Haunted Hotels in Memphis, Tennessee You Can Stay In

Haunted History of Memphis, Tennessee

As the "Home of the Blues," Memphis is a city whose soul is steeped in music, sorrow, and a history as deep and muddy as the Mississippi River it sits on. Its past as a rough-and-tumble river port saw immense wealth, but also vice, violence, and devastating tragedy. The Yellow Fever epidemics of the 1870s were so catastrophic that they nearly wiped the city off the map, leaving behind a permanent population of ghostly residents who are still tied to the land.

The city's haunted folklore is a soulful blend of its most famous figures and its deepest tragedies. The spirit of the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, is said to still linger at his beloved Graceland, making it one of the most famous haunted homes in the world. Add to this the sorrowful spirits of blues musicians on Beale Street and the ghosts of Civil War soldiers from the Battle of Memphis, and you have a city where the echoes of the past are always playing a haunting tune.

Other Haunted Attractions in Memphis, Tennessee

• Graceland: The world-famous home of Elvis Presley is also the site of countless paranormal reports. The spirit of the King is the city's most sought-after ghost, with visitors and staff reporting sightings of his apparition in the windows of the mansion, hearing his phantom singing, and feeling his larger-than-life presence, especially in the Meditation Garden where he is laid to rest. Official Website
• The Orpheum Theatre: This stunningly ornate 1920s movie palace is home to one of Memphis's most beloved ghosts, a young girl named "Mary." She is said to have been killed in an accident outside the theater, and her playful spirit is now often seen sitting in her favorite balcony seat, C-5. Performers and staff have long reported flickering lights, disembodied giggles, and other friendly paranormal activity. Official Website
• Earnestine & Hazel's: This legendary dive bar was once a pharmacy, a jazz club, and a brothel, and is now considered one of the most haunted bars in America. Numerous spirits are said to reside here, but the old jukebox is the most famous haunted object, known for starting up on its own and playing soulful, somber tunes from a bygone era when no one is near it.
• Elmwood Cemetery: This beautiful, historic Victorian garden cemetery is the final resting place for over 75,000 souls, including thousands of unknown Yellow Fever victims and Confederate soldiers. It's a major paranormal hotspot, where visitors have seen apparitions in period clothing, heard disembodied whispers among the ancient tombstones, and felt a profound sense of sorrow in the oldest sections. Official Website

Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Memphis, Tennessee

• Take a Guided Ghost Tour: Memphis's haunted history is rich and multifaceted. A guided walking tour is the best way to explore the historic South Main district and hear the chilling tales of the city's most famous haunts from an expert storyteller.
• Pay Respects to the King: A visit to Graceland is a must for any trip to Memphis. Whether you're a believer or not, the powerful emotion and energy of the place, especially near his grave, are a paranormal experience in themselves.
• Listen to the Blues on Beale Street: The soul of the city is its music. Visit a historic blues club at night and listen for the phantom notes of the legendary musicians who made the street famous and whose spirits are said to still linger.
• Have a Burger with a Ghost: Pull up a stool at the iconic Earnestine & Hazel's. The atmosphere is thick with history, the "Soul Burgers" are famous, and you might just get a song request played for you by one of the resident spirits.

FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Memphis, Tennessee

Are haunted hotels in Memphis, Tennessee safe to stay in? Yes, absolutely. They are historic and popular hotels known for their Southern hospitality and charm. Their ghostly guests are a fascinating part of the city's rich cultural and musical heritage.

What is the most haunted hotel in Memphis, Tennessee? While the city's most famous hotel is known for its ducks, it and several other historic downtown establishments have their own well-known paranormal residents. The city is full of spirits from its dramatic past, from Civil War soldiers to blues-era specters.

Do haunted hotels in Memphis offer ghost tours? Memphis has a great ghost tour scene, and companies like Historical Haunts Memphis make the city's haunted hotels and bars a central part of their spooky tours. Booking with a local company is the best way to hear the city's most chilling tales.

Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Memphis, Tennessee? Most hotels are family-friendly. The ghost stories are often tied to the city's incredible music history and its role in the Civil War, which can be a fun and spooky adventure for older kids and teens.

What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Memphis, Tennessee? Fall is a great time to visit, offering pleasant weather for walking tours and a spooky atmosphere for Halloween. "Elvis Week" in August is also a powerful time to visit Graceland, as the energy of his devoted fans—and perhaps his own spirit—is at its absolute peak.