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The Bourbon Orleans Hotel isn't just another place to crash in New Orleans. It's a living piece of the city's soul — a place where 19th-century opera lovers once mingled, where nuns cared for orphaned girls, and where, if you believe the stories, quite a few former guests never really checked out. It's elegant without being stuffy, historic without feeling like a museum, and it sits right in the sweet spot of the French Quarter where you can stumble out onto Bourbon Street or retreat to a quiet courtyard pool whenever the mood strikes. Oh, and it's reportedly one of the most haunted hotels in America. So there's that.
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Quick Facts Box
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-range to luxury (rates vary seasonally; weekend stays from around $119/night) |
| Best For | History buffs, ghost hunters, couples, solo travelers, and anyone wanting to be in the heart of the French Quarter |
| Neighborhood | French Quarter (Vieux Carré) — steps from Bourbon Street, behind Jackson Square |
| Walkability | Excellent (9.5 location score) — nearly everything is within a 5-10 minute walk |
The Full Write-Up: My Take on the Bourbon Orleans
First Impressions: Stepping Back in Time
Walking into the Bourbon Orleans feels like stepping into a different era — and honestly, that's exactly what you want from a French Quarter hotel. The lobby is all chandeliers, marble floors, and antique furnishings, with fresh flowers and the soft notes of a baby grand piano setting the mood. It's grand but not pretentious, the kind of place where you can imagine Creole society sipping cocktails in hoop skirts while simultaneously feeling perfectly comfortable in your jeans and travel-worn sneakers.
The hotel is actually housed in three buildings, including the historic Orleans Ballroom and the former Theatre d'Orleans. That means you're not just staying in a hotel — you're staying in a piece of New Orleans history that dates back to the early 1800s.
The History: More Than Just a Pretty Facade
Let's talk about that history, because it's genuinely fascinating. The story begins in 1806 with the construction of the original Théâtre d'Orléans. But things got off to a rocky start — the War of 1812 delayed the opening until 1815, and then a fire completely destroyed the building in 1816.
Enter John Davis, an entrepreneur who purchased the land in 1817 and rebuilt the Orleans Theatre, adding the Orleans Ballroom designed by British-born architect Henry Latrobe — the same guy who designed the U.S. Capitol. The theatre quickly became the place to be, hosting European operas, masquerade balls, and carnival balls. It even hosted State Legislature and First District Court sessions. For much of the 19th century, New Orleans was the opera capital of the United States, and this was ground zero.
Then, in 1866, another fire swept through the area, destroying the Theatre but — and here's where it gets interesting — sparing the Ballroom.
In 1881, the Sisters of the Holy Family, the first African-American religious order in the United States, purchased the property. They converted the ballroom into a convent, a motherhouse, and St. Mary's Academy, a school for African-American girls. They later built an orphanage for girls called St. John Berchman's Asylum for Negro Girls on the site where the hotel's courtyard and pool now sit.
The Sisters sold the property in 1964 to the Bourbon Kings Hotel Corporation, which developed a $7 million hotel while restoring the historic Orleans Ballroom. The hotel had its grand opening on July 18, 1966.
The Hauntings: Because It's Not New Orleans Without a Ghost Story
Now, let's get to what everyone really wants to know about: the ghosts. The Bourbon Orleans is consistently ranked among the top 10 most haunted hotels in the U.S.. According to the hotel's own history, the resident spirits include a Confederate soldier, children and nuns from the former convent and orphanage, and a lonely ghost dancer.
The Orleans Ballroom is apparently where most of the paranormal activity happens. Guests and staff have reported seeing a mysterious figure hiding behind the ballroom curtains. Some say it's the ghost of someone connected to the legendary quadroon balls that supposedly took place there in the old days. Others have reported seeing women dancing beneath the chandeliers when no one else is in the room.
There's also a tragic backstory that might explain some of the haunting. On February 26, 1854, just two days before Mardi Gras, the Orleans Theatre was packed for a vaudeville performance when an iron support in the top gallery failed. The gallery dropped onto the one below it, and then onto the next one. Within five minutes, that side of the theatre was "a perfect wreck and ruin". Two people were killed — a 27-year-old notary and a 14-year-old boy — and dozens more were injured.
Staff at the hotel regularly report hearing children's laughter in the hallways, believed to be the spirits of orphans who died during yellow fever epidemics. And guests have reported encounters with the spirit of a little girl who seems friendly and just never wanted to leave.
Personally? I'm a bit of a skeptic when it comes to ghost stories, but there's something about standing in that ballroom, knowing the history of that space, that gives you a little shiver. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the stories add a layer of intrigue that makes a stay here feel like more than just a hotel visit.
The Rooms: Comfort Meets Character
The Bourbon Orleans has 220 guest rooms, ranging from cozy standard doubles to bi-level lofted suites with balconies overlooking the French Quarter. The decor is classic New Orleans style — think rich colors, traditional furnishings, and that unmistakable Southern charm.
Some rooms come with balconies and outdoor seating areas, which is a huge plus if you want to people-watch or just soak in the French Quarter vibe. The Presidential Suite even has a hot tub and courtyard views.
A few things to keep in mind: some guests have mentioned that certain rooms can be on the smaller side, particularly the standard doubles. And if you're a light sleeper, be aware that rooms facing Bourbon or Orleans streets can get loud — you are, after all, in the middle of one of the most energetic neighborhoods in the country. Request a courtyard-facing room if you want more peace and quiet.
The Amenities: Pool, Bar, and Beyond
One of the hotel's standout features is the heated saltwater pool set in a leafy courtyard. It's open year-round and serves as a peaceful oasis when you need a break from the French Quarter chaos. During summer and festival weekends it can get busy, but there are plenty of loungers and umbrellas.
The Bourbon O Bar is another highlight. It features nightly live jazz music and serves creative craft cocktails — including the Ramos Gin Fizz, which they famously shake for a full six minutes. The bar has even won a Spirited Bar Award from the Tales of the Cocktail Foundation. It's the kind of place where you can grab a drink, listen to some great music, and feel like you're part of the city's living history.
The on-site restaurant, Roux on Orleans, serves breakfast and dinner with a Creole flair. Most guests seem to enjoy the breakfast, though some suggest venturing out for other meals since you're surrounded by some of the best restaurants in the country.
Other amenities include a fitness center, free WiFi, valet parking (around $50-56 per day), and pet-friendly accommodations.
Parking and Practical Tips
Parking in the French Quarter can be a challenge, and the Bourbon Orleans is no exception. Valet parking is the primary option, with rates around $50-$56 per day plus tax. Oversized vehicles cost a bit more. If you're driving, budget for this expense and know that height restrictions apply for onsite parking.
Also worth noting: some guests have mentioned low water pressure in the showers and slow hot water on higher floors. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's good to know going in.
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Nearby: What to Do Around the Bourbon Orleans
The location of this hotel is genuinely hard to beat. You're literally steps from Bourbon Street, behind Jackson Square, and within a five-minute walk of some of New Orleans' most iconic spots.
Jackson Square — Just a 2-3 minute walk. This is the heart of the French Quarter, with street performers, artists, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop.
Café du Monde — About a 5-minute walk. You can't visit New Orleans without beignets and café au lait, and this is the place to get them.
Royal Street — Steps away. If Bourbon Street is too much for you, Royal Street offers antique shops, art galleries, and a more refined vibe.
Louis Armstrong Park — About a 5-minute walk. A beautiful green space with a rich musical history.
French Market — Less than a 10-minute walk. Great for shopping, people-watching, and grabbing a bite.
Don't forget to book a ghost tour while you are there!
Summary / Takeaway
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is more than just a place to sleep — it's a chance to immerse yourself in New Orleans history while enjoying modern comforts and a location that can't be beat. Whether you're a history buff fascinated by the opera house and convent days, a ghost hunter hoping to spot a dancing spirit in the ballroom, or just someone who wants to be in the middle of all the French Quarter action, this hotel delivers.
The rooms are charming, the pool is a welcome retreat, and the Bourbon O Bar is worth a visit even if you're not staying overnight. Just be prepared for the noise if you're on a street-facing room, budget for valet parking, and maybe keep an open mind about those ghostly guests.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely — especially for first-time visitors to New Orleans who want the full French Quarter experience with a side of history and a dash of the supernatural.
Need a hotel? Check out some New Orleans hotel suggestions! Looking for things to do? Check out some activities in New Orleans and the surrounding areas!
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