Vanessa Hudgens hosted, Machine Gun Kelly took the stage at 1 a.m., and the bellmen were very much in character.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Darren Dzienciol

Checking into a haunted hotel generally sounds like a questionable life choice. Unless, of course, Darren Dzienciol is behind the reservation, Vanessa Hudgens is hosting, and Machine Gun Kelly is the surprise entertainment. In that case, we’ll take a late checkout.

The nightlife impresario’s annual Haunted Hotel Halloween party returned to Los Angeles with a costume-clad crowd that included Alix and Ashtin Earle, Landon Barker, Alex Consani, Dixie D’Amelio, Josie Canseco, Anastasia Karanikolaou, and David Dobrik. Presented by 1WIN, the evening brought together Hudgens and her husband, Cole Tucker, alongside fellow host and Caliwater cofounder Oliver Trevena for a party with considerably more going on than a good costume contest.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Darren Dzienciol

For starters, the entrance required a trip through a decidedly ominous hotel lobby. The 1940s-inspired check-in featured candlelight, jewel-toned florals, spiderwebs, and rusty luggage carts attended by bellmen you probably wouldn’t trust with your valuables. Beyond reception, skulls and bloodied mirrors completed the transformation. Hospitality, with a mild threat attached.

Naturally, Hudgens was right at home in the Halloween proceedings. Joining her and Tucker were Ross Butler, Carter Gregory, Will Peltz, Kenya Jones Peltz, Corey Gamble, King Bach, Frankie Stark, Mike Majlak, and Emma Pill. Mark Birnbaum, Rob Weiss, Jessica Serfaty, Luca Castellani, and Alissa Violet also made the rounds.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Darren Dzienciol

Jack Henry opened the evening’s DJ lineup, followed by Zack Bia, with DJ Cruz taking closing duties. But the night’s biggest musical moment arrived around 1 a.m., when Machine Gun Kelly climbed onto the fog-filled stage for a surprise performance. With the dance floor packed, Alix Earle, Canseco, and Karanikolaou were among the guests celebrating with friends as the room shifted into full concert mode. A fairly compelling reason to stay past midnight.

The drinks leaned into the occasion, too: Halloween-themed LALO Tequila cocktails paired with Caliwater cactus water, alongside Tito’s Vodka and flowing champagne. And because even the most committed Halloween reveler eventually needs something more substantial than another cocktail, Butter Bun supplied burgers and fries, passed through the crowd by servers dressed as gothic French maids. Room service had clearly understood the assignment.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Darren Dzienciol

Elsewhere, the 1WIN Casino gave guests the chance to play for prizes, extending the hotel conceit beyond the lobby and onto the gaming tables. Between the sinister check-in, surprise performance, and late-night burger delivery, Dzienciol had most of the essentials covered.

As for getting a good night’s sleep? That was never really on the itinerary.

Photo Credit: Vivien Killilea/Getty Images for Darren Dzienciol

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Dzienciol has been throwing L.A.’s buzziest Halloween parties for years. Look back at the night Jamie Foxx went unrecognizable at Alessandra Ambrosio’s Halloween party, and revisit Haute Living’s early profile of Darren Dzienciol.