12 Enchanting Boutique Hotels New Orleans

Have You Ever Slept in a Place Where Every Room Tells a Story?

New Orleans is a city of mysteries, music, and magic around every corner. When you visit such a special place, shouldn’t where you stay be just as magical? The boutique hotels New Orleans offers are not just places to sleep – they’re part of your adventure!

Unlike big chain hotels, boutique hotels New Orleans style gives you a taste of the city’s unique flavor. These smaller, more personal hotels make you feel like you’re stepping into the real New Orleans, not just any hotel that could be anywhere.

Let’s explore 12 amazing boutique hotels New Orleans visitors fall in love with again and again. Each one has its own personality and charm that makes it special!

French Quarter Treasures

1. Hotel Peter & Paul

Once a church, school, and convent, this hotel is now one of the most beautiful boutique hotels New Orleans has ever seen. The rooms are in four different historic buildings, each with its own style.

The rooms have tall windows, antique furniture, and colorful details that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. The old church is now a gorgeous event space, and the school’s old cafeteria is a cozy restaurant.

What makes it special: Each room is different! You might get one with a pink canopy bed or another with deep blue walls and yellow furniture.

2. Soniat House

This quiet gem hides behind a typical New Orleans courtyard in the French Quarter. Built in the 1830s, it’s one of the oldest boutique hotels New Orleans offers.

The 30 rooms are filled with antiques collected by the owners over many years. Breakfast comes on a silver tray with fresh biscuits made from a 100-year-old recipe!

What makes it special: The peaceful courtyard feels miles away from the busy French Quarter streets, even though you’re right in the middle of everything.

3. Hotel Maison de Ville

This tiny hotel has only nine rooms, but what rooms they are! Tennessee Williams wrote “A Streetcar Named Desire” in one of them. It’s among the most historic boutique hotels New Orleans proudly preserves.

Each room has antiques, four-poster beds, and balconies looking out over the French Quarter. The courtyard has bubbling fountains and tropical plants that make you feel like you’re in a secret garden.

What makes it special: The cottage in the back was once the home of the hotel’s slaves before the Civil War – a powerful reminder of the city’s complex history.

Garden District Gems

4. Henry Howard Hotel

This mansion from 1867 was built by the famous architect Henry Howard. Now it’s one of the most elegant boutique hotels New Orleans offers in the Garden District.

The 18 rooms mix old and new, with original features like tall windows and ceiling medallions alongside modern furniture and local art. The front porch has rocking chairs where you can sip drinks and watch the world go by.

What makes it special: Look up at the ceilings – the original medallions are different in each room!

5. The Chloe

A new star among boutique hotels New Orleans loves, The Chloe opened in 2020 in a Victorian mansion from the 1800s. With just 14 rooms, it feels more like staying in someone’s fancy home than a hotel.

The pool in the backyard is perfect for hot New Orleans days, and the restaurant serves modern takes on classic Louisiana dishes. Each room has its own record player with vinyl records by New Orleans musicians.

What makes it special: The front porch and bar are popular with locals too, so you can make new friends while enjoying your cocktail.

6. Hotel Indigo Garden District

This hotel blends the old Garden District style with modern comforts. It’s housed in a building from the 1800s that was once a funeral home (spooky but cool!).

The rooms are bright and colorful, with big photos of Mardi Gras celebrations and jazz musicians. The location is perfect – right on the St. Charles streetcar line.

What makes it special: The bar makes amazing craft cocktails with local spirits and ingredients.

Warehouse/Arts District Cool

7. Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery

Once a warehouse for coffee and other goods from the port, this hotel keeps its industrial feel with exposed brick walls and wooden beams. It’s one of the most artistic boutique hotels New Orleans has to offer.

The hotel works with a local art gallery to fill the spaces with works by New Orleans artists. The restaurant, Compère Lapin, is run by a famous chef who combines Caribbean and Creole flavors.

What makes it special: Check out the “Artist Loft” suites with extra space and cool local art.

8. The Eliza Jane

Named after Eliza Jane Nicholson, the first woman publisher of a major newspaper in the U.S., this hotel was once home to The Daily Picayune newspaper. It’s one of the most historically interesting boutique hotels New Orleans provides.

The hotel designers kept many original features, like exposed brick walls, beams, and even some old printing equipment as decoration. The rooms feel both old and new at the same time.

What makes it special: The Press Room bar feels like a cozy library where newspaper people might have gathered 100 years ago.

9. Ace Hotel New Orleans

This hip hotel brings modern cool to a historical building. The rooms have a mix of vintage and custom-made furniture, with some even featuring turntables and guitars you can use during your stay.

The rooftop pool has amazing views of the city, and the music venue downstairs hosts local bands. It’s one of the most lively boutique hotels New Orleans music lovers adore.

What makes it special: Three Words: Rooftop Pool Bar!

Beyond Downtown

10. The Columns

This hotel in the Uptown neighborhood sits in a mansion from 1883. With just 20 rooms, it’s an intimate place to stay away from the tourist crowds.

The front porch and garden are favorite spots for locals to gather for drinks. The rooms keep their Victorian charm while adding modern comforts.

What makes it special: Sunday brunch on the porch while watching the St. Charles streetcar roll by is pure New Orleans magic.

11. Hotel Saint Vincent

Once an orphanage in the 1860s, this Lower Garden District building is now one of the newest boutique hotels New Orleans is excited about. The designers have kept the red brick exterior but completely transformed the inside.

The rooms mix Victorian style with fun, modern touches like bright colors and interesting wallpaper. The pool area feels like a retro resort from the 1970s.

What makes it special: There’s a late-night bar hidden behind the paradise pool that even many locals don’t know about.

12. The Drifter

This motor lodge from the 1950s has been turned into one of the most unique boutique hotels New Orleans offers. It’s located in Mid-City, away from the usual tourist areas.

The simple rooms have been updated with fun touches like rain showers and local art. The pool hosts yoga classes in the morning and dance parties at night!

What makes it special: Food trucks park here regularly, bringing different flavors every day.

Why Choose Boutique Hotels in New Orleans?

When you stay at big chain hotels, you could be anywhere in the world. But these special places give you the true spirit of New Orleans – the history, the art, the food, and the unique personality of different neighborhoods.

The best souvenirs are memories, and staying at one of these special spots will give you stories to tell long after your trip is over. Each morning, you’ll wake up feeling like you’re really in New Orleans, not just visiting.

FAQ About Boutique Hotels New Orleans

When is the best time to book boutique hotels in New Orleans?

Book 3-6 months ahead for festival times (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest). For better rates and good weather, try October-January when it’s less crowded.

Are boutique hotels in New Orleans more expensive than chain hotels?

Not always! While some luxury boutique hotels are pricey, many offer similar rates to chain hotels but with much more character and personal service.

Do boutique hotels in New Orleans have parking?

Some do, but many historic properties have limited or no parking. Ask before booking – some offer valet service or can recommend nearby parking options.

Which neighborhood should I choose for my first visit to New Orleans?

First-timers often enjoy the French Quarter for its central location and walkability. The Garden District offers a quieter experience with easy streetcar access to attractions.

Are boutique hotels in New Orleans family-friendly?

Many welcome families, but some are designed more for adults. Properties like Hotel Indigo and The Columns are better suited for families with children.

Do boutique hotels in New Orleans offer breakfast?

Most do! Some include it in the room rate, while others have cafes or restaurants on-site. Many serve local specialties like beignets and strong New Orleans coffee.