Dan Koday, Contributor

Forbes Vetted

New Orleans is a town to “laissez les bons temps rouler” or “let the good times roll.” Whether watching jazz at Preservation Hall or joining a party with a street band in Crescent City (and the inevitable cocktails and bar hopping that will follow) the Big Easy will quickly put you into a spin—and cast you under its spell. Take a carriage ride through the historic Vieux Carré—and pass the steeples of the striking St. Louis Cathedral—or take a bite of a warm beignet to experience the magic and immediately start thinking about a return visit. The mystery lurks around every corner, too, thanks to voodoo influences, intriguing ghost stories and eerie but beautiful cemeteries. 

 

The best hotels in New Orleans, found throughout NOLA’s distinct neighborhoods, aim to capture this same spirit. Each one of our selections shows off stunning architecture, opulent décor, fine cuisine and the kind of service you can only find in the South—from a bohemian boutique hotel to a residence-like mansion. Below, our picks for the best hotels in New Orleans. 

 
 

 

 

 

 

Most Unique New Orleans Hotel: Hotel Peter and Paul

Hotel Peter And Paul

Who Will Love It: Bohemians; want-to-be historians and literary types 
All-Star Amenities: Custom Italian linens; luxe toiletries; large private event space; self-guided audio tours of the property; sunny courtyard
What Not To Miss: The on-site ice cream shop Sundae Best; the all-day bar and restaurant; dramatic one-of-a-kind guest rooms
Location: Marigny

Like so many New Orleans hotels, Hotel Peter and Paul, in the laid back yet lively Marigny neighborhood, is steeped in history. The guest rooms and common spaces are set in a restored rectory, convent and schoolhouse. Each building’s interior design is slightly different, but everything feels cohesive with religious influences and antique furnishings. We're particularly fond of the Rectory building’s guest rooms furnished with canopy beds draped in red fabrics, freestanding limestone bathtubs and twinkling chandeliers.

While you can't sleep in the property’s other building the Church—and the property’s namesake—Hotel Peter and Paul does host events and brunches there. For brunch and dinner; coffee and cocktails, the Elysian Bar (overseen by the team behind local crowd pleaser Bacchanal Wine) is open seven days a week.

The Best For Business Travelers: The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Ritz Carlton New Orleans 

Who Will Love It: Those who appreciate a large, historic hotel buzzing with activity
All-Star Amenities: Club level floor; spacious spa; the glamorous M Bistro with private wine room
What Not To Miss: Live music at the posh jazz bar; reservation-only tea on Saturdays; Southern Ceremony spa treatment 
Location: French Quarter 

A $40 million renovation in 2019 brought even more shimmer to this Beaux Arts architectural jewel on Canal Street; The Ritz-Carlton refreshed its guest rooms and updated its spa. Accommodations—done up in soothing shades of blue and gold—have French Quarter views and hardwood floors. The 25,000-square-foot spa is the largest in New Orleans with 20 treatment rooms and a café, and treatments inspired by the city itself like the Voodoo Ritual and the Southern Ceremony (which includes a citrus body scrub and an age-defying facial). Other things that make this the ultimate luxury escape in NOLA range from the understated: the hotel’s interior courtyard filled with feathery sago palm trees and the over-the-top the 6,500-square-foot-suite known simply as the Residence with indoor and outdoor fireplaces, herringbone floors and a gallery-curated art collection.

Best Hotel To Rub Shoulders With The Cool Kids: Hotel Saint Vincent

Hotel Saint Vincent 

Who Will Love It: Hedonists who like atmosphere in spades
All-Star Amenities: Large outdoor pool; guest-only cocktail lounge; outpost of Austin’s acclaimed Elizabeth Street Café
What Not To Miss: The curated ByGeorge boutique; jewelry and home items; monthly burlesque show at Chapel Club 
Location: Lower Garden District 

To garner buzz and attract the coolest kids in and out of town, hotels need the right recipe of ambience and amenities. The Hotel Saint Vincent checks all the boxes with its historic 19th-century digs, slightly unexpected Lower Garden District location, whimsical design and buzzy bars and restaurants like a location of the French bakery meets Vietnamese café, Elizabeth Street Café.

Guest rooms have high ceilings that make them feel larger, clean mid-century-inspired furnishings and moody, dark gray walls that are punctuated by bright floral wallpapers. The stylish bathrooms have pink-tiled walk-in showers and retro-inspired sinks (some even have claw-foot tubs). Common spaces are also inviting, including the large courtyard pool surrounded by a deck made of Saltillo tiles and pink-striped lounge chairs. The Paradise Lounge, with its palm and floral print wallpaper and ratan chandeliers, is Instagram perfection.