Hotel Provincial
Okay, I admit it – I was drawn to the Hotel Provincial for 3 reasons: 1) great summer rates through Hotels.com; 2) right in the middle of the French Quarter; and 3) it is believed to be HAUNTED! I took a deep breath, made my reservation, and even asked for Building #5, which is considered the most haunted part of the hotel.
What the heck was I thinking?!? I lay awake the previous night wondering what I had got myself into – purposely booking into a haunted hotel in which I was going to stay by myself! Well, I was committed (or committable – you decide for yourself), so I forged ahead.
Driving down the narrow streets of New Orleans’ French Quarter, I was enthralled with the buildings, homes, balconies, hidden courtyards, quirky businesses, and that New Orleans mystique. I drove up to the Hotel Provincial and pulled into the carriage portal for valet parking into the interior lot. I felt my vehicle would be secure, since there is just one way in and one way out of the interior lot – right past the lobby and in plain view of the front desk.
The professional front desk staff (Bruce and Al) warmly greeted me and provided wonderful service – even making sure I did get a room in Building #5. When I asked about any hauntings they may have experienced, Bruce told me about an occurrence just the previous week with the smoke alarms and slamming drawers. Very cool!
A bit of history: the hotel was used as a Confederate hospital during the Civil War. Staff and guests claim to see doctors and soldiers in the halls and rooms, as well as disembodied moans and voices.
After settling into my room and dinner, I relaxed for the evening and then turned in. I was so exhausted from not sleeping the night before and an eight-hour drive that I went right to sleep. I must admit, I kept the A/C fan going all the time so the cycling of the compressor wouldn’t wake me. I heard a few bumps and creaks, which could well be attributed to building sounds. With the A/C fan running continuously, there was no way I could properly hear any subtle activity. Bottom line – I was not aware of any ghostly occurrences.
I did wake up during the night and consider getting dressed to walk the corridors for any activity. However, with another eight-hour drive ahead of me the next day on top of my exhaustion, I decided I would stay in my bed and rest.
The hotel itself is full of charm and old world elegance. Furnished with beautiful original antique pieces mingled with quality reproductions – and wonderful comfortable new beds – gives you a glimpse into its historic past. Graced with five courtyards and three swimming pools, you feel you are at a private tropical estate instead of the heart of old New Orleans. Being locally owned and operated, the hotel offers a personal experience and those little touches not found in many chain hotels. With or without ghosts, this is a wonderful, elegant hotel perfectly located within the French Quarter. (The following morning, I bypassed the ample complimentary continental breakfast and walked just 3 blocks to the original Café du Monde for café au lait and beignets. The perfect New Orleans way to start the day!)
As Arnold once said, “I’ll be back!” I will return to the Hotel Provincial – this time with proper rest, proper equipment for a ghostly investigation, and plan to stay 2-3 nights for a good chance of experiencing something. No matter what happens (or doesn’t happen), I can be sure my stay will be wonderful!
Frommer’s New Orleans 2010 (Frommer’s Complete) [Paperback]
For fantastic architectural highlights and all the best of the French Quarter, see chapter 8.
- Detailed maps throughout
- Exact prices, directions, opening hours,and other practical information
- Candid reviews of hotels and restaurants,plus sights, shopping, and nightlife
- Itineraries, walking tours, and trip-planning ideas
- Insider tips from local expert authors
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