New Orleans’ Haunted Hotel Will Raise Your Spirits

edited by Nan Frient

Ghosts and goblins are nothing new to New Orleans and the French Quarter, an area known for historic sites and centuries-old buildings, some dating back to 1718 when the city was founded. What many people don't know is that scores of the original residents and visitors of historic New Orleans never left town. The city has been referred as the Most Haunted City in America, and the Dauphine Orleans Hotel is at the heart of the ghosts’ stomping grounds.

The hauntings at the Dauphine Orleans vary from Civil War soldiers to their well dressed "ladies-of-the-evening." The epicenter is May Baily's Place, once a bordello in the wildly popular red-light district known as Storyville, and now serving as the hotel bar. At a recent ghost investigation, higher than average paranormal activity was recorded in May Baily's.

On the evening of the inquiry the ghost hunters recorded unexplained spikes on the K2 meter (used to communicate with an alleged ghost) while discussing the Civil War and reports of the soldier in the hotel. The tale was validated even further when high Electromagnetic Field (EMF) spikes were detected as a male bartender entered the old brothel, perhaps exciting the female spirits, who prefer the presence of a man. Over the years guests have caught a lightning-fast glimpse of a woman dancing across the courtyard.

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel completed a total renovation of guest rooms and public spaces in the summer of 2008. As is not uncommon for ghost sightings to escalate when renovations take place, this Halloween season the hotel should be a popular haunt. Bourbon and Royal Streets, Jackson Square, the Riverfront, the Aquarium of the Americas and many of the diverse attractions of the French Quarter and the Central Business District are within easy walking
distance of the hotel.

The Dauphine’s Haunted Hotel Package includes 2-night stay in deluxe guest room, 2 tickets to the Ghosts & Spirits Nightime Walking Tour, deluxe continental breakfast daily, a cocktail coupon for two and beignets and beverages for two at Café Du Monde. The Dauphine Hotel is located at 415 Dauphine Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112.