The 5 Most Instagrammable Hotels in New Orleans:
These Boutique Hotels are winning right now
While I’m not sure if it’s because I’m recently of legal age (cheers to my fellow Gemini babies!) or what, but I’ve been heart eyes over the city’s boutique hotels lately. Their game has been exceptionally strong in the past year, giving chain hotels a run for their money. Not only is it Instagrammable, but the craftsmanship of the interiors alone will have those creative wheels spinning for days. Not to mention, in this southern heat, I need a quick escape route (that just so happens to offer French 75s).
I’ve compiled a list of my five favorites for you to enjoy a happy hour at, stay the night, tan by the pool, or just pop in for a visit with your gang. But, when in the city, please do yourself a favor: savor the local flavor and say goodbye to your chain hotel rewards card!
Ace Hotel
600 Carondelet Street (CBD)
I simply can’t make a list like this without the Ace Hotel. In the short year it’s been open, I’ve visited countless times (dragging many, many people into the famed photobooth) and haven’t grown tired of it yet. While this is considered a chain, it’s got a free pass in my book. The decor in the lobby and its neighboring Josephine Estelle and Stumptown Coffee establishments are second to none. The rooftop has been a summer hot spot, literally and figuratively, and it’s in a prime location with tons to do. Do I really have to say more?
Catahoula Hotel
914 Union Street (CBD)
I like to think of the Catahoula Hotel as the Ace Hotel’s funky cousin that serves Peruvian coffee cocktails. The dreamy wood and airy courtyard makes for an inspiring space to chill with your friends and talk some talk. Right off the CBD grid, this fellow newcomer has certainly earned its keep. If it can impress Vogue to name it a “Most Instagrammable Hotel,” they must be doing something right. Did I mention the coffee cocktails?
Drifter Hotel
3522 Tulane Avenue (Mid-City)
To be honest, I thought I was stepping into a California beach motel or a Lana Del Rey music video set (or, you know, both) when I walked in. This oasis has an open lobby layout with a 50s vibe and pool scene to match. Grab any kind of drink you please (whether it be a fruity cocktail from the bar or caffeine from the solid coffee program) and enjoy your little staycation, because The Drifter has hit the nail on the head just right when it comes to all things rest and relaxation.
Hotel Monteleone
214 Royal Street (French Quarter)
While the aforementioned spaces are young go-getters with jazzy twists, there’s an older, more established gem in the French Quarter that modestly boasts something one-of-a-kind: Hotel Monteleone’s Carousel Bar. Spinning since 1949, this amusement park ride for adults is a must-do for locals and tourists alike. The bar and hotel has a classic, old New Orleans charm (and glam) that just can’t be produced these days. Put on your fancy pants for this one!
Pontchartrain Hotel
2031 Saint Charles Avenue (Uptown)
Last, but certainly not least, the Pontchartrain Hotel has an eclectic mix of uptown class, rooftop fun and artistic lounges. Catch a sunset up at Hot Tin, then make your way down to the Caribbean Room, where you can find local artist Ashley Longshore’s work of Hollygrove’s own Lil Wayne among colorful flowers, velvet couches, gold accents and vintage rugs. Enjoy the space, stay awhile and gawk at the Pinterest-worthy dream house. It certainly deserves a spot on your social media grid, guaranteed.
Did I miss your favorite spot? Have you frequented anywhere mentioned? I’m always down to visit anything with that special southern charm.
And if I can order room service for dessert, consider me already there.
Cheers!
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