The Sagamore Resort – Haunted Hotel in Bolton Landing, New York

Perched on the scenic shores of Lake George, The Sagamore Resort is a historic luxury hotel with a chilling reputation. While it offers breathtaking views and classic elegance, it’s also whispered to be one of New York’s most haunted destinations.

Guests and staff alike have reported eerie encounters—from ghostly children playing in the halls to a mysterious woman appearing in guest rooms. With over a century of history, the resort seems to carry more than just the weight of time—it carries spirits from its past.

Historical Background

• Year Built: 1883
• Original Purpose: Luxury resort for wealthy vacationers
• Significant Events:
  The Sagamore has burned down twice—once in 1893 and again in 1914—before being fully restored in 1921. Over the decades, numerous accidents and unexplained deaths have occurred on the property, particularly near the golf course and within the hotel’s main building. The deaths, coupled with multiple reconstructions, are believed to have stirred lingering spirits.

Paranormal Activity Summary

Guests and staff frequently report phantom footsteps, cold spots, and the eerie sound of children laughing when no one is around. Lights flicker with no electrical issues, and furniture is said to move on its own in some rooms.

There are recurring sightings of a woman in white, a ghostly bellhop, and a young boy ghost known to play tricks on unsuspecting guests. These entities don’t follow a predictable schedule but are often more active during the colder months.

Ghost Stories & Reports

• The Little Boy on the Golf Course:
  One of the most famous spirits is a young boy who appears on the hotel’s golf course. He is known for throwing golf balls at unsuspecting players—often laughing before vanishing into thin air.
• The Woman in White:
  A figure in a flowing white gown has been spotted hovering at the foot of guests’ beds. She is most often seen in the main building’s upper floors, and guests describe feeling watched or even touched lightly on the arm when alone.
• The Bellhop:
  A ghostly bellhop, dressed in an old-fashioned uniform, is said to knock on doors and offer to carry bags—only to vanish when guests open the door or turn their heads.
• Children’s Laughter in the Hallways:
  Even when the resort has no young guests, the sound of giggling, running, and playing children can be heard, especially late at night in the halls.

Local lore suggests that some of these spirits are former guests who loved the resort so much, they never left—even in death.

Most Haunted Spot Inside

The hallways of the main hotel—particularly the second and third floors—are considered the most haunted. Guests staying in those rooms often report seeing shadows, hearing knocks, or feeling watched all night long.

Can You Visit?

• Open to the Public? Yes
• Entry Fee: None (as a guest or visitor)
• Tour Availability: No official ghost tours, but staff are known to share stories
• Photography Allowed? Yes
• Visiting Hours? Open year-round for overnight guests and daytime visitors

Best Time to Visit

Fall and winter are considered the best times for paranormal activity. The resort is quieter, and ghost sightings tend to spike when the air turns cold and the lake fog rolls in.

Paranormal Investigations & Findings

The Sagamore has been featured in local paranormal documentaries and investigated by several ghost-hunting groups. Investigators have recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of children’s laughter and temperature drops in specific rooms. Some teams have reported seeing shadowy figures captured on thermal cameras.

Safety Warnings & Legal Restrictions

There are no legal restrictions, but visitors are advised not to enter restricted areas like the service tunnels or closed wings. These areas may be structurally unsafe and are off-limits for safety reasons.