Haunted Hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in New Orleans with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
23 Haunted Hotels Found in New Orleans
The Haunted Hotel NOLA (Experience)
Specific location revealed during booking
This experience focuses on direct engagement with paranormal activity. Participants utilize equipment within a reputedly very active haunted location in New Orleans. The building's history, typically detailed during the experience, is purported to involve intense events leading to numerous restless spirits. It's designed to be an active 'ghost hunt' rather than passive observation.
Audubon Cottages
509 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
Audubon Cottages, despite its serene appearance, is noted for paranormal activity. Specifically, 'Cottage Four' is said to be visited occasionally by a 'ghostly guest' - the spirit of a musician who appears in a military uniform. This specific and recurring account contributes to its reputation as being subtly haunted, adding another layer to its rich history dating back to the late 18th century.
Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Hotel Monteleone is considered one of New Orleans' most haunted hotels. Generations of guests and staff have reported supernatural encounters. A recurring story involves Maurice Begere, a young boy who died in the hotel in the late 1800s. His spirit supposedly haunts the 14th floor, sometimes appearing to guests, particularly near the room where he stayed, reportedly looking for his parents who also passed soon after. Other experiences include locked doors opening and closing, cold spots, and unexplained noises.
Place D'Armes Hotel
625 St Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Place D'Armes Hotel is located on historically significant land, site of the former school destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788. Given this history, paranormal activity is frequently reported. Guests describe encountering spirits believed connected to the old school, including figures of children and possibly an elderly man thought to be a former headmaster or associated figure. These encounters add to the hotel's charm and reputation as a haunted landmark.
Hotel Provincial
1024 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Hotel Provincial is known for paranormal activity, particularly concentrated in Building 5. Guests and staff report encounters, especially in room 526, ranging from feeling an unseen presence and hearing unexplained voices to finding bloodstains that reappear after cleaning and experiencing electronic malfunctions like drained batteries. The building served as a Confederate hospital, and some believe soldiers' spirits remain. Its inclusion in local ghost tours highlights its haunted reputation within New Orleans.
Hotel St Vincent
1507 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hotel St. Vincent holds one of New Orleans' more poignant haunted reputations due to its past as St. Vincent's Infant Asylum, operated from the 1860s. The site saw much suffering and death, especially related to diseases like Yellow Fever impacting children and their caregivers (nuns). Consequently, paranormal claims are intrinsically linked to this history. Reports frequently mention encountering spectral children—hearing children crying, laughing, or running in hallways where none are present. Apparitions of nuns have also been reported, sometimes seemingly tending to invisible charges or expressing sadness. Given its extensive history as a place of childhood suffering and care, many believe these spirits are deeply connected to the building, irrespective of its modern renovations.
Lafitte Guest House
1003 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Originally built in 1849, Lafitte Guest House (now Lafitte Hotel & Bar) is steeped in history, though direct connections to pirates Jean and Pierre Lafitte are debated. The property's haunted reputation is well-known in New Orleans. Guests and investigators report paranormal experiences, most notably in Room 21, where a young girl named Marie is said to have died of yellow fever. Her apparition has reportedly been seen in the room's mirror and she sometimes interacts with children staying at the hotel. Her grieving mother is also said to haunt the same room, with sounds of sobbing occasionally heard, imparting a sense of sorrow. Other reported phenomena include the cries of an infant elsewhere in the building and flickering lights.
Olivier House Hotel
828 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70112
The Olivier House Hotel boasts a long history, dating back to the early 19th century, making it a prime candidate for ghostly tales. Stories passed down connect spectral activity to former owners and dramatic events within its walls. One commonly mentioned presence is a woman thought to be Elizabeth, a widowed former owner, who supposedly looks after guests but may disapprove of certain behaviors. Another recurrent tale involves a spectral soldier, possibly from the Civil War era, seen in uniform. Guests have reported strange occurrences such as disembodied voices, items moving on their own, and doors opening or closing unexpectedly, particularly near older parts of the hotel and stairwells.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is renowned as one of America's most haunted. Built on the site of the former Orleans Theatre & Ballroom and later a convent/orphanage (St. Mary's Academy) run by the Sisters of the Holy Family, it holds many spirits. Guests and staff report encounters with a Confederate soldier, apparitions of children and nuns from the days it served as an orphanage and school, particularly during yellow fever outbreaks, and a lone ghost often seen dancing in the famous Orleans Ballroom. The hotel embraces its haunted reputation, even offering spooky tour packages.
Columns Hotel
3811 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70115
The Columns Hotel, with its dramatic architecture and history (including being featured in films like 'Pretty Baby'), naturally attracts spectral lore. Though not known for aggressive hauntings, staff and patrons often speak of an ambient presence, particularly in quieter, late hours. Stories mention feelings of being watched, especially near the striking central staircase, or faint sounds like rustling skirts or muffled conversations from another era. Some connect these feelings to the building's past as an affluent residence, suggesting former inhabitants may still enjoy its grandeur. Less commonly, fleeting apparitions or quickly vanishing figures have been reported in peripheral vision, particularly on the upper floors.
Hotel Villa Convento
616 Ursulines Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
Hotel Villa Convento is reputed to be haunted, with stories often linking its past to that of a brothel. The most prominent reported spirit is that of a 'madam,' believed to watch over the property. Guests and paranormal investigators particularly focus on Room 209 as a center of unexplained activity, including sightings and uneasy feelings. Its location near the historic Ursuline Convent adds to its atmospheric charm and ghostly legends.
Lamothe House Hotel
621 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Built in 1839, Lamothe House is renowned not just for its historic charm but also its resident spirits. The most frequently reported ghost is that of a 'woman in red,' who mysteriously appears from one of the guest rooms only to vanish shortly after. Adding to the spectral atmosphere, guests and staff have often heard the disembodied laughter of children echoing through the property late at night. Correspondingly, the spectral figure of a motherly woman is sometimes seen wandering the hallways, perceived to be searching for her lost children. These recurring phenomena contribute to Lamothe House's haunted reputation.
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
621 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
The Omni Royal Orleans is widely regarded as haunted, built on land with deep New Orleans history including proximity to sites related to the slave trade and numerous historical events. Guests and staff have reported various paranormal activities. Most notably, sightings include a benevolent spirit believed to be a former maid who attentively roams the corridors, ensuring guest comfort. Others have reported encounters with child-like apparitions and unexplained occurrences consistent with a building holding centuries of stories within its walls.
Hotel St. Marie
827 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Hotel St. Marie carries whispers of the past within its walls, common for historic French Quarter buildings. While specific named ghosts are less documented than some neighboring hotels, guests and staff have occasionally reported experiencing unexplained phenomena typical of residual hauntings. This includes sudden cold spots in otherwise warm hallways, faint sounds of voices or movement in empty rooms, and an occasional feeling of being watched. These subtle occurrences are often attributed to the spirits of former residents or individuals connected to tragic events from New Orleans' vivid past, potentially tied to illnesses like yellow fever or misfortunes that took place nearby centuries ago.
Bienville House
320 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Bienville House, with its rich history dating back to the 19th century when parts of it served commerce and industry, is believed by some to harbor spectral residents. While the provided 'haunting_url_source' was incorrect, general lore suggests encounters, particularly with a figure known as the 'Lady in Blue'. This spirit is thought to be a former caregiver or resident from one of the building's previous incarnations. Guests have reported fleeting glances of a woman in blue attire, especially in hallways or near staircases. Other less distinct paranormal claims include unexplained knocking sounds, objects slightly moving, or temporary electrical disturbances, possibly linked to spirits attached to artifacts within the hotel or residual energy from its varied past uses.
Cornstalk Hotel
915 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
The Cornstalk Hotel, instantly recognizable by its unique fence, is said to carry stories as old as its structure. Having hosted notable figures throughout history, some believe echoes of its past linger. One persistent tale involves Harriet Beecher Stowe, who supposedly stayed here and drew inspiration; some claim her spirit still visits. Another account speaks of former residents, perhaps children whose laughter is faintly heard, or a protective female figure watching over rooms. While specific violent events aren't widely cited, the sheer age and history suggest residual energies manifesting as cold spots, occasional unexplained sounds, or brief visual anomalies reported by guests sensitive to such phenomena.
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
415 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
Dauphine Orleans Hotel embraces its haunted reputation, connected to several spirits. 'May Baily's Place,' once a licensed bordello, is central to many stories, haunted by former 'soiled doves' and patrons. One notable spirit is believed to be Millie, a courteous courtesan. Another prominent ghost is a Creole soldier, possibly associated with the buildings' use during the Civil War era. Guests report phantom touches, apparitions in period clothing, flickering lights, and sounds attributed to these past inhabitants.
Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
833 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
Le Pavillon Hotel embraces its haunted reputation, with legends of multiple spirits residing within. Among the most discussed paranormal inhabitants are 'Adda,' believed to be a distraught teenage girl from the 19th century who met an untimely end related to passage on a steamship; a spectral couple, sometimes detected by the smell of cigar smoke; and a mischievous 'prankster spirit.' Guests have reported needing to request specific rooms known for activity, suggesting concentrated phenomena within certain areas of this historic hotel.
Sonder Maison De Ville
727 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70116
The structures forming Maison De Ville have stood for centuries, witnessing much of New Orleans history. While specific ghost stories directly attached to 'Sonder Maison De Ville' are blended with the general lore of the French Quarter, its age implies potential for spiritual remnants. Historically, areas of Maison De Ville were frequented by notable figures, and some believe their energies linger. Paranormal enthusiasts look for signs connected to past residents or tragic events typical of the Quarter, such as illnesses or sudden deaths. Unsubstantiated claims sometimes mention feelings of presence or cold spots in certain rooms, particularly those retaining more original structures. Tennessee Williams is associated with having stayed in cottage #9; some believe his creative spirit might contribute to the ambiance.
Andrew Jackson Hotel French Quarter
919 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United States
The Andrew Jackson Hotel is said to be haunted due to its site's history as a boarding school where young boys tragically died in a fire in the late 18th century. Guests report encounters with ghostly children, particularly hearing them play or laugh in the courtyard at night or seeing their apparitions. Another prominent spirit is reportedly 'Armand,' believed to be a former resident or related to the site's history before it was a school. The hotel embraces its haunted legacy.
Hotel St. Pierre
911 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Hotel St. Pierre is reportedly haunted by two distinct entities: a Confederate war veteran and an unidentified middle-aged man. These spirits are considered resident ghosts. Guests staying at the hotel have documented paranormal activity, including objects being moved within their rooms inexplicably. Another common occurrence reported is the television channels changing on their own, seemingly without physical interaction with the remote control, suggesting a spectral presence interfering with electronic devices.
Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr - Astor
739 Canal St. @ Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Despite being part of a modern chain, the Crowne Plaza Astor is considered a hotspot for supernatural phenomena. Its location, built upon layers of New Orleans history, reportedly harbors various entities. Guests and staff have recounted experiences with disembodied spirits and the distinct feeling of being watched or followed by phantom footsteps. Specific spirits are less identified by name and more by general activity types, contributing to an underlying eerie reputation within a contemporary setting.
The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans
1111 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
Though relatively contemporary, The Troubadour Hotel quickly gained a reputation for being haunted. Reports often speak generally of 'ghostly figures' and 'strange events.' Details about specific named entities are less common compared to older establishments, suggesting phenomena might relate to the land/previous structures or are more recent/less defined interactions within its modern walls. Its inclusion on ghost tours indicates ongoing intrigue and reported activity.
Haunted History of New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans isn't just a city with a few ghost stories; it's a city built on a foundation of them. Its history is a potent cocktail of devastating fires, deadly yellow fever epidemics, and a unique blend of cultures steeped in mysticism and spiritual practices. The air in the French Quarter feels heavy with the past, where the spirits of French aristocrats, Voodoo practitioners, pirates, and plague victims are said to walk the same cobblestone streets as modern-day revelers.
The city's paranormal reputation is inseparable from infamous figures like Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, whose spirit is said to grant wishes from her tomb, and the monstrous Madame Delphine LaLaurie, whose cruelty allegedly trapped the souls of her victims within her mansion's walls forever. From the above-ground cemeteries, known as "Cities of the Dead," to the shadowed balconies of the French Quarter, New Orleans embraces its ghosts. Here, the veil between the living and the dead feels impossibly thin, and every corner holds a new, chilling tale.
Other Haunted Attractions in New Orleans, Louisiana
- St. Louis Cemetery No. 1: The oldest and most famous cemetery in the city, this is the final resting place of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Her tomb is covered in 'X' markings left by visitors hoping she'll grant them a wish. Access to this "City of the Dead" is only available through licensed tour guides.
- The LaLaurie Mansion: Arguably the most infamous haunted house in New Orleans, this Royal Street mansion was the site of Madame Delphine LaLaurie's horrific torture chamber in the 1830s. Though it's a private residence, it's a staple of every ghost tour, with passersby reporting hearing screams and seeing ghostly faces in the windows.
- Muriel's Jackson Square: This beautiful restaurant is said to be home to the ghost of Pierre Antoine Lepardi Jourdan, who lost the home in a poker game and took his own life in 1814. Muriel's honors his spirit by setting a table for him every night with bread and wine, and many guests have reported strange paranormal activity.
- Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar: One of the oldest surviving structures in New Orleans, this dimly lit tavern is believed to be haunted by the pirate Jean Lafitte himself. Patrons of Lafitte's claim to see his ghostly figure lurking in the shadows, along with other spectral patrons who seem to be waiting for a drink that never comes.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in New Orleans, Louisiana
- Take a Ghost Tour ASAP: Book a walking ghost tour for your first night. It's the perfect introduction to the city's dark history and will give you a list of spooky places to explore further on your own.
- Be Respectful of the Dead: When visiting the famous above-ground cemeteries, remember that they are sacred grounds and active burial sites. Behave with respect, follow all posted rules, and never deface a tomb.
- Embrace the Local Gris-Gris: New Orleans is a city of superstition and spiritualism. Have fun with it! Visit a Voodoo shop and pick up a gris-gris bag for protection or good luck—it’s a perfect souvenir.
- Look Up!: Some of the best ghostly sightings are reported on the iconic wrought-iron balconies of the French Quarter. As you walk the streets at night, be sure to glance up—you never know who, or what, might be looking back.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana
Are haunted hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana safe to stay in?
Absolutely! Safety is a top priority for all operating hotels. The spirits are part of the historic ambiance, not a physical danger. The scariest thing you're likely to encounter is the price of a Hurricane on Bourbon Street.
What is the most haunted hotel in New Orleans, Louisiana?
That's a title many hotels proudly compete for! The Hotel Monteleone is famous for its Carousel Bar and numerous child spirits, while Le Pavillon Hotel has so many documented apparitions it's known as "The Belle of New Orleans." The "most haunted" often depends on which ghost story you find most terrifying.
Is Voodoo connected to the hauntings in New Orleans?
Voodoo is a genuine spiritual practice with deep historical roots in New Orleans. While often sensationalized, its connection to the spirit world is undeniable. Figures like Marie Laveau are central to the city's ghostly lore, adding a unique and powerful layer to its paranormal reputation.
What time of year is best for a haunted vacation in New Orleans, Louisiana?
October is the ultimate spooky season, with the entire city decorated for Halloween and the massive Krewe of Boo parade rolling through the French Quarter. For a less crowded but equally atmospheric trip, visit in the cooler months from November to February.