The Haunting of La Lune Hotel in New Orleans
New Orleans is a city steeped in history and folklore, with its many old buildings holding their own share of eerie tales. Among these are the ghostly hauntings at La Lune Hotel, located on Bourbon Street. This historic hotel has been claimed to be one of the most haunted places in the United States, with stories spanning from the 19th century to modern times.
The History and Background
La Lune Hotel, originally named the Hotel d’Orléans, was built in 1834 on the corner of Bourbon Street and Conti Street. It was one of the grand hotels of its time, hosting notable guests such as Mark Twain and President Theodore Roosevelt. However, by the end of the 20th century, it had fallen into disrepair, with parts of the hotel being converted into apartments.
The hotel’s name, “La Lune,” translates to “The Moon” in French, hinting at its connection to lunar cycles and perhaps even darker themes. In 1987, the hotel underwent a complete renovation and reopened as La Lune Hotel, though many of the hauntings persisted.
Key Events or Sightings
#### The Early Hauntings (Late 19th Century)
One of the earliest accounts comes from the late 19th century when the hotel was still called Hotel d’Orléans. In 1870, a guest reported hearing a woman’s voice screaming for help in one of the rooms on the second floor. Local legends suggest that this occurred during a particularly violent storm, and the ghost might be that of a young woman who died under mysterious circumstances.
#### The Ghost of the “Lady in White”
A more well-known figure is often referred to as the “Lady in White.” Her presence was first noted by a housekeeper in 1920. She would be seen walking down the hallways wearing a long, flowing white dress and carrying what appeared to be a small child. Guests reported seeing her at various times, particularly during full moons or stormy nights.
Witness Accounts or Evidence
#### The Haunted Bathroom on the Second Floor
Perhaps the most infamous room is Room 214, located in the basement. Multiple guests have reported strange occurrences here, including hearing children’s laughter and feeling cold spots even when the room temperature is warm. In 2005, a paranormal group conducted an investigation and captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) on audio equipment that seemed to say “Help me.”
#### The Haunted Balcony
The balcony overlooking Bourbon Street has also been claimed to be haunted. Guests have reported feeling a cold presence when standing at the edge of the balcony, especially during thunderstorms. In 2013, paranormal investigators set up cameras and audio equipment overnight. They later reviewed the footage and found several instances of unexplained activity, including shadowy figures moving around and an eerie whispering.
Investigations or Research
#### The 2005 Paranormal Investigation
In 2005, a team from the Louisiana Ghosts & Things Society conducted an investigation at La Lune Hotel. They set up EMF detectors, video cameras, and audio equipment in various rooms. They captured several instances of unusual activity, including ghostly whispers and unexplained temperature drops. One of the investigators later claimed to have seen a woman wearing a white dress walking down the hallway during their investigation.
#### The 2013 Ghost Hunt
In 2013, another paranormal group, the Louisiana Paranormal Society, conducted an overnight investigation at La Lune Hotel. They set up cameras and audio equipment in various rooms, including Room 214. The footage captured several instances of unexplained activity, such as shadowy figures moving around and what appeared to be a woman’s face appearing in one of the cameras.
The Current Status / Ongoing Mystery
La Lune Hotel continues to operate today with its doors open to tourists and locals alike. While many guests report feeling uneasy or experiencing strange occurrences, management maintains that these are simply stories and not real hauntings. Despite this claim, the hotel remains a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts who seek to explore its alleged ghostly presence.
The current status of La Lune Hotel is a mix of skepticism and belief. Some guests leave positive reviews citing the historic charm and mystery of the place, while others report more sinister experiences. The ongoing nature of these reports suggests that the hotel’s hauntings are far from over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Has anyone ever been injured or harmed by the ghosts at La Lune Hotel?
A: There have been no documented cases of guests being physically harmed by the alleged spirits, though many report feeling uneasy or experiencing unexplained cold spots and whispers. Some staff members have reported feeling a presence during their shifts.
Q: Can you book a room that is supposedly haunted?
A: Yes, there are rooms throughout the hotel that are known to be more active than others. The management does not actively promote these as “haunted,” but they do offer them to curious guests for an additional fee.
Q: Are there any specific times of year when La Lune Hotel is more active?
A: Reports suggest that the hotel experiences increased activity during full moons and stormy nights, particularly around Halloween. However, some guests report strange occurrences throughout the year.
Q: Have any paranormal investigators provided scientific evidence for these hauntings?
A: Paranormal investigations have captured what appear to be EVPs, cold spots, and unexplained movements on camera. While these incidents are often unverified by third parties, they do provide a basis for ongoing interest in La Lune Hotel’s alleged ghostly presence.
Q: What is the hotel doing to address these claims?
A: Management maintains that the reported hauntings are simply stories and not real phenomena. They have taken steps to improve security and comfort for guests by addressing any issues related to temperature or noise. Despite this, the hotel remains a popular destination for those interested in paranormal experiences.