Timeless Elegance in the French Quarter: A Review of Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans

Rich in culture and full of character, New Orleans offers a unique experience that stands out among U.S. cities.

Enjoy live jazz while sipping on a Sazerac, admire the picturesque French colonial architecture, and savor delicious cuisine as you wander through the vibrant streets. With its reputation as a festive adult playground (yes, Bourbon Street, we see you), the Big Easy has something for everyone. The French Quarter is a popular destination for tourists, where history and celebration seamlessly intertwine.

The historic Hotel Monteleone proudly claims to be "the most celebrated hotel in the French Quarter" on its website. Having visited New Orleans previously but never stayed in the bustling French Quarter, I was eager to experience a property that boasts over a century of history.

If you're searching for a hotel in New Orleans that combines timeless luxury with a relaxed, festive vibe, Hotel Monteleone is definitely worth considering.

Here’s my review of Hotel Monteleone, along with everything you need to know before making your reservation.

What exactly is Hotel Monteleone?

The historical importance of Hotel Monteleone is likely what it’s best known for. Established in the 19th century, it has proudly stood on New Orleans' Royal Street, just 500 feet from the lively Bourbon Street. Many travelers I chatted with away from the hotel either recognized Hotel Monteleone or had heard of its famous Carousel Bar (more on that later) when I mentioned my stay there.

Hotel Monteleone, recognized as a member of Historic Hotels of America, has been under the ownership of five generations of the Monteleone family, with portraits of its owners adorning the lobby.

The hotel boasts over 500 guest rooms, including more than 50 suites, and is ideally situated for those wanting to immerse themselves in the French Quarter experience in New Orleans.

Lastly, for those who are easily spooked, it's worth mentioning a section on Hotel Monteleone's website that hints at potential hauntings. Guests and staff have reportedly encountered "haunted occurrences," like doors mysteriously opening and the sounds of children playing. (As a side note, my three-night visit was free of any ghostly happenings. What a letdown.)

Booking a Stay at Hotel Monteleone

Hotel Monteleone provides a diverse selection of rooms to cater to various travelers, including Preferred rooms that guarantee views from higher floors and more spacious suites. The most luxurious options are the literary suites, dedicated to famous authors associated with the hotel, such as Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, and they come with a premium price.

I reserved a three-night stay in a traditional king room directly through Hotel Monteleone's website. These rooms, adorned in warm hues, offer a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the opulent suites, but they're also more affordable. We visited in June, averaging $166 per night, excluding taxes and fees.

Hotel Monteleone is a member of the Preferred Hotel Group, allowing you to book as an I Prefer Hotel Rewards member and potentially access exclusive discounts not available when booking directly through the hotel’s site.

I checked the rates for a hypothetical stay in August 2024 via I Prefer and found a 35% discount on all bookings, courtesy of a loyalty program promotion. This can lead to significant savings on suites or offer reasonable prices for Traditional or Preferred rooms.

The ideal credit cards for booking Hotel Monteleone are travel cards that reward you well for hotel stays. These include:

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent on hotels booked through Chase Travel℠. Earn 3 points per dollar spent on other travel expenses.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card: Earn 10 miles for each dollar spent on hotels booked through Capital One Travel and 2 miles per dollar spent on every other purchase.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on travel booked through Chase Travel and 2 points per dollar on all other travel-related purchases.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 5 Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked via American Express Travel.

Ideal location for tourists exploring the French Quarter on foot

We traveled to Hotel Monteleone from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) via a 30-minute taxi ride that cost a flat fee of $36 for two passengers (an extra $15 for each additional passenger). An Uber or Lyft would have ranged from $40 to $110, depending on the type of ride and any surcharges. We used a taxi again for our return to the airport, and those were the only times we used a car during our visit.

My partner and I focused our New Orleans adventure in the vibrant French Quarter but preferred to retreat at night to a quieter setting. Hotel Monteleone fit our needs perfectly.

Hotel Monteleone was just a block away from the lively Bourbon Street, making the stroll back to the hotel after an evening of dancing and people-watching both safe and easy. It took us about five minutes each way. Upon entering Hotel Monteleone, we left much of the noise behind us, and we were pleasantly surprised by the lack of disturbances throughout our stay, given our proximity to the action.

We discovered that most popular tourist attractions were within a 20-minute walk. We easily wandered to Jackson Square and the French Market, passed by Louis Armstrong Park, took a tour of the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, and found plenty of delicious dining options, all on foot.

When we explored beyond the French Quarter to areas like the Central Business District, Garden District, and Audubon Park, we appreciated that Hotel Monteleone was just a couple of blocks from a major stop for several New Orleans streetcar lines. One afternoon, when it rained, we enjoyed taking the streetcar to see the sights while staying dry.

Welcoming staff and a luxurious lobby greet visitors upon arrival

As our taxi pulled up to the hotel, one of Hotel Monteleone's friendly doormen, Cedric, greeted us with a warm smile and helped us through the door into the lobby. We immediately noticed the lavish design, from the grand chandeliers and columns to the inviting seating areas, creating an elevated yet comfortable atmosphere.

The front desk team welcomed us promptly, and the check-in process was effortless. From the moment we arrived at the hotel, it took us under 10 minutes to reach our room. Our first interactions with the staff at Hotel Monteleone set a wonderful tone for the rest of our stay, with every employee we encountered being friendly and genuinely eager to enhance our experience.

We particularly enjoyed chatting with the morning doorman, Dwight, who engaged us while we awaited our transportation to various activities during our trip. He was especially helpful in locating a tour bus and arranging a taxi on our final day.

When we checked in around 3 p.m. on a Thursday, there were a few guests in the lobby, but it became increasingly busy as the afternoon turned into evening. Mornings were generally the quietest times, though it was uncommon to find the couches entirely vacant at any moment. As the lobby serves as the entrance to the guest rooms, the renowned Carousel Bar, and Criollo restaurant, it frequently saw numerous guests moving about to reach their destinations.

The rooms were inviting, comfortable, and well-lit.

Hotel Monteleone features six types of guest rooms, five suite designs, and six literary suites. Traditional guest rooms range from 250 to 330 square feet, while suites are slightly larger, ranging from 450 to 560 square feet. The literary suites are the most spacious, with three exceeding 1,000 square feet, and the largest being the FJ Monteleone Suite, named after a former owner, at 1,450 square feet. Preferred rooms and suites offer more options for views of the French Quarter or the Mississippi River and are located on higher floors.

Our Traditional king room was on the smaller side and did not guarantee a view or a high-floor location.

We found ourselves on the eighth floor of the Bienville Tower, which is approximately in the middle of the hotel's 17 stories. Our room overlooked the front of the hotel and provided a view of Royal Street. By looking down, we could see the tops of the buildings across the street, showcasing some of the classic French Quarter architecture. Although our window could have been cleaner, it didn't hinder our enjoyment of the views.

The room exuded a timeless, cozy atmosphere with elegant details blended with modern conveniences. The golden tones of the striped wallpaper were beautifully complemented by the coordinating floral curtains and bed skirt. One feature I particularly liked was the ability to hide the TV away in a credenza when we weren't watching it.

The room was brightly illuminated, featuring several light sources, including a stylish chandelier above the bed, numerous lamps, and ample natural light streaming in through the large window. I appreciated that we could create different atmospheres by adjusting the thick curtains, which were also effective at blocking out sunlight for a restful sleep.

The amenities were quite standard, featuring a coffee maker, two bottles of water stored in a mini-fridge, a safe, a docking station for additional plugs, an iron and ironing board, an umbrella, two robes, extra linens, and around ten hangers. While the room wasn’t particularly spacious, it offered ample storage for my partner and me during our three-night stay.

The bed was spacious and inviting, complete with plush pillows that provided excellent neck support.

I spent quite a bit of time at the conveniently located desk. The mirror above it and the chair were perfectly placed for makeup application, and I appreciated having the lamp on for additional lighting while I prepared.

From crown molding to stylish mirrors, art pieces, and lamps, the room highlighted thoughtful details that enhanced the design without creating an overly formal atmosphere. While the space didn't feel brand new, having welcomed many guests before us, it still radiated charm and was impeccably clean.

The bathroom was tidy, although it was a bit on the small side.

The bathroom was tidy and equipped with all necessary amenities, but it lacked space. A marble countertop housed the sink and nearly all available surface area, which was limited. It proved difficult for my partner and me to find enough room for our personal toiletries alongside those provided.

Above the sink was a gold-framed mirror, along with a shower, tub, and toilet. The shower curtain coordinated with the bedroom curtain, adding a charming touch. Due to the bathroom's compact size, the door, toilet, and tub were in very close proximity, making showering feel a bit cramped.

The sink was slow to drain while washing our hands or brushing our teeth, which became quite annoying and was our main issue with the room during our stay.

The bath products, available in mini sizes in the shower and at the sink, were from Gilchrist & Soames. We found an ample supply of fresh white towels and two cozy robes.

The Carousel Bar lives up to its hype — just be prepared for the crowds.

Nestled within Hotel Monteleone, the Carousel Bar & Lounge is a legendary venue designed like a rotating carousel. It actually spins (very slowly), completing a full rotation every 15 minutes.

This bar is undoubtedly one of the hotel's key attractions, significantly increasing foot traffic in the lobby, particularly in the evenings and late into the night. It can be accessed through doors located to the right of the hotel's main entrance on Royal Street and boasts a lively, dimly lit atmosphere that truly comes alive on weekends with live jazz music. While some areas can get quite loud due to the music, there are quieter spots throughout the lounge where you can relax.

My partner and I visited twice — once on Thursday and again on Saturday after dinner — hoping to claim a prized seat on the rotating carousel. Although we couldn't secure one of the 25 spinning spots, finding any seat in the lounge was fairly easy thanks to the numerous small tables, couches, and chairs, plus another stationary bar. If you're aiming for a spot at the famous rotating bar, be prepared for a wait and a bit of luck.

On our Thursday night visit, we quickly found a couple of seats at the stationary bar and enjoyed our cocktails. My partner opted for a classic gin martini, while I went for the lemon drop, one of the special drinks available for the bar's 75th anniversary celebration. I didn't see any physical menus available, but a cocktail list was displayed on screens throughout the lounge. Our drinks were priced at $18 each and were quite delicious.

The area was bustling and sometimes felt a bit tight, yet you could still place orders at the bar without much delay and wander around to find a standing spot if all the seats were taken. I suspected that many patrons were not hotel guests, as I noticed several groups entering from the lobby and heading straight to the bar.

Delicious meals paired with excellent service from the hotel's dining establishment

Criollo, the hotel Monteleone's restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. On weekends, it features a jazz brunch with live music performances.

We visited Criollo for Sunday brunch and had a delightful experience. Our servers were attentive, consistently refilling our water glasses and addressing any menu inquiries we had. The prices were reasonable for the generous portion sizes, which kept us satisfied throughout the morning.

The brunch menu featured a variety of options including appetizers, soups, salads, main courses, and a dedicated section for eggs—offering omelets, Benedicts, and breakfast sandwiches. We decided on two appetizers: the Orchard Harvest with a generous serving of seasonal fruits, berries, Greek yogurt, and banana bread ($15), and fried green tomatoes served with remoulade sauce ($12).

As soon as we finished our appetizers, our main dishes arrived. I chose the avocado and heirloom tomato toast as my main course ($12), while my partner opted for a Cajun omelet ($19) accompanied by hash browns. We were also provided with an excellent selection of hot sauces.

As a vegan, my choices were somewhat limited, but I anticipated that. Luckily, I enjoy avocado toast, so I was happy with my selection. The avocado toast was tasty without being overly indulgent. My partner remarked that his omelet was exceptional due to the crawfish included in the filling, which made it stand out from ordinary breakfast dishes.

I also ordered a mimosa for $12 with my brunch, and I appreciated its perfect balance—not too sweet or tart.

In summary, Criollo offered a great experience, particularly in terms of service, portion sizes, and presentation. While there are few vegan options on the room-service breakfast or on-site brunch menus, there is a wide variety for omnivores and even vegetarians, especially if you enjoy eggs.

One morning, we decided to order room service for breakfast. We discovered that this menu was essentially a condensed version of Criollo's weekend brunch offerings. I opted for the avocado and heirloom tomato toast ($17), while my partner selected the eggs Benedict ($25).

We placed our order around 7:30 a.m. on Friday, and our food arrived at the door 30 minutes later, just as they had promised. The presentation was thoughtful, and our meal included two glasses of ice water, along with ketchup, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.

In general, the food was served at an enjoyable temperature and arrived just as we had anticipated. My partner particularly loved the hash browns that accompanied his eggs Benedict, and I found the avocado toast to be absolutely delightful.

The fitness center and spa cater to wellness enthusiasts

For those who appreciate fitness and relaxation, Hotel Monteleone provides excellent options. The fitness center quickly became one of my favorite features of the hotel. It was well-equipped for a solid workout, with apples available for a quick snack before or after exercising, along with water and towels on the amenities counter.

However, the standout feature was definitely the gym's location.

The fitness center at Hotel Monteleone is located on the rooftop, conveniently adjacent to the pool area, with cardio machines set in front of expansive glass windows that overlook New Orleans. This provided one of the most stunning views I've ever experienced in a hotel, and I found myself captivated by the scenery while on the treadmill.

Spa Aria can be found on the mezzanine level and is clearly indicated in the elevator for guests and visitors seeking treatments. The spa provides a variety of services, including facials, massages, scrubs, and waxing.

Massage prices ranged from $75 to $165, not including additional services like hot stones or back scrubs, which come at an extra cost. Spa packages vary from a $175 rejuvenation treatment focused on exfoliation and relaxation to an indulgent $700 three-hour couples experience that includes massages, facials, pedicures, and Champagne.

While my partner and I didn't use any of the amenities, we did step inside the spa to soak in the atmosphere and found it to be wonderfully tranquil. The soothing environment provided a refreshing escape from the lively lobby below.

The rooftop pool tends to get crowded during peak times.

Situated on the roof next to the fitness center, Hotel Monteleone's pool area is beautifully decorated and inviting, featuring numerous potted plants and ample seating that complements the hotel's overall ambiance.

The pool's elevated position provides fantastic views of the surrounding tall buildings, making it an intriguing backdrop as you swim or enjoy a drink from the poolside bar, Acqua Bella.

As anticipated during the summer months in New Orleans, the crowds swelled throughout the scorching day. During our June visit, it was often a challenge to find a comfortable spot without being too close to other guests, especially when Acqua Bella was serving drinks and light snacks from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

However, there were tranquil moments, especially in the mornings. We visited around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and encountered very few guests, allowing for a more peaceful experience in the sunlight.

Potential drawbacks

Hotel Monteleone stands out as a tourist destination in its own right, boasting historic grandeur along with a well-liked bar and restaurant. As a result, the lobby tends to be lively and crowded, particularly from midday to evening. If unwinding in a calm hotel lobby after a long day is essential to you, the constant activity here might feel overwhelming.

Parking is another aspect to keep in mind. Navigating the French Quarter can be difficult, and if you decide to drive to Hotel Monteleone, you will need to use the valet service at a cost of $48 plus 12.7% sales tax each night. These fees can accumulate quickly.

Accessibility

The entrance to Hotel Monteleone on Bienville Street, located near the valet area, offers complete wheelchair access from the side of the building.

The hotel features traditional king and double-double rooms equipped with wheelchair access, and some of these accommodations include roll-in showers or shower chairs, available upon request.

The elevators and shared areas throughout the hotel, including the lobby and corridors, were designed to be wide and spacious, making it easier for wheelchair users to navigate the premises.

Checking out

Hotel Monteleone provided a wonderful experience due to its ideal location, welcoming service, and distinctive design. For those who enjoy staying in the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, this hotel is a great option if you want to be near the action while avoiding the noise of nightlife.

Although the lobby and common areas of the hotel were often bustling, this was expected since the hotel is somewhat of a tourist destination. Nevertheless, even during busy times, the guest rooms offered a peaceful retreat, making relaxation just an elevator ride away (the spa also provided a tranquil escape).

In summary, the property strikes a delightful balance between luxury and practicality, featuring an unforgettable on-site bar and an excellent restaurant. I appreciated how Hotel Monteleone showcased elegant decor without being overly formal, largely thanks to the warm and accommodating staff. I would happily return to this hotel and highly recommend reserving a room here.