The Marshall House Named Ninth Best Haunted Hotel

The historic Savannah landmark earned a spot on the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice list for its spooky reputation.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Hotels

Screen-print poster illustration of an ornate wrought-iron balcony against a brick building, evoking a historic and eerie atmosphere.
The Marshall House in Savannah has been ranked the ninth-best haunted hotel in the United States by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Marshall House, located at 123 E. Broughton Street in Savannah, has been ranked the ninth-best haunted hotel in the nation by the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. The property earned the recognition due to long-standing reports of supernatural sightings and sounds from guests.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights the hotel's long history and its reputation as a focal point for paranormal tourism in Savannah. Such awards often drive interest in historic properties that combine period architecture with local folklore.

The Marshall House originally opened in 1851 and sits at 123 E. Broughton Street. After closing in 1957, the hotel underwent extensive restoration beginning in 1998 and finally reopened its doors to the public in 1999.

The players

The Marshall House

This historic Savannah hotel is a well-known site for ghost hunters and tourists interested in the city's past.

USA TODAY

This national media organization conducts the annual 10Best Readers' Choice Awards to highlight travel destinations.

The details

Known for its role as a hospital during mid-1800s yellow fever epidemics and as a Union hospital throughout the Civil War, the hotel has long been associated with tales of the afterlife. These historical events are frequently cited by visitors who report unexplained experiences during their stay.

Timeline

  1. The hotel first opened its doors in 1851.

  2. The property closed operations in 1957.

  3. Major restoration work began at the site in 1998.

  4. The historic building officially reopened in 1999.

  5. The awards were published in September 2026.

Travel Outlook

The Marshall House recognition underscores the broader trend of seasonal paranormal tourism that peaks in the lead-up to autumn. This placement on the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards follows the established pattern of travel publications categorizing heritage sites for seasonal interest.

Travelers interested in visiting the site should book well in advance as award-winning haunted hotels often see a surge in reservations during the autumn months. Guests should also verify tour availability, as the property remains an active hotel despite its ghostly reputation.

The takeaway

Historic preservation efforts have successfully revitalized this 19th-century landmark, turning its complex past into a unique cultural experience. Visitors looking for a haunted stay should prioritize booking during the shoulder season to avoid peak tourist crowds.

Further reading

Learn more about the historic accommodations available for your next stay in Savannah Hotels.

More information

View the complete results for the USA TODAY 10Best Awards list to see the full rankings.

Source note: This article includes information reported by Savannah Morning News.

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Would you choose to stay at a hotel specifically because it is marketed as haunted?