Image courtesy of Four Seasons New Orleans
With old-school hotels like The Roosevelt and elegant mansions-turned-guesthouses like The Chloe, the most unique places to stay in New Orleans are a fun and eclectic mix.
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Cool New Orleans hotels (organized by district)
It’s not a coincidence that the city’s most unique hotels are in New Orleans’ best areas to stay. From occult tours to wacky parades, New Orleans is a city built on eccentricities (in the best way) — and many of the city’s hotels live up to this colorful culture and history.
The Central Business District: home to the most luxurious hotels in New Orleans
Image courtesy of Four Seasons New Orleans
Staying in the Central Business District is arguably the best way to sample New Orleans’ nightlife. To the west, you have the lively Warehouse District, complete with clubs and trendy bars. To the east, you have Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. And of course, a bevy of music venues and fine dining options make the Central Business District a great destination in its own right.
Some of the most unique places to stay in New Orleans’ Central Business District are four- and five-star hotels. Here are a few of our favorites.
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1. The Roosevelt: a unique place to stay in New Orleans for its music history
The Roosevelt, one of New Orleans’ oldest hotels, has history written on its walls. Legendary artists like Frank Sinatra and James Brown have performed at the hotel’s Blue Room, and the hotel’s design still features the hallmarks of the early 20th century.
2. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans: an elegant five-star hotel near the heart of the city
With eye-catching decor and an elegant vibe, The Ritz-Carlton on Canal Street is a stunning example of New Orleans’ high life.
A great choice for a New Orleans girls’ getaway or bachelor trip, The Ritz-Carlton is conveniently located near virtually all of the city’s best clubs, bars and restaurants. Bourbon Street is a block away, and the Warehouse District is within walking distance, too. Not many cool New Orleans hotels offer such a perfect location.
3. Four Seasons New Orleans: a luxe waterfront hotel
Guests at the Four Seasons New Orleans get to enjoy premium views of either the Mississippi River or the city skyline. Plus, the waterfront boardwalk — which stretches all the way to the east end of the French Quarter — is only a few steps away from the hotel’s back entrance.
As for the hotel itself, expect sublime accommodations with excellent concierge service.
The French Quarter & Marigny: New Orleans’ most unique areas to stay for partying & architecture
Wrought-iron balconies and fences, colorful colonial architecture and a bevy of interesting characters make the French Quarter New Orleans’ most iconic destination. Likewise, Marigny feels like an extension of the vibrant district, albeit with more of a local flair.
Accommodation options aren’t as plentiful in the French Quarter and Marigny, but you’ll still find unique places to stay in these NOLA neighborhoods. A New Orleans trip planner can also give you the full lowdown on both districts and answer any questions, like how many days in New Orleans are best to get the full experience.
4. W New Orleans: a cool New Orleans hotel with a retro style
The W New Orleans earns its spot among the most unique places to stay in NOLA because it takes the city’s tropes and looks at them through a retro lens. The decor is distinct, but you still feel like you’re staying in a classic New Orleans hotel.
Bourbon Street is only three blocks away. The French Market — where you’ll find the original Café du Monde — is about 10 minutes away on foot. And the waterfront is just around the corner. (Looking for more cool places to stay in the US? Check out our guide to the coolest hotels in Vegas.)
5. Hotel Peter and Paul: a Catholic church-turned-cool-New-Orleans Hotel
Arguably the most unique place to stay in New Orleans thanks to its storied history, the Hotel Peter and Paul is the product of a four-year renovation to convert an old Catholic church and school into one of New Orleans’ most romantic hotels.
The exterior of the hotel has largely been kept intact, but the interior — including gorgeous stained-glass works and intricate archways — has been updated without betraying its original design.
The Garden District & Uptown: New Orleans’ quietest neighborhoods (outside of Mardi Gras)
The Garden District in Uptown is a departure from the high-energy atmosphere of the previous neighborhoods. But that’s also what makes it one of the most unique places to stay in New Orleans — except during Carnival Season (i.e. the best time to visit New Orleans), when a steady stream of parades and festivals brings the party to the districts’ otherwise sleepy streets.
The main draw of the Garden District is its bright and colorful residential architecture. And the quiet vibe makes for a great place to throw a relaxing detour or laid-back mother-daughter trip to New Orleans.
6. The Chloe: once a classic Southern mansion, now a cool New Orleans hotel
Arguably the most intimate boutique hotel in New Orleans, The Chloe features 14 cozy guest rooms. The hotel plays into its historical roots with vintage furnishings and decor, while the speakeasy-style bar offers the type of hotel experience you might expect from a fancy 19th-century inn.
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7. Hotel Saint Vincent: a classic New Orleans boutique hotel on Magazine Street
Originally opened in the 1860s, the Hotel Saint Vincent was reimagined in 2021 as a luxe boutique hotel. The rooms are wonderfully unique, with an eccentric style and contemporary furnishings.
What makes the Hotel Saint Vincent one of the more unique places to stay in New Orleans, though, is its fusion cuisine. New Orleans has a large Vietnamese population that’s made heavy inroads into the existing culture, most notably in the gastronomy, which is exhibited by Hotel Saint Vincent’s in-house dining.
The Warehouse District: the most unique place to stay in New Orleans for art enthusiasts
With iconic neighborhoods like the French Quarter and Garden District, New Orleans’ Warehouse District tends to (undeservedly) get left off the brochure.
Grand architecture and a healthy dose of trendy cafés, coffee shops and attractions, like the National World War II Museum, are fun to check out by day. At night, travelers can enjoy the district’s awesome clubs and bars (many of which are regarded as the best in the city). Connect with Fora to learn more about the hotspots.
8. Maison de la Luz: a new & hip five-star hotel
The Maison de la Luz blends The Chloe’s intimate approach with the classy elegance typical of a five-star hotel. Five-star service makes guests feel welcome and cared for.
The hotel only opened its doors in 2019, making it one of the newer luxe properties in an up-and-coming neighborhood.
9. Ace Hotel New Orleans: a unique place to stay for those looking for a contemporary experience
One of the best family hotels in New Orleans, the Ace Hotel New Orleans is owned by the same group that runs Maison de la Luz — in fact, they’re neighbors — so you can expect a similar caliber of service.
This hotel feels more in line with the Warehouse District’s artful underground vibe. Every room features local art, and a music hall that regularly showcases local musicians. The design is more contemporary-modern compared to most of New Orleans’ cooler hotels.
10. Virgin Hotels New Orleans: the poshest hotel in New Orleans
Easily the most distinct-looking hotel in New Orleans, Virgin Hotels New Orleans’ location is a stunning example of a global brand meshing with local culture. Virtually every room, hallway and public space in this hotel is delightfully chic, with an emphasis on contemporary design that doesn’t betray the hotel’s New Orleans setting.
In many ways, this hotel feels like an extension of New Orleans’ Warehouse District revolution — an injection of youth in a city known for its throwbacks to the 1930s.
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