18 Best Boutique and Luxury Hotels in New Orleans

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New Orleans is my favorite city in the U.S. It’s where my husband and I go when we need a break from everyday life, and it’s where we spend New Year’s Eve almost every year with my best friend and her husband.

Over the years I’ve stayed in French Quarter inns with courtyard pools, Garden District mansions on the streetcar line, and newer design hotels downtown.

Most recently, I checked into Virgin Hotels New Orleans this past October.

Where to Stay in New Orleans: My Quick Picks

If you want the short answer on where to stay, here are my picks:

• Best in the French Quarter: Hotel Mazarin, for a quiet courtyard and a central location
• Best luxury stay: Windsor Court Hotel, for service and river views
• Best for live music: Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar, right on Frenchmen Street
• Best for a romantic, quiet stay: Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District
• Best walkable downtown base: Virgin Hotels New Orleans in the Warehouse District (read my full review below)
• Best for history lovers: The Roosevelt New Orleans

On your first trip, stay in the French Quarter so you can walk everywhere. If you’ve been before and want the music without the Bourbon Street crowds, do what I do and book near Frenchmen Street in the Marigny.

Below I break down each hotel by neighborhood, with what it costs, who it suits, and what I’d book again.

And if you’re planning to celebrate here for the holidays, check out my full guide to New Year’s Eve in New Orleans.

It’s packed with insider tips, where to watch the fireworks, and how to make the most of one of the most unforgettable nights of the year.

Best Neighborhoods to Stay in New Orleans

One of the things I love most about New Orleans is that every neighborhood has its own rhythm; each one feels like a different version of the city.

The French Quarter is the heartbeat of everything: historic, walkable, and full of life. If you want to be in the middle of the action, live jazz echoing from every corner, beignets at 2 a.m., and people dancing in the streets, this is where you’ll find it.

For a slower pace, the Garden District is classic New Orleans elegance.

With its oak-lined streets, historic mansions, and boutique hotels tucked inside restored homes, it’s perfect when I want something quiet but still close enough to the action.

I always recommend this area for couples who love history, architecture, and a little southern charm.

Uptown is trendier and full of local flavor, think colorful shotgun houses, cool cocktail bars, and some of the best restaurants in the city.

It’s perfect for foodies and those who want to see a more authentic, everyday side of New Orleans.

But my absolute favorite neighborhood to stay in is the Frenchmen District.

It’s where I always book my room when I visit because it’s the perfect mix of energy and intimacy. You can walk to live jazz clubs, enjoy late-night bites, and still retreat to a quiet boutique hotel just steps away.

It feels local, soulful, and completely New Orleans the kind of place where every night turns into a story you’ll tell forever.

Best Boutique Hotels in the French Quarter

The French Quarter in New Orleans is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city.  Canal, Decatur, Esplanade Ave., and Rampart Street connect the French Quarter.

The French Quarter is the epitome of fun, from the party vibe of Bourbon Street to the elegance found on Royal Street.

Enjoy views of the architecture with balconies adorned with intricate ironwork to beautiful gardens and courtyards.

Every street has something to offer, from famous Jackson Square to boutique shopping, live music, restaurants, voodoo temples, Café Du Monde and the French Market.  

The French Quarter of New Orleans is renowned for its rich history, architecture, and vibrant culture.

It’s a place where you can get lost in the music, indulge in the local cuisine, and explore this unique city’s many sights and sounds.

And what better way to experience it all than by staying in one of the best boutique hotels in the French Quarter?

Here are some of my top picks:

1. Hotel Le Marais

Hotel Le Marais is a mid-range boutique located in the heart of the French Quarter. It offers 66 rooms with great amenities — including flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi — and contemporary decor.

There’s a small gym with a decent selection of cardio machines; a colorful bar with a daily happy hour; and great freebies, including free bottled water and free continental breakfast.

The highlight here is arguably the lovely courtyard complete with a small heated saltwater pool and tons of loungers.

This trendy boutique hotel offers stylish accommodations with modern amenities, including a saltwater pool, fitness center, and a bar with a courtyard.

The location is perfect for exploring the French Quarter’s many attractions and it is a great boutique hotel in New Orleans for your next stay.

Hotel Le Marais

• Email: reservations@jcollectionhotels.com or info@hotellemarais.com
• Address: 717 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Phone: (504) 525-2300

2. Hotel Mazarin

Tucked away in the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Mazarin is a quiet, elegant base in the middle of everything.

With its classic French Quarter charm and modern amenities, this boutique hotel is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The guest rooms at Hotel Mazarin are beautifully appointed with luxurious bedding, custom furnishings, and modern amenities, such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Some rooms even feature balconies overlooking the streets of the French Quarter.

The hotel also boasts an impressive array of amenities, including a beautiful courtyard with a heated pool, a fitness center, and a bar that serves up delicious craft cocktails.

And with its prime location just steps away from some of the best restaurants, bars, and shopping in the city, Hotel Mazarin truly has it all.

Whether you’re in New Orleans for business or pleasure, Hotel Mazarin is the perfect place to rest your head.

With its impeccable service, polished decor, and an unbeatable location, it’s no wonder why this hotel is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Hotel Mazarin

📍 Address: 730 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 Phone: (504) 581-7300
📧 Email: reservations@jcollectionhotels.com

3. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is a luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the city.

The hotel was originally built in 1893 and has been restored to its former glory with modern amenities and elegant décor.

The hotel boasts 504 rooms and suites, each with plush bedding and modern amenities like flat-screen TVs.

The hotel also offers a range of dining options, including the iconic Sazerac Bar and the casual Teddy’s Café.

Guests can enjoy a dip in the hotel’s rooftop pool or relax in the Waldorf Astoria Spa, which offers a range of treatments to help guests unwind.

The hotel also features a 24-hour fitness center and a business center for guests who need to work while traveling.

One of the standout features of The Roosevelt New Orleans is its historic ballrooms, which have hosted many famous events over the years.

The hotel is also located just steps from the French Quarter and other popular attractions, making it the perfect base for exploring all that New Orleans has to offer.

Overall, The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel, is a top pick for travelers looking for a luxurious and historic boutique hotel in the heart of the city.

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel

• Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
• Phone: (504) 648-1200
• Email: info@therooseveltneworleans.com

4. Windsor Court Hotel

Located in the heart of New Orleans, the Windsor Court Hotel is an elegant and sophisticated retreat that is perfect for those seeking luxury and indulgence.

With views of the Mississippi River, the hotel boasts 316 spacious and opulent guest rooms and suites that feature rich fabrics, plush bedding, and modern amenities.

Guests can dine in style at the hotel’s award-winning restaurant, The Grill Room, which serves up classic American cuisine with a modern twist, and features an extensive wine list to complement the meal.

After dinner, unwind in the hotel’s chic cocktail bar, the Polo Club Lounge, where you can sample creative cocktails and relax in a cozy setting.

If you’re looking to indulge in some pampering, head to the hotel’s Spa at Windsor Court, which offers a range of treatments and services, including massages, facials, and body wraps.

And for those who like to stay active, the hotel also boasts a fitness center, rooftop pool, and tennis court.

The Windsor Court Hotel also offers exceptional event spaces for business meetings, weddings, and special events.

With over 20,000 square feet of meeting and event space, the hotel can accommodate groups of up to 500 people.

Whether you’re visiting New Orleans for business or pleasure, the Windsor Court Hotel is an ideal choice for those seeking boutique elegance and luxury in the heart of the city.

Windsor Court Hotel

• 📍 Address: 300 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• 📞 Phone: (504) 523-6000
• 📧 Email: reservations@windsorcourthotel.com

5. French Market Inn

If you want to be steps from Jackson Square, Café du Monde, and the French Market, the French Market Inn puts you right on Decatur Street in the middle of it all. It’s part of the J Collection, the same local hotel group behind Hotel Mazarin, Hotel Le Marais, and Dauphine Orleans.

The hotel has a courtyard pool, which is a welcome break after a hot afternoon of walking the Quarter.

Rooms are comfortable rather than fancy, so this is the pick if you care more about location and value than luxury extras. It’s also one of the better-reviewed hotels in the French Quarter for the price.

French Market Inn

• Address: 509 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Phone: (504) 561-5621
• Email: reservations@jcollectionhotels.com

6. Dauphine Orleans Hotel

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel exudes historic charm and elegance.

Originally built in the early 19th century as a townhouse, this boutique hotel now offers modern amenities while maintaining its classic French Quarter character.

The Dauphine Orleans Hotel features 111 rooms and suites, each individually decorated with antique furnishings and vibrant colors.

Guests can enjoy modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and complimentary Wi-Fi while still being transported back in time with details such as exposed brick walls and gas-lit lanterns.

One of the standout features of the Dauphine Orleans Hotel is its courtyard, complete with a heated saltwater pool and a lush garden.

It’s the perfect spot to relax after a day exploring the city or to enjoy a cocktail in the evening.

The hotel also offers a complimentary continental breakfast and a nightly reception with wine and cheese.

Plus, the on-site bar and restaurant, May Baily’s Place, serves up classic New Orleans dishes in a historic setting.

If you’re looking for a charming, historic stay in the French Quarter, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel is definitely worth considering.

With its blend of classic style and modern amenities, it’s a luxurious boutique hotel that captures the spirit of New Orleans.

Dauphine Orleans Hotel

• Address: 415 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
• Phone: (504) 586-1800
• Email: reservations@jcollectionhotels.com

Best Boutique Hotels in the Garden District

The Garden District Hotel Collection, conveniently located in the Lower Garden District, is a trio of small, limited-service boutique hotels- all less than a mile from the French Quarter and a block from the St. Charles Streetcar line.

There are small, New Orleans-style hotels that have a variety of room types to suit every traveler including families, couples, and those on business.

Surround yourself with lush gardens and beautiful historic homes while remaining near the French Quarter, Superdome, and Convention Center.

Staying at one of the hotels in the Garden District Hotels is as unique as New Orleans itself.

7. Henry Howard Hotel

Constructed in 1867 as a double-gallery townhouse by famed-architect Henry Howard, The Henry Howard Hotel has been re-imagined into an 18-room, boutique hotel with many of its original elements still standing.

The hotel offers a rich tradition that meets modern-day design. 

Henry Howard Hotel

📍 Address: 2041 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 Phone: (504) 313-1577
📧 Email: info@henryhowardhotel.com

8. Garden District Hotel

I’ve stayed all over New Orleans, but there’s something about waking up on St. Charles Avenue that just feels like the city’s heartbeat, slow, elegant, and full of Southern charm.

The Garden District Hotel captures that feeling perfectly. It’s surrounded by oak trees, historic mansions, and the soft rumble of the streetcar just outside your door.

The rooms are bright, spacious, and give off a cozy, residential vibe more like staying with a stylish local friend than at a hotel.

I love grabbing coffee on the veranda before heading out to Magazine Street or taking a long evening walk past the grand homes that make this neighborhood so special.

If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat close to the action but far from the Bourbon Street chaos, this boutique hotel in the Garden District is exactly where you want to be.

Perfect for couples, architecture lovers, or anyone who wants a little romance and local flavor.”

Garden District Hotel

📍 Address: 2203 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
📞 Phone: (504) 522-0187
📧 Email: info@gardendistricthotel.com

9. The Pontchartrain Hotel

The Pontchartrain Hotel has been a St. Charles Avenue landmark since 1927, and it’s the Garden District hotel I’d pick if you want history with a bar scene. The streetcar stops right outside, so getting to the French Quarter is easy.

The draw for most people is Hot Tin, the rooftop bar with views back toward downtown. Downstairs, the Bayou Bar is a cozy spot for a drink, and Jack Rose is the hotel’s restaurant.

The neighborhood is quiet at night, which makes this a good fit for couples and anyone who wants a break from the Bourbon Street noise.

The Pontchartrain Hotel

📍 Address: 2031 St. Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130

Best Boutique Hotels in the Marigny and Frenchmen Street

10. Melrose Mansion

Melrose Mansion provides an intimate bed-and-breakfast experience just steps from the French Quarter of New Orleans.

Perfectly situated on the edge of the Vieux Carré, along beautiful Esplanade Avenue, the hotel puts you close enough to the area’s notorious bars and jazz joints, while maintaining a peacefully secluded ambiance. 

Located in the historic Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, the charming antebellum-era mansion holds 21 guest rooms and suites, each with its own unique history and design.

The property’s boutique nature means you’ll get a real taste of Southern hospitality, with personalized service and wonderful amenities.

You can truly make yourself at home here, whether relaxing with a cocktail, cooling off in the pool, or making use of the 24-hour fitness center.

Melrose Mansion

• Address: 937 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Phone: (504) 944-2255
• Email: reservations@melrosemansion.com

11. Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar

Across from Washington Square Park on Frenchmen Street, the Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar has 13 rooms, 3 suites, and a large interior courtyard with a fountain.

The bar draws neighbors as well as hotel guests, so it feels like part of Frenchmen Street rather than a hotel lobby, and the music clubs are a short walk away.

Popular points of interest near the Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar include St Louis Cemetery No 1, Bicycle Michael’s, and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park. 

The Royal Frenchmen is one of my favorite boutique hotels in New Orleans.

The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. 

Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar

• Address: 700 Frenchmen St, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Phone: (504) 619-9660
• Email: info@royalfrenchmenhotel.com

12. Lamothe House

Lamothe House sits under the old oaks of Esplanade Avenue, where restored 1800s architectural detail meets modern comfort.

Whether it’s your first or your next visit to the Big Easy, find the authentic New Orleans experience you are searching for at the Lamothe House.
 
Just steps from the hotel, located in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, visitors will find Frenchmen Street, often referred to as “the local’s Bourbon Street”, which features some of the best local music and cuisine.
 
Inside the Lamothe House’s main building, you will find five Grand Antique Suites that have been preserved from the original 1839 construction and furnished with the antique furniture and artwork of old-world New Orleans.

The main house has nine deluxe rooms that open onto a flagstone courtyard with a garden pond.

Behind the courtyard and pool, the carriage house has 10 more rooms and suites, including two-bedroom suites that work well for friends traveling together.

Lamothe House Hotel

• Address: 621 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
• Phone: (504) 947-2330
• Email: reservations@lamothehouse.com

13. Hotel Peter and Paul

Hotel Peter and Paul is a former church, rectory, convent, and schoolhouse in the Marigny, restored into one of the most talked-about boutique hotels in the city. It shows up on nearly every list of the best boutique hotels in New Orleans, and it earns the spot.

Rooms mix antiques, patterned fabrics, and gingham, and no two feel the same. The Elysian Bar, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, sits in the old rectory.

You’re a short walk from Frenchmen Street, so it works well if you want live music at night and a quieter block to come back to.

Hotel Peter and Paul

📍 Address: 2317 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117

Best Hotels in the CBD and Warehouse District

The South Market District, a micro-neighborhood of the CBD, transformed asphalt lots into urbanity where award-winning bakers and chefs serve up cuisine to visitors and locals in trendy restaurants.

Restored theaters host incredible acts and Broadway shows and there are hotels to accommodate your stay that are within close proximity to both the French Quarter and the Garden District which makes this area an ideal place to stay in New Orleans.

14. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, invites visitors to its French Quarter retreat, set within a 1908 Beaux Arts building.

Here, one can bask in the silence of the hotel’s beautiful courtyard, experience the mysticism of the city through the spa’s Voodoo Ritual or learn how to play the trumpet with in-house jazz musician Jeremy Davenport.

The hotel pairs southern charm with boutique luxury. Local traditions inform signature spa treatments, chefs share their secrets to the perfect gumbo every afternoon and live jazz fills the Davenport Lounge Wednesday to Saturday evenings.

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

• Address: 921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
• Phone: (504) 524-1331
• Email: neworleans.reservations@ritzcarlton.com

15. Le Pavillon Hotel

A stay at Le Pavillon Hotel includes first-rate amenities in stylish accommodations for a luxuriously authentic New Orleans experience.

Enjoy the contemporary, elegant design of the guest rooms, equipped with modern luxuries to appease our travelers’ every desire.

The hotel was recognized as a ‘Top Hotel in New Orleans’ by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and originally opened its doors in 1907 as  New Hotel Denechaud, later renamed the Desoto Hotel in 1913, and Le Pavillon was the name that stuck in the 1970s.

Le Pavillon Hotel

📍 Address: 833 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
📞 Phone: (504) 581-3111
📧 Email: reservations@lepavillon.com

16. Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

Ideally situated just three blocks from the French Quarter, the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a fine boutique hotel with a storied history.

The hotel has a rotating art gallery and is home to Compère Lapin, one of the city’s best-known restaurants.

Built in the heart of New Orleans’ bustling port district, just steps from the French Quarter, it served as a coffee warehouse before being purchased by E.J. Hart & Company.

They used the building as a chandlery and traded in goods used for sailing voyages – from canvas and rope to paper, tobacco, and patent medicines. This really is one of the best boutique hotels in New Orleans.

Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

• Address: 535 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130
• Phone: (504) 527-5271
• Email: info@old77hotel.com

17. Maison de la Luz

Maison de la Luz is a suites-only hotel in a historic building in the CBD, designed to feel more like a private guest house than a hotel. The guest-only living room and breakfast area keep it calm, even though you’re close to the French Quarter.

Bar Marilou, the cocktail bar downstairs, is worth a visit even if you stay somewhere else.

Book it for a special occasion or a trip where you want the room itself to be part of the experience.

Maison de la Luz

📍 Address: 546 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130

18. Virgin Hotels New Orleans

I stayed at Virgin Hotels New Orleans in October, and the location is the best thing about it.

It’s on Baronne Street in the Warehouse District, and we walked everywhere. The French Quarter, Julia Street’s galleries, and the National WWII Museum are all close.

We ate, drank, shopped, and had a good trip overall, but there are a few things you should know before you book.

The service didn’t match the price.

The staff was young and not very professional. We reserved two queen beds and were given a king instead.

Then the TV didn’t work at all. Maintenance came to our room three times and couldn’t fix it, so the hotel finally moved us to a room with two queens, the same room type they had told us wasn’t available.

The TV in that room didn’t work either.

Before we booked, I read several reviews saying the TVs didn’t work. We assumed it was a fluke. It wasn’t. If a working TV matters to you, ask about it at check-in.

The rooftop Pool Club is the spot for a warm afternoon, and it turns into a rooftop bar scene at night. Downstairs, the Commons Club is the hotel’s restaurant and bar, and the Funny Library is a coffee shop and lounge.

Breakfast was a highlight. The French toast was amazing, but it’s expensive, so plan for that.

Skip the hotel’s parking. The lot across the street cost about $20 less than the hotel.

Book Virgin if location matters most and you want a modern hotel with a rooftop bar. Just go in knowing the staff needs more training and the TVs may not work.

If you want polished service, courtyards, and 1800s architecture, Windsor Court or one of the French Quarter boutique hotels above is the better pick.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

📍 Address: 550 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA 70113

Tours and Experiences to Book in New Orleans

A good hotel is only half the trip. These are the tours I point friends to when they want a jazz cruise, a food tour, or a walk through the history of the French Quarter.

New Orleans Hotel FAQs

What is the best area to stay in New Orleans?

On your first visit, stay in the French Quarter so you can walk to Jackson Square, the French Market, and most of the restaurants you’ll want to try. For live music with a more local feel, stay in the Marigny near Frenchmen Street. For quiet streets and historic homes, choose the Garden District.

Is it safe to stay in the French Quarter?

The busy, well-lit blocks are generally fine for visitors, but watch your belongings on Bourbon Street and in crowds. Late at night, use a rideshare instead of walking down empty side streets. My travel safety guide has more of the habits I use in every city.

What is the most romantic boutique hotel in New Orleans?

For couples, I’d pick Henry Howard Hotel in the Garden District or a courtyard room at Hotel Mazarin in the French Quarter.

How early should I book a hotel for New Year’s Eve or Mardi Gras?

Book several months ahead. Prices go up and the smaller boutique hotels sell out first. Our New Year’s Eve trips taught me to lock in a room early.

Before You Book Your New Orleans Hotel

No matter how many times I visit, New Orleans pulls me back with the food, the music, and the way a short walk can turn into a whole evening.

The right hotel depends on how you want your trip to feel.

Stay in the French Quarter to be in the middle of everything, in the Garden District for quiet and history, near Frenchmen Street for live jazz every night, or downtown at a hotel like Virgin for a rooftop and a modern room.

If you’re coming for the holidays, my guide to New Year’s Eve in New Orleans covers where to celebrate, where to eat, and how we spend the night.

Coming from the Mid-South? Read how we took the Amtrak from Memphis to New Orleans. Exploring more of Louisiana?

Here’s how to get from Lafayette to New Orleans. If you’re still deciding between a boutique hotel and a big brand, start with what a boutique hotel is and whether you should book one.

Planning a spring trip? New Orleans also made my list of the best places to visit in the USA in March.

Before you pack, download my Comprehensive Travel Safety Guide. It’s the same checklist I use on every trip.

Tell me where you’re staying in the comments, or find me on Facebook and Instagram.

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