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 hotel was beautiful! The rooms were very nice, and it is located right in front of the St. Charles Ave. Streetcar stop. Very convenient. The restaurants inside the hotel were also very good. I would absolutely stay here again.
Finally a hotel with a lot a character, beautiful design retaining the Old World charm with all the modern amenities! Large room with the most comfortable beds! Loved these pink bathrobes! So many room type options for families. The Hot Tin rooftop bar offer the best view of the city: can't decide if I like it better at sunset or at night. Best breakfast in the Silver Whistle! But what made our stay so great is the service and the staff from the moment you enter to hotel until the check out, it will be hard to beat this stay!
Vacation at it's best. This hotel is a must stay with all its NOLA character. Cannot thank Jerry enough for his hospitality as he was instrumental with our stay. He provided us with outstanding service and even provided some great suggestions of places to visit.
What a delightful hotel! The family suite (Thalia), the staff, the ambience, the location....all wonderful! I was there with my 3 adult daughters for a long weekend to enjoy being together and to take them on a sentimental journey with me as I revisited my college days there 50 years ago. It was so very New Orleans; laid back, charming, elegant, and so very very welcoming. The easy availability of the streetcar just added to the fun and convenience. We will be back!
Margaret
Summerville, SC
We were last at the Ponchartrain about twenty years ago, when the Mile High Pie was served at the Caribbean Room! The Caribbean Room no longer exists, but we got the same pie at the Jack Rose off the lobby. We were in town for a wedding and had a spacious one bedroom suite and a double room. The staff was exceptionally welcoming and very helpful. Also, the views from the Tin Top roof bar are fantastic! Highly recommended!