Haunted hotels: Five, if you dare

By Heather Mark

For the AJC

Some of the finest inns of the Southeast come appointed with apparitions — allegedly littered with phantoms, spirits and poltergeists. If it’s cozy accommodations you seek, along with a side of chills and things that go bump in the night, consider checking into one of these “haunted” hotels.

The Kehoe House, 
Savannah

Legend says iron mogul William Kehoe and his wife, who built the house in 1892, lost their young twins in an accident and their lost souls now inhabit the property along with Kehoe’s spirit. Paranormal activity is said to be particularly strong in guestrooms No. 201 and No. 203. Incidentally, the Kehoe mansion was used as a mortuary for most of the 20th century. $289 to $309 per night. 123 Habersham St. 912-232-1020. www.KehoeHouse.com

Eat: The Olde Pink House, where “elegant Southern dining” includes crispy fried lobster tails with sweet chili dijon. Appetizers start at $4.95, entrées at $14.95. 23 Abercorn St. 912-232-4286.

Info: Savannah Visitor Information Center, 301 Martin Luther King Blvd. Savannah 31401. 912-944-0455. www.savannahvisit.com.

The Battery Carriage House Inn, Charleston, S.C.

Known as Charleston’s most haunted inn, the Battery Carriage House Bed and Breakfast is said to be haunted by both a gentleman ghost and an apparition sporting a headless torso. Approximately $200 per night. 20 South Battery. 843-727-3100; 1-800-775-5575. www.
batterycarriagehouse.com.

Eat: Poogan’s Porch, where “Lowcountry cuisine” features Creole jambalaya. Lunch starts at $7.95, dinner starts at $13.95, and weekend brunch starts at $8.95. 72 Queen St. 843-577-2337. www.poogansporch.com

Info: Charleston Visitor Center, 375 Meeting St., Charleston, SC 29403. 843-853-8000. www.CharlestonCVB.com/visitors.

The St. Francis Inn, 
St. Augustine, Fla.

In the mid-1800s, the story goes, the man who owned the St. Francis Inn discovered that his nephew and his servant were having an affair. To punish his nephew, he fired the servant. But the nephew couldn’t live with a broken heart, so he hanged himself in the attic. Now they say two lonely spirits haunt the inn and play games with guests’ belongings. $119 to $289 per night. 279 St. George St. 800-824-6062; 904-824-6068. www.StFrancisInn.com.

Eat: Harry’s restaurant serves lots of seafood dishes with Cajun flair, including crawfish etoufee and po’ boys. Appetizers starting at $8, entrées starting at $11. 46 Avenida Menendez. 904-824-7765. www.HookedOnHarrys.com

Info: St. John’s County Visitor Information Center, 10 Castillo Drive, St. Augustine, FL 32804. 904-825-1000. www.ci.
st-augustine.fl.us.

Hotel Monteleone, 
New Orleans

A jazz singer, a Mardi Gras reveler and dedicated former employees are just some of the phantoms said to haunt this French Quarter landmark, which opened in 1886. One of its notable spirits is 3-year-old Maurice. Request a room on the 14th floor and you may encounter Maurice or one of the other child ghosts. Rooms start at $179 per night. 214 Rue Royale. 866-338-4684. www.HotelMonteleone.com

Eat: Arnaud’s, which offers special recipes like roast Louisiana quail. Appetizers start at $9; entrées start at $22. 813 Rue Bienville, New Orleans, LA 70112. 866-230-8895 or 504-523-5433. www.Arnauds.com

Info: New Orleans Welcome Center, 529 St. Ann St., New Orleans, LA 70116. 504-568-5661. www.crt.state.la.us/tourism/

Cedar Grove Mansion Inn, Vicksburg, Miss.

Some have seen a child, some have heard voices, but the most common paranormal incident is the scent of pipe smoke in the gentleman’s parlor. It is thought that the spirit of John Klein, the owner of the house during the Civil War, smokes his ghostly pipe when he is dismayed. Guest rooms start at $120 per night, suites and cottages start at $145 per night. 2200 Oak St. 1-800-862-1300; 601-636-1000. www.CedarGroveInn.com.

Eat: Cedar Grove’s own restaurant is one of the best in Vicksburg. They serve sophisticated Southern recipes like pork T-bone with gumbo sauce and grits. Appetizers $10, entrées starting at $18.

Info: Mississippi Welcome Center, 4210 Washington St., Vicksburg, MS 39180. 601-638-4269. www.VicksburgCVB.org.