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
This is, I believe, the fourth time that I've stayed at The Pontchartrain Hotel and it is always a feel good experience. It is old, historic and located on beautiful St. Charles in the Garden District. The staff at the hotel is superb, beginning with the young guys at the door who open the Front door with a welcoming smile. The girls at the reception complement the always funny and welcoming Jerry. They are always helpful and in a good mood. The hotel encompasses everything that the city of New Orleans represents. A welcoming, fun place that upon departure leaves me with the thought of looking forward to my next visit. The view of the city from the rooftop bar is unique.
We came to NOLA for the Fleetwood Mac concert. My husband spoke with Brittany and she gave us a wonderful room with a city view and made a great suggestion for Valentine flowers. The hotel is in the Garden District and just a short ride or walk to favorite tourist attractions and restaurants. We loved the rooftop bar and it was nice to come back to after an evening out. The restaurants and bars at the hotel are nice with a friendly staff. We really enjoyed a late night burger in the Living Room. Be sure to take your photo with the portrait of Little Wayne (evidently a big thing with the young ladies on Instagram!) Spacious rooms with a mini bar, bath robes, and toiletries. We would definitely stay here again. It would be an awesome place to stay for the big Mardi Gras parades! FYI...we found Lyft much more accommodating than Uber in NOLA!
This was my first time visiting NOLA. I loved this hotel. It has so much character. It’s gorgeous inside. I stayed in the Clio King room which was lovely. Very comfortable bed. Large bathroom. Very nice toiletries for your use. Mini bar in room with beverages and snacks. I had a bite to eat and drink at the Bayou Bar. Great vibe there! Live music each night. You must check out Hot Tin. The view is amazing. I had coffee and breakfast at The Silver Whistle Cafe. Amazing! Try the ham and cheese biscuit! This hotel is in a nice, quiet location. Short ride to the French Quarter. When I go back, I’m staying here!
Really enjoyed our 4 night stay here. A wonderfully restored historic hotel with real character that has a great location- easy walk to Magazine St and right on the St. Charles streetcar line to the French Quarter. Helpful and friendly staff can point you to whatever interests you. And be sure the check out the spectacular views from the rooftop bar.
Stayed in the Thalia Family Suite with my family of 4. The suite is a great value compared with getting two separate rooms. Very comfortable beds in spacious rooms. The only caveat with the Thalia suite is there is only one bathroom. But that's a small issue for the value this suite provides. Highly recommended.
My husband and I spent 2 wonderful nights at the Ponchatrain Hotel. Every staff member went out of the way to make us feel welcome and ensure our needs were met. They surprised me with a birthday card and bottle of wine sent up the room in honor of my 40th birthday. The rooms and common gathering areas had small details that added a lot of character to the overall personality of the hotel. The roof top bar serves up delicious cocktails with an amazing nighttime view of the city. A great place to unwind!