A Tour Of The New Orleans Garden District The Planet D
How to explore New Orleans beautiful Garden District
Lucky for both residents and visitors, the beautiful Garden District of New Orleanslives up to its name. There are few areas as as pleasant anywhere in town.
Here, youll find spreading live oak trees and shaded lanes, whirring streetcars and college students on a stroll, mansions and apartment buildings that resemble mansions, and quirky businesses. Exploring the neighborhood is a highlight of any trip to the Big Easy.
Heres our guide to New Orleans Garden District.
Where to find the Garden District of New Orleans
The area is part of uptown New Orleans meaning upriver from the Mississippi River. (Downtown ie downriver neighborhoods include the French Quarter.) Rather confusingly, it is not part of the neighborhood of (capital-U) Uptown, which lies nearby.
While the Quarter was settled by the first Creole (French and Iberian) arrivals to the city, the Garden District was founded by English-speaking Americans who arrived in the early 19th century wishing to distance themselves from Francophone New Orleans.
The Garden District is the fancy part of town, where some of the citys most opulent mansions got built. In the 21st century, you can still spot some of those historic mansions, as well as more contemporary signposts of wealth like yoga studios and locavore fine-dining establishments.
Admire grand historic homes on St Charles Ave
One of the most beautiful urban thoroughfares in the country, St Charles Ave forms the northern border of the Garden District. All along its length, St Charles is fronted by a grand assemblage of mansions whose architectural beauty and sheer number are hard to beat. The best way to see St Charles is by taking one of the dark-green streetcars that trundle the length and breadth of the Garden District. Like hundreds of locals, you can also jog along the neutral ground (median) that divides the street, and houses the streetcar tracks.
Pro tip: Prytania St, which runs parallel to St Charles, is also packed with gorgeous historic homes.
Shop independent stores along Magazine St
The southern border of the Garden District, Magazine St lacks enormous, opulent homes yet offers a slew of businesses catering to both college students and well-heeled locals. This commercial area was once famous for consistently almost entirely of independent boutiques though rising property values, rents and taxes mean that chains have recently arrived. Houses here are on a smaller scale than around St Charles, since the mansions that once lined the street got subdivided into smaller lots.
Stroll the famous gothic Lafayette Cemetery No 1
Because of its low elevation and high water table, New Orleans residents were traditionally buried in cities of the dead full of above-ground tombs and mausoleums. Of all the iconic graveyards in New Orleans, few can match the sheer gothic creepiness of Lafayette No 1, where vines and vegetation grow up and around ornate funerary monuments.
Order a classic sandwich from Steins Deli
The poboy is the iconic New Orleans sandwich yet if youre looking for something else delicious served between two pieces of bread, its hard to beat this Steins Delion Magazine St. This is classic Northeast lunch-counter fare: Reubens, corned beef specials, Italian hoagies, etc., all served alongside refrigerators full of good beer by a staff that brooks no nonsense. The ordering procedure may feel weird on crowded days (which are most days): just find the end of the line, wait a while and order with confidence.
Indulge in fine Creole cuisine Commanders Palace
New Orleans is famous for grand-dame fine-dining temples to Creole cuisine, which blends the sauce-y richness of French gastronomy with African and Native American techniques and local ingredients. Of all the legacy restaurants in the city, few have the sheer institutional presence of Commanders Palace. Housedin a turquoise-and-white mansion you can practically see from space, the restaurant has an enormous white-linen dining hall thats welcomed generations of New Orleanians looking to indulge the citys signature rich gastronomy. It all tastes better together with a 25-cent-martini lunch special, a decadent idea for a midday feast.
Grab a drink at the unassuming Verrets Lounge
In a neighborhood that is understandably considered fancy, Verrets Loungeis an appealingly scruffy dive bar where youngsters rub elbows with grizzled regulars, and everyone has a good time. The vibe is friendly, unassuming and decidedly old-school no bespoke craft cocktails here.
Refill with a healthy bowl at Poke Loa
Poke is hardly traditional New Orleans fare, yet (as everywhere) its increasingly popular, reflecting the trends of healthy eating, superfoods and gluten-free ingredients. These bowls also delicious, and Poke Loa, popular with students and a business crowd, is a great spot for a fix.
Enjoy a sundowner in the fairy lights strewn Bulldog courtyard
Popular with Tulane students and alumni, post-shift doctors, suits getting off work and really anyone who likes a good beer, the Bulldog boasts dozens of brews, all served in an easygoing atmosphere. The big draw is a courtyard complete with a fountain formed from a long row of beer taps.
Embrace the romance of the Sully Mansion B&B
This beautiful, tidy bed-and-breakfast offers a quintessential Garden District stay, with fine accommodations and an upscale but casual aesthetic. Heres your chance to sleep in rather than just gawk at a historic mansion. Its got all the bells and whistles youd expect: a wedding cake design, garden, breezy terrace and enormous wraparound porch.
Enjoy chic contemporary style at Henry Howard Hotel
Located just east of the Garden District, theHenry Howardoccupies a converted 1867 double-gallery townhouse, nicely balancing an exposed-brick historic vibe with a minimalist-chic design sensibility. The property is within easy walking distance of the lively nightlife scene of the Lower Garden District the next neighborhood over from the Garden District, so named because it is further downriver.
Take your pet to Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District
This branch of the self-consciously bohemian Indigo boutique chain offers familiar comfort and amenities in the neighborhood. Iconic New Orleans photographs are displayed amid the brands signature contemporary-for-everyone design palette. Notably, this is a pet-friendly business, which can be rare for hotels in town.
This article was first published Mar 18, 2021 and updated Dec 8, 2022.
A Free Self-Guided Tour of The Garden District New Orleans with map
House of Broel (2220 Saint Charles Avenue):This handsomely columned mansion is unique in that it was built in two different periods- Antebellum and High Victorian. Another unique feature is that, unlike most of the other mansions in The Garden District, you can tour this one.
The Broel family has also dedicated the second floor of the home to The House of Broels Dollhouse Museum, a collection of antique dollhouses, model mansions, period figures and dcor.
Ghost Manor (2502 Magazine Street):During the last two weekends in October, you can visit Ghost Manor, a gorgeous Queen Anne Victorian House on 2502 Magazine Street.
The display is free to the public and easily viewed from the sidewalk. The show is made up of more than a dozen different scenes, with Halloween themed characters, all perfectly timed to music. Ghost Manor is a labor of love, gifted by the owners of the home who spend countless hours designing the performances each year.
18 Best Boutique Hotels in New Orleans In 2024
The New Orleans hotel scene is as funky and vibrant as the city itself. To keep up with the constant party culture,things to do, anddeliciously spiced food, hotels need to be fresh and attention-grabbing in their own right. And thats where boutique hotels in New Orleans come in. Choosing your ideal neighborhood is the essential first step so weve broken down . So check out these top areas in New Orleans before you stray any further into your boutique hotel search.
Where To Stay in New Orleans
New Orleans neighborhoods are part of what makes the city as brilliant as it is. The different identities of each district create distinct communities and specific atmospheres. So before you jump the gun and look at the best boutique hotels in New Orleans, well pick the best neighborhood for you.
Central Business District
The Central Business District (aka Downtown New Orleans) is the epicenter of skyscrapers. Sleek and classy, it is the neighborhood for cocktails at rooftop bars and flashy luxury hotels. This is the best choice for a luxury stay in New Orleans or a metropolis atmosphere. Walking distance to Bourbon Street and waterfront, easy street car ride to Garden District.
French Quarter
The historic French Quarter needs little introduction. If youve seen pictures of New Orleans before, the French Quarter is likely the neighborhood you are already familiar with. It is famed for beautiful European architecture and ever-blaring nightlife on Bourbon Street. In the heart of all the action.
Combined with the street performers, a significant landmark of Jackson Square, and the shopping at French Market, the French Quarter is ideal for someone looking to embrace the intensity of New Orleans. The district is also known for the Tennessee Williams Festival, a real cultural hotspot.
Garden District
The Garden District, aka Uptown New Orleans, is residential, leafy, and idyllic. The lower Garden District is full of tree-lined streets and revival mansions. It has a peaceful atmosphere and is home to colleges and universities. It is where people sneak away for a bit of study time or peace and quiet within the four walls of a large, elegant mansion.
For families or non-party goers, the Garden District provides a fantastic escape from the chaos of the citys busier areas. Its also an easy street car ride to downtown and the French Quarter. Even if you dont stay there, its so beautiful that we suggest takinga trip to visit.
Marigny/Bywater
Every city has that bohemian neighborhood. In New Orleans, that is Marigny and Bywater. These areas have a thriving arts and culture scene in a much louder manner than the arts and warehouses district. Expect colorful creole cottages and shotgun homes rather than brick warehouses. And head to Frenchman Street for live music or St Claude Art District to taste whats happening creatively in New Orleans. Walking distance to French Quarter and Waterfront.
Treme
Treme is the oldest African American neighborhood in New Orleans and some say the United States. To embrace the Creole culture in New Orleans, Treme is a multicultural and residential base. The neighborhood has plenty of jazz clubs and soul food spots. It is a brilliant place to celebrate African American culture and heritage. You should definitely book afood touras well. Its an easy cab ride to anywhere.
Warehouse District
The Warehouse District (aka the Arts District) has industrial warehouses and edgy hotels with exposed brick walls. The districts industrial history is very much part of its identity today. But this has been built on with the addition of trendy restaurants and several art galleries and museums. For the creative, its the perfect base in New Orleans. Easy walk to CBD, waterfront and French Quarter.
1. Maison De La Luz Central Business District
Maison De La Luzis a stunning 5-star hotel in Downtown New Orleans. The stately columned hotel entrance is side by side with some of New Orleanss tallest glassy skyscrapers yet also right on the historic St Charles street car line. The location is interesting, as it blends the modern version of New Orleans with old elements. Inside, Maison de La Luz is entirely boutique.
Expect bold flooring whether tiger striped, black and white tiled or thick carpets. There are plenty of distinct design choices, like paneling, painted features, and freestanding bathtubs. Amenity-wise, theres a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning, plus a room delivery coffee service. The comfortable lounge room is a nice touch, too, with large armchairs that you can just sink right into. Its location and bold sense of style earned Maison De La Luz a spot on our list. Check rates and availablility here.
2. Hotel Peter and Paul Marigny District
Hotel Peter and Paulis a glam 4-star boutique hotel set in a 19th-century church and its adjoining school. Its unique location and sense of style instantly drew our eye, and youll see why. The guest rooms are set in different school rooms, and the hotel even has rectory and convent room options. The church and school were built in 1860, so staying in such a historic building is special. The thoughtful way that Hotel Peter and Paul have kept the link to the buildings history also helps guests to appreciate the property more.
Hotel Peter and Paul is in the trendy Marigny District. It is decked out with Southern antiques and elegant furnishings. Certain rooms offer fireplaces and balconies, too if you fancy splashing out on some luxe comforts. The onsite cocktail bar is a nice touch, too. Check for rates and availability here.
3. Hotel Mazarin French Quarter
Hotel Mazarinis an elegant 4-star boutique hotel amid the French Quarter. The hotel embraces its European district with dark wood furnishings and a dainty brick courtyard with a beautiful fountain. There are extra luxuries, like chandeliers and balconies with city views in particular rooms. The balconies are in Parisian style with black wrought iron railings and outdoor metal seating. You can even order croissants and champagne for breakfast.
If you want a central location in the French Quarter in a European-style hotel, you cant go wrong with Hotel Mazarin. Its sense of style perfectly fits its district in New Orleans. And its location (just a minute away from Bourbon Street) won it its place on our list. The onsite gym is also handy for fitness-conscious guests. Check availablity and rates here.
4. The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton Arts and Warehouse District
The Higgins Hotelis part of the trusty Hilton chain. The 4-star hotel is a classic big fish design, covering a massive building with hundreds of guestrooms. It is one of the largest boutique hotels in New Orleans perfect if you want the chain hotel experience yet boutique details. The Higgins Hotel has art Deco designs and sleekly furnished rooms with small details like framed artwork or circular mirrors. We like the subtlety of this propertys boutique edge, classy and understated.
Located in the Arts and Warehouse District, the Higgins Hotel is surrounded by galleries, historic sites, and museums. Onsite, theres also a gym, chic rooftop bar, French restaurant, and a business center. Everything you need to stay inside your hotel for a day. That is a leading benefit of a large chain hotel. Check rates and availability here.
5. Pontchartrain Hotel Garden District
Pontchartrain Hotelleans into swanky territory rather than understated elegance. That could be inevitable, given it is a 5-minute walk from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Everything is plush, with indulgently elegant furnishings. As an all-suite hotel, Pontchartrain Hotel only offers spacious rooms. In fact, out of all the boutique hotels in New Orleans, its one of the most generous with room size. We were impressed by the hotels apparent character strength; if you want a suite option, it really is the place to stay.
The hotel (unsurprisingly) has a stunning rooftop bar with expansive views of the Mississippi River and city views of Downtown New Orleans. Theres also Bayou Bar if you want a more intimate drinking spot. Situated in the Lower Garden District, its nice to have some onsite bars to enjoy since it is more of a residential neighborhood. Check out rates and availability here.
6. Audubon Cottages French Quarter
Audubon Cottagesis one of the best boutique hotels if you want a pool which you probably will if you visit in the summer. The pool is really its winning quality. Plus, it is a saltwater pool heated all year round, a dreamy setup for a post-sightseeing dip. Aside from its pool, Audubon Cottages has an onsite gym with a weights section and in-room spa services. It even has a generous drinks package, with complimentary daily replenishment in your room.
When it comes to rooms, (drum roll please) you choose between a king room and a two-bedroom cottage with self-catering facilities. The property is conveniently located in the French Quarter, which is dreamily just a short walk from Bourbon Street. Hence, a self-catered experience is perfect for extra freedom. You can explore at all hours without worrying about restaurant hours and set meal times. Check rates and availability now.
7. Roami at The Lola Arts Warehouse District
Roami at The Lolais one of the prettiest boutique hotels in New Orleans. This historic hotel is in the Arts District, which you can tell already from the pictures of its exposed brick walls. The industrial features are a wonderful ode to the buildings history and offer a nitty gritty aesthetic that begs to be snapped for the gram. Apart from its aesthetic, though, what caught our attention was the fact that Roami at The Lola is an apartment hotel. The property offers apartments that range from studios to humongous six-bedroom apartments. Its perfect for a group holiday.
Facility-wise, the apartments all have access to a communal terrace and a gym. Most apartment choices also offer free wifi and amenities like dishwashers and ovens. Check availability here.
8. Canal Street Inn Mid City
Canal Street Innis a bed and breakfast in the body of a boutique hotel. The property has undergone a special metamorphosis to achieve a blend of the two. It is the perfect option for a budget traveler. You have home comforts with boutique surroundings whats not to love? We are particularly drawn to the amount of antique furnishings and collectibles displayed throughout the property. Canal Street Inn feels like a little time capsule.
This hotel is actually in a neighborhood we didnt discuss, Mid-City. Mid-City is the platonic friend youve always wanted. It is easygoing and with close ties to lots of exciting things to do. Amenities and facilities include a common room, garden terrace, parlor room, and daily breakfast, including homemade biscuits. Rooms range from standard kings to duplex suites, too, so pay attention to which option you book. Check the availability of all rooms here.
9. Ashtons Bed and Breakfast Treme
Ashtons Bed and Breakfastis a stately, all-white painted detached building in the middle of Treme. As far as experiencing southern charm goes, youll love it at Ashtons. Because of its location and bed and breakfast status, it is one of the friendliest and most immersive New Orleans hotels. It serves a delicious buffet breakfast or a la carte options each morning. And guests also access a beautiful garden with a terrace fit for socializing.
The rooms are boldly painted in bright colors like blues and reds. We adore the traditional touches, and honestly, it is perfect for a laidback and comfortable stay in New Orleans. Some rooms even come with a spa bath. Check availability and rates today.
10. Roami at The Luzianne Arts and Warehouse District
If you want to stay in the Arts and Warehouse District,Roami at The Luzianneis one of the best boutique hotels in New Orleans. As per its neighborhood, the hotel has stayed true to its industrial roots, with exposed brick walls throughout the property. The overall interior design is a hybrid between sleek and modern. It has fresh white paint and shiny black furnishings, yet also sections of traditional red bricks. Honestly, the balance is beautiful. We love it, and we think you will too.
Just steps away from some of the best art galleries in New Orleans, Roami at The Luzianne is ideally located for the creative traveler. It has plenty of spacious apartments to keep you occupied indoors, too (it is an apartment-only hotel), with choices ranging from one-bedroom apartments to huge penthouses. Find out about rates and availability here.
11. International House Hotel
International House Hotelis a dreamy base in the middle of the chic Downtown area. The stylish hotel holds 4 well-deserved hospitality stars and glowing Booking.com reviews. Its interior design is a moody but bright aesthetic. It has plenty of fresh, crisp white features yet backlighting to give it a slightly edgy appeal. This hotel is cool, but it didnt need you to tell it that. We like the confidence it seems to strut.
You have world-class restaurants on your doorstep, just a short walk away, plus a bar on-site should you want a lazy evening. Downtown New Orleans is a brilliant place, with easy access to most of the citys attractions. Inside the hotel is a gym should you want to let your hair down with weights or cardio sessions. While if a more sedate health kick is on the cards, the full-service spa is a welcome addition to your itinerary.
The propertys rooms all adhere to the hotels black-and-white theme. Youll notice framed black and white artwork adorning the walls and even spectacular black furnishings like a grand piano in the executive suite. Room options begin at a spacious queen room and end with numerous luxe suite choices. Many rooms include balconies, which wed recommend splurging on for a view of New Orleans at night. Check rates and availability now.
12. The Frenchmen French Quarter
The Frenchmenis shock, you guessed it, in the French Quarter. This French Quarter hotel has an ultra-traditional exterior with blue-painted slatted wooden paneling and red-painted windows and shutters. You wont find it tricky to spot when you arrive. Its striking exterior is just part of its allure, though. The Frenchmen actually most comes into its own when you discover its facilities. The hotels outdoor pool and hot tub are major winners in our books. Its one of the few hotels in the city with a hot tub a rare attribute we deem worthy enough to recommend that you book ASAP. So keep that fun fact in mind if you are a spa day lover.
The Frenchmen is one of the best hotels if you want a distinctive aesthetic in the French Quarter. In terms of room choices, you can opt for a standard room or splash out on one of the suites. The Frenchmen 2-bedroom suite is the nicest, including a covered balcony, patio seating, and wrought black iron railings. Check out the rates and availability.
13. NOPSI Hotel New Orleans Central Business District
NOPSI Hotel New Orleansis easily one of the best boutique hotels in Downtown New Orleans. It has a year-round heated pool and sun terrace, which are rare qualities in New Orleans. Plus, it is the only pet-friendly boutique property in this guide a considerable brownie point. The 5-star property is the sort of hotel that goes the extra mile. You can find car rentals and bike rentals at the 24-hour reception desk. And theres an onsite fitness center and bar, whichever most take your fancy after a long day of sightseeing.
Rooms start at the standard king and go up to luxury terrace suites. The rooms with terraces come with jaw-dropping skyline views of New Orleans. Thanks to the downtown locale, you get skyscraper views. Even from the pool, you can admire the classic inner-city view of mismatched glassy buildings jutting up around you. NOPSI Hotel New Orleans is our top downtown recommendation. You will find rates and availability here.
14. MOXY New Orleans French Quarter / CBD
MOXY is fast becoming the most happening chain of boutique hotels. The hotel brand is renowned for its cool and bold sense of style, and its hotels are full of bright art and quirky furnishings.MOXY New Orleansis set between the Central Business District and the French Quarter call it the best of both worlds. Its location and the MOXY-typical atmosphere of this hotel are its most striking qualities.
Everything is onsite, from a fitness center to a bar and coffee shop. MOXY New Orleans is fantastic for the little details, like a 24-hour grab-and-go shop that sells all those essentials like toothpaste, sanitary towels, and daft things like padlocks. The hotel has a down-to-earth vibe. The unpretentious atmosphere is a beautiful choice when staying in fun-loving New Orleans. Book Now!
15. Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Monteleoneis New Orleans uber-luxurious boutique hotel. Forget your New Orleans bed and breakfast-type properties; Hotel Monteleone is a 4-star heaven on Earth. Everything is ornately decorated with the utmost extravagance. Theres a bar made of a gold-plated carousel, an onsite spa, and a heated rooftop pool. To indulge in your stay in New Orleans, definitely give Hotel Monteleone a go. It is one of the most extravagant examples of Southern hospitality in our guide.
Hotel Monteleone is situated in the iconic French Quarter. It is within walking distance from all the major attractions and the electric Bourbon Street. You can make the most of tired evenings by dining in the hotels restaurant, though, since it has an onsite restaurant serving criollo dishes. And room-wise, you have options that include multiple suite types.
16. One11 Hotel French Quarter
Ready for another French Quarter gem?One11 Hotelis a flashy 4-star boutique hotel with elegant rooms and what feels like a chandelier in every room. Despite its good looks, the feature that won us over in One11 Hotel is its large outdoor pool. Shielded from the busy French Quarter by high walls and set in a courtyard space, the pool is a welcome respite from the heat and chaos of New Orleans.
Amenities include an ATM (one of the handiest things a hotel can have), 24-hour reception, and a massive terrace with city views. If you fancy dining in, theres also a restaurant and bar onsite. Certain rooms have disability access and walk-in showers too, which you may wish to note. Find out the best rates now!
17. Hotel Villa Convento French Quarter
Hotel Villa Conventois one of the best boutique hotels in the historic French Quarter, which is saying something. The French Quarter has beautiful hotels and historical sites, but Hotel Villa Convento stands out for its unapologetically lavish interior. The amount of stonework and traditional dark wood gives the hotel a European vibe. And combined with wrought iron Parisian balconies, you could really close your eyes and imagine you were in Paris if Bourbon Street wasnt just a short walking distance away. We love the design and strong sense of character.
Rooms range from standard queens to king suites with balconies. From your balcony, you can bag either a street or courtyard view. Theres also a daily maid service for the utmost standard of hospitality. Find out current rates here.
18. Marsh Hotel Garden District
TheMarsh Hotelis a beautiful boutique hotel specializing in being eco-friendly and located smack bang in the middle of the Garden District. The unique building has a vast container-style extension and a rustic interior throughout. The Marsh Hotel is massively photogenic just the perfect base for an aesthetic boutique hotel in the Garden District. Its style and aesthetic are what impressed us. The sustainability focus is also a huge plus.
The Marsh Hotel is small, with an intimate, personal feel to its hospitality. Expect to be on a first-name basis with the staff. The room choices are divided between deluxe king rooms and double rooms; both are light and airy. Guests can also enjoy the onsite bar, coffee, and garden. Find out the best rates here.
Why Should You Choose a Boutique Hotel in New Orleans?
The caliber of boutique hotels in New Orleans is fabulous. Whether you want private terraces, a saltwater pool, or even southern antiques and a historic building, youll find an ideal match. Hopefully, youve got at least a few ideas after reading through our top 18 best hotels. New Orleans really suits the boutique hotel scene. Its outgoing and often quirky character allows the perfect creation of creative boutique experiences.
Would you like some extra inspiration about visiting New Orleans? Weve got a guide for the ultimate 3-day itinerary in New Orleans that you canread here. It covers all the essential things you justhaveto see and do. Enjoy your stay in one of the most exciting cities in the world, and we hope you love the boutique hotel of your choice.
