Hotel Peter & Paul is a sophisticated hotel in a fascinating, historic space. In the 19th century, the building used to house a schoolhouse, rectory, church and convent. (Don’t worry, the nuns have long since left.) With 71 rooms spread out across the property, each room is unique. I stayed in a convent room with a fireplace and working clawfoot tub. Instead of ignoring the hotel's religious origins, the decor acknowledges it in a fresh, exciting way. The four post beds are draped in rich canopy fabric, and each post is topped with small crosses. This rich gothic styling clashes intentionally with the quaint country vibe of the furniture in a way that feels uniquely New Orleans.
The hotel takes great care to make your stay something special. It’s the attention to detail that separates this spot from the usual Instagram fodder. It’s not just special visually, it’s a special place to stay. Each room comes with an almanac of New Orleans, which breaks down the best things to do in the area, how to pronounce famous landmarks and the “New Orleans Culture” you may need to know while exploring. The robes are soft, the shower is a walk-in and the provided toiletries smell exceptionally good.
There’s also a lot more to do here than sleep. The Church Space hosts yoga classes on Tuesdays and Saturdays, which guests are encouraged to attend, as well as community events. There are concerts, sound baths and even square dancing events hosted in the church-turned-event space.
Located in the rectory next door, the restaurant Elysian Bar serves a critically acclaimed menu of French and Spanish-influenced food, inspired by the surrounding Marigny neighborhood.
It’s a five-minute walk to Frenchmen Street and a 15-minute walk to the French Quarter. However, the Bourbon Street crowd should be warned—this isn’t the hotel to stay at for a crazy night out. It's an old building, and the sound carries through the space easily. From my room, I could hear conversations happening in rooms above me a bit too easily.
The neighborhood:
Marigny is a trendy neighborhood located between the Bywater and the French Quarter. It’s most famously home to Frenchmen Street, a thoroughfare famous for its late-night jazz clubs and artisanal market.
Nearby:
Who Dat Coffee: Perfect for enjoying a curbside coffee, creole breakfast, and people-watching.
She Comes in Peace: Perfect for an “Only in NOLA” moment, it’s an eclectic, neon-smothered alien-themed costume shop and hair salon.
The Spotted Cat Music Club: Perfect for some of New Orleans’s best live jazz, with a reasonable cover charge.