HOTEL MONTELEONE, NEW ORLEANS: A FRENCH QUARTER ICON
There are few hotels in New Orleans as storied, or as spirited, as Hotel Monteleone. Sitting proudly on Royal Street in the heart of the French Quarter, it’s a place where history swirls in the air as much as the cocktails at its legendary Carousel Bar. Over a weekend in the recently unveiled Iberville Tower, we discovered a stay that weaves together the city’s heritage, hospitality, and a dash of theatrical charm.
A hotel in the heart of the French Quarter
Royal Street is a stage set for New Orleans life. Step outside, and the soundtrack is a mix of brass bands, buskers, and the distant thrum of Bourbon Street. Antique shops spill onto the pavements, their wrought-iron balconies hung with flowers, while art galleries beckon with colourful canvases and jazz clubs glow into the night. The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring, whether on foot, by streetcar, or in a horse-drawn carriage. NOLA is quite literally at your doorstep.
A classic that blends grandeur with warmth
Hotel Monteleone blends grandeur with warmth. Its polished wood panelling, gleaming marble floors, and glittering chandeliers feel rooted in history without a hint of dustiness. The fully renovated Iberville Tower is a contemporary counterpart to the main building, a fresh, bright space where calming artwork and spacious marble bathrooms bring an elevated sense of calm after a day in the Quarter. It’s New Orleans’ elegance with a modern polish, where old-world style meets 21st-century comfort.
Our Iberville King Suite was a lesson in refined comfort. The decor, calming, neutral and combined with a mix of luxury and history, is completely fitting with the hotel’s history. The roomy space made unpacking a breeze, while plush robes and slippers awaited us after our long afternoons of exploring. The tech touches, including a Bluetooth-enabled sound system and, wireless charging station, kept devices ready for the next day’s adventures. However, the 55-inch TVs and deep armchairs, while appealing, couldn’t compete with the lure of the streets outside.
Louisiana Flavours and Iconic Cocktails in the Heart of the French Quarter
Breakfast each morning was a feast – we had to try the Lobster Benedict and the Cajun Omelet, but it was the beignets with praline sauce and strawberries that stole our hearts — feather-light, powdered-sugar clouds that vanished almost as quickly as they arrived. Dinner at Criollo Restaurant was a deep dive into Louisiana’s culinary tapestry. The Gulf shrimp, blue crab, and avocado dish was a masterclass in balance: fresh and vibrant yet rich with coastal flavour.
Criollo’s philosophy — “Louisiana Fusion” — is as much about heritage as it is innovation, blending French, Spanish, Italian, Caribbean, and African influences into dishes that feel unmistakably of this place.
And then, of course, there’s the Carousel Bar & Lounge — New Orleans’ only revolving bar and a landmark in its own right. Our morning “Carousel Bar Experience,” available exclusively to guests staying in the Iberville Tower, was part storytelling session, part cocktail masterclass, with tales of legendary patrons and spooky sightings, paired with drinks of our choice. At 10am, a Sazerac seemed a little bold, so we opted for perfectly spiced Bloody Marys instead, sipped as the carousel slowly turned.
It’s a much-desired experience, and as a result, it’s usually difficult to get a seat. We saw this first-hand when, by 11am, a line had formed outside the bar, and as soon as the doors opened, there was a dash to claim the coveted stools (apparently, several a year need repairing due to the ‘enthusiasm’ of some of the patrons). By night, it’s a whirl of locals, travellers, and live jazz — a place where time seems to slide past as effortlessly as the carousel’s rotation. If you can get a seat, of course.
Other Facilities
The hotel’s heated rooftop pool offers sweeping views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River, while the 24/7 fitness centre makes keeping pace with rich New Orleans cuisine a little easier. Unfortunately for us, we were too busy enjoying ourselves to spend any time in either.
Who It’s For
Travellers who want the full French Quarter immersion — history, luxury, and one-of-a-kind experiences — all within walking distance of the city’s cultural heartbeat.
HOTEL MONTELEONE, NEW ORLEANS: A FRENCH QUARTER ICON
Hotel Monteleone isn’t just a place to stay; it’s a New Orleans landmark that lives and breathes the city’s character. From the comfort of the Iberville Tower to the slow spin of the Carousel Bar, every moment feels part of the story — one you’ll still be telling long after you’ve checked out.
Website:hotelmonteleone.com / Rooms from: £200 per night.
