Business is so good at the Clown Motel, you might expect more of its painted faces to be smiling. But as Vijay Mehar has learned in his years as owner of the creepiest motel in Tonopah, Nev., happy clowns are not what most of his customers want. What they seem to want is fear, loathing, painted faces, circus vibes and hints of paranormal activity. Basically, Mehar said recently, 'they want to be scared.
A spot check revealed five clowns in Room 102 and a dozen in Room 208 . Several rooms are themed, including 222, which highlights Clownvis . If you book that room, the motel warns, you may be awakened by a mysterious 'malevolent entity.' The hotel also warns all guests that, despite monthly pest-control visits, you may encounter 'UFI's ,' because rooms open to the outdoors.