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 were greeted by Jade and Sierra. Jade of which checked us in. She was charismatic and welcoming. She was very insightful on the outlets of hotel and they both suggested great local spots to eat which we enjoyed. You really don’t have to leave the hotel, they have a restaurant and two bars. Which the rooftop has one of the best views of the city you could ask for. Joshua in valet was nice and accommodating every time we encountered him.
Looking forward to booking a future stay with you guys!
My daughter and I stayed for a night while she was participating in an event across the street at The Eiffel Society. The staff, Jerry, the valets and bartenders, were all very welcoming. I had not been to the Pontchartrain since the renovations and they have done a fantastic job. Looking forward to coming back in February with my husband for our 25th anniversary.
Location and its recent upgrade make this hotel ideal. It's comfortable and spacious with plenty of charm. No gym, but close to plenty of places to enjoy a good stroll. The staff is excellent. Jerry at the front desk was friendly, helpful and dapper as ever.
Ariel was having a typical Tuesday night. My mom wanted a Coke so bad. We called the front desk and room service was over. Ariel went to get my mom a coke. She called and asked “bottle or can?” You can’t ask for much more than that. I will name my first child after Ariel to say the least.
We had a lovely corner room/view for our wedding festivities. We had a corner room on the 8th floor. We enjoyed the room as well as the roof-top bar. Lots of fun going on all around us all weekend. I was worried about the noise as I'm a light sleeper, but I guess our room was high enough and the noise wasn't a problem. This Garden District hotel is lovely and full of NO charm! I would definitely stay here again.