The 15 Best Hotels In New Orleans
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- January 12, 2024
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T ravelers from around the world come to New Orleans to “ laissez les bons temps rouler” —or, “let the good times roll”—and in this eclectic town, there’s no shortage of opportunities to do just that. Whether it’s taking in a jazz performance at Preservation Hall or dancing with a street band in Crescent City (with the inevitable cocktails and bar hopping that will follow), the Big Easy will quickly put you into a spin—and cast you under its spell.
The best hotels in New Orleans, found throughout the city’s distinct neighborhoods, are just as spellbinding, capturing the city’s vibrant energy in their stunning architecture, fine cuisine and opulent décor. As one of the most desirable cities to visit in the United States, New Orleans has no shortage of excellent accommodations for travelers.
We’ve narrowed down the best hotels for your next vacation based on multiple trips and stays. Our top overall pick is The Windsor Court , featuring a prime downtown location with sophisticated style and exceptional service. For couples, we recommend Hotel Peter and Paul , which boasts dramatic guest rooms featuring Italian linens and canopy beds.
And for those coming for Mardi Gras, Hotel Henry Howard is a darling boutique with prime views of the parade route. Below, our picks for the best hotels in New Orleans for 2024. Best Hotel In New Orleans Overall: The Windsor Court The large, elegant rooms with marble clad bathrooms lean into traditional British decor with modern touches and pops of soothing baby blue color.
Few hotels in the New Orleans capture The Big Easy’s spirit with as refined a sensibility as The Windsor Court. Despite its prime downtown location just a stone’s throw from the French Quarter, this hotel will make any traveler feel as if they’ve discovered a secret hideaway, far removed from the city’s famous and sometimes debaucherous action.
The elegant, five star hotel is a beacon for extraordinary service that manages to never feel stuffy or pretentious. Its large, classic rooms with marble clad bathrooms range from 400 to 800 square feet and lean into traditional British décor with modern touches and pops of soothing baby blues. Though relaxed in their ambiance, each room never skimps on little luxuries, including the plushest slippers and luxe Diptyque toiletries.
One of the hotel’s most treasured experiences is its quintessential afternoon tea in Le Salon, an elegant room that looks straight out of a fairy tale, much like the cloistered courtyard where guests arrive. In a city already revered for its food and entertainment, The Windsor Court’s highlights also include fine dining fare and weekend brunch in The Grill Room, and The Polo Club, a not to be missed cocktail bar and lounge outfitted in English polo decor with an impressive collection of cognac featuring live jazz.
Best High End Hotel In New Orleans: The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans A suite at the The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans A recent $40 million renovation brought even more shimmer to The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans, the luxurious Beaux Arts jewel on Canal Street. Accommodations here—done up in soothing shades of blue and gold—have French Quarter views and hardwood floors.
The final culmination of the renovation included the 2023 refresh of the hotel’s Maison Orleans Club, consisting of the property’s club level accommodations, Club Lounge with a lovely rooftop outdoor area and a dazzling Ritz Carlton Suite filled with expansive living and dining spaces, billiard tables, French style patterned mural wall coverings and a storied art collection.
Other things that make this the ultimate luxury escape in the city range from the understated (the hotel’s interior courtyard, filled with feathery sago palm trees) and the opulent (the 6,500 square foot suite known simply as the Residence, with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, herringbone floors and a gallery curated art collection).
The hotel’s 25,000 square foot spa is the largest in New Orleans, with 20 treatment rooms, a café and treatments inspired by the city itself like the Voodoo Ritual and the Southern Ceremony (which includes a citrus body scrub and an age defying facial). Best Boutique Hotel In New Orleans: Henry Howard Hotel The entrance of the Henry Howard Hotel in New Orleans.
Located in a darling double gallery townhouse, the common areas of Henry Howard Hotel—named for a celebrated architect—feature charming period details like crystal chandeliers and antique furnishings. Just inside the front entrance, the Parlor is one of the standout spaces with grand 15 foot ceilings, original crown molding and handsome red pine floors.
Guests are sure to enjoy the fanciful wallpaper, four poster beds with brass detailing and quirky local artwork in each of the 18 guest rooms. Personable staff members are happy to share knowledge about the history of New Orleans, as well as tips on where to find everything from the crunchiest fried chicken to the best live jazz on nearby Magazine Street.
One block from the Mardi Gras parade route, this is a choice reservation to snag during the festivities as you can watch it from the hotel’s balcony. Best Hotel For Couples In New Orleans: Hotel Peter And Paul Hotel Peter And Paul in New Orleans Like so many New Orleans hotels, Hotel Peter and Paul, in the laid back yet lively Marigny neighborhood, is steeped in history.
The guest rooms and common spaces are set in a restored rectory, convent and schoolhouse. Each building’s interior design is slightly different, but the property’s antique furnishings and multitude of floral arrangements set the tone for romance. Couples in particular are sure to enjoy the refined guest rooms, furnished with canopy beds draped in red fabrics, freestanding limestone bathtubs and twinkling chandeliers.
While you can't sleep in the property’s other building the Church—and the property’s namesake—Hotel Peter and Paul does host events and brunches there. The Elysian Bar, overseen by the team behind local crowd pleaser Bacchanal Wine, is open seven days a week and serves breakfast and brunch, as well as cocktails and wine.
Best Hotel For Families In New Orleans: Omni Riverfront Hotel This particular Omni property brings together the best of the past and present, with touches of old regional flair intermingling with contemporary design. With views overlooking the Mississippi River, the Omni Riverfront Hotel brings together the best of the past and present in a single location, with touches of old regional flair intermingling with contemporary design.
An excellent choice for families, the property offers a number of kid friendly activities, like its Omni Junior Chefs program, as well as a convenient location near shopping, the Riverwalk, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, The National WWII Museum and Lafayette Square. Art galleries, shops, and restaurants are also found in spades within blocks of the hotel.
With plenty of walkable attractions and public transit options nearby, the Omni Riverfront is also a great option for business travelers, offering executive and hospitality style suites with extra legroom and sophisticated living room areas separate from the bedroom. Best Value Hotel In New Orleans: Virgin Hotel New Orleans Nowhere else in the hotel beats the rooftop pool lounge’s city views.
Virgin Hotels quickly expanded its growing hotel empire to Crescent City in 2021, aptly landing in the buzzing Warehouse District and blending affordability with vibrant spaces and an irreverent spirit the brand is known for. With room rates clocking in at less than $200 during low season, the property provides value along with top notch amenities.
Its 238 modern guest rooms feature separate dressing areas, red SMEG mini fridges stocked with local treats, yoga mats, and cozy coffee nooks. Some upgraded rooms feature large format print wallpapers in mesmerizing beach scenes. In contrast, others are light and bright, centered around mid century meets French decor and large format double casement paneled windows exposing city views.
When it comes to views, nowhere else in the hotel beats the rooftop pool lounge’s city views. While taking in the city’s sweeping landscapes, guests can enjoy the Pool Club, which offers a variety of craft cocktails and bites for guests to enjoy year round. Also located on the 13th floor, the hotel has a swanky private event space, Dreamboat, used for cocktail receptions, intimate weddings and more.
Downstairs, the hotel’s interior Commons Club acts as part lobby, bar, restaurant and hangout, with each space weaving innovative design and splashes of color together, including a red bottomed staircase in Virgin Hotels’s bold and most recognizable hue. Hotel With The Best Pool In New Orleans: The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel The lobby of The Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans.
This historic hotel is where Eloise might have checked in if she skipped New York and went to New Orleans instead. Now managed by Waldorf Astoria, the Roosevelt has all the five star amenities you might expect from a Waldorf, including a world class spa, with a prime location close to Bourbon Street and a legendary bar.
With Art Deco details like murals by Paul Ninas and a bar made of African walnut wood, in addition to expertly mixed cocktails, the Sazerac Bar is one of the world’s great hotel bars. Guest rooms are simple and elegant with white linens and writing desks. The property is home to a scenic rooftop pool which makes a perfect spot to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle; Domenica, a classic Italian restaurant serving bubbling Napolitano style pizzas, is also not to be missed.
Best Hotel With A Rooftop In New Orleans: The Pontchartrain Hotel The hotel’s aptly named Hot Tin Rooftop Bar grants a birds eye view to bustling city streets and is a favorite for locals and visitors. The interior design of The Pontchartrain—which opened as a luxury apartment building in the 1920s and was converted to a hotel in the 1940s—is one of the brightest gems in The Big Easy’s crown, filled with bright colors, rich textures and bold patterns in a luxurious, historic space.
After all, this hotel is a legendary part of New Orleans’s history—the very place where author Tennessee Williams wrote A Streetcar Named Desire while living at the hotel. The hotel’s aptly named Hot Tin Rooftop Bar grants a birds eye view to bustling city streets and is a favorite for locals and visitors, with a cocktail menu that sings with innovative cocktails, one named after another legendary guest, Rita Hayworth.
But with its chic atmosphere and near panoramic views of New Orleans, the property’s glittering rooftop is the real showstopper, filled with flocks of guests reveling in its beauty. Best Hotel For Business Travelers In New Orleans: Le Meridien New Orleans Guests will find friendly service, clean and quiet for heads down work days and accommodations in an array of room types.
Located in the heart of New Orleans' business district, Le Meridien is a top choice for business travelers looking for easy access to the convention center and other key corporate buildings and conference locations, not to mention the French Quarter and the Warehouse District. Recently renovated with a luxe yet comfortable feel, the hotel features excellent, modern meeting rooms that are well equipped, plus a ballroom and outdoor event spaces ideal for corporate cocktails or other social gatherings.
The hotel also boasts many executive amenities, including free and upgradable bandwidth Wi Fi options, not to mention a reliable concierge that can manage everything from transportation arrangements to last minute reservations, valet parking, and business center with a photocopier. Guests will find friendly service, clean and quiet for heads down work days and accommodations in an array of room types, from King Rooms to rooms with two queens, executive suites featuring pull out couches and more luxurious corner room suites, not to mention premium guest rooms on upper floors with nice city views.
Rooms are even pet friendly for those business or leisure travelers who choose to travel with their pets. Hotel With The Best Amenities In New Orleans: Hotel Saint Vincent A view of the Hotel St. Vincent in New Orleans To garner buzz and attract the coolest kids in and out of town, hotels need the right recipe of ambience and amenities.
The Hotel Saint Vincent checks all the boxes with its historic 19th century digs, slightly unexpected Lower Garden District location, whimsical design and buzzy bars and restaurants, like a location of the French bakery meets Vietnamese café, Elizabeth Street Café. Guest rooms have high ceilings that make them feel larger, sleek mid century inspired furnishings and moody, dark gray walls that are punctuated by bright floral wallpapers.
The stylish bathrooms have pink tiled walk in showers and retro inspired sinks (some even have claw foot tubs). Common spaces are also inviting, including the large courtyard pool surrounded by a deck made of Saltillo tiles and pink striped lounge chairs. The Paradise Lounge, with its palm and floral print wallpaper and rattan chandeliers, is Instagram perfection.
Best Hotel Near Bourbon Street In New Orleans: Royal Sonesta New Orleans Housed in a brick building featuring wrought iron balconies and a lush garden courtyard, this hotel’s ambience is nothing short of NOLA classique. Seated right on Bourbon Street, the Royal Sonesta is a part of the beating heart of New Orleans’ most famous neighborhood, the French Quarter.
Housed in a brick building with Vieux Carré architecture featuring wrought iron balconies and a lush garden courtyard and pool, this hotel’s ambience is nothing short of NOLA classique . The Royal Sonesta offers a variety of dining and entertainment venues: Restaurant R'evolution, PJ's Coffee Cafe, Desire Oyster Bar, The Jazz Playhouse and Le Booze.
From a luxury meal to a laid back drink, to a high octane nightclub experience or even a simple coffee and beignets, nothing is off limits for guests at the hotel. And when you’re ready to step out and see the city, everything is just around the corner, from theaters and shops to museums, galleries, gardens, bars and historical sites, making the hotel an ideal choice if you’re limited on time and looking to pack a lot into the itinerary.
Best Uptown Hotel In New Orleans: The Chloe The Chloe in Uptown, New Orleans. If your idea of a perfect vacation involves living more like a well heeled local than a tourist, check into this Uptown gem on oak lined Charles Street. Designed by famed architect Thomas Sully in 1891, the mansion is situated next door to many of New Orleans’ most elegant residences.
The Chloe’s 14 unique guest rooms have floor to ceiling curtains as well as handsome wood and marble bathroom vanities, and many of the rooms feature full seating areas. Guests are treated to artisan made goods like bath salts, soaps and hand woven robes as well as record players with curated vinyl selections, and each room comes with its own unique twist—like an armoire that leads to a sunny relaxation corner or a spa like bathroom.
Despite all the thoughtful touches, The Chloe’s best feature may be the tiled front porch where sitting in a rocking chair and looking out at the oak trees whisks you back to the 19th century. Best Hotel In The French Quarter In New Orleans: Hotel Monteleone The grand entrance of the Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans.
The regal Hotel Monteleone has held court on New Orleans’ Royal Street since 1886, and whether you’re staying there or not, you’ll probably want to have a peek inside. The hotel’s famed Carousel Bar is the only place in the city where revelers can sip a French 75 while taking a spin on a Merry Go Round, and it has been said that the French Quarter begins in the majestic lobby with coffered ceilings and crystal chandeliers.
The family owned hotel’s historic features have been meticulously maintained over the years, including the building’s ornate sculpted façade. The newly renovated luxury Iberville Towers are where some of the property’s best rooms, but all rooms come in a variety of sizes and layouts (suites have garden Jacuzzis), making it a great choice for families and large groups.
Beloved by famous American authors and writers—the hotel has a Literary Landmark designation—Literary Suites inspired and named for writers such as William Faulkner and Eudora Welty, come with parlors and marble and granite bathrooms. The on site Criollo restaurant has some of the best hearty omelets and other breakfast staples in town.
Best Hotel For Design Lovers In New Orleans: Maison de la Luz A chic guest room at the Maison de la Luz in New Orleans. In the city’s revitalized Warehouse District, Maison de la Luz exemplifies New Orleans’ one of a kind design aesthetic with its historic architecture and sumptuous interiors. Located in the former City Hall building, designers maintained many of the building’s original features, like 18 foot ceilings and windows, but added guest rooms with wainscoting, dark blue bed frames and cozy seating nooks.
Guests can enjoy complimentary happy hour drinks and bites in a variety of common spaces including Bar Marilou, the City Hall’s former library. With built in bookcase lined walls painted deep red and low slung velvet furnishings (there’s a secret entrance for hotel guests), it’s a space where you will want to linger over an expertly mixed cocktail; the top notch cocktail program was created in partnership with Parisian culinary group Quixotic Projects.
Maison de la Luz guests also get access to the amenities such as the rooftop swimming pool and daily yoga at their sister property, Ace Hotel New Orleans, across the street. Best Pet Friendly Hotel In New Orleans: One11 Hotel A room view at the One11 Hotel. With light filled rooms and contemporary décor, One11 in the Sugar District Waterfront is a nice alternative to New Orleans’ more opulent mansion hotels.
The riverfront neighborhood, once filled with sugar factories, is technically part of the French Quarter, but it has an identity all its own. The industrial structure that houses One11—the former Louisiana Sugar Refining Company—has huge windows, original beams and exposed brick walls, giving guest rooms the feel of cool urban lofts.
One11 Hotel’s eighth story rooftop, with panoramic French Quarter and Mississippi River views, is reserved just for guests, while the lobby lounge with sectional seating and a long bar brims with locals as well as hotel guests. The property welcomes both cats and dogs for a one time fee of $100, with food and water bowls available to borrow.
What Is The Best Part Of New Orleans To Stay In? The French Quarter is one of the most popular areas to stay in New Orleans. This historic area, which is famous all over the globe for its vibrant party scene and its annual Mardi Gras Festival, is also rich with beautiful architecture and stunning homes.
In addition, the French Quarter is home to some of the most amazing restaurants in New Orleans, whether you’re looking for a famous beignet for a snack, or a fancy 5 star dining experience. The area is also easily walkable—another reason many visitors choose to stay here. When Is The Best Time To Visit New Orleans? If you’re interested in taking part in the annual Mardi Gras festivities, the best time of the year to visit New Orleans is end of February, when the holiday typically takes place (this changes slightly every year depending on when the Easter holiday falls).
But the best time to visit New Orleans regardless is between February and May, when the weather is in peak season and before the hot and humid summer months set in. Another great time to visit that is not quite as crowded is December or January, when the city is typically less crowded. When Is the Rainiest Month In New Orleans? July is typically the wettest month of the year in New Orleans, but rainy season spans from late spring to mid summer on average.
The driest month of the year is usually the month of October. About Dan Koday, Your New Orleans Guide As a passionate traveler with a media career spanning more than 15 years, I've stayed at and reviewed some of the top hotels and accommodations in destinations like Mexico, France and Italy, as well as off the beaten path locales.
As an avid skier, I've hit the slopes in Aspen, Jackson Hole and Banff, but some of my most treasured experiences are posting up for cocktail hour in the bush during safari in South Africa, sailing through Drake's Passage to reach Antarctica and making the trek to Machu Picchu. All these once in a lifetime experiences aside, a city close to home—New Orleans—is one that continues to call my name and win me over with its huge personality and excellent grub.
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