News Summary
Fainting Goat Island Inn has been recognized as the Best Haunted Hotel by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Located on a scenic island in the Susquehanna River, the inn has a rich history and a reputation for ghostly encounters. Guests have reported various supernatural experiences, including sightings of friendly spirits. The inn’s unique goat-themed decor and delightful amenities, such as homemade cinnamon buns and access to river activities, make it a charming destination for thrill-seekers and those interested in the paranormal.
Nichols, New York – Fainting Goat Island Inn has been named the Best Haunted Hotel for 2025 by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. The inn, located at 1311 W. River Road in Nichols, Tioga County, has earned this prestigious recognition for the third time in four years, highlighting its reputation as a prime destination for those interested in ghostly encounters.
The Fainting Goat Island Inn, originally a railroad hotel built in the 1800s, is situated on a 17-acre island in the Susquehanna River, just one mile east of Tioga Downs Casino and a minute off Interstate 86/state Route 17. This unique location not only offers stunning views but also numerous amenities that make it appealing to guests looking for a combination of comfort and the supernatural.
Guests at the inn have reported a variety of ghostly experiences, adding to the hotel’s haunted lore. Some visitors have noted being awakened by voices at night, while others have witnessed two women enjoying tea in a room dubbed the Fainting Room. There are accounts of footsteps echoing on a staircase that doesn’t exist, and in the Nubian Room, guests have found a child-sized chair mysteriously relocated next to the bed. These friendly spirits create an atmosphere that many find to be more peaceful than frightening.
The Fainting Goat Island Inn is celebrated for its delightful offerings, including homemade cinnamon buns and extensive gardens. Guests can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi and access to the river, where activities such as fishing, paddling, and bird watching, including sightings of bald eagles, are readily available.
With its recent win, Fainting Goat Island Inn has once again set itself apart from other notable haunted hotels. In the 2025 Best Haunted Hotel category, finalists included the Farnsworth House Inn in Gettysburg, the Hotel Chelsea in New York City, the Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, Massachusetts, and Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake, which ranked 10th. This recognition underscores the inn’s consistent performance, as it has ranked in the top four since 2019.
In addition to its haunted reputation, the Finger Lakes region surrounding Fainting Goat Island Inn is also home to attractions that have received accolades in the 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Notable mentions include the Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, recognized as No. 1 for Best Winery Tour and No. 3 for Best Wine Tasting Room, and a local campground that was highlighted as one of the 10BEST Glamping Spots in the nation. Additionally, Watkins Glen State Park’s Gorge Trail was named among the 10BEST Hiking Trails, while the Watkins Glen International received recognition as one of USA TODAY’s 10Best NASCAR Tracks. Corning has also secured awards for Best Public Square, Best Small Town Cultural Scenes, and Best 5K Race.
Fainting Goat Island Inn incorporates unique goat-themed decor throughout its facility. The inn features four bedrooms, each named after different types of goats, further embracing its whimsical theme. This creative touch, coupled with a captivating spirit of hospitality, has made the inn a preferred choice for those seeking both charm and the thrill of the supernatural.
Fainting Goat Island Inn continues to thrive as a destination for adventure seekers and ghost enthusiasts alike, showcasing its legacy within the history of haunted hotels while providing a memorable experience for all who visit.
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- New York Upstate
- Wikipedia: Haunted hotel
- Democrat and Chronicle
- Google Search: finger lakes getaways
- USA Today 10Best
- Google Scholar: haunted hotels
- WIBX 950
- Encyclopedia Britannica: haunted places in New York
- USA Today 10Best Halloween
- Google News: best haunted hotels in the US
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
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