Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans: Charm, Luxury, and a Prime Location

Share and save:

X Facebook Email Flipboard Pinterest SMS

We stayed at the iconic Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans for two nights before our cruise, and I’m excited to share my thoughts.

While this wasn’t my first trip to New Orleans, it was my first time staying at Hotel Monteleone—and it didn’t disappoint. When I first planned our visit, I initially booked The Eliza Jane, part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, using some travel points from my World of Hyatt account. While it seemed like a lovely choice for a short stay, its location—just outside the French Quarter—wasn’t quite what I was looking for.

A beautifully styled King Room at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, featuring elegant decor, a plush bed with white linens, and soft lighting that highlights the room's luxurious ambiance.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we earn a commission at no extra cost. Please refer to our full disclosure for details.

There was, however, one hotel that had long been on my bucket list: Hotel Monteleone. A fixture in New Orleans since 1886, this family-owned hotel is steeped in history and has hosted countless travelers and literary legends over the years. It checked all the boxes—history, charm, and a prime location in the heart of the French Quarter. From the moment the doorman opened the doors to reveal the grand lobby, with its polished floors, ornate details, and timeless elegance, I could see why it’s such a beloved destination.

And after saying goodbye to my beloved dog just days before our stay, I realized once I reached our room that this was exactly the bit of luxury and comfort I needed to start this trip.

Table of Contents

Quick Overview

The elegant exterior of Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, featuring ornate architectural details, a grand entrance with a white marquee, and Louisiana flags waving proudly above. Guests can be seen entering and exiting the iconic French Quarter landmark.

Location: 📍 214 Royal St, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130 | Google Map It
Type of Accommodation: Luxury, historic hotel
Price Range: $$$ (mid-to-high price point)
Best For: Couples, solo travelers, and history lovers
Right Nearby: Canal Street, Bourbon Street, Cafe Beignet, Brennan’s, Acme Oyster House, Museum of Death

The Highlights of My Stay at Hotel Monteleone

A spacious King Room in the Iberville Tower at Hotel Monteleone, showcasing a comfortable bed with elegant floral wallpaper, modern furnishings, and a functional workspace

Luxurious white slippers and plush robes laid out on the bed in the King Room at Hotel Monteleone, emphasizing the hotel’s attention to detail and guest comfort.

A modern and elegant bathroom in the Iberville King Room at Hotel Monteleone, featuring marble tile, a sleek vanity with open shelving, a backlit mirror, and a glass-enclosed rainfall shower for a luxurious experience.

A well-appointed bathroom at Hotel Monteleone, featuring polished chrome fixtures, marble countertops, and a tray of high-end toiletries, providing a luxurious experience.

High-end shower amenities, including shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, neatly arranged on a marble shelf in the bathroom at Hotel Monteleone.

Booking Experience
We booked our stay through the Chase Travel Portal, using credit card points to cover part of the cost. The process was seamless, and Chase took care of the details. Before flying out, I contacted the hotel directly to confirm our reservation, and they promptly responded with a friendly email confirmation.
Room
We stayed in a King Room in the Iberville Tower, and it was easily one of the most beautiful hotel rooms we’ve ever experienced. The rooms in this tower have been recently renovated, blending modern touches with the timeless charm and sophistication of Hotel Monteleone. From the elegant floral wallpaper to the mirrored accents and neutral tones, every detail felt thoughtfully curated. The bed was incredibly comfortable, piled high with plush pillows, and the bathroom, though cozy, featured marble tile, a glass-enclosed rainfall shower, a backlit mirror, and neatly arranged towels along with high-end toiletries.

One small downside, however, was the half-glass shower door, which didn’t do the best job of keeping water contained. While it wasn’t a major issue, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re not a fan of that design.
The Details
Hotel Monteleone shines in its attention to detail. From bottled water, plush slippers, and soft robes to high-end toiletries and pillow chocolates, it felt like every little touch was thoughtfully curated. Inside the room, we also found practical amenities like a coffee maker, mini fridge, iron, and hair dryer, along with an ice bucket already filled upon arrival—a small but appreciated touch.

We even called the front desk to confirm some of these amenities were included, and their response was, “If it’s in the room, it’s included.” That level of service made the experience feel extra special.
Location
We loved the location of this hotel, right on Royal Street, right in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s within walking distance of The Quarter’s top attractions, including Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and Café du Monde.
Dining Options
We had breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant, Criollo, on our first morning and couldn’t have asked for a better start to the day. The food was delicious, and enjoying a great meal without leaving the hotel right away was such a treat. While the French Quarter offers plenty of fantastic dining options within walking distance—like Café Beignet, Ruby Slippers, and Brennan’s—it’s always a bonus when the hotel itself has an excellent on-site restaurant. Criollo is open for breakfast and dinner.

The hotel also offers room service, which we didn’t have the chance to try during our stay.
Customer Service
The staff we encountered were helpful, friendly, and ready to make your stay with them comfortable.
Hotel Amenities: The hotel features a heated outdoor pool, a gym, and a spa. Also, Wi-Fi is included.

What You’ll Love

The iconic Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone in New Orleans, featuring intricate carousel-themed decor with illuminated mirrors, ornate carvings, and a lively ambiance as guests enjoy drinks at the circular bar.

Pros:

Unmatched location in the heart of the French Quarter.
Comfortable, classy, and clean rooms.
The Carousel Bar is a destination in itself. As a guest, you can book exclusive early access for an additional fee per person. However, the bar is open to everyone.
Heated pool with great views.
This hotel is part of the history of the French Quarter. It does a great job blending historic charm and modern amenities.
Hotel Monteleone is a pet-friendly hotel.

Cons

It’s not a budget-friendly hotel.
The lobby always has a lively atmosphere downstairs due to the Carousel bar and restaurant. You don’t hear it up in your room.
The Carousel Bar always seems to be busy.
Parking is expensive (valet only).
You may hear some street noise sometimes at night.
The half-glass shower design can make it tricky to keep water from splashing onto the bathroom floor.

Tips for a Great Stay

Try to visit the Carousel Bar during off-peak hours to skip the wait.
For a quieter stay, request a room on a higher floor.
Plan for valet parking (and parking is limited). We suggest looking for nearby parking garages.

Would We Stay Here Again?

Without a doubt, yes. Hotel Monteleone combines history, luxury, and an unbeatable location in the French Quarter. As someone who travels often, I find it rare for accommodations to feel as comfortable as home, but this hotel managed to do just that. While staying here is a bit pricey, the experience, attention to detail, and level of comfort make it worth every penny. For a pre-cruise or post-cruise stay of 1-2 nights, it’s a lovely treat.

Who Should Stay Here? Hotel Monteleone is perfect for travelers seeking a mix of luxury and history, and it has a central location in the heart of the French Quarter. It’s ideal for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in New Orleans’ vibrant culture while staying in a hotel that’s an experience in itself.

Book Hotel Monteleone

Plan your visit to New Orleans with a stay at Hotel Monteleone. Book now and enjoy its history, charm, and prime location in the French Quarter.

BOOK NOW

FAQs

Why is Hotel Monteleone famous?

Hotel Monteleone is a classic French Quarter hotel famous for its iconic Carousel Bar, ghost stories, and rich literary connections. Recognized as one of the top historic hotels of 2024, it’s been around since 1886, hosting legendary authors like Hemingway and Capote, and is even a designated Literary Landmark. Add in its historic charm, and it’s easy to see why this hotel stands out in New Orleans.

Is Hotel Monteleone Haunted?

Yes, Hotel Monteleone is reputed to be haunted. Guests and staff have reported paranormal experiences, particularly on the 14th floor (which is actually the 13th floor, as the hotel skips numbering the 13th). Notably, Room 930 is associated with sightings of a young boy’s spirit.

How Far is Hotel Monteleone from Bourbon Street?

Hotel Monteleone is just a short walk from Bourbon Street, approximately one block away.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL TO NEW ORLEANS, CHECK OUT THESE RELATED READS:

Kathy Ava

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.