New Orleans is the kind of city that basically breathes through its ghosts. You can’t walk two blocks in the French Quarter without someone pointing at a balcony and claiming a 19th-century socialite jumped off it. But honestly, the Andrew Jackson Hotel is different. It’s not just "vibe" haunted. It’s "don't-be-surprised-if-your-pillows-are-fluffed-by-someone-who-isn't-there" haunted.
Located at 919 Royal Street, this place is a weirdly perfect mix of gorgeous 1890s architecture and a history that is—to put it mildly—kind of tragic. Most people book a room here because they want the Instagrammable wrought-iron balconies. They usually leave talking about Armand.
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The Real Story Behind the Hauntings
Let’s get the history straight because a lot of tour guides like to embellish. Before it was the Andrew Jackson Hotel, the site was home to a Spanish colonial boarding school and orphanage for boys. It opened in 1792 to house kids who had lost their parents to the yellow fever epidemics that used to rip through the city every summer.
Then came December 4, 1794.
The Great New Orleans Fire. It was a disaster. Most of the city burned, including the orphanage. Five young boys died in the flames. If you believe the local lore—and most of the staff at the front desk certainly do—those five boys never actually left.
You’ll hear them. Guests frequently report the sound of "cereal" being spilled on the floor or the unmistakable pitter-patter of bare feet in the courtyard at 3:00 AM. It’s not scary in a horror-movie way. It’s more like living in a house with a very active toddler who happens to be 230 years old.
Why Room 208 is Famous
If you’re looking for the epicenter of the weirdness, it’s Room 208. This is where "Armand" hangs out.
Armand is the most famous resident of the Andrew Jackson Hotel. Legend says he was one of the boys from the fire, though some stories claim he was thrown from the balcony to save him from the heat, while others say he died inside. He’s a prankster. People staying in 208 have reported:
- Being gently (or not so gently) pushed out of bed.
- Waking up to find their clothes neatly folded—or thrown across the room.
- Seeing a young boy sitting on the floor watching the TV, only for him to vanish when they speak.
It’s worth mentioning that the hotel isn't just about the kids. There's also the "Caretaker." She’s often spotted in the lobby or near the rooms, seemingly still keeping an eye on the boys. She’s known for fluffing pillows and tidying up. Honestly, given the price of hotel service these days, a spectral housekeeper doesn't sound like the worst amenity.
That Time the General Got Sued
You might wonder why it’s named after Andrew Jackson if he didn't die there. Well, after the orphanage burned down, the site became a U.S. Federal Courthouse. This is where Major General Andrew Jackson was actually hauled into court in 1815.
He had just won the Battle of New Orleans, but he was still keeping the city under martial law. Judge Dominick Hall wasn't a fan of Jackson's "my way or the highway" attitude and fined him $1,000 for contempt of court. Jackson paid it, but he wasn't happy about it.
The courthouse was eventually demolished in the late 1800s to make way for the current building, which is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Some people swear they’ve seen a tall, stern man in a military uniform pacing the second-floor hallway. It seems the General might still be brooding over that $1,000 fine.
What It’s Actually Like to Stay There
Look, if you want a sterile, "everything is perfect" experience, go to a Marriott. The Andrew Jackson Hotel is old. The floors creak. The rooms are, frankly, quite small. The bathrooms have been updated, but you're still in a building that was constructed in 1890 on top of 18th-century ruins.
- The Courtyard: It’s one of the best in the Quarter. Very quiet, very leafy. It’s where "Andrew," the resident orange tabby cat, usually hangs out.
- The Stairs: There is no elevator. If you’re on the second floor, you’re walking.
- The Noise: You’re on Royal Street. It’s quieter than Bourbon, but you’ll still hear the street performers and the occasional mule-drawn carriage clopping by. It's part of the charm, or it's annoying, depending on how much you've had to drink at Pat O'Brien's.
The staff here, like Abby and Zach, are often cited in reviews as the highlight. They know the history, they know the ghosts, and they actually seem to care about the building. They’ll even deliver a continental breakfast of croissants and coffee to your room or the courtyard in the morning.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
- Request a Courtyard Room: If you want a better chance of hearing the "phantom" children playing, the rooms overlooking the courtyard (like 102 or 107) are your best bet.
- Check Your Tech: Paranormal enthusiasts claim the ghosts love to mess with electronics. If your TV turns on by itself, don't call maintenance right away—just say hi to Armand.
- Pack Light: Since there’s no elevator and the hallways are narrow, hauling a massive suitcase up the stairs is a nightmare.
- Book Cafe Amelie: It’s directly across the street and has one of the best courtyards for dining in the city. You’ll need a reservation.
- Ask for the History Scroll: The hotel usually keeps a small history print-out under the pillows. It's a cool souvenir and covers the timeline from the 1792 orphanage to the courthouse.
Whether you believe in ghosts or just want a place that feels like "Old New Orleans," this hotel delivers. Just don't be surprised if you leave with a story of your own.