New Orleans is one of the most culturally rich cities in America and one of my absolute favorites. Hotels in New Orleans include exquisitely designed boutique and grand mansions. The city is known for its friendly hospitality and every hotel on this list is no exception. Each neighborhood tells its own story, with unique activities and atmosphere. Having lived in NOLA for a few years and visited as a tourist many times, I’ve explored all of the neighborhoods I’d recommend.
French Quarter: If you’ve never been to New Orleans, The Quarter is probably the most well-known neighborhood for tourists. The famed Bourbon Street, the heart of the Mardi Gras partying, The French Quarter is great for a good time, but it’s also some of the most historic architecture in the city. This is a great neighborhood to choose if you’re on a trip with friends and you’re hoping to be close to all the bars and Bourbon. However, the area can get quite overwhelming and a little dirty during Mardi Gras. If you’re a big foodie, this isn’t the area with the largest concentration of best restaurants.
Downtown // CBD: Directly adjacent to the French Quarter, the CBD provides a central location between the bars and clubs of the French Quarter and the boutiques and restaurants of the Garden District. Between the Riverwalk, Jackson Square and Magazine Street, many of New Orleans best hotels are located in the CBD. Many rooftop pools and bars are also in this central area.
Garden District: Streets lined with grand mansions and oak trees, the Garden District is one of the most picturesque areas of New Orleans. Take a ride down St. Charles avenue in a street car, wander through the shady streets, shop on Magazine Street, and eat at one of the many fantastic Garden District restaurants. Quieter and more relaxed than the CBD and French Quarter, but with plenty to do and see, this is a great neighborhood for a romantic weekend away or family vacation. If you’re visiting during Mardi Gras, proximity to the parade route in this area is quite desirable as well!
Uptown: Continuing up from the Garden District is Uptown. In addition to the Garden District, I would recommend the lower Uptown area. Uptown is quite a large neighborhood, and I would recommend focussing on the portion closest to the Garden District, as it offers the same environment as the Garden District.
Hotel Saint Vincent
Built in the 1800s as an infant asylum, the red-brick building has been revitalized as a new hotel in the Garden District. While the exterior was left in its original design, new life has been breathed into an incredibly designed interior with touches of mid-century modern and art deco that is at once unexpectedly vibrant and moodily sophisticated. With touches like murals hand-painted by local artists, the Saint Vincent offers an incredibly thoughtful experience. Warm gray walls and red velvet touches lend an air of sophisticated sensuality to the rooms. With multiple restaurants, a lounge, club, and pool, there are plenty of amenities to keep you entertained on site. But, with its supreme location on Magazine Street, there is also a surplus of entertainment just outside of the 19th-century wrought iron gates.
Virgin Hotels New Orleans
If there is one word to describe this hotel, it is fun. Located in the CBD, only steps from the Superdome and a short walk from the French Quarter, the new Virgin Hotels New Orleans is a splash of vibrant fun. Eclectic design meet the thoughtful touches of a top-rate boutique hotel. Upon entering, just beyond the reception, you’ll be beckoned into the funny library, an aptly named room with walls of bright pink, pop-art, lots of cozy corners draped in funky fabrics, and a coffee shop open to hotel guests and passersby alike. Following the maze of rooms, you’ll then find a large loft-style bar and restaurant with a grand staircase leading to a second floor of even more well-planned spaces. Large windows offer light-filled bedrooms that also feature specialty-made furnishings like velvet-clad curved beds, bright Smeg mini fridges, and classic french doors. As if the space is not already well enough equipped, a rooftop pool and bar area offers daytime and late night views of the city.
Maison de la Luz
Draw open the iron-framed glass doors to find a grand lobby of marble black and white checkerboard floors and royal blue velvet benches bookended by a set of imposing iron staircases leading to the guest rooms. Travel through a second set of doors to the reception and guest-only “Living Room” (a lounge area) and “Breakfast Room” (where daily breakfast is served a la carte). Through a secret doorway on the first floor, you’ll find the ever-popular Bar Marilou, a local hotspot and supposed favorite of Bella Hadid.With no formal restaurant, this hotel is quite an exclusive guest-only experience. However, as the brainchild of the Ace Hotel Group, all Maison de la Luz guests are offered premiere access to the neighboring Ace Hotel’s restaurants and rooftop pool.
The Chloe
Housed in a Saint Charles Avenue 19th-century mansion with a large rocking chair-lined porch, The Chloe is a truly boutique experience with only 14 guest rooms that are each completely unique designs. The thoughtful touches of the rooms are second-to-none at The Chloe. A turntable and records from New Orleans artists, a mini bar stocked with local products, supremely plush bathrobes, stand-alone bathtubs, and Oxalis skincare products – what more is there it say? The rooms alone are more than enough reason to book a stay at The Chloe, but when the hotel’s creator is one of New Orleans top restauranteurs, the food is also a huge draw. Like many features of The Chloe, the restaurant is inspired by classic New Orleans. Expect creole dishes with modern flair. Cocktails are delicately crafted at the accompanying Lobby Bar. Located in a garden behind the hotel, the pool is lined with lounge chairs that resemble the Beverly Hills Hotel and an adjacent pool bar serves up tropical beverages perfect for a hot New Orleans day.
Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery
Located in the CBD, just steps from the French Quarter, the Old No. 77 feels very Brooklyn-cool with hardwood floors, exposed brick walls, and lighting crafted for a perfect ambiance. With thoughtful touches and friendly staff, the Old No. 77 is at once welcoming and comfortable. The hotel offers a coffee shop and bar alongside the acclaimed restaurant Compère Lapin, serving Caribbean classics. While the Old No. 77 is less of a luxury experience than Maison de la Luz or The Chloe, its cool vibe, more budget-friendly prices, and prime location make it well worth a visit.
Other Amazing Hotels in New Orleans
New Orleans is home to some of the most beautifully designed boutique hotels in the world. Whether it’s adventurous and fun or sophisticated and upscale, these hotels are a design lover’s dream stay. However, the city also offers larger luxury hotels that we would be remiss to ignore.
Other Hotels In New Orleans
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: The opulently decorated lobby and bar are a cannot-miss experience if you’re visiting New Orleans at Christmas. Try the sugar cookie martini, and thank me later.
Pontchartrain Hotel: Beautifully designed rooms, and a fabulous rooftop bar for a sunset view of the city or a night out on the town in the Garden District, an opulent Jack Rose restaurant – this hotel offers an array of attractions that keep visitors and locals coming back.
The Ritz-Carlton: A spa, a plethora of conference rooms, a hotspot for weddings, and a bar with a live band weekly? Even if you aren’t staying at the Ritz, avail yourself of the many amenities it has to offer.
Le Pavillon: This New Orleans standby features luxurious rooms and grandiose shared areas with marble columns, opulent chandeliers, and golden touches. While its style is a tad outdated, its luxury is unquestionable.
