Peychaud’s courtyard at The Celestine hotel in New Orleans.
Photo: Courtesy of Peychaud's
These Exciting Hotels in New Orleans Combine Exceptional Dining and Personality-Filled Interiors
As the Big Easy prepares to host a massive influx of visitors for the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, these exceptional properties offer an artful environment outside the fray
Energizing, idiosyncratic, indelible New Orleans. The city is a singular ecosystem of culture, arts, food, and hospitality that in February will welcome hundreds of thousands of fans for Super Bowl LIX. Then, come March, a very different yet equally energetic crowd, descends for the annual Mardi Gras celebration. Check into these thoughtfully designed hotels that deliver on the élan and warmth for which NOLA is known.
Guest suite at The Celestine in New Orleans. Photo: Paul Costello
Cocktail at Peychaud’s. Photo: Randy Schmidt
The Celestine | French Quarter
Four-poster beds, exposed brick, antique writing desks, and wallpapered eaves put some patina on The Celestine, even though the handsome ten-key boutique opened only a year ago. Occupying a circa-1791 building between Royal and Bourbon Streets, the project represents a who’s who of New Orleans hospitality: hotelier Robért LeBlanc, designer Sara Ruffin Costello, and James Beard Award-winning mixologist Neal Bodenheimer, which is why the en suite not-so-mini bars and courtyard restaurant, Peychaud’s, are so on point.
Interior of Copper Vine in New Orleans. Photo: Cory Fontenot
Copper Vine | Central Business District
Hidden in the shadows of the skyscrapers of Poydras Street, a 1800s bungalow with gas lanterns, wrought-iron balconies, and peacock-blue wainscoting houses a happening pub and—just added last summer—eleven smart guest rooms upstairs. At Copper Vine, spring for the Terrace Suite. Spread across the original attic, it’s got plush upholstered window-seats tucked in the soaring A-frame dormers, a tiled wet room with natural light and copper fixtures, and a sunny private deck lined with potted plants—the perfect perch for viewing the action below.
Dew Drop in New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Dew Drop
Allen Toussaint room at Dew Drop in New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Dew Drop
Dew Drop | Central City
Black history and rock-‘n’-roll legacy are deep in the foundation of the Dew Drop, a formerly Green Book-listed nightclub and inn that hosted the likes of Ray Charles and Little Richard. Curtis Doucette Jr. rescued and renovated the landmark, located just inland from the Garden District in Central City, and reopened it last year as a full-service hotel with a courtyard pool. Marshall speakers, framed vinyl, and vintage music prints illustrate the building’s past in the 17 rooms, which have tufted butterscotch headboards and checkerboard-tiled bathrooms. The Nite Cap and Groove suites feature views directly into the Dew Drop’s music hall, where local artists perform four nights a week.
The Elysian Bar at Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Peter and Paul
Convent guest room at Hotel Peter and Paul in New Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Hotel Peter and Paul
Hotel Peter & Paul | Marigny
Originally designed by prolific New Orleans architect Henry Howard in a tidy row on Burgundy Street, this Catholic collection of rectory, convent, chapel, and schoolhouse was decommissioned in 2001, but the buildings still elicit hallelujahs. Baroque swag (gingham checks, tented velvet, tassels galore) adds moments of drama to the monastic bones, making the 71 rooms of Hotel Peter & Paul a real pleasure to inhabit. Peeking through the stained-glass windows of deconsecrated church reveals a steady roster of interesting programming underway, from the Piety artisan market to open choir practice.
Balcony suite view at hotel Bourbon Orleans. Photo: Courtesy of Bourbon Orleans
Renovated guest room at Bourbon Orleans. Photo: Jalen Dilosa
Bourbon Orleans | French Quarter
A dancer, a soldier, and several nuns are said to be among the spectral residents of the historic Bourbon Orleans, but it’s easy to understand why one might want to linger. Originally constructed in 1817 as the grand residence of the Théâtre d’Orléans, the property is a French Quarter architectural icon, with gracious arched windows, wraparound wrought-iron balcony, peekaboo dormers, and a dignified courtyard enhanced with a lozenge-shaped pool. Designer Melissa Bowers recently refreshed the suites with feather-print wallpaper, arched emerald headboards, ivory sofas, and black marble baths.
Salon Salon at Maison Métier in New Orleans. Photo: Stephen Kent Johnson
Maison Métier | Central Business District
Maison Métier (formerly Maison de la Luz) may have lost its “Luz,” but not its light, when the 67-room hotel joined Hyatt’s Unbound Collection and changed its name. The Studio Shamshiri design remains as fresh and compelling as its 2019 debut, from the crimson-drenched Salon Salon cocktail bar to ephemeral blue seaweed wallpaper in the vaulted breakfast room. Twin staircases in the reception lead up to guest rooms and suites decorated with scalloped navy headboards, soaking tubs, and maximalist floral loveseats.
Cover: Peychaud’s courtyard at The Celestine hotel in New Orleans.
Photo: Courtesy of Peychaud's
