One of the most unique and exciting cities to visit in the United States, New Orleans is not just a great place to party, but also to enjoy live music (especially jazz and blues), a wealth of cultural and historical attractions, mouthwatering cuisine, and much more. While many people are familiar with the French Quarter, the tranquil Garden District is a wonderful place for enjoying a quieter stay, filled with grand mansions while family-friendly activities are nearby. These top hotels are some of the best options in this charming community.
Henry Howard Hotel
Henry Howard Hotel sits in the Lower Garden District, named for a local architectural hero. An elegant mid-19th-century townhouse, it has a beautiful white Greek Revival-style facade and a front parlor with Italianate detailing for enjoying early evening aperitifs. As with most of the historic home hotels, there are few facilities other than wonderful places to relax but there is a small bar where you can enjoy a glass of wine and multiple bars and restaurants nearby. Rooms are all at least slightly different, but all include custom-made beds, antique furniture and polished hardwood floors along with flat-screen TVs and local snack trays. Some feature furnished balconies too.
The Pontchartrain Hotel
The Pontchartrain Hotel is one of the best values in the area and offers timeless elegance along with unparalleled city views from Hot Tin, its rooftop bar, popular with locals and guests alike. Dining options include the stylish Jack Rose restaurant, which has a leafy dining room and sidewalk tables, while the Silver Whistle Cafe offers delicious breakfasts, homemade baked goods and coffee drinks. Lavish Old World rooms and suites combine historic charm with modern amenities. All are air-conditioned and include flat-screen TVs, minibars, liquor, and trays with locally produced snacks. Suites have separate living rooms and bedrooms.
The Columns Hotel
The Columns Hotel sits within an Italianate mansion that dates back to 1883. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it offers an intimate stay, and it also happens to be a popular brunch and bar spot. The bar serves as a popular gathering spot with the locals who sip cocktails alongside tourists while the dining room is a favorite for breakfast and brunch, especially its delectable Eggs Benedict. Rooms are large and feature elevated beds accessed by small steps and marble fireplaces. For a private balcony overlooking St. Charles Avenue, book Room 9 or the “Sweetheart Suite.”
Hotel Indigo
This boutique property is a chain-run hotel that offers convenient access to the rest of the city, including the French Quarter, with the streetcar running right outside its doors. It has a small 24-hour fitness center and offers discounts to a more extensive gym off-site, while Babin’s Bistro & Bar is on-site, offering a simple but tasty menu. The large, modern rooms feature colorful murals above the beds and all the usual amenities, including free Wi-Fi and iPod docks.
Maison St. Charles Hotel
This 113-room hotel is made up of a collection of historic homes. All come with flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers and free Wi-Fi. Suites include pullout couches and some feature balconies with views of the Mardi Gras parades. There’s an outdoor pool and hot tub, while guests can take advantage of free passes to the St. Charles Athletic Club across the street. Enjoy an excellent complimentary breakfast with hot-and-cold items, including a waffle-maker, and dishes like biscuits and gravy, eggs, fruit and pastries.
St. Charles Coach House
Formerly known as the Clarion Grand Boutique, the St. Charles Coach House is a boutique property offering chic accommodation atop Copeland’s Cheesecake Bistro. It provides a complimentary continental breakfast and free Wi-Fi, while rooms feature refrigerators, coffeemakers, microwaves and flat-screen TVs. Some come with a hot tub. Helpful staff can provide local, authentic experiences in the neighborhood too.
The Quisby
The Quisby is a stylish, upgraded hostel offering budget-friendly rooms perfect for a girlfriends getaway or groups of friends traveling together. It’s less than a minute from a streetcar stop and hosts a cocktail bar serving cocktails like Passionfruit Hurricanes along with a mini-library. A complimentary breakfast is served in the lobby’s casual dining area. The simple mixed-sex and female-only dorms sleep four to six and offer en-suite bathrooms, lockers and free Wi-Fi.
Prytania Oaks Hotel
The boutique Prytania Oaks Hotel is housed within a mid-19th-century Greek Revival double gallery house that dates to the 1850s. An adults-only oasis, this European-style hotel is part of the Prytania Park Hotel and features rooms ideal for honeymooners and other romance-seekers with 14-foot-high ceilings, red heart pine floors, flat-screen TVs with cable, microwaves and mini-fridges. Guests enjoy complimentary access to St. Charles Avenue Athletic Club, a half-block away and sightseeing packages are available for purchase at the front desk.
Sully Mansion
Set in an 1890 mansion, the adults-only Sully Mansion is a huge Victorian with a gorgeous wraparound porch in front and a beautiful courtyard in the back. It offers a tranquil stay, back a block from the main thoroughfare, St Charles Avenue, with lots of style and character, from the stained glass windows to high ceilings, grand stairway and heart-pine floors. There are just nine rooms all individually appointed featuring large windows, some that overlook the beautiful gardens and old oak tree. All come with flat-screen cable TVs, free Wi-Fi, luxurious linens and bathrooms with high-end toiletries.
