In the heart of New Orleans’ French Quarter, among the historic jazz clubs and Creole restaurants, stands a legendary hotel that effortlessly blends opulence, Southern charm, and a flicker of the supernatural. Hotel Monteleone isn’t just one of the most iconic historic hotels in Louisiana—it’s also considered one of the most haunted. For more than 130 years, this family-owned establishment has welcomed literary giants, celebrities, and curious ghost hunters alike. With its rich backstory, stunning Beaux-Arts architecture, and spine-tingling paranormal activity, Hotel Monteleone is an irresistible destination for anyone drawn to history—with a touch of haunted mystery.
The History
A Literary Landmark Since 1886
Hotel Monteleone was founded in 1886 by Antonio Monteleone, a Sicilian immigrant and successful cobbler who envisioned a luxurious hotel in the bustling French Quarter. What began as a modest 64-room establishment quickly evolved into a cultural icon. Monteleone purchased the building at 214 Royal Street, and as the popularity of the hotel soared, he began a series of expansions that continued into the 20th century. Today, the hotel boasts over 500 rooms and 55 luxury suites—all while retaining its elegant, old-world charm.
Over the decades, Hotel Monteleone became a literary haven for writers like Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote. In fact, the hotel is one of only three in the United States that has been designated a “Literary Landmark” by the Friends of the Library Association—a testament to its role in American culture and storytelling. Williams even referenced the hotel in more than one of his plays, and Capote famously claimed he was born there (though in reality, he wasn’t—but we’ll let the ghost stories sort out that debate).
Architectural Grandeur and Family Legacy
Architecturally, Hotel Monteleone is a masterpiece of Beaux-Arts design with grand ballrooms, ornate chandeliers, and decadent marble floors that call back to a more glamorous era. But perhaps what makes the hotel even more unique is that it remains family-owned to this day, passed down through generations of Monteleones. This familial stewardship has preserved the hotel’s character and tradition in a way many commercial properties have lost.
The Carousel Bar and Lounge, added in 1949, is one of its most famous features. It’s the only revolving bar in New Orleans and has been drawing a lively crowd for decades. The slow rotation gives guests a 360-degree view of the historic, dimly-lit saloon while sipping on a Sazerac, the city’s official cocktail. It’s whimsical, yes—but for some visitors, the magic of the Carousel Bar goes well beyond its rotation.
The Haunt
The Spirits of the Sixth Floor
For those tuning into the paranormal wavelength, the Hotel Monteleone offers more than literary lore and luxury—it’s considered one of the most haunted hotels in America. The sixth floor appears to be the epicenter of ghostly activity. Numerous guests and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, the sounds of children laughing in empty hallways, and sudden cold spots with no source.
The most well-known spirit said to dwell on the sixth floor is that of a young boy named Maurice. According to local lore, Maurice stayed at the hotel in the late 19th century with his family while his father was conducting business. Tragically, Maurice fell ill and died during their stay. His distraught parents returned to the hotel years later, only for the mother to encounter the ghost of Maurice, who reassured her that he was still “here.” Since then, guests report seeing the image of a young boy wandering the hallway, often near the elevator, seeming lost or quietly playing with invisible toys.
Death at the Clockmaker’s Suite
Another frequently mentioned apparition at Hotel Monteleone is that of a gentleman dressed in 19th-century attire, often seen near what was once the Clockmaker’s suite. Psychic readings and spiritual investigations suggest he may have been a watch or clockmaker who passed away in his room while on a long-term stay. Witnesses describe entering the suite to find the unwound clocks ticking inexplicably—and then stopping the moment they are noticed.
Ghost tours in New Orleans often include tales of this mysterious resident, who apparently likes to make himself known by clinking glasses on the dresser and moving small objects around the suite. Some paranormal investigators have captured unexplained EMF readings, while others have documented whispers and audible sighs in EVP sessions held in or near the room.
Elevators With a Mind of Their Own
The elevators at Hotel Monteleone have also gained a ghostly reputation. Both staff and guests have reported unexplained behavior: doors opening on the wrong floor, especially the sixth, without being summoned, or elevators seemingly “called” by invisible hands. During overnight investigations, paranormal teams have recorded movement in elevator shafts with no physical activation, and temperature readings near the controls have shown significant drops—classic signs of a spectral presence.
One particularly chilling encounter involved a couple who entered an empty elevator in the lobby, only for it to bypass their selected floor and open directly onto the sixth floor. As they stepped out, they reported feeling a wave of sadness and despair. Moments later, they heard a child laughing close by, even though the hallway was empty. These kinds of stories have only fueled the Hotel Monteleone’s reputation as a top haunted location for ghost hunters and spiritual seekers.
Paranormal Investigations and Media Appearances
The hotel has been featured on numerous television shows, including “Ghost Hunters,” “Celebrity Ghost Stories,” and “America’s Most Haunted Hotels.” It even appears on lists of the most haunted places in New Orleans—a city that certainly doesn’t lack in ghostly competition. Paranormal groups visiting over the years have reported varying levels of activity, from cold drafts and orbs to disembodied voices and shadowy figures caught on video.
One of the more comprehensive investigations conducted by a Louisiana-based paranormal team revealed high EMF levels in parts of the sixth floor and the Carousel Bar after hours. Recordings collected during the investigation contained distinct whispers, including one that clearly repeated the initials “M.M.”—a name that believers speculate could belong to either Maurice or the mysterious man in the Clockmaker’s suite.
Why Ghost Hunters Should Visit Hotel Monteleone
Whether you’re an amateur ghost hunter equipped with just a digital voice recorder or a seasoned paranormal investigator with a full spectrum camera and a deep curiosity, Hotel Monteleone is a must-visit destination. Unlike many reputed haunted locations that are abandoned or only open seasonally, this hotel is full-service and luxury-laden. You can enjoy decadent Southern accommodations, dine at Criollo Restaurant, sip Vieux Carrés at the Carousel Bar—and still sneak in some EVP work before bed.
The location within the French Quarter also means you’re in close proximity to other famously haunted New Orleans sites, such as the LaLaurie Mansion, Muriel’s Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. This makes Hotel Monteleone an ideal basecamp for spooky excursions across the Quarter.
- Want some spirit in your spirits? Conduct an after-hours EMF sweep at the Carousel Bar.
- Book a room on—or at least visit—the infamous sixth floor.
- Ask the concierge about Maurice. Many on staff have their own sightings to share.
- Bring along a digital recorder or spirit box—EVP activity is common in rooms and hallways.
Whether you’re chasing ghosts, feeding your love of Southern history, or simply looking for a stay that’s equal parts luxury and lore, Hotel Monteleone has it all. The echoes of the past are preserved behind every corner—and if you listen closely, they might just speak back.
So, ghost hunters and history lovers, pack your equipment and book a stay. The mysteries of Hotel Monteleone are waiting for you—ready to be unveiled, one paranormal encounter at a time.