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
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!
I really enjoyed my stay at this hotel! To start with the room was fantastically decorated and completely comfortable. I love when temperature can be controlled perfectly, bed is comfortable, storage is generous and bathroom really great. Also like mini fridge for water. The coffee shop was great but particularly loved the Hot Tin rooftop bar with great drinks and views. Food at Bayou Bar was not good.
Recently stayed here for a few days with my husband. We LOVED it! Beautiful and historic property; very spacious room; comfortable bed; AND right by a stop on the St. Charles Streetcar line. Plus, helpful and friendly employees throughout - a special shout out to Jerry at the Front Desk and the girls at the Front Desk on the day shift (sorry I didn't get their names). We ate and had drinks in the Bayou Bar - great burgers, drinks, and good conversation from the bartenders! We also had drinks in Hot Tin - it was a fairly warm night and we enjoyed the outdoor balcony. Forget staying in the craziness of the French Quarter. This the place to stay in New Orleans!
I recently stayed for four nights at The Pontchartrain Hotel. The staff was warm, welcoming, and helpful. The location is unbeatable - in The Garden District. It's about a mile from all the madness of the French Quarter which is great because you can get to the quarter easily and quickly but can escape when it's bedtime.