The 12 best hotels in New Orleans for 2025

Bourbon Street isn’t the first place you’d expect to find refined hospitality, but The Royal Sonesta New Orleans really makes this location work. Opened in 1969, this landmark hotel sits proudly amid the French Quarter’s raucous nightlife, blending the lively buzz of Bourbon Street with a classy and surprisingly peaceful place to stay. Its wrought-iron balconies, gas lamps, and flower-draped railings fit the neighborhood’s charm perfectly, while inside lies a tranquil courtyard, leafy and tranquil, complete with one of the largest pools in the Quarter. It’s pure New Orleans: chaos outside, but comfort within.

By day, guests lounge by the pool or in marble-floored halls under glittering chandeliers; by night, they’re just steps from Bourbon’s famous revelry. The hotel even celebrates its surroundings with the annual Greasing of the Poles, a lively Mardi Gras tradition that turns balcony maintenance into a full-blown party, with local celebs stopping by to get involved. 

Rooms are classic and unfussy (this isn’t a boutique hotel), featuring plush beds, marble-and-glass bathrooms, and, if you’re lucky, a balcony overlooking either the Bourbon Street action or the serene courtyard, but don’t worry—excellent soundproofing ensures you can enjoy the fun without losing sleep.

Desire Oyster Bar serves up Gulf oysters and Creole favorites in a lively setting, while Le Booze offers strong cocktails and a top-tier spot to sit back and people watch. Restaurant R’evolution is the showstopper, pairing fine Southern dining with dishes like rabbit and dumplings, wagyu carpaccio, and Death by Gumbo, and after dinner, The Jazz Playhouse keeps the spirit alive with nightly live music—from jazz to burlesque—that draws locals just as much as guests (which is part of this place’s charm). 

Service is impressively personal for a hotel of this size—warm, unflappable, and genuinely friendly, and given The Royal Sonesta is just steps from Jackson Square, Café Du Monde, and Preservation Hall, this hotel offers a front-row seat to New Orleans’ sensory magic. 

Time Out tip: The hotel will charge you a $25 daily ‘destination fee’, but that includes $15 of credit towards food and drinks.

Address: 300 Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price per night: $200-300
Closest transport: Two blocks to the streetcar

In New Orleans’ lively Warehouse District—home to art galleries, cocktail bars, and buzzy restaurants—the Virgin Hotel fits right in while adding a scene of its own. Since opening in 2021, this stylish hotspot has become a destination for both travelers and locals, offering rooftop pool parties, drag brunches, live music, and DJs spinning under the stars. Equal parts high-energy and laid-back, it captures the bold, fun, and effortlessly cool spirit of the city.

The hotel’s design reflects Virgin’s playful personality, blending sleek modern style with New Orleans charm. Local art, vibrant pops of red, and floor-to-ceiling windows define its aesthetic. Rooms—known within this chain as chambers—are cleverly divided into two zones: a dressing room with a vanity and makeup table, and a sleeping lounge centered around a plush bed and ergonomic seating nook. The setup feels both stylish and functional, especially for couples or friends on different schedules. Expect app-based room controls, fast Wi-Fi, and streaming-ready TVs.

The Commons Club, the hotel’s signature restaurant and lounge, delivers inventive Southern-inspired dishes and global plates, plus weekend brunches that often feature live music or themed drag performances.

Service here hits the sweet spot between polished and casual. Staff are friendly, local-savvy, and refreshingly free of stuffiness—ready with both po’boy tips and late-night recommendations, and given the location, you’re in a great position to try out whatever they suggest. The hotel is within walking distance of the French Quarter, the Superdome, and Julia Street’s art galleries, keeping you close to the action while offering a stylish escape from it. 

Time Out tip: Upstairs, The Pool Club is the place to be—by day, a breezy hangout with frozen cocktails and skyline views; by night, a rooftop party spot with DJs and Golden Hour drink specials. There’s loads to explore in New Orleans, but make sure you set aside time to make the most of this spot, too.

Address: 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113
Price per night: starting at $200
Closest transport: One block to the streetcar

Since opening in 1893, The Roosevelt has reigned as one of New Orleans’ most iconic hotels—an opulent landmark that has hosted presidents, royalty, movie stars, and musicians alike. Now part of the Waldorf Astoria collection, it masterfully balances historic grandeur with modern comfort, offering guests a taste of classic New Orleans glamour which is enveloped in polished, contemporary ease.

The grand lobby sets the tone with soaring ceilings, gilded columns, and glittering chandeliers, buzzing with both travelers and locals who stop in for a cocktail at the legendary Sazerac Bar before catching a show at the nearby Saenger or Orpheum Theaters. During the holidays, it transforms into a winter wonderland, its elaborate decorations drawing crowds every year.

The rooms blend understated modern design with pretty Art Deco touches: the plush bedding, marble bathrooms, golden accents, and hushed soundproof calm are a welcome retreat from the city’s nonstop rhythm. Got the budget to splash out? The suites will add more space, sitting areas, and sweeping views of downtown.

Dining and drinking are central to The Roosevelt experience: the Sazerac Bar serves the hotel’s namesake cocktail and the iconic Ramos Gin Fizz. At Domenica you’ll find chefs rustling up wood-fired clam pizzas and gulf shrimp and calabrian chili pasta in a classy dining room,  while Teddy’s Café is where to head for pastries and coffee. Service is classic Southern hospitality—warm, professional, and deeply personal. The staff anticipate needs with charm and efficiency, even during Mardi Gras or Christmas when the hotel is at full buzz.

It’s also only a short stroll from the French Quarter and the Warehouse District, but the Roosevelt, while not only placing you close to the best of the Crescent City, offers proper restful sanctuary in the form of a rooftop pool, a 24-hour gym, and the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Spa—complete with infrared saunas, cold plunges, and recovery lounges.

Time Out tip: In September, the hotel celebrates its spirited past with Stormin’ the Sazerac, a lively event honoring the women who defied prohibition-era restrictions to drink at the bar—we’d definitely recommend stopping by.

Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Price per night: starting at $300
Closest transport: One block to the streetcar

This unique hotel is set in a 19th former Catholic school with a historic past life—it was once a rectory, a church, convent and school house—and is fittingly located a 15-minute walk away from the French Quarter. 

It sits on Frenchmen Street, which is known for its jazz clubs and markets, in the hip Marigny neighborhood, an ideal spot to explore all New Orleans has to offer without being directly in the busyness of it all. (Bear in mind the hotel is an old building, so sound between rooms carries.)

The 71 rooms here embrace the hotel’s religious background which makes for a truly special stay: four-poster beds are adorned with luxurious fabric, each post crowned with a cross, and this gothic style contrasts with the cute country furniture. Stay in the convent room for a biblically luxurious experience: bathe in its clawfoot bathtub and finish your night by the room’s roaring fire.

Hotel Peter and Paul’s impressive hall, known as the church space, has been restored to grandeur. Built in 1861, it has retained its original stained glass windows which are over 150 years old. Yoga sessions are run from here every Tuesday and Saturday alongside community gatherings, gigs, sound baths and even square dancing.

While there are plenty of restaurants across the city to keep you well-fed throughout your stay, the hotel’s own award-winning bar and restaurant, The Elysian Bar, is well worth a visit. It serves Mediterranean and European dishes via small plates and larger mains, inspired by the surrounding area, and every Tuesday there’s a special deal on burgers and martinis. The cocktail menu is especially inventive: the ‘Pyramus & Thisbe’ is made from rye, mezcal, cynar, cocchi americano, celery bitter and the spicy ‘Dearly Beloved’ is concocted from green chili vodka, chamomile grappa, yuzu, butterfly pea and habanero tincture.

Time Out tip: Looking for coffee and a sweet treat nearby? Head to the Orange Couch.

Address: 2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117, United States
Price: Double rooms starting from $189 per night
Closest transport: Elysian Fields Ave tram stop is a 7 minute walk away

What better way to soak up the New Orleans vibes than from an aerial view? The Pontchartrain Hotel’s rooftop bar is the crowning jewel of this charming and affordable bohemian hotel. Its bar, Hot Tin, is a chic, modern lounge serving craft cocktails and light bites, but if sweeping views aren’t for you, don’t fret, there are multiple places throughout the Pontchartrain to catch a vibe.

Downstairs the Bayou Bar comes alive with live jazz from Tuesday to Saturday. This spot is a favorite with locals, and there’s Creole-inspired fare here such as the Duck & Andouille Gumbo and the award-winning Bayou Bar burger. The hotel’s culinary crown is on the ground floor. It’s called The Jack Rose, and it serves up unpretentious dishes in a vibrant atmosphere—try the gumbo: you’ll thank us. 

The Pontchartrain is where Tennessee Williams penned A Streetcar Named Desire, which is fitting, given that many rooms offer views of the streetcars still rattling along just outside. There’s a sketch of Tennessee Williams and a chandelier hanging in each bedroom, and today, the property fully embraces a 1950s bohemian charm, an aesthetic that suits it perfectly.

Stepping into the lobby, you’re greeted by an atmosphere of rich opulence: deep red velvet drapes, vibrant crimson walls, and dark wooden check-in counters. It still uses traditional metal room keys (don’t lose it though, that will set you back $250 for a replacement), and each room comes with velvet bedding, floral curtains, retro furnishings and Le Labo soap in the bathrooms.

The Pontchartrain is in New Orleans’ Garden District on St Charles Ave. It’s only a 20-minute journey to the cultural Magazine Street, a six-mile-long stretch filled with boutiques, galleries, restaurants and Victorian homes that is popular with shoppers. It’s also home to quirky museums, such as the Southern Food and Beverage Museum and The Museum of The American Alligator. 

Time Out tip: This hotel is in a prime spot for parades during Carnival season.

Address: 2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, 70130
Price: Starting from $278 a night
Closest transport: The St Charles at Josephine tram stop is right outside

Art lovers will appreciate this luxurious and English-inspired hotel’s $10 million private art collection, featuring paintings and sculptures depicting British aristocracy and architecture. Guests can take a self-guided tour to explore works by Thomas Gainsborough, William Powell Frith, and Sir Joshua Reynolds—a rare perk in a hotel setting.

The star attraction though is Windsor Court’s in-house restaurant The Grill Room frequented by celebrities and politicians alike. This fine dining establishment offers a refined spin on contemporary New Orleans cuisine, all enjoyed with inviting views of the charming courtyard. The Steelhead is a standout dish, and the creative twist on French Onion soup makes for an ideal opener to the meal. Afterwards, head to the Polo Club Lounge which offers classic cocktails in a cozy, wood-paneled space perfect for lingering.

If the sun is shining, don’t miss the rooftop saltwater swimming pool with views over the Mississippi River—a perfect spot to decompress from a full day of sightseeing. With first-class service, the Windsor Court Hotel really is an ideal place to catch some z’s and rest easy after soaking up the energy of New Orleans. There’s even a year-round spa offering massages, a sauna and a steam room. When you enter Windsor Court, you’ll pass through a walled courtyard with a bubbling fountain: the lobby is home to Le Salon, which serves afternoon tea on the weekend, and an original model of Windsor Castle next to check-in.

Its 314 rooms are thoughtfully designed with high-end touches, including Italian marble bathrooms, private balconies, wet bars, dining areas, workspaces, elegant French doors, and luxurious Diptyque toiletries. The atmosphere feels worlds apart from the lively chaos of Bourbon Street, the city’s nightlife area, which is a few streets away. Some rooms come with access to the hotel’s exclusive lounge called Club Level, which comes with its own concierge, free breakfast, nibbles and cocktails.

Time Out tip: Ask for a higher room with a view of the Mississippi River, if possible. Watching the sunrise over the Mississippi is a one-of-a-kind, only-in-New-Orleans memorable experience that firmly plants this posh escape in the world-renowned city that surrounds it.

Address: 300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: From $250
Closest transport: The nearest streetcar stop is Canal at N. Peters (3 min walk)

Adored by writers William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Anne Rice and Ernest Hemingway, there’s much to admire about Hotel Monteleone. And we’re not just talking about its unique revolving bar, although we should absolutely talk about that. (The Carousel Bar, which is decorated like the fairground ride it’s named after, spins slowly beneath a canopy of carnival lights—it’s been in the hotel since 1949 and is a favorite among guests and people across the city. Lines start forming around 10 am before it opens at 11.)

This luxury French Quarter hotel has been serving guests since 1886. It’s in an ideal spot for people hoping to wander through lively Bourbon Street and the Quarter’s energy and history without being overwhelmed by it. There’s never a dull moment in the French Quarter—expect to see revelers out at all times of the day. While it can get a bit chaotic, it’s also beautiful: lined with lovely Creole-style French Revival buildings, and as the center of the city, it’s home to many of its best restaurants and bars.

While the Hotel Monteleone has been welcoming guests for nearly 150 years, recent updates have added contemporary comforts while preserving its timeless charm. There are double rooms, luxury suites and literary suites named after the writers that have stayed there. The Eudora Welty Suite is named after the Pulitzer Prize-winning author Eudora Welty who was inspired by The Carousel Bar and wove it into her short story The Purple Hat. It comes with a dining area, wet bar, garden jacuzzi tub and bath salts, a large living room and panoramic views of the Mississippi River.

Oh, and be sure to check out the heated pool on the roof and the spa that offers a range of treatments. The hotel’s Criollo Restaurant brings seasonal menus fusing land with sea with a focus on the Gulf and Louisiana cuisine.

Time Out tip: The Carousel Bar hosts live music—including regular spots by Lena Prima—Wednesday to Saturday.
Address: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: From $200
Closest transport: The Canal Street / S. Rampart streetcar line 47 passes nearby (Line 47 tram)

This charming hotel offers guests a stylish and comfortable base to visit New Orleans’ top attractions. Located in the Warehouse Arts District, which is a short walk away from the French Quarter, the neighborhood is known for where past meets present, which is a feature that permeates Old No 77 Hotel and Chandlery’s style.

Its 167 rooms come with high ceilings, wooden floors and exposed brick walls—retaining its industrial roots (the building was once a chandlery and coffee warehouse). Art is central to the hotel’s identity; many of the rooms and public spaces feature rotating exhibits and partnerships with New Orleans art institutions like Where Y’Art and NOCCA, and The Studio Room is perfect for solo travelers and artists seeking a unique space to create from. It comes with a custom-made twin-sized loft bed and a built-in artist workspace complete with an easel. Even the room’s shelves ooze local authenticity: they’re made from Louisiana cypress and ash wood, sourced from the Mississippi Delta.

Guests can enjoy a variety of thoughtful amenities, including a 24-hour fitness center, complimentary bike rentals, and an on-site boutique that sells locally crafted goods, travel necessities, and artisanal gifts.

The hotel’s restaurant, Compère Lapin, is led by award–winning chef Nina Compton. It offers inventive cuisine that blends Caribbean and Creole flavors with Louisiana tradition, and the café, Tout La, serves specialty coffee, homemade pastries, and snacks in a cozy setting.

Step outside and there’s plenty to keep you entertained in the Warehouse District. There’s lots of art (of course), and you can wander along Julia Street to pop in the many small galleries and local artist-spaces. There’s the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which curates art from the American South, or join one of the many local walking tours.

Time Out tip: The hotel’s art gallery is always changing, so next time you visit be sure to see what’s new.

Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: Starting from $150-200 per night
Closest transport: It is a 17 min walk from the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal

Tucked away on Toulouse Street in the French Quarter, The Celestine is a refined boutique hotel offering an intimate, character-rich stay in one of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhoods. Set in a beautifully preserved 18th-century building dating back to 1791 complete with a serene, leafy courtyard, the hotel captures the layered heritage of the city. A collaboration between hospitality group LeBlanc + Smith and designer Sara Ruffin Costello, The Celestine mixes influences from French, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean aesthetics with a modern design.

The result is 14 luxe rooms that are individually styled with antiques, four poster beds, a private bar and most rooms come with a balcony you can gaze down at the street below or the lush gardens beneath from. The hotel’s green courtyard features a centuries old water fountain and the mini bars pay tribute to Antoine Peychaud, inventor of the famous bitters, and include tools and ingredients for mixing classic cocktails in-room.

If you’d rather have a bartender pour your drinks—you’re on vacation after all—head to the hotel’s Peychaud’s Bar which honors the city’s thriving cocktail culture. Set in the courtyard, guests can enjoy curated drinks such as the Milk Punch (brandy, milk nutmeg) or French 75 (gin, lemon and sparkling wine). There’s no restaurant onsite but it does have a coffee bar which serves classic brews and even ‘morning cocktails’ to give you a pep in your step for sightseeing.

The French Quarter is the historic heart of New Orleans, full of music, food, architecture, and culture. Visit Jackson Square to soak up the jazzy vibes around St Louis Cathedral, the oldest Catholic cathedral in the States. There are often street performers, sketch artists and buskers in the area. For upmarket shopping, go to aptly named Royal Street which is awash with antique stores and boutique sellers.

Time Out tip: The legendary Court of Two Sisters is right next door—listen for live jazz music as you relax in the courtyard.

Address: 727 Toulouse St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: Starts from $300 a night
Closest transport: There’s a tram stop an 8 minute walk away

You can’t get a more centrally located hotel than the Kimpton. Step outside and you’re a short hop away from the Mississippi River and the historic park, Lafayette Square, but with 235 boldly decorated rooms, coffee bar, restaurant and cocktail bar on site, this sophisticated modern hotel has a lot to make you want to linger.

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is a vibrant, design-driven hotel that captures the city’s flair for drama, creativity, and hospitality. There’s plenty of local art on the walls that pays tribute to the city’s musical and artistic history. Located in the CBD, just a short stroll from the French Quarter and Warehouse District, it’s the kind of place where style meets soul.

The rooms are sleek, comfortable and built for recharging from the hubbub outside. Expect luxurious linens, microfiber bathrobes, turmeric shots in the mini bar and Bluetooth speakers. Treat yourself and upgrade to the huge 973 square feet Fontenot Suite & Parlor which comes with two bathrooms, a sofa, a dining room and views of the city.

Its authentic downtown New Orleans restaurant and bar, the King Brasserie, serves up French-meets-Gulf Coast fare in a chic, sunlit setting. There’s crawfish beignets, beef carpaccio and gulf shrimp cannelloni. For something quicker, Gospel Coffee & Boozy Treats pours both caffeine and cocktails, sometimes in the same cup. The Peacock Room is the hotel’s specialty cocktail and brunch spot: it’s a blue-soaked room with wall-to-wall mosaic floor and velvet bar stools at its 19th century bar. For the teetotal you can order inventive handcrafted non-alcoholic cocktails.

Time Out tip: Be sure to check out the evening social hour, a Kimpton standard, before heading out for the night.

Address: 501 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: From $511 per night
Closest transport: The hotel is a 6 minute walk from the St Charles at Poydras tram stop and it’s 1.5 km from the Union Passenger Terminal (Amtrak)

In the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District, Maison Métier is a boutique hotel that blends soulful design with laid-back luxury. Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, this 67-room property offers guests a stylish, immersive stay that feels both effortlessly cool and thoughtfully curated.

The interiors are bold and elegant, with rich textures, high ceilings, and striking decor by Studio Shamshiri. Velvet furniture, deep jewel tones, and curated artwork create an atmosphere that’s both intimate and dramatic—like staying in a friend’s impossibly chic townhouse. Common spaces feel like an extension of a private residence.

Rooms come with high quality bedding, rainfall showers, moody lighting, and clever touches like blackout curtains, handwritten welcome notes and well-stocked minibars. Some suites offer separate seating areas, perfect for longer stays or travelers who want extra space to spread out. You can add on luxury experiences, such as morning coffee delivered to your room each morning and priority dining reservations at the hotel’s Salon Salon and sister venue The Barnett.

Guests can start the day with breakfast (6-11.30 am) served in an airy, guest-only dining space. Later, unwind in the cozy Living Room, a warm parlor space that serves coffee, tea and craft cocktails and a nightly wine and cheese service. The on-site restaurant, Salon Salon, is home to natural wines, Parisian-inspired small plates and of course, more cocktails, in a speakeasy vibe. The space is decorated with bookshelves and eccentric curiosities.

The location is ideal: just far enough from the French Quarter to escape the noise, yet close to standout spots like the National WWII Museum, Magazine Street, and local galleries. Plus, you’re far enough from the party scenes of Bourbon Street to enjoy a peaceful night’s rest, but close enough to join the action when you feel like it.

Time Out tip: Pop over to sister hotel The Barnett to catch live music at Good Measure.

Address: 546 Carondelet Street, New Orleans, LA
Price: Starting from $354 a night
Closest transport: The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the Union Station transport hub

Recently reopened, this 97-room boutique hotel blends rich local character with modern sophistication, creating a space that feels both rooted in history and ready for today’s traveler.

Each room is thoughtfully styled with deep, saturated colors and custom artwork inspired by Louisiana’s lush landscapes and musical legacy. Subtle nods to bayou scenery and brass bands give every corner of the hotel a sense of place. The specialty suites, including the spacious Carriage House, elevate the stay even further.

Guests can cool off in the courtyard pool, stay active in the free 24-hour gym, or enjoy a drink at the stylish in-house restaurant and bar, 3rd Block Depot, which serves up creative Southern flavors with a contemporary edge.

Though located just a short walk from Bourbon Street’s buzzing nightlife, Hotel de la Poste provides a calm atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring. Situated in the French Quarter, this district is an essential stop for anyone wanting to experience the heart of New Orleans. Rich in heritage and full of character, it offers a sensory feast—from its vibrant sights and sounds to the aroma of Creole cuisine drifting through the streets.

Time Out tip: Open your window and you’ll probably hear live jazz wafting from the street below

Address: 316 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price: From $208 a night
Closest transport: Bienville tram stop is a 6 minute walk away