BY TPS STAFF

New Orleans is a city rich with history, culture, and an undeniable sense of mystique. But for those seeking a spine-tingling experience, it’s also one of the most haunted cities in America. If you’re drawn to the paranormal or simply enjoy a touch of eerie atmosphere, there are plenty of haunted hotels and inns where you can rest your head—if you dare. Here are the spookiest places to stay in New Orleans, each with its own haunted history.

1. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is renowned not only for its luxury but also for its resident spirits. Originally built in the early 1800s, the building has served as a theater, a ballroom, and even a convent. During its time as a convent and orphanage, many children succumbed to the yellow fever epidemic, and their spirits are said to still roam the halls. Guests frequently report seeing apparitions of children playing in the hallways and the ghost of a Confederate soldier in the ballroom.

Paranormal activity is so common at the Bourbon Orleans that it has been featured on numerous ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Room 644 is particularly notorious for its hauntings, where guests often hear the sound of a ghostly woman weeping.

Location: 717 Orleans Street, New Orleans, LA

2. Hotel Monteleone

Another haunted hotspot in the French Quarter is the iconic Hotel Monteleone. This luxurious hotel has been a symbol of New Orleans hospitality since 1886, but it’s also known for its spectral guests. Over the years, staff and visitors have reported sightings of several ghosts, including that of a young boy named Maurice Begere, who passed away in the hotel in the 19th century. Maurice’s spirit is said to linger in the 14th-floor halls, and his ghost has been seen playing and interacting with other children.

The hotel’s famous Carousel Bar also has its own otherworldly aura, with guests reporting mysterious cold spots and strange occurrences. With its rotating bar and lavish decor, the Carousel Bar remains a must-visit for both ghost hunters and cocktail enthusiasts.

Location: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA

3. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar

While not a hotel, no list of haunted New Orleans stays would be complete without mentioning Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest and most haunted bars in America. Built in the early 1700s, the bar is said to have been the base of operations for pirate Jean Lafitte. Visitors and staff often report sightings of a shadowy figure believed to be Lafitte himself, standing near the fireplace. Others have experienced objects moving on their own or felt unexplained cold drafts, even in the humid New Orleans weather.

While you can’t sleep at Lafitte’s, it’s a must-stop for paranormal enthusiasts looking to soak in some history (and perhaps a ghost sighting) before heading back to a haunted hotel.

Location: 941 Bourbon Street, New Orleans, LA

4. Le Pavillon Hotel

For those seeking luxury with a supernatural twist, Le Pavillon Hotel is an elegant option with a rich history of ghostly encounters. Known for its lavish decor and crystal chandeliers, Le Pavillon is also home to several spirits, the most famous of which is a ghostly woman named Ada. Guests and staff have reported seeing Ada wandering the halls in an old-fashioned black dress, as well as other mysterious apparitions such as a man in 19th-century attire. Many report ghostly whispers, flickering lights, and doors that open and close on their own.

Le Pavillon is often included on haunted hotel tours, and paranormal investigators have recorded strange occurrences within its walls. Despite its haunted reputation, it’s one of the city’s most sought-after accommodations, blending comfort with a hint of the supernatural.

Location: 833 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA

5. Andrew Jackson Hotel

Steeped in dark history, the Andrew Jackson Hotel is often cited as one of the most haunted places to stay in New Orleans. Located in the French Quarter, this hotel was built on the site of a former boys’ boarding school that was destroyed in a fire in 1794. Tragically, five young boys died in the blaze, and their spirits are said to linger in the hotel to this day. Guests frequently report hearing the laughter and footsteps of children, as well as seeing apparitions running through the hallways.

Room 208 is said to be particularly active, with guests claiming to have heard voices, seen objects move on their own, and even captured ghostly figures on camera. The ghost of Andrew Jackson himself has also been spotted around the hotel grounds, adding another layer to the eerie atmosphere.

Location: 919 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA

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New Orleans’ haunted hotels and inns offer more than just a place to rest—they provide a glimpse into the city’s mysterious past. Whether you’re seeking the elegance of a grand hotel or the historic charm of an old inn, these spooky accommodations promise an unforgettable (and potentially paranormal) experience. For those brave enough to spend the night, the ghosts of New Orleans are always ready to welcome their next guest.