New Orleans is always a good idea, but now until summertime? That’s when the city truly comes alive. Whether you’re heading down for the Super Bowl this weekend (like me, an avid, proud Eagles fan) or planning a trip to catch Mardi Gras, French Quarter Fest, or Jazz Fest, there’s never a bad time to soak in the charm, history, and revelry of the Crescent City.
If you’re wondering which New Orleans hotels to book, here’s a lineup of the most iconic, stylish, and well-loved places to stay — some buzzing with Super Bowl energy, others offering a peaceful retreat after the festivities.
Hotel Peter & Paul
If you need proof of this former church-turned-boutique hotel’s allure, consider this: It’s completely bought out for Super Bowl weekend. A full private buyout? That’s a bold move only the most exclusive can afford. But don’t worry — any other weekend, you can sip a perfectly crafted cocktail at the Elysian Bar and immerse yourself in its striking blend of ecclesiastical history and modern elegance. This one-of-a-kind hotel is a restoration of four historic structures — a church, schoolhouse, rectory, and convent — each transformed with thoughtful design so that no two rooms are alike. Behind it all is ASH, the visionary team with properties in Baltimore, Richmond, Detroit, and Providence. While ASH operates as a hotelier, their philosophy extends beyond hospitality; it’s a mindset that treats every space as an ever-evolving work of art.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
The Ritz always offers a high-end experience, but in New Orleans, it’s with an added touch of curated retail and classic Southern hospitality. Their Signature Shop regularly features exclusive pop-ups, and over Super Bowl weekend, it’s partnering with cult-favorite brand Late Checkout for a limited-time collaboration. The hotel also houses a full-service spa and live jazz at the Davenport Lounge, making it a well-rounded destination beyond game-day festivities. Located in the 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, The Ritz maintains its historic charm while catering to modern luxury travelers – an absolute much on this list of New Orleans hotels.
The Pontchartrain Hotel
Located in the heart of the Garden District with easy access to the city, The Pontchartrain Hotel is a blend of historic character and modern comfort. Originally built in 1927 as a luxury apartment building, it was transformed into a hotel in the 1940s, quickly becoming a gathering place for notable figures like Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Rita Hayworth, and Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Tennessee Williams even worked on A Streetcar Named Desire while staying here. Today, the 14-story hotel is known for its eclectic design and four standout dining — and drinking — destinations. Hot Tin, the rooftop bar, offers panoramic city views, while Jack Rose is a go-to for lively brunches. Bayou Bar hosts live music in a casual yet storied setting, and The Silver Whistle Café serves classic breakfast fare.
The Roosevelt New Orleans
A legend in its own right, The Roosevelt is a storied gem just steps from the French Quarter. With roots dating back to 1893, this Waldorf Astoria hotel has hosted icons from Marilyn Monroe to U.S. presidents. Guests can unwind at the rooftop pool, indulge in the newly introduced science-backed recovery treatments at the spa, or enjoy live music at the famous Blue Room, where jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra once performed. Dining and cocktail options include the refined Fountain Lounge known for its craft cocktails and oysters, the charming Teddy’s Café, a favorite for European-style pastries and coffee, and the rooftop bar with sweeping city views. If you want a stay that feels like a step back in time, The Roosevelt is it.
The Chloe
Set in a restored 19th-century Victorian mansion, The Chloe is an intimate 14-room retreat that is effortlessly chic, and is one of New Orleans hotels worth looking into. Located right on the St. Charles Avenue parade route, it offers a front-row seat to the city’s vibrant energy while maintaining a laid-back, hidden-gem feel. The on-site restaurant, led by Chef Ben Triola, reimagines New Orleans classics with bold flavors and fresh ingredients. Standout dishes include Smoked Chicken & Alligator Sausage Gumbo — a rich, smoky twist on a local favorite — and the ever-popular Shrimp and Grits, packed with Southern comfort. Guests can relax by the pool, sip cocktails on the porch, or explore the surrounding Uptown neighborhood, known for its grand oak-lined streets and eclectic mix of shops and cafés. Whether you’re in town for festival season or a quiet getaway, The Chloe offers the best of both.
Hotel Monteleone
Family-owned for five generations, Hotel Monteleone remains one of the last great independently operated New Orleans hotels in the city. Established in 1886 in the heart of the French Quarter, this Beaux-Arts landmark has evolved over the decades while maintaining its history and timeless appeal. The hotel’s most famous feature is The Carousel Bar, the city’s only revolving bar and a must-visit whether you’re staying here or just stopping in for a drink. Over the years, the hotel has hosted literary legends like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote. Capote even claimed he was born there — though in reality, he was just a frequent guest. With its prime Royal Street location and deep-rooted legacy, Hotel Monteleone offers a quintessential experience amongst New Orleans’ cultural history.
The Columns Hotel
Originally built in 1883 as a private residence, The Columns has lived many lives — first as a boarding house during World War I, then as a family-run hotel starting in 1953 where the bar on the porch became a most-frequented spot, and now as a thoughtfully restored landmark under the ownership of Jayson Seidman and his family. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this iconic property blends New Orleans history with a fresh perspective, and a bit of European romance. Its wraparound porch remains one of the most inviting spots in the city, perfect for lingering over a cocktail. Yet inside, soaring ceilings, antique furnishings, and carefully revitalized public spaces preserve its old-world charm, while a new garden and patio offer even more ways to enjoy the Sandstone property.
The Eliza Jane
Less than a mile from the Superdome, The Eliza Jane is a boutique hotel with a rich past, housed in a collection of historic warehouses — one of which was once home to Peychaud’s Cocktail Bitters. The building also holds a deeper literary legacy, as it was where Eliza Jane Nicholson became the first woman publisher of a major metropolitan newspaper in the U.S., transforming a struggling penny paper into a national institution. Designed by NYC-based firm Stonehill Taylor, the interiors seamlessly blend industrial heritage with modern elegance. The onsite restaurant, Couvant, offers standout French-Southern cuisine, while the hotel’s hidden courtyard provides a serene escape in the heart of the city.
The Celestine
A 10-room boutique retreat in the heart of New Orleans, The Celestine is steeped in history — once home to Antoine Peychaud, the creator of the iconic bitters. Designed by Sara Ruffin Costello, the hotel blends French, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences with a touch of 1950s glamour. Its intimate courtyard offers a quiet escape, while a background note of live jazz from next door adds to the ambiance. Created by hotelier Robért LeBlanc in collaboration with Neal Bodenheimer of Cure Co. and the team behind The Chloe, The Celestine is a refined yet relaxed addition to this historic neighborhood. Dating back to 1791, it’s a place where past and present converge with effortless style making it a unique addition to our list of New Orleans hotels.
Maison Métier
Blending European craftsmanship with New Orleans charm, Maison Métier feels more like an art-filled private residence than a traditional hotel. The latest addition to the city’s boutique hotel scene, it’s designed by Studio Shamshiri and reimagines luxury through a lens of old-world techniques and intentional detail. Its bar, Salon Salon — a collaboration with Paris-based Quixotic Projects — is already a local favorite, serving expertly crafted cocktails and gourmet bites in a stylish, intimate setting. Every corner of Maison Métier tells a story, offering a stay that’s as immersive as it is refined.
No matter when you visit, New Orleans has a way of pulling you in — whether it’s through the charm of a historic hotel, the energy of a rooftop bar, or the jazz notes drifting through the streets. From grand, storied landmarks to intimate boutique hideaways, the city offers a stay for every kind of traveler. So whether you’re here for the Super Bowl, Mardi Gras, or just a spontaneous weekend escape, one thing I can attest to: Once you check in, you may never want to leave.
Credits:
Written by Carly Long | @bycarlylong
Photography courtesy of the New Orleans hotels.
