Stay in The Heart of the French Quarter: Hotel Mazarin New Orleans

The Hotel

Nestled in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, Hotel Mazarin stands as a true hidden gem amidst the city's vibrant chaos. While the quarter is known for its historic aesthetics, Hotel Mazarin offers a unique blend of traditional European design and modern comfort that sets it apart from the rest.

Part of the esteemed New Orleans Hotel Collection, this luxury boutique hotel maintains the city's signature charm while providing guests with a serene retreat in the midst of the action. The hotel's stunning courtyard, adorned with lush greenery and a European fountain, offers the perfect spot for afternoon relaxation or evening cocktails, complete with live jazz shows in an intimate bar — an ideal escape for those seeking tranquility without sacrificing the excitement of the city.

Hotel Mazarin features 102 guest rooms and three suites, each offering courtyard or French Quarter views. The Fleur de Lis suite, with its crystal chandeliers and oversized balcony overlooking Iberville Street, offers a luxurious sanctuary for guests to unwind in style. The suite's full kitchen, walk-in closet and vintage faux fireplace add to the comfort and elegance of the accommodations.

In the evening, the sound of jazz fills the air, creating a private serenade for guests to enjoy from the comfort of their suite. And when it's time to explore the city again, Hotel Mazarin's central location makes it easy to access exceptional restaurants, the French Market, art galleries on Royal St. and iconic landmarks like Jackson Square — all within walking distance.

One of the hotel's highlights is its welcoming courtyard, a favorite spot for events and the site of a complimentary breakfast each morning. Guests can start their day with a delicious spread of fresh fruits, pastries and cooked dishes, all while enjoying the serene ambiance of the courtyard.

For those looking for a social atmosphere, Hotel Mazarin offers two bars just a stone's throw away. The Prohibition-themed 21st Amendment Bar welcomes guests with a signature cocktail upon arrival, while Patrick's Bar Vin offers an extensive wine list and cheese and charcuterie options in a sleek ambiance or courtyard setting.

In a city known for its vibrant energy and celebration of life, Hotel Mazarin offers a luxurious retreat where guests can relax and recharge before diving back into the excitement of New Orleans. It's a true hidden gem that captures the essence of the city's authentic charm and hospitality, providing a memorable experience for every guest who walks through its doors.

The Location & City

Welcome to the French Quarter, the lively heart of New Orleans, where every street exudes its own charm and every corner hides a tale. This iconic district is a vibrant mosaic of Creole architecture, jazz-filled alleys and secret courtyards, where the air is thick with the aroma of gumbo and the sound of laughter.

In New Orleans, the magic isn't just in what you see but in what you feel. It's a city where time seems to slow down, allowing you to savor every moment like a perfectly seasoned dish. From the hauntingly beautiful cemeteries to the lively music spilling out of every venue, there's an energy here that's hard to resist.

Whether you're wandering through the bustling streets of the French Quarter, exploring the historic Garden District or cruising along the majestic Mississippi River, New Orleans has a way of captivating your senses and stealing your heart. So grab a hurricane cocktail, let the good times roll and prepare to fall under the spell of this enchanting city.

Eating

Left: Russell's Marina; Right: Brigtsen's

In New Orleans, dining is an experience like no other. Whether you're feasting on gumbo in a historic French Quarter restaurant, sampling fresh seafood along the banks of the Mississippi River or sipping cocktails at a lively jazz brunch, every bite tells a story of the city's rich culinary heritage.

But it's not just about the food itself — it's about the atmosphere, the music and the sense of community that surrounds every meal. From neighborhood po'boy joints to upscale fine dining establishments, there's something for every palate and every budget in the Big Easy. Here are some of my favorite haunts:

Breakfast

• Russell's Marina Grill: This is a really great, casual diner-type restaurant near the marina that is known for their incredible breakfast options! I highly recommend the biscuit and fried chicken sandwich with as much of the country gravy as the kitchen is willing to part with! If you are really looking to try the local flavors, the alligator sausage there was so flavorful I think it redefined my tastebuds.

• Buttermilk Drop Bakery: A Treme favorite known for its buttermilk drop, as well as its menu of classic breakfast items like grits, hash browns and pancakes.

• Who Dat Cafe: a quaint locals’ joint on a pretty Marigny corner that serves perfectly cooked omelets with fun names like Da Mandeville and Da Cajun, soft shell crab eggs Benedict, and specials like blueberry croissant French toast and crab pie. It’s all pretty much as good as breakfast gets.

Lunch

• Commander's Palace: It is much easier to get a lunch reservation than a dinner reservation and I truly love the ambience of the restaurant during the daytime. Of course, you can't leave the palace without trying their famous turtle soup! Don't shy away, it tastes just like chicken :)

• Li'l Dizzy's Cafe: Located in the famed Jazz neighborhood in Treme, you can get one of the best shrimp po'boys here and the fried chicken is truly a marvel at this longstanding and long-beloved neighborhood institution! Plus, walking through Louis Armstrong Park to get there really sets the tone!

• Turkey and The Wolf: The buzz around Mason Hereford's creative spins on childhood favorites at Turkey and the Wolf is still going strong, and it's easy to see why. The sandwiches and specials that made waves when the restaurant first opened in the Lower Garden District are still surprising, satisfying and downright delightful. Definitely try the collard green melt and smoked ham sandwiches — they are to die for! And don't forget to treat yourself to their famous frozen margarita — it's not to be missed.

Dinner

• Brigtsen's: The cutest little restaurant in an old home near the Mississippi River. The Nola BBQ shrimp has a sauce that will take you on a flavor crusade to new heights! And the pecan pie for dessert is an absolute must!

• MaMou: Bright and lively with a Parisian flair, Mamou Brasserie is a charming new addition to the French Quarter. Chef Branighan's menu features Louisiana ingredients prepared with French finesse, offering dishes like braised celery hearts with smoked beef tongue, escargot tartlet with romesco and poisson à la Florentine topped with caviar beurre blanc and parmesan wreath.

• Saint John: For a modern twist on the classic flavors of Creole cuisine in the French Quarter, Saint John is the place to be. Chef Eric Cook has set the bar high with his contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes like beef daube, shrimp remoulade and smothered turkey necks, infusing them with global influences while staying true to the recipes of his upbringing. Highly recommend you start with the oysters prepared in three different ways!

Drinking

• Saturn Bar: This quirky tavern boasts leopard-printed velour booths and an eclectic atmosphere, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

• Cure: A James Beard Award-winning cocktail bar, Cure is known for its expertly crafted drinks and laid-back vibe, making it a perfect spot for a night out.

• The John: With gold-plated toilet seats serving as chairs, The John is a unique bar experience that offers great drinks and even better ambiance.

• Jewel of the South: Housed in a tastefully colorful Creole cottage, this French Quarter spot offers a historic atmosphere and an interesting list of sours, cobblers and more.

Exploring/Enjoying

• Get your tarot read or participate in the various metaphysical offerings in the city. You can feel the magnetic and electrifying spirituality in the air and it is a perfect place to discuss life's biggest questions with a fortune teller. Voodoo, crystal balls and magical spell candles, oh my! My fave spots:

  • Hex: Old World Witchery

  • Earth Odyssey

  • Bottom of the Cup

• Take a ghost and voodoo tour! There are tons offered throughout the city that walk you to areas of significance and dive deep into the lore and secrets kept by this city. I suggest choosing one that happens during dusk — ending the tour in the dark truly adds to the spooky vibe. To keep celebrating the old stories and visiting city residents of centuries past, visit one of the many haunted bars and restaurants in New Orleans for a nightcap or snack:

  • The Seance Lounge at Muriel's in Jackson Square

  • Pat O'Brien's (this one is also a great dueling piano bar)

  • The Court of Two Sisters (potentially the site of an unsolved murder too? So much mystery here!)

• Sit back and relax with a picnic at Crescent Park: Enjoy a stroll along the Mississippi River in this transformed riverside park. Grab a bottle of wine and a cheese plate from nearby Bacchanal Wines for a relaxing afternoon picnic.

• Cooking class with a local: The best souvenir you can take home is a new skill! Immerse yourself in the city's culinary traditions with hands-on cooking classes. Learn to prepare classic dishes like seafood gumbo and bananas foster crepes while discovering the cultural significance of New Orleans cuisine.

• Local New Orleans food tour: With food being honored as it is here, taking a tour with a local to taste some of the best the city has to offer is a great way to lean into the culinary pride this city is so well known for!

• Kick back with the cool cats of the city at The Spotted Cat Music Club: Experience live jazz and local talent at this iconic Frenchmen Street venue. Dance the night away to brassy quartets and swing music in a cozy, intimate setting.

• Visit the Louisiana State Museum: It was such a cool place with exhibits on both Hurricane Katrina and floats and costumes from Mardi Gras. I am not ashamed to say I spent about three hours here and was captivated the entire time!

• Take a walking tour of the Garden District: Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture buff, or simply curious about New Orleans' eclectic neighborhoods, a walking tour of the Garden District promises an unforgettable journey through one of the city's most beloved areas. (Pro Tip: This is where the season three American Horror Story House is.)

Pack the comfiest walking shoes you have! I truly think walking is the best way to get around (most of) New Orleans and you will be so happy you did.

This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to New Orleans. Looking for more travel tips? Check out Fora Advisor Renée Chow's guide, A Guide to New Orleans Must-Visit Districts.