You said "I go downstairs to smoke" and now you say "for an hour or so". I don't know your smoking habits, but isn't this a little unusual?

I don't think I've ever been in a "pitch black" hotel room. I'd bet there was light enough for him to start seeing just fine after five minutes.

The ghost stories, sure. But then he's scarred for life more by the ghost stories rather than by the lights turning off...