Hotel Monteleone

"The old-school elegance of Hotel Monteleone's architecturally elaborate entrance leaves no doubt as to the stature of this fine property, which dates back to the 1880s. There’s a sophistication to the sculpted marble—a grandeur that continues into the busy lobby and public spaces. We booked a functional, pleasant-enough room with period touches like sweeping curtains and chandeliers. The palette features yellows and browns in regal-looking stripes, and the luxurious bed was a welcome bonus." - Paul Oswell

"For a luxurious stay in the heart of the French Quarter, book a suite at Hotel Monteleone."

"This family-run hotel, originally opened in 1886, is steeped in history from its classic furnishings to its esteemed guests. Literary legends William Faulkner and Ernest Hemingway have stayed here; Tennessee Williams wrote about the hotel in his play The Rose Tattoo , and Truman Capote was known to prop up the Carousel Bar & Lounge on many a night. The merry-go-round–like bar (which makes a complete revolution every 15 minutes) is probably the hotel’s most famous feature, and a Vieux Carre cocktail there is de rigueur. Guests will also want to visit on-site restaurant Criollo, which offers an updated take on traditional N’awlins fare."

"So here's the story: Antonio Monteleone, a shoe-making nobleman from Sicily who moved to New Orleans in the 1800s and established a cobbler shop, bought this 64-room hotel in 1886. And then he bought another one and merged them together. It's still in the same family today, and it's still a four-star hotel, thanks to multiple renovations over the course of the last century. Incidentally, it's also supposedly haunted, with many reports of ghost sightings and other strange occurrences. Not necessarily a bad thing, since many luminaries have made the hotel their home, including Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote. "

"What were your first impressions?The old-school elegance of Hotel Monteleone's architecturally elaborate entrance leaves no doubt as to the stature of this fine property, which dates back to the 1880s. There’s a sophistication to the sculpted marble—a grandeur that continues into the busy lobby and public spaces. This hotel is family-owned; it's now in the capable hands of the fifth generation of Monteleones. How are the rooms?There are just two categories: Guest Rooms and Suites. We booked the former, a functional, pleasant-enough room with period touches like sweeping curtains and chandeliers. The palette features yellows and browns in regal-looking stripes, and the luxurious bed was a welcome bonus. What do they have for food and drink?The Carousel Bar is built around a merry-go-round design; the entire space rotates—albeit very slowly. Criollo, the restaurant, spins European and local flavors into seasonal menus that are heavy on seafood. How's the service?The plentiful lobby staff oozes confidence and charm; after all, many people have worked here for decades. The check in, luggage handling, and concierge are all run with efficiency and aplomb. What's the crowd like?This is an upscale, mature, and refined crowd, especially by French Quarter standards. Everyone is civil and buttoned up—that is, until after that second Martini at the Carousel Bar. What else is nearby?The hotel was here before the neighborhood was, and it's seen several incarnations of the French Quarter. The location is ideal—well placed to walk to anywhere downtown and surrounded by the city’s best antiques stores. Any special features?There's an attractive rooftop pool with an adjoining exercise room; an upscale spa; and high-speed Wi-Fi. The hotel has literary connections to Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote; a small lobby display has some interesting artifacts. Also, Monteleone is one of the three New Orleans hotels that have been operating since the 19th-century." - Paul Oswell