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There are historic hotels, and then there’s Hotel Monteleone. This isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a place to feel something. We’re talking about a family-owned landmark that’s been standing since 1886, a revolving bar that’s been spinning since 1949, and a ghost population that reportedly includes a young boy named Maurice who still plays in the halls. It’s the kind of place where literary giants like Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner found inspiration. And honestly? Even if you’re not into ghosts, the Carousel Bar alone is worth the trip.
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Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $199–$500+ per night (varies by season and room type) |
| Best For | History buffs, ghost hunters, literary lovers, couples, and anyone wanting an authentic French Quarter experience |
| Neighborhood | French Quarter (214 Royal Street) |
| Walkability Score | 98/100 — steps from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the Riverwalk |
The Full Write-Up
A Little Backstory: From Cobbler to Icon
So here’s the thing about Hotel Monteleone—it didn’t start out as a grand hotel. It started with a Sicilian cobbler named Antonio Monteleone who arrived in New Orleans around 1880. He opened a shoe shop on Royal Street, did well for himself, and in 1886, he purchased a small hotel on the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets. Back then it was called the Hotel Victor, later the Commercial Hotel, and rooms went for about a dollar a night.
Fast forward through five generations of the Monteleone family, multiple expansions, and a whole lot of history, and you’ve got a 570-room Beaux-Arts masterpiece that’s been designated a National Literary Landmark and a member of Historic Hotels of America. Not bad for a cobbler’s side project.
The Carousel Bar: Yes, It Actually Spins
Let’s talk about the crown jewel—the Carousel Bar. This isn’t just any hotel bar. It’s the only revolving bar in New Orleans, and it’s been slowly spinning since 1949. Every 15 minutes, the 25-seat circular bar completes a full 360-degree revolution. The idea? That’s about how long it takes to finish a single drink. Genius, right?
The bar itself is a work of art—decked out like a classic merry-go-round with gold and red trim, illuminated and gorgeous. And the cocktails? Top-notch. This is where the Vieux Carré cocktail was invented back in 1938. If you’re a cocktail person, ordering one here is practically a rite of passage.
Fair warning: the bar doesn’t take reservations, so getting a seat can be a bit of a sport. But if you’re a hotel guest, you can purchase early access and snag a spot before the crowds roll in. Pro tip: go early, grab a seat, and watch the room spin around you while sipping something classic.
The Haunted History (Because You Know You’re Curious)
Okay, let’s address the elephant in the room—or rather, the ghosts in the halls. Hotel Monteleone is widely considered one of the most haunted hotels in New Orleans, and that’s saying something in a city that’s often called America’s Most Haunted. In fact, it ranked number eight on USA Today’s Reader’s Choice list of Top 10 Best Haunted Hotels.
The most famous ghost is a young boy named Maurice Begere. The story goes that Maurice died of a fever while staying at the hotel with his parents in the early 1900s. His spirit is most often seen on the 14th floor—which, funnily enough, is actually the 13th floor (hotels often skip the number 13 for superstitious reasons). Guests have reported hearing children’s laughter echoing in the halls, seeing shadows of kids playing, and feeling cold spots late at night.
In March 2003, the International Society of Paranormal Research spent several days at the hotel and claimed to have made contact with over a dozen supernatural entities. Some were former employees, others were guests who apparently never checked out. Even literary legends like Ernest Hemingway and Tennessee Williams are said to still visit in spirit.
Now, is it all real? Who knows. But whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, there’s something undeniably atmospheric about walking those halls at night. And if nothing else, it makes for a great story to tell back home.
The Rooms: Classic Meets Comfort
With 570 guest rooms and 50 suites, there’s a lot of variety here. Rooms feature plush robes, marble and granite bathrooms, 55-inch LG TVs, Bluetooth sound systems, Keurig coffee makers, and in-room safes. Many have high ceilings and earth-tone decor that feels both luxurious and inviting.
Some reviewers note that certain rooms can feel a bit small or that the windows are on the smaller side. That’s the trade-off with historic properties—you get character and charm, but you’re not getting sprawling modern floor plans. What you do get is a sense of place. You’re staying in a building that’s been hosting guests for nearly 140 years. That counts for something.
Amenities Worth Knowing About
Beyond the Carousel Bar, there’s a lot to enjoy on-site. The hotel has a heated rooftop swimming pool with city views, a 24-hour fitness center, and a poolside bar called Acqua Bella. There’s also Criollo Restaurant, which serves coastal Italian cuisine with Louisiana influences. And if you’re the type who likes breakfast in bed, in-room dining is available daily.
WiFi is complimentary throughout the hotel. Valet parking is available for a nightly fee, and taxis from the airport run about $36 for one to two people. The hotel doesn’t have a dedicated airport shuttle, but rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are readily available.
Location, Location, Location
You can’t talk about Hotel Monteleone without talking about where it sits. It’s right in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street, just one block from Bourbon Street. That means you’re steps away from some of the best restaurants, bars, music venues, and attractions in the city. Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, the French Market, and the Riverwalk are all within easy walking distance.
But here’s the thing—Royal Street itself is a bit more refined than Bourbon. It’s known for its art galleries, antique shops, and quiet charm. So you get the energy of the French Quarter without the constant chaos right outside your door. It’s the best of both worlds.
My TikTok Videos of this location:
Nearby: What to Do Close to Hotel Monteleone
Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral — Just a few blocks away, this is the heart of the French Quarter. Street performers, artists, and that iconic cathedral make it a must-visit.
Bourbon Street — One block away. Need we say more? Live music, classic cocktails, and energy you won’t find anywhere else.
So, Is It Worth It?
Here’s the honest take: Hotel Monteleone isn’t for everyone. If you’re looking for a sleek, modern chain hotel with cookie-cutter rooms and zero personality, this isn’t it. But if you want history, character, a legendary bar, and maybe even a ghost story or two, this place is absolutely worth considering.
It’s family-owned, steeped in literary and cultural history, and located in one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the country. The Carousel Bar alone is a bucket-list experience. And the haunted reputation? That’s just the cherry on top.
Would we stay here? In a heartbeat. And we’d probably spend way too much time at that bar watching the room go round and round.
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!
Summary / Takeaway
| What You Need to Know |
|---|
| Hotel Monteleone is a historic, family-owned French Quarter landmark open since 1886 |
| Home to the famous Carousel Bar—the only revolving bar in New Orleans, spinning since 1949 |
| Ranked among the most haunted hotels in the U.S., with reported spirits including a young boy named Maurice |
| 570 rooms with modern amenities in a classic setting |
| Steps from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the Riverwalk |
| Rooftop pool, fitness center, and on-site dining available |
| Perfect for history lovers, ghost enthusiasts, and anyone wanting an authentic New Orleans experience |
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