The Andrew Jackson hotel is one of many haunted hotels in New Orleans. The city is known for its paranormal activity, and its hotels are no exception. So, if you’re ready to meet a ghost, the Big Easy should definitely be on your list of places to visit.
The hotel’s haunting history
Originally, a boarding school orphanage, the property has seen a lot of tragedy over the years. In 1792, after the yellow fever epidemic, many young boys went to live there after their parents died. Just two years later, five young boys were trapped inside as the Great New Orleans Fire of 1794 destroyed over 200 buildings, including the school.
Not long after, a new U.S. federal courthouse was built on the site. Interestingly, this is where General Andrew Jackson, who later became the seventh president, was brought up on charges of contempt and obstruction of justice. In 1890, the New Orleans building was demolished and the current structure was built.
Where is the Andrew Jackson Hotel?
Walking distance to the Mississippi River and the infamous Bourbon Street, the Andrew Jackson Hotel sits in a picturesque location on Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter. The site has been part of the National Historic Places list since 1965.
As the city’s historic and cultural center, the French Quarter sees millions of visitors every year, particularly during Mardi Gras and the Jazz Festival. Many who come to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street are looking for something more paranormal and often bump into some ghosts and vampires after dark.
The ghostly residents of the Andrew Jackson Hotel
The Andrew Jackson Hotel is said to be haunted by several ghosts. Apparently, the hotel has some mysterious residents who have no interest in leaving.
Many guests have noticed a shadowy woman cleaning rooms and adjusting pillows, even though no one was scheduled to be on duty. Most claim she is a former caretaker of the orphan boys, while others say she is a deceased housekeeper who never left.
The hotel is also said to be home to a number of other ghosts, including a Confederate soldier and a woman who was killed in a fire. Some visitors reported hearing children playing outside when no one was there.
Who is in room 208?
Reportedly the most haunted room in the Andrew Jackson Hotel, number 208 is the most requested by guests. Many say the room is occupied by an orphan boy named Armand.
Stories vary as to how Armand ultimately met his demise. Being thrown from the second story balcony is one claim. Another story purports he committed suicide. Either way, Armand still resides at the haunted hotel and likes to play tricks on guests.
Several visitors have had the bed sheets pulled off in the middle of the night. Others are awakened by being pushed out of bed. When Armand shows up, the lights and faucets turn on and off by themselves. Sometimes guests find personal items missing or have been moved to another part of the room.
The ghost of Andrew Jackson
Dying in 1845, Andrew Jackson’s ghost has reportedly been spotted in the hotel’s hallways and rooms. Guests have reported seeing his ghostly figure in the mirrors and windows, and some say they’ve even heard his voice. The hotel’s staff has also reported seeing Jackson’s ghost, and they say that he often wanders in the still of the night. The ghost of Rachel, Jackson’s wife, has been seen sitting in a chair in the lobby.
A visit from paranormal investigators in 2016
Many paranormal investigators come to New Orleans for research. In 2016, a group of ghost hunters visited the Andrew Jackson Hotel. Apparently, on one particular evening, they were visited by several spirits, with some even speaking to the group. Reportedly, they heard some children asking them to “come find us.”
On another night, a mysterious, ghostly apparition visited a couple in room 204. The couple began to hear noises in the bathroom just as a black shadow moved through a doorway. Shortly thereafter, a ghostly orb floated back toward the bathroom.
Can you stay at the Andrew Jackson Hotel?
The Andrew Jackson Hotel is open to guests who want to see the Crescent City. There are even travel packages that include both a room and a ghost tour of the many haunted places in New Orleans.
The historic hotel is one of the most popular places to stay in the French Quarter. According to Ghost City Tours, guests can enjoy complimentary breakfast and valet parking. Decorating the lobby and the rooms is 18th-century style furniture and decor.
Other haunted hotels in New Orleans
Other haunted hotels in New Orleans include the Bourbon Orleans, the St. Louis Hotel, and the Roosevelt New Orleans. If you’re looking for a truly haunted experience, then the Andrew Jackson Hotel as well as these other hotels are definitely worth a visit.
