff members outside the walkthrough were very welcoming and knowledgeable about the property’s history, which added to the experience.

Set Design & Special Effects: 7/10

The property itself is the biggest set piece — a historic sanatorium that drips with eerie character. The haunt scenes ranged from immersive and creative to sparse and in need of updating. Highlights included the densely packed hall of body bags (which could benefit from a scare at the end), the Christmas room with its jarring festive music, and the opening cloaked figure scene that transitioned into a solid scare. The long hallway with sound-activated lighting created a chilling strobe effect, while the massive “Furby” prop could be enhanced with movement, sound, or glowing eyes to be more impactful. Some scenes leaned too heavily on store-bought animatronics, which occasionally broke the immersion.

Fright/Thrill Factor: 7.5/10

The building itself provides an unnerving backdrop — at times so quiet you could swear the walls were breathing. Scares came from all sides: cloaked figures, body bag pathways, strobe-lit hallways, and the eerie ambiance of the morgue. The hall of bodies was especially intense, while the laser swamp and Christmas area added unexpected twists. While not every scene was seamless, the overall effect of being inside such a foreboding location elevated the thrill level.

Sharpening the Scare:

• Build on the sets: Adding more detail and polish to certain scenes would enhance immersion and make the most of the incredible building backdrop.

• Lean into the sanatorium theme: Developing more cohesive storylines around patients, staff, and the property’s history could tie the experience together in a powerful way. Let the eerie ambiance of the building do the heavy lifting!

• Bring props to life: Interactive touches — like lights, sounds, or subtle movements — could make static props (such as the Furby) feel more dynamic.

• Smooth transitions: A more streamlined flow between rooms would help the walkthrough feel connected and continuous.

• Encourage actor creativity: Expanding character dialogue and skits will give performers more tools to engage guests beyond traditional haunt lines like “get out” or screaming.

• Expand guest offerings: Additional photo ops, snacks, or even a history museum/tour add-on would give visitors more reasons to linger and explore.

• Play with atmosphere: Incorporating scenes that rely on the natural eeriness of the sanatorium itself could deliver simple but unforgettable chills.

• Enhance guest flow outside: Clearer parking guidance would elevate first impressions and round out the night. We had parked down below on a rainy night only to find out there’s an upper lot, much closer to the ticket booth. 

Fright Night MVP:

The Mothman character was unforgettable. Perfectly still, they had us convinced they were a prop — until the moment we leaned in close. Their sudden movement startled us in a way few actors ever manage, proving that sometimes the smallest scares are the most effective.

Recap the Screams:

St. Albans Sanatorium is a truly unique haunt thanks to its one-of-a-kind property. The building itself is the star — ominous, historic, and naturally unsettling. While some sets could benefit from updating, more cohesive theming, and fewer store-bought props, the haunt delivered several standout scenes and creative scares. With passionate volunteers, strong merch options, and exciting off-season events, St. Albans offers a memorable experience that’s only enhanced by the weight of the property’s history.