The Pontchartrain Hotel
What We Love
- A revamped, historic luxury hotel in the elegant Garden District, with a rooftop bar
- Being right next to the St. Charles streetcar that inspired A Streetcar Named Desire – written here
- Sipping a whiskey at the bar where the New Orleans Saints football franchise was christened
- Staying where Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra and the Doors all stayed
What To Know
- The Hot Tin rooftop bar is the place to be for happy hour sundowners
- Located along the streetcar route, so it's very easy to get around
Amenities
- Free WiFi
- Gym
- Handicap-accessible
- Parking On Site
- Pet-friendly
- Restaurant
Overview
The Lowdown
Stay among the who’s who in the bayou at Pontchartrain Hotel. This property’s past visitors include Frank Sinatra, The Doors, Rita Hayworth, presidents Gerald Ford and George H. W. Bush and most notably, Tennessee Williams; The playwright famously lived here while writing A Streetcar Named Desire, which was inspired by the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line just outside. Though the hotel underwent a massive renovation, the history still shines through in the cuisine, the cocktails, and the painstaking attention to design details. Just beyond the front door is the historic Garden District, while the French Quarter is a streetcar ride away. But within the hotel’s doors, an eclectic mix of deep-south and European influences come together in the cozy rooms, featuring romantic palettes and Moroccan rugs and antiques, while the building’s history and local culinary culture receive a fitting tribute in Hot Tin Rooftop bar. There’s also Bayou Bar, where the New Orleans Saints football franchise was christened, plus a café formerly patronized by local judges and tycoons. Who said you even need to take the streetcar to experience the Big Easy’s best? Simply hop on the Pontchartrain train – it’s all right here.
In the Area
In the heart of the historic Garden District, this boutique hotel puts you amid scores of elegant Victorian homes and just a streetcar ride from the action. Shop on Magazine Street or relocate to the French Quarter to check out the iconic dining, live music and buzzing nightlife scene. And learn about the city’s famous history and culture at spots like Artillery Park, the Cabildo (The Louisiana State Museum), and the St. Louis Cathedral.
How to Get There
Reviews
The Pontchartrain hotel is a beautiful historic building with comfortable rooms and an outstanding shower. The staff was very courteous and helpful. Almost everything you might need in a hotel.
Except coffee in the room. This was a huge disappointment to us. We are morning coffee people and I dont want to have to get dressed to have my coffee. I like to drink my first cup, at least, in quiet and possibly in my pajamas. So, we ordered a $16 pot of coffee from the coffee place that was in their building. It was delivered and $25 was the end cost (20% tip already added, I note this because if my cc hadn't notified me of the charge ahead of time, I would have tipped her). Maybe we could have dealt with that, but the coffee wasn't that good. It wasn't even $16 good, though we do like our coffee a bit on the strong side. 4 smallish cups equal a pot...in case you consider ordering a pot.
Granted, most hotel "in room coffee" isnt that great, unless they've moved to keurig. We've found that coffee bags help.
Having coffee in the room is a luxury we dont want to go without. It's why I give the hotel a 4 star.
This old hotel has so much Character. The rooms was large and had all the amenities we need with a prime location. The staff was so kind! The bed was perfect and the pillows awesome. Who cares if the windows were painted shut. I like the A/C. Check out the roof bar...SO cool!!
We were staying in NOLA for 2 nights prior to our cruise. We stayed at a hotel down St. Charles Street the first night, thinking we were booked for two, but were told we weren't so we had to find somewhere else to stay. I had noticed this place while we were riding the trolley and figured it would be way over our budget but called anyway. Come to find out it was only $30 more than we spent at the former hotel and it was MUCH nicer and clean! Worth every penny! They were very helpful and friendly, also had valet parking, which was great considering there isn't a lot of parking on the street. This is a great location, just walk out the door and grab the St. Charles trolley. The Hot Tin bar at the top of the hotel had an awesome balcony to look over the city at night, very beautiful. Planning on booking again for our cruise next year!
The hotel is at the edge of the Garden District and on the street car line. Lots of nice places to eat in the area and a great roof top bar. Hotel was built in the early 1900's and the room décor reflect that. Large rooms and great bed..
We stayed here for the weekend and loved it! So much character and luxury! The room was huge and had a wonderful view. Helpful staff. Great food/bar options. Loved the area and would definitely stay here again.