Haunted South Carolina Inns: Rooms with a Boo

South Carolina inns and hotels offer a wide array of creature comforts—sometimes of the otherworldly kind. If you're looking for a room with an extra guest, there are plenty of spirited options that deliver a few chills, along with fancy milled soaps and perhaps even nightly turndown service. While there's no guarantee you'll see a ghost, expect a warm welcome from your human hosts—and a goose bump or two—when you stay at these establishments.

Belmont Inn

Since 1903, this historic hotel, favored by patrons and performers of the nearby opera house, has been an Abbeville landmark. The Belmont Inn underwent extensive renovation in recent years and has largely been restored to its former glory. All that sprucing up, however, couldn't convince its two resident ghosts, Abraham and an unnamed Scotsman, to find less active digs. The pair have been sighted, but always separately—Abraham on the ground floor and the Scotsman on the main staircase. Their high jinks include knocking on guests' doors in the dead of night, rearranging objects and breaking glasses—unmannerly behavior, for sure, but eviction seems out of the question for now.

Embassy Suites

Once the site of the South Carolina State Arsenal (or Old Citadel) in Charleston, the Embassy Suites has been designated a Civil War monument, which fits in nicely with the architecture's gun ports and fortress-like design. In light of this, it comes as no surprise that ghosts here are of the military persuasion—cadets and officers who feel entitled to enjoy the modern-day spoils of war: turns in the hotel's Jacuzzis and corner rooms with the best views. If you spot a uniformed specter, simply salute and go about your business.

Francis Marion Hotel

A love story gone awry—what better way for a 1920s grand hotel to acquire a permanent resident? As the tale goes, Yankee Ned fell for a Southern belle at a time when Northerners weren't so popular in these parts. Whether it was because of family pressures or the post-war hardships of maintaining a North-and-South romance, the lady composed a "Dear John" letter and left it in Ned's hotel room as he slept. Heartbroken, the jilted suitor leaped to his death, landing squarely in King Street. If you notice your windows won't stay shut or spy the weeping figure of a man in the hallway, don't bother calling the front desk.

South Battery Carriage House

Haunted and proud of it—that's an apt way to describe this historic inn's approach to being a hotbed of paranormal action. There have been so many documented apparitions at South Battery Carriage House, the owners decided to just go with the ghostly flow and air their haunted laundry on their website. Though they've never personally spotted a specter in their establishment, guests and employees report some pretty odd goings-on. For the not-so-faint-of-heart, ask for an overnight in Room 8, site of an appearance by the "Headless Torso." Or, choose Room 10 for a more refined experience with the "Gentleman Ghost," a genial, well-dressed fellow looking for a comfy bed and warm body to snuggle up to. No need to move over—he reportedly takes up very little space. Cozy.

Mansfield Plantation

In 1718, rice planters established themselves on the banks of the dusky Black River. Throughout the ensuing centuries, much living—and dying—has taken place at this carefully preserved antebellum plantation, now operating as a bed-and-breakfast. Given all that history, it only stands to reason that supernatural vibrations can be detected on occasion. Paranormal investigators staying in the North Guest House have picked up what's known as electronic voice phenomena, or EVPs. Basically, this means that, using very sensitive recording equipment, they've recorded otherworldly voices. So what was the message from the spirit world? "Don't leave me ..." Of course, no one would blame you for hightailing it out of there should you be so petitioned.

Westin Poinsett

This circa 1925 luxury hotel was built on the site of the former Mansion House Hotel in Greenville. The 12-storied Poinsett, once home to John C. Calhoun, had its last gasp in 1987 and was essentially shuttered. Thirteen years and a hefty renovation later, the Westin Poinsett enjoyed a rousing reincarnation and business has been booming ever since. Not all guests are paying, however. There have been reports of an elderly man popping up unannounced in some of the rooms, then vanishing into thin air. A ghostly figure has also been spotted staring out from a third-floor window. Just before he disappears, he removes his black coat, so if you happen to find one during your stay, don't take it to lost and found. He'll be back for it soon enough.

Pelican Inn

This whitewashed, 1840s house-turned-inn is hauntingly beautiful and original in the island's historic section. Guests come to enjoy the sedate atmosphere and home-made meals. While it's situated in Gray Man territory (the famous spirit that walks the shoreline warning of inclement weather), the property is home to two canine ghosties: a pair of Boston terriers belonging to a former owner. Sadly, one perished while swimming out to sea to rescue a drowning boy, and the other, from the resulting loneliness. Mysterious barking, particularly after dark, has been reported, but thankfully, no fleas.