4-Star Hotels in New Orleans

Hotel Monteleone

This grand French Quarter dame exudes Old World elegance from the ornate lobby with its hand-carved ceilings and iconic rotating Carousel Bar. Step inside and you're instantly transported to an opulent, timeless realm where the city's genteel history comes alive.

My spacious room evoked a bygone era of stately furnishings, decorative moldings and marbled bathrooms - an indulgent oasis of plush, sumptuous luxury. Beyond the impeccable service, an air of mystique pervades with amusing murmurs of ghostly lore beckoning from the halls. The Monteleone transcends mere lodging - it's an immersive experience steeped in grandeur and revealing glimpses of the city's fascinating past.

The Eliza Jane

From the moment you step inside The Eliza Jane, you're transported to a romantic, industrial-chic world of exposed brick, vaulted wooden beams and elegant tiled floors with pops of brilliant blue. The spacious lobby bar evokes an airy, urban atrium feel with lush greenery and plush sofas that invite you to linger over meticulously crafted cocktails.

My stay in the lavish 700 sq ft Editor's Suite was an indulgent highlight, featuring a stylish parlor, rich walnut accents and an open-concept wet room with a showstopping soaking tub situated beside the rain shower. The hotel's restaurant, Couvant, pays homage to its origins with an innovative menu that reimagines New Orleans' celebrated French brasserie cuisine.

Columns Hotel

To stay at Columns is to be swept into the romantic grandeur of New Orleans' Antebellum era. From the majestic Greek Revival mansion along iconic St. Charles Avenue to the lavish interior details like chandeliers and double staircases, an undeniable sense of old-world elegance and Southern gentility pervades.

My spacious accommodations exuded an air of refined, stately living with soaring ceilings, generous layouts and exquisitely tiled bathrooms. However, the common areas proved most transcendent - from the antiques-adorned parlors ideal for afternoon tea service, to the fountain-centered courtyard gardens that beckon as a lush, Arcadian sanctuary. Every experience, from bourbon tastings to rocking on the emblematic front porch, infused the estate with nostalgia and quintessential Southern hospitality.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

Youthful exuberance meets laid-back sophistication at this chic urban oasis. The "Funny Library" living room area personifies Virgin's playful spirit with funky art pieces like the quirky "Bunny Man" sculpture. Mid-century-inspired rooms juxtapose residential comforts like hardwoods with avant-garde elements - from SMEG mini-fridges to privacy pocket doors and lavish wet room showers.

However, the pièce de résistance is undoubtedly the refined revelry of the rooftop Pool Club. I whiled away many blissful afternoons in one of the chic cabanas, cocktail in hand, as I admired the city panoramas. The warm, genuine staff elevates the experience by eagerly sharing insider local tips.

W New Orleans French Quarter

A refreshing counterpoint to the French Quarter's antique mystique, the W seamlessly infuses a youthful, modern energy into this historic setting. From the stylish lobby glimpsed through the entrance, artistic nuances pay homage to the city's jazz culture and spiritual influences in inspired, contemporary ways.

The verdant courtyard beckons as a serene poolside sanctuary sequestered from Bourbon Street's revelry. Clever room motifs like tarot imagery artfully toe the line between avant-garde and reverence for local heritage. However, the showstopper is SoBou restaurant, where the kitchen reimagines Creole and Cajun flavors with ingenious, refined twists complemented by flawlessly crafted cocktails. It's the vibrant yet polished service that truly elevates the experience.

Le Méridien New Orleans

This sophisticated downtown enclave melds European refinement with a relaxed New Orleans vibe. From the striking lobby art installations to the chic yet understated room furnishings, Le Méridien exudes a modern, cultured ambiance.

While the interiors channel a stylized gallery feel, the rooftop terrace was an open-air masterpiece. I spent many leisurely hours ensconced in this botanical paradise, savoring fine wines with sweeping views of the city skyline and French Quarter in the distance. The culinary program similarly marries inspired creativity with a celebration of regional flavors.

No matter which of these hotels you choose, you're in for an incredibly rich, immersive New Orleans experience. The hardest part is deciding where to start exploring! I'm already dreaming of my next visit.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor Lindsay Vaughn's guide, Visiting New Orleans in January: The Crescent City's Cool Charm.