Where to Stay in the French Quarter in 2024
The French Quarter is the heart of New Orleans and a testament to its colorful past, where cultures, music, cuisines, and history create an irresistible tapestry that is pure magic, with a dash of ’round the clock joie de vivre. And what better way to explore this one-of-a-kind place and one of the oldest neighborhoods in the U.S. than to stay right in the middle of the action?
These five boutique hotels are located in and near the French Quarter, so you’re never far from all that the neighborhood has to offer — whether you want to dance the night away to a brass band, take a stroll to take in the breathtaking architecture, or sample every Creole dish you come across.
You can explore the streets of the French Quarter to your heart’s content, and then enjoy the welcome respite from the bustle and relax by the pool, hit a happy hour, or grab a bite in one of the hotels’ bars and restaurants, or simply enjoy the view from your room or your balcony.
Hotel St. Marie
827 Toulouse Street
Hotel St. Marie serves up a classic French Quarter atmosphere with modern amenities. Its European-style decor delivers luxurious touches like chandeliers and period paintings. The meticulously restored exterior is lined with wrought-iron balconies overlooking the action, only half a block away from Bourbon Street and a mere four blocks from Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral.
While Hotel St. Marie still retains its old-world charm, the bathrooms are outfitted with walk-in showers, and other modern amenities were updated. The tropically landscaped courtyard contains a saltwater pool and patio seating.
The on-site, elegant yet low-key Vacherie Restaurant & Bar is three in one: restaurant, bar, and cafe, which are all located next to one another on the first floor. The cafe serves breakfast staples plus snacks, salads, and things like sandwiches, perfect on the go or eaten at the bar. It’s open daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can also hit the full bar from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. The cafe’s menu is served nightly from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the bar.
Standout features: European-style decor with luxurious touches; outdoor pool; tropical courtyard; on-site restaurant, bar, and cafe; recently renovated; half a block away from Bourbon Street.
French Market Inn
509 Decatur Street
French Market Inn is located on a busy block of Decatur Street, just steps away from the Mississippi Riverfront and within six blocks of renowned New Orleans attractions like Jackson Square, the French Market, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium, Bourbon Street, and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. The hotel’s balconies, overlooking Decatur Street, offer great views of the river and the vibrant neighborhood.
This historic hotel boasts a serene, private stone-paved courtyard with a saltwater pool, a fountain, and a beautiful tropical garden. Its antique brick facade opens onto a lobby adorned with period paintings, chandeliers, and columns, with period details throughout the building.
Since this historic property dates back to the 18th century, every guest room has its distinct character. The first property records date as far back as 1722, and it was used in the past as a bakery and a family residence. In the early 1830s, the Baroness Pontalba y Almonaster bought the bakery and the surrounding lots and turned it into an inn. In 1832, the first hauntings were recorded, and to this day the hotel is considered to be haunted.
French Market Inn had undergone renovation in 2015. The on-site PJ’s Coffee has something fresh brewing daily, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Standout features: Property dates back to the 18th century; period details throughout, including antique brick facade and beamed ceilings in the guest rooms; outdoor saltwater pool; tropical courtyard; on-site cafe; central location a short walk away from the Mississippi Riverfront and blocks away from many French Quarter attractions.
Place d’Armes Hotel
625 St. Ann Street
Place d’Armes Hotel embodies old-world charm inside and out. It occupies two restored historic townhouses dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, located on a quiet block of St. Ann Street, steps away from Jackson Square (which used to be called Place d’Armes, hence the name).
Guest rooms facing both the street and the courtyard have wrought-iron balconies, and feature exposed brick, conveying the traditional, old-world ambiance of the French Quarter. The hotel’s courtyard is particularly enchanting, showcasing a variety of tropical plants, fountains, and a saltwater pool under the magnolia trees.
Place d’Armes is a popular stop on haunted walking tours, due to the hauntings recorded there after the school burned down on the hotel’s site in the 1800s.
Standout features: Property dates back to the 18th century; central location right by Jackson Square; outdoor saltwater pool; stunning courtyard with patio seating; complimentary continental breakfast.
Prince Conti Hotel
830 Conti Street
The beautifully appointed Prince Conti Hotel sits in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter and is just steps away from the non-stop party of Bourbon Street and the shopping and dining destinations of Canal and Royal Streets. It is housed in a historic 19th-century townhouse, which sports a carriageway and plenty of European charm.
Some of its rooms feature exposed brick and four-poster beds, and renovations were held to update the amenities and the interior’s rich colors and moldings, adding touches of opulence and the classic New Orleans charm. Despite its proximity to the 24/7 action right outside its windows, Prince Conti Hotel offers a quiet respite from it all, an oasis with an elegant yet relaxed vibe.
The on-site Cafe Conti has a casual breakfast and lunch menu from 7 a.m. to noon, with a focus on French and Creole cuisines. There you’ll find sweet and savory crepes, eggs Benedict, and local favorites like breakfast po-boy, shrimp and grits, and Croque Madame.
The Bombay Club & Martini Bistro is tucked away down the carriageway at the back of the Prince Conti Hotel. It has more than 50 specialty cocktails on the menu and although it specializes in martinis it also has an extensive selection of single malt scotches, ports, reserved bourbons, and premium cigars.
The Bombay Club is also a popular choice for the nightly local live music, including jazz and cabaret performances. The Bombay Club’s beautiful courtyard is the perfect spot to relax and unwind after a long day of sightseeing or exploring the city.
The food menu features a variety of gastropub items, New Orleans cuisine, and Indian-inspired dishes that play on the bar’s British theme. From classic pub fare like fish and chips to more exotic offerings like BBQ Sticky Ribs to charcuterie boards, there are plenty of globally inspired options. Whether you’re a cocktail connoisseur, a cigar aficionado, or simply looking for a great spot to enjoy some live music and good food, The Bombay Club is not to be missed.
Standout features: Central location and proximity to Canal and Bourbon Streets; historic European charm with luxurious touches like four-poster beds; on-site cafe serves breakfast and lunch; the on-site restaurant has a full bar and live music.
The Brakeman Hotel
501 Basin Street
The Brakeman is Valentino Hotels’ latest exciting boutique hotel located in Basin St. Station, the original Norfolk Southern Railway station (circa 1904), the last remaining train station in the city. It is nestled between the historic Tremé neighborhood, the romantic French Quarter, and the stunning St. Louis Cemetery #1.
This boutique hotel has 18 guest rooms that feature furniture and finishes that evoke the elegant trappings of the romantic railroad travel era. Amenities include in-room safes, on-site parking, walk-in showers, and 24-hour concierge service. Guests of the Brakeman can also enjoy all the amenities Basin St. Station has to offer, including cultural exhibits; a gift shop; the Basin St. Cafe with grab-and-go snack, breakfast, and lunch options; and the ATM in the lobby. Basin St. Café is open daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Perched atop the historic Basin St. Station, The Rooftop on Basin offers stunning views overlooking the French Quarter. The Salon and Terrace is a private event space and is not open to the public or guests of The Brakeman Hotel.
Standout features: Central location and proximity to the French Quarter and Treme; located in a historic building; on-site cafe and gift shop; stunning rooftop views.
All these hotels offer valet parking for a fee, plus complimentary WiFi access. Children age 12 and under stay for free. The pools are not open to the public (guests only, please). Another perk: When you’re a guest at any of Valentino Hotels you can access the pool at any other hotels.
We hope you enjoy staying with us at any of these historic boutique hotels!
