Haunted Hotels in Georgia You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Georgia with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Georgia with haunted hotels
15 Haunted Hotels Found in Georgia
Hamilton-Turner Inn
330 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Hamilton-Turner Inn gained modern fame from 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.' Before that, stories circulated about children's ghosts playing and laughing, possibly linked to the original owner's children. Another tale involves sounds of billiard balls rolling on upper floors where a game room once existed. Some guests report seeing a man smoking a cigar or feeling watched.
Forsyth Park Inn
102 W Hall St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Forsyth Park Inn, with its long history overlooking a central Savannah landmark often used for assemblies and sometimes wartime activities, is said to have residual energies. While not having one overwhelmingly famous ghost, guests report feelings of being watched, indistinct voices, and temperature shifts. Its proximity to Forsyth Park itself adds to the atmosphere, as the park has its own collection of historical events and associated spectral sightings.
The Gastonian
220 E Gaston St, Savannah, GA 31401
While part of Savannah's historic fabric, built in 1868, The Gastonian emphasizes luxury and romance over specific hauntings in its primary descriptions. Although its age and location in historic Savannah suggest potential for ghostly encounters typical of old buildings, detailed stories or named entities associated with The Gastonian are not prominently featured in immediate search results, distinguishing it from other inns that actively promote specific ghost lore.
The Kehoe House
123 Habersham Street, Savannah, GA 31401
The Kehoe House, built in 1892 by William Kehoe, is famed for paranormal activity centering around children. Legend tells of Kehoe's twin boys dying tragically in a chimney (a story disputed but persistent), leading to reports of children's laughter and running in hallways, especially on the second floor. Apparitions resembling William Kehoe and his wife Anne are also reported, alongside phantom touches and unexplained scents. Its history includes use as a funeral parlor, adding to its haunted lore.
The Marshall House
123 East Broughton Street, Savannah, GA 31401
The Marshall House's haunted reputation stems from its history, serving as a hospital during the Civil War for Union troops and through two yellow fever epidemics. Guests and paranormal investigators report encounters such as seeing apparitions in hallways, hearing children playing late at night, and witnessing unexplained phenomena like faucets turning on independently. Its eerie past and paranormal accounts have led to features on TV shows exploring haunted locations.
East Bay Inn
225 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401
Originally a cotton warehouse built in 1852, East Bay Inn is reportedly haunted by a friendly but sometimes mischievous ghost named 'Charlie.' Details about Charlie's origins or specific activities are sparse in immediate records, but his presence is noted as part of the inn's historic charm.
Eliza Thompson House
5 W Jones St, Savannah, GA 31401
Built in 1847, the Eliza Thompson House harbors spirits tied to its family history and Savannah's past. Guests report seeing a Civil War soldier, believed to be the Thompson's son James who died on-site, in an upstairs window. Ghostly children, possibly another son, Joseph, who died of fever, are said playfully interact with guests, tugging blankets. A woman in white also appears. Darker tales link its basement to pre-inn history involving sailors and a tunnel to the river, hinting at souls lost to kidnapping.
Olde Harbour Inn
508 E Factors Walk, Savannah, GA 31401
The Olde Harbour Inn, built around 1812 as a riverfront warehouse, is steeped in the history of Savannah's bustling and sometimes grim port activity related to cotton and possibly slave trade. The building's age and proximity to these historical undercurrents contribute to its haunted reputation. The inn acknowledges a 'friendly resident ghost' named 'Hank' as part of its lore, adding a specific spectral figure to the general sense of historical haunting associated with Factors Walk and River Street's past hardships.
Ballastone Inn
14 E Oglethorpe Ave, Savannah, GA 31401
The Ballastone Inn, operating as an inn since the 1980s but with much older roots as a residence and boarding house (and rumored bordello proximity), reportedly hosts several spirits. Common sightings include spectral children, perhaps from its time as a residence or linked to yellow fever outbreaks. A female presence, sometimes gentle, sometimes stern, is reported in certain rooms. Objects moving or unexplained noises contribute to its haunted reputation.
Jekyll Island Club Resort
371 Riverview Dr, Jekyll Island, GA 31527
The Jekyll Island Club Resort is rich with history and stories of past members like J.P. Morgan, Rockefeller, and Vanderbilt. One recurring ghostly tale involves Samuel Spencer, a railroad magnate who died in 1906. He preferred his coffee with his morning newspaper, and resort staff have reported finding brewed coffee and newspapers moved or laid out in his former rooms long after his death. Other figures, like a former bellman or industrialist Lloyd Aspinwall, are also said to linger.
Windsor Hotel
125 West Lamar Street, Americus, GA 31709
The Windsor Hotel actively promotes its haunted history with dedicated tours. Notable spirits include Emily, a former housekeeper, and her daughter Emma Mae, tragically said to have been pushed down an elevator shaft on the third floor after a dispute with a local politician; guests report hearing a child's laughter and seeing a woman in black. Also present is 'Floyd', a loyal doorman who served for 44 years and is still seen assisting guests post-mortem near the entrance. These stories contribute to its reputation as one of Georgia's haunted landmarks.
The Ellis Hotel
176 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
The Ellis Hotel's haunted reputation is indelibly linked to the tragic 1946 Winecoff Hotel fire, one of America's deadliest hotel fires, killing 119 people. Many believe the spirits of those who perished remain. Guests report smelling smoke when there is no fire, hearing screams or coughing, seeing apparitions in hallways, and feeling unexplained cold spots. The energy is particularly associated with the upper floors where escape was impossible.
River Street Inn
124 E Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401
Housed in buildings dating back to 1817 used primarily for cotton grading and storage, the River Street Inn likely absorbed energies from countless laborers and intense commerce. Stories tell of phantom footsteps, apparitions in period clothing seen in hallways, and items moving unexpectedly. Some link potential hauntings to the arduous work conditions associated with the cotton trade era.
The Partridge Inn Augusta, Curio Collection by Hilton
2110 Walton Way, Augusta, GA 30904
The Partridge Inn's history dates back to 1836. One prominent ghost story revolves around 'Emily,' a young bride who reportedly died of heartbreak in room 434 (or nearby) in the early 1900s after her groom was shot or ran off. Guests report seeing her apparition in a wedding dress, feeling cold spots, and hearing faint crying, especially around the fourth and fifth floors.
17Hundred90 Inn and Restaurant
307 E President St, Savannah, GA 31401
The 17Hundred90 Inn is well-known for specific spirits. 'Anna Powers' is the most famous, believed to be a young woman who haunts Room 204. Stories vary: some say she threw herself from the window heartbroken over a sailor, others say she was pushed or died in childbirth. Guests report items moving, being touched, and feeling her presence. Another spirit, 'Thaddeus,' a young boy, is said to inhabit the tavern area, often leaving small objects or coins as offerings.
Haunted History of Georgia
Georgia's history is a deeply layered saga of conflict, tragedy, and transformation, leaving a spectral imprint across the entire state. From the mournful Trail of Tears to the brutal battlefields of the Civil War, the land itself seems to hold the memories of its turbulent past. The ghosts of Georgia are not confined to one city; they are found in the misty Blue Ridge Mountains, within the walls of stately antebellum mansions, and along the moss-draped coastal plains. The echoes of history are so strong here that it's no wonder countless spirits are said to linger.
The state was a central stage for the Civil War, with major battles fought at Chickamauga and Kennesaw Mountain, and the infamous Andersonville prison camp witnessing unspeakable suffering. Sherman's March to the Sea carved a path of destruction that left more than just physical scars. These events, combined with centuries of local folklore, tragic epidemics, and mysterious legends, have cemented Georgia's reputation as a paranormal hotspot. Whether you're in a bustling city like Atlanta or a quiet colonial town, you're never far from a place where the veil between worlds feels incredibly thin.
Other Haunted Attractions in Georgia
- Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park: The site of a major Civil War battle in 1864, this park is rife with paranormal reports. Visitors and park rangers have recounted seeing phantom soldiers in period uniforms, hearing the sounds of battle, and smelling gunpowder on the air, as if the conflict never truly ended.
- Oakland Cemetery: Atlanta's oldest and most historic cemetery is a sprawling Victorian garden of the dead. It serves as the final resting place for thousands of Civil War soldiers, and its famous ghost tours are popular for a reason. Visitors report everything from disembodied voices to the chilling sensation of being touched by unseen hands near the Confederate section.
- Andersonville National Historic Site: Once the site of the Confederacy's most notorious prisoner-of-war camp, Andersonville is a place of profound sorrow. The immense suffering and death that occurred here have led to countless paranormal claims, including sightings of gaunt, spectral figures and feelings of overwhelming despair that grip visitors unexpectedly.
- Ebenezer Creek: This serene waterway near Savannah holds a dark secret from the Civil War. In 1864, hundreds of freed slaves drowned tragically while trying to cross. Today, locals and visitors report hearing phantom cries for help echoing from the water and seeing eerie, unexplained lights beneath the surface at night.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Georgia
- Go Beyond Savannah: While Savannah is famously haunted, don't miss out on the spooky tales from other parts of the state. Historic towns like Roswell, Marietta, and Madison have their own incredible ghost stories and haunted landmarks worth exploring.
- Research the History: Georgia's hauntings are deeply tied to its Civil War past. Before you visit a hotel or landmark, read up on its specific history from that era—it will make your ghostly encounters feel much more significant.
- Pack for the Climate: Georgia's weather can vary greatly from the cooler mountains in the north to the humid coast. Pack layers and be prepared for changing conditions, especially if you plan on joining any late-night outdoor ghost tours.
- Keep an Open Mind: The spirits of Georgia are found in grand hotels, humble inns, and lonely battlefields. The key to a great paranormal adventure is to stay curious, respectful, and open to experiencing the unexplained wherever you go.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Georgia
Are haunted hotels in Georgia safe to stay in?
Absolutely! All hotels, haunted or not, must comply with strict safety regulations to operate. The ghostly tales and spooky ambiance are part of the unique historical experience, not a threat to your safety.
What is the most haunted city for hotels in Georgia?
Savannah holds the title of "America's Most Haunted City" and has the highest concentration of haunted hotels and inns. However, cities like Atlanta, Roswell, and Columbus also boast historic hotels with their own well-known spectral residents.
Do haunted hotels in Georgia offer ghost tours?
Many hotels, particularly those in historic districts, are either featured on local ghost tours or have staff who are happy to share their own spooky experiences. It's always a great idea to ask the concierge for recommendations on the best local tours.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Georgia?
Yes, most haunted hotels are family-friendly establishments. However, parents should use their discretion, as the historical stories behind the hauntings can sometimes be intense for younger children.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Georgia?
Fall is the perfect season for a haunted Georgia getaway. The weather is pleasant across the state, and the autumn atmosphere perfectly complements the spooky history, especially around Halloween.