There is no other city like New Orleans and if are planning a road trip to New Orleans for New Year’s Eve or meeting your bestie for the weekend I have created a list of not only the best hotels in New Orleans by neighborhood but also the best boutique hotels in New Orleans.
From its history, culture, mouthwatering creole food and exhilarating music, it’s easy to seee why millions of visitors flock to New Orleans annually.
The city is a mix of creole flavors and jazz sounds—beignets and saxophone tunes spilling out on the streets from neighborhood bars—and small boutique hotels opening on every corner to provide you with a more personal experience.
New Orleans has slowly become the home of some of the best luxury hotels in the country. From the major hotel chains to the dozens of beautiful small boutique properties that evoke the timeless nature of this historic city.
While The French Quarter remains one of the most sought spots to call home while visiting New Orleans the surrounding neighborhoods of Central Business District, Frenchman District, Uptown Garden District are drawing visitors for their ability to depart from the crowds and noise of Bourbon Street for a more adult and upscale atmosphere.
Here are my picks for the very best hotels in New Orleans including 15 new hotels that are awaiting your arrival to the Big Easy.
Hotel in the French Quarter
The French Quarter in New Orleans is one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. The French Quarter is connected by Canal, Decatur, Esplanade Ave. and Rampart Streets.
The French Quarter is the epitome and fun from the party vibe of Bourbon Street to the elegance found on Royal Street.
Enjoy views of the stunning architecture with balconies adorned with intricate ironwork to beautiful gardens and courtyards.
Every street has something to offer from the famous landmark Jackson Square to boutique shopping, live music, restaurants, voodoo temples, Café Du Monde and the French Market.
Come stroll the streets of this exotic neighborhood and below are my picks for the best boutique hotels in New Orleans.
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, iPod docks, and free Wi-Fi — and contemporary (if generic) 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.
Click here if Hotel Le Marais is right for you.
2. The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection
Located on the border of the French Quarter and the Central Business District, the Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection is a premier boutique hotel on Canal Street.
Inside its eight-story luxury complex, the hotel features 166 stylish guest rooms, a delicious onsite restaurant, a fitness center and the famous Burgundy Bar, where live entertainment and vivacious happy hours fill the scene almost every night.
All rooms include free Wi-Fi and free wired internet, plus heavily stacked mini bars, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.
Click here if the Saint Hotel is right for you.
3. Bienville House
The Bienville House is located in the French Quarter, arguably New Orleans’ most infamous and sought-after district.
This location within this quarter is surrounded by some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in New Orleans. Being a boutique hotel, each room is decorated with a specific and unique theme.
Bienville House is an ideal resting spot after a busy day sightseeing in New Orleans.
Click here if Bienville House is right for you.
4. Moxy Hotel
Moxy New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area is the destination you desire for a getaway to The Big Easy.
Cocktail at check-in? They’ve got you. Lobby bar that’s open 24 hours a day to keep the party going throughout the night? They’ve got you.
Moxy is your reimagined boutique hotel from the expansive rooms, Smart TVs, premier Muk bath amenities and relaxing rainfall showers.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, our 24-hour lobby bar is the hub of all activities and features handcrafted bloody marys and fresh coffee every morning.
Throughout the day, you can stop by for craft cocktails, local beers and made-from-scratch gourmet Naan creations that range from savory to sweet.
Pick up some locally sourced food and drinks from our grab-and-go store and indulge your taste buds with all the best flavors of the city while enjoying your stay at Moxy New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area.
Click here if Moxy Hotel is right for you.
MAKE A RESERVATION
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Check-in at the bar… and this could be us. #atthemoxy || 📷: @kimistry105
Uptown/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.
5. 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 which meets modern day design.
Click here if Henry Howard is right for you.
6. Hotel Indigo – Garden District
Sheltered by a canopy of magnificent oaks, the Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District is a symbol of inspired neighborhood fusion on St. Charles Avenue.
The design and decor reflect the lush gardens, distinctive architecture and diverse culture of the Garden District.
The hotel is situated directly on the scenic St. Charles Streetcar line and the Mardi Gras parade route, just a short ride or walk from the famed French Quarter and other destinations.
The Babin’s Bar & Bistro serves local fare and creative cocktails indoors or their our outdoor patio, and their meeting space hosts events for groups of up to 60.
Click here if Hotel Indigo is right for you.
7. The Prytania Oaks Hotel
The Prytania Oaks Hotel is a mid-1800’s Greek Revival double gallery house, buttressed with its original pillars, and its 2006 addition, provides more contemporary lodging.
The Prytania Oaks offers 16 rooms for those seeking a mixture of Old and New Worlds. Rooms combine 12-14 foot ceilings and Red Heart Pine floors with modern amenities.
Its handsome decor includes custom made furniture, elegant lamps, wall hangings and balconies overlooking Prytania Street.
Adults (25 and older) can enjoy complete privacy at The Prytania Oaks while experiencing being at the center of the lively and historic Garden District.
The Prytania Oaks offers a level of comfort, convenience, and personal service that will make your stay in New Orleans a superb experience and a lasting memory.
Marigny/Frenchman District
8. 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 ambience.
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.
Click here if Melrose Mansion is right for you.
9. Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar
Situated across from Washington Square Park on Frenchmen Street, the Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar is a showplace with 13 rooms, 3 suites, a large, interior courtyard and a breathtaking fountain.
It is important that the Royal Frenchmen be a good neighbor, loved by those who live in the charming Creole cottages that surround the property.
According to General Manager Jamie Prado, “We want our neighbors to feel a part of the hotel – to drop by for a beer, have their parties here, and invite their family and friends to stay near them at Royal Frenchmen.
Popular points of interest near Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar include St Louis Cemetery No 1, Bicycle Michael’s and New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.
The Royal Frenchman is one of my favorite boutique hotels in New Orleans.
The nearest airport is Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.
Click here if the Royal Frenchman is right for you.
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10. Lamothe House
The Lamonthe House is nestled in the ancient oaks of Esplanade Avenue, the ornate architectural detail of the past meets modern comfort and convenience in the beautifully restored Lamothe House hotel.
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.
In addition, there are nine deluxe accommodations in the main house that open up to a flagstone courtyard with a charming garden pond.
Located immediately behind our courtyard and refreshing pool area, our carriage house have an additional 10 deluxe and suite accommodations, including our spacious Two-Bedroom Suites.
Click here if Lamothe House is right for you.
11. Royal Street Courtyard
Inside, the charm of antebellum New Orleans surrounds you. This grand Greek Revival house of the 1850’s exudes both the elegance and decadence of old Creole Louisiana.
With soaring 14-foot ceilings and intricate, hand-crafted cypress trim, your room is a respite from the bustle of the street.
Some feature 4-poster king beds, others queen and full-sized beds. All have private baths. An intimate courtyard invites you to relax in our soothing spa surrounded by tropical greenery and yet you’re close to the action.
Awarded “Best of the South” in the Best of BedandBreakfast.com Awards, Royal st. Courtyard is situated near the site of the old Marigny Plantation, and it is conveniently located to everything you would want to see and do in New Orleans.
Just blocks from the French Market, the oldest outdoor shopping plaza in North America. Only a 10-minute walk from the decadence of Bourbon Street.
An easy stroll to art galleries, antique shops, and the constantly changing tableau of Jackson Square, the heart of the French Quarter.
Click here if Royal Street Courtyard is right for you.
Central Business 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 is within close proximity to both the French Quarter and the Garden District which makes this area an ideal place to stay in New Orleans.
12. Ritz Carlton Hotels
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.
Click here if the Ritz Carlton is right for you.
13. The Roosevelt New Orleans
The Roosevelet New Orleans exudes luxury just as it did throughout the early 1900s. The Roosevelt continues to set a new standard of luxury today as a Waldorf Astoria Hotel.
Each of the 504 rooms is dressed in exquisite décor with modern amenities for an unforgettable stay.
Enjoy a cocktail at Sazerac Bar which is named after what many consider to be the world’s first mixed drink.
The Sazerac Bar carries as much history as its potable namesake. Just gazing at the famous Paul Ninas murals flanking the African walnut bar takes you back to the grandeur of old New Orleans .
The hotel also offers a full range of spa services, from facials, full-body massages and couples’ massages, to manicures and complete spa day experiences.
Each treatment is expertly crafted and refined to meet your needs, with custom therapies tailored to your skin type, body type and age.
Click here if The Roosevelt is right for you.
14. Le Pavillion 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 orginally opened its doors in 1907 as New Hotel Denechaund, later renamed the Desoto Hotel in 1913, and Le Pavillon was the name that stuck in the 1970s.
Click here if Le Pavillion is right for you.
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Welcome to Le Pavillon, a New Orleans hotel that radiates history. 📷: @steinrob3
15. Old No. 77 Hotel
Ideally situated just three blocks from the French Quarter, the Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is a fine boutique hotel with a storied history.
Home to a rotating art gallery, Provenance Signature Amenities and Compère Lapin – one of New Orleans’ top restaurants – we’re at the gateway to the cultural epicenter of New Orleans.
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.
Click here if Old No. 77 Hotel is right for you.
DO YOU NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE WHEN TRAVELING THIS FALL?
YES! Travel Insurance is important no matter where you are traveling to because accidents happen and you should always travel with insurance.
I got extremely sick in the Czech Republic and that was the one time I decided to forego travel insurance and I racked up thousands of dollars in medical bills and they wanted their money before I would even be seen by the ER Doctors.
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ADDITIONAL ARTICLES
Ultimate Amtrak Getaway – Memphis to New Orleans
How To Spend New Year’s Eve In New Orleans
How To Get From Lafayette to New Orleans
Have you start making plans to travel to New Orleans? I hope my guide to the best boutique hotels in New Orleans has been helpful.
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I love boutique hotels and this one looks absolutely fabulous. I would love to stay here. New Orleans is still on my list, so hopefully our next Stateside visit, we’ll get there and l will definitely check this out. That cocktail looks absolutely yummy! 🙂 Thanks for sharing.
I’ve never been to New Orleans. This space looks amazing! It almost feels like a loft.
I live in Baton Rouge and it’s about a 45 minute drive to New Orleans. I’ve never stayed in a boutique hotel but would love to have the experience. I will definitely add this to my list the next time we plan on staying down there. The atmosphere looks very inviting. And, I love the fact that you check in at the bar and receive a yummy looking cocktail. Thanks for sharing.
This looks like a great boutique hotel! I love the idea of checking in at the bar with a free drink. Very cool welcome package on the bed! NOLA is one of my favorite cities to visit so this is a great option! I still enjoy luxury chain hotels as well as boutique hotels.
I have never been to New Orleans and this is my first time hearing about boutique hotels. Moxy seems like a really nice place for sleepover on vacays.
Love the loft style hotel. I always love going to New Orleans its such a fun city.
I hadn’t heard of the Moxy hotel. I plan to be in New Orleans this summer. So I will look into this. Thank you for sharing.
Now, this is cute! I love boutique hotels because they are unique and more personal than your average chain hotels.
What a cute hotel! I’d love to stay there the next time I’m in NO!
Swanky and cute. I like that the decor is fresh and it doesn’t look cookie cutter. I’m sure your stay was fabulous.
I will make it to New Orleans one day. I am waiting for my kids to get older although I may consider taking them with me very soon. This hotel looks right up my alley. I like smaller hotels because they definitely make me feel more at home.
I’ve never been to New Orleans…this hotel is amazing! I have read blogs about it before so if I plan a trip then I know where I want to stay, I only hear great things about it!
I love a good boutique hotel! Moxy looks awesome and up my alley my friends and I will be planning a girls trip there soon so I will check this out!
I will have to keep this spot in mind. Nice and cozy!
I like the sound of this. I went to NO fo the first time last year. I went with a standard chain. I would love to go boutique the next time.
I really enjoy your youtube content. I’m a foodie & travel alot so this is perfect. New Orleans is definitely on my list of cities to see & I just might stop at the Moxy.
It really differs from your normal “Hotel”. I loved the free cocktail and it was within walking distance of everything!