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
We stayed at The Pontchartrain Hotel for a wedding last weekend. It was our first time and we loved everything about it! Great location on St. Charles Avenue. The service was great! All of the employees were very friendly, helpful and accommodating especially one of the valets, Joshua, who went out of his way to walk me to my valet parked car so I could get a couple of things out of it that we forgot. He was so nice and friendly. The staff was very welcoming and made us feel special. Love the decor!! The hotel is gorgeous! We will definitely be back.
If you take this hotel for what it is - an older hotel that’s been cleaned up - you’ll love it. If you expect it to have all of the things you’ll find in more modern hotels - like a fitness center or the ability to use your phone as a room key - you’re out of luck.
However, it’s a charming place with great service. All three of the bars/restaurants (reviewed separately) had amazing food - possibly the best breakfasts I’ve ever had.
The location is wonderful - right in the middle of the garden district, with plenty of stuff to do and see within walking distance or on the trolley, which stops right out front.
The room was smallish, but the bathroom was quite spacious and well appointed. The wifi was passable and (if this even matters) the TV reception and selection of channels was great.
We had an amazing time! So charming and lovely. The room was beautiful with a great view and nice modern bathroom. Great food, service, ambience, history, and location! Also loved Jack rose, hot tin roof bar, and silver whistle cafe. Great drinks and amazing food! Perfect location- loved being able to walk to magazine street restaurants and vintage shops. And amazing view from our room on the 11th floor. Love the view of the Eiffel Tower society across the street. We even did the love locks- left a lock on the gate. Thanks for a wonderful trip!
I was expecting a lot more. The Pontchartrain Hotel was traditionally one of the nicer hotels in New Orleans and much ado has been made of the recent renovation.
The lobby is very nice, and I didn't make it to the rooftop bar. I assume they ran out of money before getting to the elevators, hallways and guest room. The paint was peeling in multiple places, the carpet was old, and the guest rooms outdated. (The bathroom in the room was elegant). The lock on the guest room door was an old school keyed lock, and I had to fiddle with it for a minute or so to get it to open.
I received a six a.m. call instead of the six-thirty that I had requested.
With the old carpet and the peeling paint, it felt a little dingy.
Parking is $35/night.
And given the neighborhood, I probably wouldn't walk more than a block away after dark.
We booked three nights here for a stay in April 2019. Our room faced the downtown skyline on the 9th floor. Very, very comfortable and elegantly furnished space. The photos on their website were quite accurate. The upstairs bar has a pretty view, although the drinks are not cheap. The Sliver Whistle Cafe downstairs is very nice and worth a visit. I love their large, cartoonish artwork. I can also suggest Avenue Cafe a block or two towards downtown as a breakfast alternative. The hotel staff was super friendly. I hope to have the chance to stay here again someday.