As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.

Louisiana is no stranger to the paranormal realm, and we’re not just talking about New Orleans. There have been spirit sightings and ghostly encounters from all over the state, each one more spine-tingling than the next. There’s one historic hotel in the heart of central Louisiana that seems to be quite the paranormal hot spot, and if you ever visit the Hotel Bentley, you might just have a ghostly encounter of your own. 

Tucked away in downtown Alexandria, the Hotel Bentley stands as one of the most impressive structures in Central Louisiana.
Hotel Bentley/Facebook
The hotel was built in 1907 by Joseph Bentley, a Pennsylvanian who made his wealth in the lumber industry in Central Louisiana.
Legend has it that the only reason Bentley built the hotel as because he was turned down for a room at a nearby hotel.
Hotel Bentley/Facebook
Who knows if the legend is true, but the hotel opened in 1908 and costs roughly $700,000 to build.
He even carved out a large apartment with its own private elevator on one of the top floors so he could live there.
Hotel Bentley/Facebook
And he stayed there until his death in 1938. Both the elevator and the apartment still stand today.
Everywhere you look, there’s an eye-catching detail that draws you in.
Casey Morrisette/Google
The hotel is truly magnificent.

Related Stories

Few People Know The Story Behind Louisiana's Most Haunted Swamp

Few People Know The Story Behind Louisiana's Most Haunted Swamp

 Stay Overnight In The 132-Year-Old T’Frere’s House, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Louisiana

Stay Overnight In The 132-Year-Old T’Frere’s House, An Allegedly Haunted Spot In Louisiana

 The Haunted Building In Louisiana Both History Buffs And Ghost Hunters Will Love

The Haunted Building In Louisiana Both History Buffs And Ghost Hunters Will Love
Over the years, the hotel has undergone several renovations and additions.
Trey Truitt/Google
The original portion of the property remains with a total of 93 guest rooms and there’s also a seven-story tower portion that has been converted to private residential units.
As with so many historic landmarks Lousiana, the Bentley Hotel comes with its fair share of ghost stores.
Whitney B/Google
And Louisiana does love a good ghost story, right? The Hotel Bentley has been called one of the most haunted hotels in Louisiana, and for good reason.
Many believe that Mr. Bentley himself never left the hotel.
Hotel Bentley/Facebook
And he’s been spotted all over the hotel throughout the years. Although most of the sightings have been on the third floor, staff has reported seeing him in the restaurant and also the Mirror Bar. Maybe he's just making the rounds checking on the place?
But Mr. Bentley isn’t the only ghost that can’t seem to check out.
JLGlenn/Trip Advisor
Another common sighting is that of a young woman who fell to her death in an elevator shaft, and another gentleman who fell over the grand staircase railing in 1985.

So the next time you check in to this haunted hotel in Louisiana, just be aware…you might find yourself face to face with Mr. Bentley himself!

Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Share it with us in the comments below!

For more paranormal encounters, gas up the car and take this road trip in Louisiana to some of the most haunted locations in the state.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Haunted Places In Louisiana

Jackie Ann | August 25, 2022

What are the most haunted places in Louisiana?

Louisiana, like any other state, has its fair share of ghost stories that get passed down every year. In fact, there are so many haunted places in Louisiana, that we’ve even created a road trip that’ll take you all around the state’s most paranormal hotspots. One of the most notoriously haunted places in Louisiana is Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar, one of the oldest bars in the country. Over 250 years old, this historic bar was once the stomping grounds for Jean Lafitte himself, who used the building as a home base for his smuggling business. Many patrons have claimed to have seen him lurking in the shadows, but he vanishes when your eyes meet. There are a few different spirits that are believed to haunt these walls, and one of them seems to be more demonic than anything else.

What are the most popular ghost stories in Louisiana?

One of the most popular ghost stories in Louisiana is the ghost of Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau, who is often sighted around New Orleans. She’s been seen in the neighborhood where she used to live, at restaurants she used to frequent, and even at her grave. If you happen to see her, you might want to steer clear, as she’s not always the friendliest of spirits. Many leave offerings on her grave to appease her, but for some reason, she doesn’t seem to be able to move on, continuing to wander the streets of the French Quarter at night.

Are there any urban legends in Louisiana?

The swamps can be scary, but a good urban legend can make them even more frightening. One of the most popular urban legends in Louisiana revolves around Louisiana’s wetlands, where the Rougarou roams. The Rougarou is a beastly creature that resembles a werewolf of sorts and lurks in the swamps, bayous, and marshes in southern Louisiana. There are many versions of the Rougarou, some stories say that the beast will kill anyone who doesn’t follow the rules of Lent. Whether this is a cautionary tale to keep obedience or just a fun campfire store...you can be the judge.

Related Articles

Explore Louisiana

Featured Addresses
200 Desoto St, Alexandria, LA 71301, USA