New Orleans is a city steeped in history and secrets. It feels like every turn in the street holds its own mystery. Ghost stories are a staple among locals, woven into everyday conversations and neighborhood lore. Many of the city’s hotels are centuries old, offering not only excellent service but also opening guests to a world of legendary ghost tales and eerie experiences that come with staying in such storied places.
A New Orleans ghost tour takes you on a journey where you learn about the city’s dark history and spooky culture. Whether you want to visit a haunted destination or just soak in the rich history, the hotels below won’t disappoint.
Roosevelt Hotel: Haunted by Hollywood’s Lost Icons
The Roosevelt Hotel is reputed to be haunted due to legends tied to famous former guest Marilyn Monroe. Guests often mention seeing her reflection in the full‑length mirror in her suite. Some report hearing footsteps echoing in empty halls or catching glimpses of a blonde spirit near the pool. These ghostly traces reportedly linger especially around the lobby mirror and poolside suites, lending the hotel a chilling, spectral aura.
Historical Layers Behind the Haunting
Opened in 1927, the Roosevelt has hosted golden‑age stars and historic events, including the first Academy Awards. Over decades, countless performances, celebrations, and tragedies unfolded within its walls. Many believe the emotional weight of celebrity lives, fame, and sorrow left lasting energy behind. That history makes the hotel a natural stage for persistent rumors of paranormal presence.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel: Haunted by Spirits and Tragedy
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is known for ghostly children, nuns, Confederate soldiers, and a spectral dancer. Room 644 and the grand ballroom are legend to be sites of strange laughter, shadowy figures, and the ghostly movements of a lone dancer beneath the chandelier, making it a hotspot for paranormal encounters.
Historical Roots of the Bourbon Orleans Hotel’s Hauntings
This hotel has served as a grand hotel, theater, convent, and orphanage, and each chapter of its past contributes to its haunted reputation. The 1854 Orleans Theatre gallery collapse killed multiple people, while the convent and orphanage left behind stories of children and nuns whose spirits reportedly linger. Coupled with Yellow Fever outbreaks and other tragedies, these events have created a layered spiritual presence that continues to fascinate visitors and ghost enthusiasts today.
Room No. 644 Guest Experience
A few people who have stayed at the hotel talk about room no. 644 with much fright. Some of them even say to do whatever you want here, except for staying in this room. This room saw the suicide of a nun. Her ghost is believed to haunt the room to this date. Previous guests have claimed to see her praying at the foot of their bed. As always, we encourage you not to believe anything blindly. The story is yours to interpret.
Hotel Monteleone: Haunted by the Spirit of Maurice Begere
Hotel Monteleone is considered haunted primarily because of child spirits, most famously Maurice Begere, a boy who died in the hotel in the 1890s. Guests report ghostly giggles, shadowy apparitions, and playful pranks, including doors opening by themselves and unexplained elevator movements. Some have also claimed to see phantom couples wandering hallways, while Maurice himself is said to appear reassuring his mother on the 13th floor. These experiences make the Monteleone a center of paranormal activity and a hotspot for those intrigued by supernatural phenomena.
Historical Context of the Monteleone’s Hauntings
The hotel’s suspected hauntings are tied to its long and storied history in the French Quarter. Maurice Begere’s death and the rumored tradition of his mother returning each year created a lasting connection between grief and the building itself. The Monteleone has hosted numerous authors and cultural figures, adding layers of literary and historical significance to its haunted reputation.
A Guest’s Unexpected Supernatural Experience
Legend has it that Monteleone is haunted by the spirits of those who just don’t want to leave the place. Maurice makes his spooky appearances on the 14th floor. Here’s a little secret. The floor number is 13th. But hotel superstition avoids the use of this number. Most of the guests haven’t seen the boy. But there’s a story of a guest who said that his keys disappeared on this very floor! He searched for them for a long time to no avail. Then, suddenly, he found them lying at the entrance. Some may call it simple forgetfulness, while others may deem it supernatural. We leave it up to you to interpret this incident in any way you want.
Olivier House Hotel: Haunted by Past Owners and Soldiers
The Olivier House Hotel is said to be haunted by spirits of former owners, including Elizabeth Locoul, and a wandering Confederate soldier. A prevalent myth is that Locoul appears dressed in black, muttering curses, while other apparitions appear in period clothing.
Historical Context of the Olivier House Hotel’s Hauntings
Built in 1836 by Madame Olivier, the hotel has over 150 years of history, with more than 26 reported deaths adding to its spooky reputation. Elizabeth Locoul, who died in 1884, is claimed to be central to many hauntings, and the Civil War connections and generations of residents contribute to the persistent ghost stories. Its age, grandeur, and past tragedies create a strong foundation for the ghost stories that surround the property today.
Ethical and Historical Considerations for Haunted Hotels
Visiting haunted hotels in New Orleans provides more than thrills. Respecting these sites ensures acknowledgment of real people, families, and historical events. The reported phenomena often stem from documented events and tragedies rather than fiction.
How to Experience History Responsibly
Observe quietly: Avoid disturbing the rooms or hallways.
Learn the context: Understand historical events connected to the hotel.
Respect staff and guests: Everyone deserves a calm environment.
These practices help visitors connect with history without sensationalism, creating meaningful experiences.
Cultural Context of Haunted Hotels
Conclusion
New Orleans is filled with dozens of haunted places. A great way to visit many locations and learn about their dark past is with a guided ghost tour. Tours that focus on ethical storytelling over quick scares offer a deeper understanding of the past. Many of these stories are linked to places where people before us lived and worked. Hotels are a great place to spend an extended time and experience the city’s eerie appeal.