The best hotels in New Orleans

The Windsor Court Hotel brings a delicate slice of English elegance to New Orleans. Spacious guest rooms span 23 stories, with a rooftop that includes a saltwater pool. The exceptional hotel has won many accolades—and is a AAA Four Diamond winner since 2000. The famous Le Salon Tea Room delights both visitors and locals with its famous afternoon tea service. While the hotel is a brisk walk from the city’s galleries and museums, guests can enjoy the hotel’s own impressive art collection. Ooh la la.

One of the coolest places to stay in the Marigny, Hotel Peter and Paul is housed in the former Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic church and school. No two guest rooms are exactly alike, and the decor suits each location — rooms are housed in the church, schoolhouse, rectory and convent. The chic Elysian Bar (from the team at Bacchanal) is a must for cocktails and dinner, topping lists of the hottest spots in the city. For a sweet option, stop into Sundae Best, a funky ice cream counter with handmade treats.

Built originally in 1908 as the Beaux Arts Maison Blanche department store, New Orleans’s Ritz-Carlton finds its home in one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Its 15 floors were turned into a hotel in 2000, and the establishment features a historical façade with the comforts of modern luxury—exemplified in the bathrooms’ Italian marble tubs. The building sits on Canal Street, close to the French Quarter and a streetcar ride away from the Garden District.

The Roosevelt’s lobby is a destination in and of itself—glistening brass elevators, mosaic floors and dazzling chandeliers. At Christmas, many come to enjoy the tree-lined hallway and cascading lights. Celebrities like Sonny and Cher, Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland and Marilyn Monroe have enjoyed the locale. But the most infamous fan of the hotel was local politician, Huey P. Long, who loved it so much he had a personal suite here. The hotel houses the city’s famous Sazerac Bar, which moved there in 1949.

This upscale hotel in the French Quarter opened in 1886 under the direction of Sicilian nobleman, Antonio Monteleone. What started as a 64-room hotel has grown into more than 500 rooms, and the business has remained in the family since its inception. Hotel Monteleone is perhaps most known for its revolving Carousel Bar, which slowly spins around as patrons swish their glasses and swivel in their seats. Beloved by acclaimed writers like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, Anne Rice and Truman Capote, the Hotel Monteleone is not to be missed, even for those not booking one of its opulent rooms.

For those wanting to keep a posh setting but mingle in a less-touristy part of town, book a room at the Pontchartrain Hotel on the grand St. Charles Avenue. The plush decor mixes classic and contemporary NOLA. The hotel's restaurant, Jack Rose, offers elevated dining in a colorful, casual atmosphere. While Hot Tin, the rooftop bar, has prime views to enjoy with cocktails.

For those wanting to be right in the thick of Bourbon Street nightlife, look no further than the Royal Sonesta. The structure is quintessential French Quarter architecture, with a wrought-iron balcony that wraps around the corner of the seven-story building. On the third floor is the Oasis Courtyard and pool, which overlooks the first-floor courtyard. Along with Bourbon Street’s many delights, guests can enjoy music at the Jazz Playhouse, seafood at the Desire Oyster Bar or lavish meal at Restaurant R'evolution.

W Hotels are known for their signature, chic style. When renovating the W New Orleans’s 97 guest rooms in 2012, the designers sought to blend the W’s elite look with the city’s inimitable panache. That mix created an impressive outcome. With the theme of ‘rhythm and shadow’ that evokes both the city’s musical and mystical qualities, the atmosphere is sublime. Nestled within the hotel is SoBou restaurant, a contemporary concept from the family that created the classic Commander’s Palace.

Located on Magazine Street in the Lower Garden District, the Hotel Saint Vincent occupies an 1861 building that was formerly The Saint Vincent’s Infant Asylum. The imposing brick building is now a hip, must-visit destination packed with modern design touches in each of its 75 rooms. The public spaces include a lush courtyard, outdoor verandas, pool, lifestyle boutique, signature bars, and two full-service restaurants. With so many places to explore (and snap pics) in the hotel, you may never want to leave.

This Victorian-era mansion on St. Charles Avenue was lovingly renovated by the team behind popular local restaurants Sylvain, Barrel Proof and Cavan. With only 14 guest rooms, you’ll feel right at home in rooms that feature soaking tubs and local art. Relax on the front porch and watch the streetcars go by, or dine at the on-site restaurant which features a contemporary take on New Orleans classics.

With stately columns gracing the entrance, glitzy chandeliers illuminating the lobby, an ornate flair to the rooms, and that whimsical nightly ritual of sharing complimentary PB and J sandwiches, Le Pavillon is a spot Marie Antoinette would approve of. Those looking for a next-level experience should book one of the themed suites (Governor’s Suite, European Castle Suite, Plantation Suite, Oriental Suite, and Art Deco Suite), each taking extravagance to a singular level.

This stylish hotel in a renovated 1908 building in the city’s CBD is a sister property to the Ace Hotel. The ornately designed rooms and suites boast towering ceilings and thoughtfully-curated amenities. The hotel’s cocktail lounge, Bar Marilou, draws crowds for its inventive cocktails, but you’ll enjoy an exclusive entrance as a guest. The Living Room, another guest-only space, offers nightly wine and cheese service.

As a property of The National WWII Museum, the Higgins Hotel is an ideal base for visitors in town to explore the award-winning Museum, but it’s in a prime location for exploring the whole city too. Located in the Warehouse District, the hotel offers easy access to the French Quarter and is a short ride on the streetcar to explore Uptown neighborhoods. The hotel features elegant decor with WWII-era touches that extend to the on-site dining options. Rosie’s on the Roof, a bar and cafe honoring the beloved icon Rosie the Riveter, has one of the best rooftop views in the city. Best of all, proceeds generated support the ongoing educational mission of the Museum.

In the heart of the CBD, this 202-room boutique hotel is in a prime location just close enough to walk to the French Quarter but far enough away to escape the hubbub and relax. Throughout the hotel and in the sophisticated rooms, you’ll find stunning custom art that pays homage to the history and musical legacy of the city. The two dining and cocktail concepts on site, Peacock Room and Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, both offer twists on traditional favorites. Check out the evening social hour, a Kimpton standard, before heading out for the night.

Located in the French Quarter, this hotel offers some of the best views of Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral. Following the sinuous steps upward, guests will discover the history-laden Orleans Ballroom, which was the scene of masquerades and political movements alike in the 1800s. While the building is of a bygone era, the amenities are modern. The hotel pool deck offers a cool reprieve from the rowdiness and heat of the city.

Luxury accommodations meet ideal location in the Omni Royal Orleans. Built in 1803, this historic building has 300+ guest rooms and is near some of the city’s biggest attractions: Jackson Square, the Mississippi River and Bourbon Street. While New Orleans is known for its seafood, it also boasts savory prime cuts, especially when enjoyed at the Rib Room, located inside the Omni.

A boutique hotel located in the heart of the French Quarter, this setting is perfect for someone looking for that old-world “Vieux Carré” charm. Its lobby welcomes guests, then extends into the idyllic courtyard, and up the stairs to open-air hallways that lead to cozy bedrooms. For an added view, choose a room with a balcony that looks down onto Bourbon Street.

Swanky just begins to describe the new Ace Hotel in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. Design firm Roman & William went with a Dadaist, Art Deco style for the decor, adorning the lobby with found objects, moody dark tones of greys, greens, and mauve, and the original terrazzo floors that recall the building’s origins as a furniture warehouse. Enjoy onsite entertainment in the Three Keys Music Venue, libations and a dip in the pool in the Alto Rooftop bar and bites in the Josephine Estelle restaurant.

History buffs will love the quaint Hotel Maison de Ville, a local landmark and among the oldest buildings in New Orleans. In the late 1700s, colonist Jean Baptiste Lille Sarpy constructed the townhouse on Rue Toulouse—or, as the French would call it, “Maison de Ville.” In 1944, the 14 rooms of the carriage house were converted into what is now the hotel. Many a famous name has graced the hotel, most notably Tennessee Williams, who has a suite named in his honor.