Look, I'll be straight with you – if you're searching for haunted places to stay in New Orleans, you're either a serious ghost hunter or just someone who wants a wild story for Instagram. After spending years exploring these places (and yes, occasionally losing sleep), I can tell you this ain't your average hotel review. Forget fluffy pillows and mint chocolates on your pillow. We're talking cold spots, phantom footsteps, and sometimes... unexpected roommates.
New Orleans does haunted differently. It's not some cheesy theme park act. The history here bleeds through the floorboards. When you check into one of these places, you're signing up for layers of stories – some tragic, some beautiful, all unforgettable. But which ones deliver real chills versus just creaky pipes? Let's get into it.
The Real Deal Haunted Hotels (Where You Might Actually See Something)
Not all "haunted" spots are created equal. These five deliver consistent ghostly activity year after year. Prices vary wildly – I've seen rooms from $150 to $600 a night depending on season and how brave you're feeling. Pro tip: Book DIRECTLY through hotel websites. Third-party sites often "forget" to mention you're booking the haunted wing.
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Address: 717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Price Range: $200-$450/night
Check-In: 4pm | Check-Out: 11am
Famous Ghosts: Dancing Confederate soldier in the ballroom, crying children in the hallways (it was an orphanage in the 1800s)
My Experience: Stayed in Room 644 last October. Woke up at 3 AM to the scent of cigar smoke – no smoking allowed since 2005. Housekeeping confirmed it's a common complaint in that room. Spooky? Yes. But the rooftop pool view of St. Louis Cathedral? Worth every goosebump.
Hotel Monteleone
Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price Range: $250-$600/night
Check-In: 4pm | Check-Out: 12pm
Famous Ghosts: Multiple children who play in hallways (staff leave toys out for them), phantom writer in the Carousel Bar
Personal Take: Their famous rotating bar is touristy but fun. Avoid room 1104 if you scare easily – multiple guests report bed-shaking here. Personally? I slept fine but my friend swears her jewelry moved overnight.
The Andrew Jackson Hotel
Address: 919 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Price Range: $180-$400/night
Check-In: 3pm | Check-Out: 11am
Famous Ghosts: Boys aged 9-12 (victims of 1794 school fire), Confederate soldier in courtyard
Honest Truth: The courtyard room (#107) gave me legit chills – heard giggling with zero kids onsite. Thin walls mean you'll hear living neighbors too. Great location but average breakfast.
| Hotel | Most Haunted Room | Ghost Activity Level (1-5) | Booking Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Orleans | 644 (cigar ghost) | 4.5 | Request upper floors for more activity |
| Hotel Monteleone | 1104 (poltergeist) | 4 | Book "literary suite" for quieter stay |
| Andrew Jackson | 107 (child spirits) | 3.5 | Courtyard rooms = more reports |
| Dauphine Orleans | 431 (soldier) | 3 | Ground floor has less noise issues |
| Le Pavillon | 221 (benevolent ghost) | 2.5 | Peanut butter sandwiches at 10pm! |
I know what you're thinking – can I request a specific haunted room? Sometimes. At the Bourbon Orleans, they'll wink and say "we'll see what's available" if you ask for Room 644. Other hotels pretend not to know what you're talking about. Try emailing before arrival instead of asking at check-in.
What Nobody Tells You About Staying in Haunted Places
Let's cut through the ghost tour BS. Having spent over 30 nights in these hotels:
- Temperature drops are real – Had one in Dauphine Orleans that went from 72°F to 58°F in seconds. Lasted maybe two minutes.
- Electronics act weird – Phone batteries draining fast? Common. Camera glitches? Very common. Bring backup batteries.
- Staff know EVERYTHING – Bartenders at Hotel Monteleone have better ghost stories than any tour. Buy a drink and ask politely.
- Not all ghosts are scary – That "cold spot" might just be Aunt Gertrude checking your outfit choice.
Oh, and pro tip? If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs. Old buildings creak constantly, and Bourbon Street noise is very much alive until 4 AM.
My Haunted Hotel Survival Pack
• Portable white noise machine (trust me)
• Motion-sensing camera (like a cheap Wyze cam)
• Flashlight with red light mode (preserves night vision)
• Notebook for logging experiences (times/details matter)
• Salt packet from a diner (psychological comfort!)
Haunted or Just... Old? How to Spot the Difference
After that weird night at Le Pavillon, I started noticing patterns. Real paranormal activity usually has these traits:
- Localized phenomena – That cold spot is ONLY in the corner by the armoire? Significant.
- Repeated witnesses – Five guests report the same laughing child in Room 12? Not coincidence.
- Emotional resonance – Sudden sadness/joy without cause? Classic spirit interaction.
Meanwhile, "normal" old building stuff:
• Creaky floors everywhere = just humidity changes
• Flickering lights = bad wiring (very common in NOLA)
• General unease = probably just that third hurricane cocktail
Can you request a room with ghost activity? Sometimes. At Hotel Monteleone, ask for "the Antonio room" if you dare – staff know exactly why.
Ghost Hunting Like a Pro (Without Annoying Staff)
Want actual evidence? Skip the expensive tours. Here's how I investigate:
Midnight Recon Tactics
• 3 AM is prime time – Set silent alarms. Most activity occurs 2-4 AM.
• Bathrooms are hotspots – Spirits reportedly manifest near water (weird but true)
• Ask about "the quiet guest" – Housekeepers always know which rooms have permanent "residents"
Last March at Andrew Jackson Hotel, I recorded EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) in the courtyard at 3:15 AM. Clear whisper saying "find the blue book." Still no clue what that means. Creepy? Absolutely. Proof? You decide.
Nailing the Booking (Save Money, Get Better Rooms)
Prices spike during Halloween and Mardi Gras. Want deals? Try February or September. Watch for:
| Hotel | Discount Trick | Haunted Room Booking Code |
|---|---|---|
| Bourbon Orleans | Sunday nights = 25% off | Ask for "Legacy Wing" |
| Andrew Jackson | AAA discount + free parking | Request "Garden View" |
| Le Pavillon | Book 60+ days ahead = 30% off | Mention "P.J. room" |
Warning: Some third-party sites list "haunted rooms" at premiums. Total scam. I once paid $75 extra through HauntStay.com for a "guaranteed active room" at Dauphine Orleans... got the quietest room in the building.
Busted: Haunted Hotel Myths vs Reality
Myth: All haunted hotels are crumbling dumps
Truth: Bourbon Orleans has marble bathrooms and rainfall showers. Luxury and ghosts coexist.
Myth: They'll put you in "the haunted room" if you ask
Truth: Most hotels deny paranormal claims for liability reasons. Gotta read between the lines.
Myth: Children ghosts are always tragic
Truth: At Andrew Jackson, staff report playful energy – toys move, giggles heard. Not scary.
Haunted Hotel Alternatives Worth Considering
If hotels feel too mainstream, try:
Creole Gardens B&B
Address: 1415 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: $175-$300/night
Why Special: Civil War nurse ghost reportedly tucks guests in. Seriously. Multiple TripAdvisor reviews mention waking up with blankets neatly rearranged.
House on Bayou Road
Address: 2275 Bayou Rd, New Orleans, LA 70119
Price: $215-$400/night
My Take: This 1798 plantation house has voodoo priestess energy. Stayed in Marie Laveau room – found unexplained flower petals by the bed. No scent, just... there.
Should You Actually Do This? My Brutally Honest Take
Haunted places to stay in New Orleans aren't for everyone. If you:
- Need perfect sleep for a business meeting? Pick a Marriott.
- Get freaked out by unexplained noises? Maybe skip this.
- Want bragging rights forever? Absolutely do it.
My most intense experience: Dauphine Orleans, 4 AM. Clear voice whispering my name when completely alone. Could've been sleep paralysis? Maybe. But my recording caught three distinct knocks right after. Still gets me thinking.
Final Tip: Go with skeptical friends. Nothing funnier than watching a non-believer jump at a random cold draft. Bring extra underwear though – just in case.
Your Haunted Stay Questions Answered
Are these haunted places safe?
Physically? Yes. Emotionally? Depends. Never heard of anyone being hurt by a ghost here. Drunk tourists on Bourbon Street? That's another story.
Can children stay in haunted hotels?
Most properties allow kids, but consider their sensitivity. The playful spirits at Andrew Jackson seem fine, but Bourbon Orleans' orphan ghosts might trigger nightmares for some kids. Use judgment.
Do staff acknowledge the hauntings?
Off-record? Absolutely. Officially? Most hotels avoid liability by denying paranormal claims. Tip your bellhop $10 and you'll get the real stories.
Which has the strongest paranormal activity?
Hands down Bourbon Orleans. Three distinct ghost types documented by multiple paranormal groups. Room 644 has the most consistent reports.
Can I get a refund if no ghosts appear?
Ha! Nice try. Ghosts don't work on demand. If they did, I'd have a YouTube channel with millions of subs.
Is there photographic proof?
Tons online – but 90% are dust or lens flare. My personal gallery? Blurry shadows and orbs that could be anything. The mystery's part of the fun.
Do any offer ghost hunting packages?
Andrew Jackson occasionally partners with paranormal groups for overnight investigations. Call ahead – these sell out fast.
How to increase ghost encounter chances?
• Stay multiple nights
• Be respectful – no taunting "ghosts"
• Visit during Halloween or summer solstice
• Spend time alone in your room (no TV)
• Seriously – put the phone down
Look, hunting for haunted places to stay in New Orleans is about embracing mystery. You might get zero activity. You might get the scare of your life. Either way? You're sleeping inside history. And that beats a boring chain hotel any night.
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