After Midnight

Over the past 15 or so years, I have had the opportunity to stay at a variety of hotels in Savannah during my visits, and four of them, in particular, have been haunted. I’ve had a weird experience at one of them, and although I wasn’t necessarily “bothered” at the others, a significant number of guests have been. Sometimes I sleep very well at hotels, other times I toss and turn, usually during the bewitching hour(s), between midnight and 3 AM. In popular folklore, the bewitching hour is a time of night associated with supernatural events. Witches, vampires, and ghosts appear and are allegedly the most powerful at this time. In the Catholic Church, the hour between 3 AM and 4 AM historically was a time when there were no prayers, because it was the hour between canonical hours. If you find yourself sleepless in Savannah during these hours, perhaps this is why. I am typically an insomniac, no matter where I am, but maybe the hotels and the history of what happened at these hotels contribute to my insomnia. I don’t know for sure, but the stories are fascinating to me, regardless.

The Olde Harbour Inn

This was the first hotel I ever stayed at in Savannah. A weekend get-away with girlfriends. Sturdy and strong, the building was erected in 1892, following a fire, destroying a bunch of buildings on Factor’s Walk. A city requirement demanded that all waterfront buildings were to be built of brick or stone. Rooms 406 and 405 have the most activity. The claim is that it is haunted by “Hank”, who possibly died in the fire (although no casualties were reported). Others even blame him for starting the fire. The fire began in his office, when there was a warehouse on the site of the Olde Harbour Inn. Hank has reportedly banged on doors, turned knobs, and even has been known to crawl into bed with female guests. Sometimes guests can smell the smoke of his cigar. Hank loves food, and is often found turning kitchen appliances on and off. Some people dub Hank as the most annoying ghost in Savannah. Others just refer to him as a prankster and a flirt.

Marshall House

Used as a hospital during the civil war, and making it through two yellow fever epidemics, it is no wonder this place is haunted. I stayed here for a wedding in 2005. The creepiest part of my experience was my date for the wedding (another blog for another day maybe?) At any rate, Marshall House ranks among the top most Haunted hotels in Savannah (and perhaps even in the US).

Sitting smack-dab in the center of the historic district, the facade of the building looks like it belongs in New Orleans with its architecture style. Built in 1851, most reports come from rooms 214 and 314, and 414. Strange odors. Banging noises. Tickling sensations. And the feeling of hand being pressed against one’s forehead, as if taking a temperature. Could it be that some of the nurses during the civil war still think they are on duty? Additionally, human remains were found below the rotting floorboards of the basement, as the hotel was being renovated. Amputations used to be performed in this part of the building. This is currently where the night manager’s office is located. Staff members have reportedly seen a Union soldier in a dark blue uniform, with just one arm wandering around at night.

How much does it cost to stay here, you ask? Well…..only an arm and a leg…..

Planter’s Inn at Reynold’s Square

I stayed here in 2011 on a trip with a guy I was dating at the time. Here is where *I* had a creepy experience. I do not scare very easily. But I could not stop shaking all night. I had major trouble falling asleep, and I think I drove the guy I was with crazy. Although I often have insomnia, I have never had a problem trembling like I did here. Of course we specifically *asked* to stay in the most haunted room, so that could have something to do with it, maybe…..

Built in 1812, and rebuilt in 1982, after being destroyed by a fire, this place is teeming with stories. One of the most famous ghosts is one of the twin daughters of the original owner, who is reported to most commonly be seen rearranging the art on the walls. The lobby is quite lovely, adorned with beautiful crown molding, and softly lit by lamps.

We inquired about the alleged ghosts who live there when we checked in, and were informed that 606 and 609 both have ghosts. We stayed in room 609, which is haunted by a little girl. We unfortunately, did not see her, but throughout my sleepless and shaky night, I had a chill, wondering if she might appear at the foot of our bed. Note to others who may not enjoy “things that go bump in the night” (or day): make sure to put the privacy sign on the door. We were taking a nap, and someone was banging on the door wanting to know if we wanted mints and ice. We did not.

Also, don’t miss the Pink House, right next door. A lovely spot for dinner, this venue has its own ghost stories. James Habersham Jr., the son of the original owner, hung himself in the basement, where the tavern (Planter’s Tavern) is now located. He never wanted the place to be pink in the first place. Perhaps insecure with his masculinity, he continues to haunt the place in protest. Habersham, and plenty of other ghosts haunt the place today. We ate in one of the upstairs dining rooms.

I have been here twice. Once on that visit and once just last week. The wall murals and decor vaguely reminds me of Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kehoe House

This is where I stayed last week. The service was superb. The food is top-notch. The decor is beautiful. They serve warm h’or d’oeuvres each evening and a beautiful and scrumptious breakfast each morning for guests. There is a local harp player in the evening who takes requests (and does a brilliant version of Metallica’s “Nothing Else Matters”).

We learned that twin children of the owner had died while playing in the fireplace. They are known to run through the halls, laughing and giggling. It is always sad when a child dies, and this story is no exception. Staff members have heard strange noises, and have seen a black mist rising from the air vents in one of the rooms. Things get displaced and moved around. Guests have reported to have felt someone sitting next to them in the bed, and can see a depression in the sheets where the ghost might have been. More than once, in the middle of the night, people have complained to guests services about the loud noises of other guests moving furniture in the room above them. But when someone goes to check, they find that everyone is sleeping.

Beautiful, and a little mysterious, this ranks in my short list of favorite places I’ve ever rested my head. I love everything about this historic bed and breakfast. I can’t wait to go back. This was by far my favorite hotel in Savannah. Talk about saving the best for last.