Savannah, Georgia, often called the most haunted city in America, is a treasure trove of ghostly tales and paranormal activities. Its historic hotels, with their centuries-old walls and colorful pasts, are at the heart of many eerie stories. For those brave souls seeking a spine-tingling experience, here’s a guide to Savannah’s 18 most haunted hotels.
The Marshall House
Built in 1851, the Marshall House has a history steeped in Civil War drama. During the war, it served as a hospital for Union soldiers. Guests report seeing ghostly figures in period clothing and hearing children running down the halls at night. Some visitors even felt invisible hands touching them while they were asleep.
17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant
This inn, dating back to 1820, is home to the ghost of Anna Powers. Legend has it that Anna, heartbroken over a lost love, jumped to her death from Room 204. Guests staying in this room often report objects moving independently and feeling a presence in the room.
Kehoe House
Once a funeral home, Kehoe House is now a charming bed and breakfast. But don’t let its quaint appearance fool you. Guests have reported seeing the ghosts of twin children playing in the hallways and hearing strange noises from empty rooms.
The Olde Harbour Inn
Situated on the scenic Savannah River, this inn has a resident ghost named Hank. Staff and guests alike have encountered Hank, known for his mischievous antics, such as turning on faucets and moving objects around rooms.
The Eliza Thompson House
This historic inn is said to be haunted by its original owner, Eliza Thompson. Guests have reported seeing a woman in a grey dress roaming the halls and feeling sudden cold spots throughout the building.
East Bay Inn
Built in 1852, East Bay Inn is home to a friendly ghost named Charlie. Charlie is known to playfully tug on guests’ clothing and has been seen sitting at the bar long after closing.
The Foley House Inn
This inn holds a dark secret. During renovations in the 1980s, workers discovered human remains in the wall. Since then, guests have reported seeing a man in a top hat roaming the garden and feeling unexplained cold spots throughout the inn.
River Street Inn
Once a cotton warehouse, the River Street Inn is now a cozy hotel with a ghostly past. Guests have heard phantom footsteps and shadowy figures in the hallways, especially on the top floor.
The Gastonian
This elegant bed and breakfast is said to be haunted by a young man who died in a fire in the early 1900s. Guests have reported smelling smoke when there’s no fire and seeing a man in period clothing wandering the halls.
The Hamilton-Turner Inn
Featured in the book “Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil,” this inn is rumored to be haunted by several spirits. Guests have reported hearing billiard balls rolling across the floor of the empty room and seeing a ghostly man smoking a cigar on the roof.
The President’s Quarters Inn
This inn, once home to Confederate officers during the Civil War, is said to be haunted by soldiers who never left. Guests have reported hearing marching footsteps and seeing apparitions in military uniforms.
The Planters Inn
Located in the heart of Savannah’s historic district, The Planters Inn is home to a ghostly bellhop. Guests have reported seeing a man in an old-fashioned uniform offering to carry their bags, only to disappear moments later.
The Ballastone Inn
This luxurious inn is said to be haunted by a young girl who fell to her death from one of the upper windows. Guests have reported hearing childlike laughter and a presence in their rooms at night.
The Dresser Palmer House
Built in 1876, this bed and breakfast is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a Union soldier. Guests have reported seeing a man in a blue uniform standing at the foot of their beds, only to vanish when they blink.
The Oglethorpe Inn & Suites
Named after Savannah’s founder, James Oglethorpe, this inn is said to be haunted by colonial-era ghosts. Guests have reported seeing figures in 18th-century clothing wandering the grounds and hearing whispers in empty rooms.
The Mansion on Forsyth Park
This opulent hotel, built in 1888, is rumored to be haunted by the original owner’s wife. Guests have reported seeing a woman in a Victorian dress roaming the halls and feeling sudden temperature drops in some hotel regions.
The Azalea Inn & Villas
This charming inn is said to be haunted by a Confederate soldier. Guests have reported seeing a man in a grey uniform standing at the foot of their beds and hearing boots marching down empty hallways.
The Hilton Savannah DeSoto
Even modern hotels aren’t immune to Savannah’s haunted reputation. The Hilton Savannah DeSoto, built on the site of the original DeSoto Hotel, is said to be haunted by ghosts from its predecessor. Guests have reported seeing apparitions in old-fashioned clothing and hearing unexplained noises in their rooms.
Savannah’s haunted hotels offer more than a place to rest your head. They provide a unique opportunity to experience the city’s rich history and possibly encounter some of its spectral residents. However, it’s essential to approach these experiences with respect and an open mind.
Here Are Some Tips To Make The Most Of Your Haunted Hotel Stay
- Please research: Each hotel has a unique history and ghost stories. Learning about these before your visit can enhance your experience.
- Keep an open mind: Skeptics and believers alike can enjoy the atmospheric charm of these historic hotels.
- Be respectful: These are functioning hotels, not just ghost attractions. Respect other guests and hotel staff during your stay.
- Document your experiences: Keep a journal or take photos during your stay. You never know what you might capture!
- Join a ghost tour: Many of these hotels are stops on Savannah’s popular ghost tours, which can provide additional historical context and spooky stories.
- Stay alert: Pay attention to your surroundings. Many ghostly encounters happen when you least expect them.
- Talk to the staff. Hotel employees often have ghost stories to share and can point out hotspots for paranormal activity.
- Choose your room wisely: Some rooms are reputed to be more haunted than others. If you’re seeking a ghostly encounter, ask about staying in one of these rooms when booking.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or simply curious about Savannah’s haunted history, staying in one of these hotels can add extra excitement to your visit. The city’s unique blend of Southern charm and spooky legends creates an atmosphere unlike any other.
Remember, not every creaky floorboard or flickering light is a sign of ghostly activity. Much of the charm of these historic hotels comes from their age and character. Even if you don’t encounter any spirits during your stay, you’ll still immerse yourself in Savannah’s rich history and atmospheric beauty.
From luxury accommodations to cozy bed and breakfasts, Savannah’s haunted hotels offer a range of options for the ghost-hunting traveler. Each property has its unique story woven into Savannah’s complex and fascinating history.
So, pack your bags (and maybe a nightlight) and prepare for a stay you’ll never forget in one of Savannah’s haunted hotels. Who knows? You might check out a ghostly tale of your own to add to the city’s ever-growing collection of spectral stories.