Savannah, Georgia, a city draped in Spanish moss and steeped in history, proudly wears its title as one of America’s most haunted locations. Beneath the charming facade of cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture lies a rich tapestry of ghostly tales, with many spectral residents choosing to linger in the very hotels that welcome overnight guests. If you’re seeking a thrill beyond the typical tourist experience, Savannah’s historic inns and hotels offer a unique opportunity to encounter the supernatural. Among these chilling destinations, the River Street Inn stands out as a particularly active site for paranormal phenomena. Could a stay at this iconic waterfront hotel lead to your own ghost story?
Delving into the Haunted History of River Street Inn
River Street Inn Savannah GA
The River Street Inn boasts a prime location on East Bay Street, mere steps from the bustling River Street, and is recognized as the sole Savannah member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America. This distinction alone hints at the Inn’s deep roots, but it’s the building’s past life as a 200-year-old cotton warehouse that truly sets the stage for its haunted reputation. In the early 19th century, Savannah flourished as the second largest cotton seaport globally, and this very site played a crucial role in that booming industry. The original two floors served as a repository for vast quantities of cotton, witnessing the ebb and flow of commerce and countless human stories.
This rich history, coupled with the Inn’s expansion from 44 to 86 guest rooms in 1998, has seemingly amplified the ghostly activity within its walls. The top floor, in particular, is whispered to be the most haunted section of the River Street Inn, making it a focal point for those seeking paranormal encounters.
Encounters with the River Street Inn Ghosts
Guests at the River Street Inn frequently report a range of eerie experiences, painting a vivid picture of the hotel’s spectral inhabitants. One of the most common occurrences is the distinct sound of heavy wheels rolling across the floor above, even when no one is present on that level. This auditory phenomenon evokes images of the building’s warehouse days, perhaps echoing the movement of cotton carts from centuries past.
Historic River Street Inn
Another frequently sighted apparition is described as a man dressed in a white shirt and tan pants. This spectral figure is often glimpsed in hallways or guest rooms, adding a visual element to the Inn’s haunted ambiance. Beyond these recurring sightings, guests have also reported unsettling instances of toilets flushing on their own, despite bathrooms being unoccupied. Perhaps even more unsettling are accounts of personal belongings being inexplicably moved around rooms, suggesting a mischievous, unseen presence at play.
River Street Inn Haunted Hotel in Savannah
These consistent reports lend credence to the River Street Inn’s reputation as a genuinely haunted location. While the exact identities and stories of these ghosts remain shrouded in mystery, their persistent presence adds an undeniable layer of intrigue to a stay at this historic hotel.
More Haunted Hotels in Savannah: A City of Spirits
While the River Street Inn is a prime example of Savannah’s haunted lodging, the city offers numerous other inns and hotels with their own resident ghosts and chilling tales. For those eager to explore further, consider these equally spooky Savannah destinations:
17Hundred90 Inn & Restaurant: Dating back to 1790, this charming inn is home to Anne, a mischievous ghost known for rearranging guests’ belongings in Room 204.
17Hundred90
The Marshall House: This beautifully restored hotel, once a Civil War hospital, is rumored to be haunted by child spirits and former patients. Guests report hearing children running in hallways and experiencing unexplained faucet activity.
The Marshall House
Olde Harbour Inn: Located on Factors Walk, this inn is said to be haunted by “Hank,” a worker who perished in a fire. Guests have reported smelling cigar smoke and witnessing objects moving in their rooms.
Olde Harbour Inn
Eliza Thompson House: This bed and breakfast, built in 1847, has seen reports of Confederate soldiers in windows and a young girl in a white dress. Paranormal investigations have rated it highly on the “fright-o-meter.”
Eliza Thompson House
Kehoe House: This elegantly restored mansion is believed to be haunted by the children of the Kehoe family. Guests have reported feeling touched and smelling perfume.
Kehoe House Haunted Hotels in Savannah
Embrace the Spectral Side of Savannah at River Street Inn
Savannah’s haunted hotels offer a unique and thrilling way to experience the city’s rich history and paranormal undercurrents. Among these ghostly destinations, the River Street Inn stands out as a particularly compelling choice for those seeking a genuine encounter with the supernatural. From the rolling wheel sounds echoing its warehouse past to the mysterious man in white and the playful poltergeist activity, a stay at the River Street Inn promises an unforgettable – and potentially spooky – Savannah adventure. Dare to book a room and discover if you’ll become part of the River Street Inn Ghost stories.
