Top 15 Cool And Unusual Hotels In New Orleans

To match the city’s incredible spirit, New Orleans is also home to a collection of faboulsly unique places to stay. From intimate boutiques to large party hotels, here are my favorite spots in the city…

1. NOPSI

I loved the location of this place! Here you can explore the city’s heritage and culture. walk to the French Quarter, visit Jackson Square, or revel on Bourbon Street. I thought the design was exquisite (and I don’t say that lightly!). It boasts 217 high-design guestrooms and suites with high ceilings, grand windows, plush bedding and lavish marble bathrooms. 

I would recommend savoring modern cuisine with local flair at the on-site restaurant with a cozy bar and lounge. Also head to the rooftop pool for fun and sipping on gin-based drinks while watching live music and discovering the onsite yoga classes, movie nights, and DJ parties! 

2. The Saint Hotel

Located near the lively Bourbon Street, I liked that this hotel was based so it’s easy to explore the French Quarter’s gems, including Jackson Square, Hermann-Grima House, and the National WWII Museum.

I liked the playful theme of saints and sinners, which was a striking blend of white and red hues as well as impressive features like a grand piano, an elegant chandelier, and an angel wing sculpture. My room was equally impressive with sleek furnishings, plush bedding, and a marble bathroom. I thought that being able to choose from angelic guest rooms or devilish suites was a cute feature too!

I would highly recommend trying the delectable Louisiana cuisine at Tempt the onsite restaurant, unwinding at Burgundy Bar, with craft cocktails and live jazz music, trying out the fitness center and indulge in pampering at the spa! Additional amenities such as room service, valet parking, and concierge assistance. 

3. Virgin Hotel

I loved that this place had a stylish design and lively vibe! Located in the vibrant Warehouse District, it’s close to attractions like the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and the Contemporary Arts Center and only a walk to the lively French Quarter. 

It offers around 230 spacious rooms called “chambers” Each chamber boasts a dressing room with a vanity and a sleeping lounge with a bed and sofa, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and Nespresso machines.

I would recommend trying the cocktails at the Commons Club, the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Unwinding at the rooftop pool with amazing city skyline views. Find coffee, snacks, and a collection of books and games at the Funny Library Coffee Shop. I thought the luxury onsite spa was lush too! 

4. Hotel Peter and Paul

I thought this was a charming and romantic boutique which dates back to 1860. Apparently it was once a schoolhouse, rectory, church, and convent and I loved how each building retains its original features and character! 

Situated in the lively Faubourg Marigny district, it offered easy access to the vibrant Frenchmen Street for jazz and the picturesque Crescent Park for river views. Nearby attractions include the New Orleans Jazz Museum and the French Market.

The spacious rooms came with antique furnishings, bespoke fabrics, and local artwork, reflecting the unique history of each building. I would also recommend checking out The Elysian Bar, the cozy courtyard restaurant and bar, and Sundae Best for delectable ice cream including a tasty vegan version, and The Parlor for relaxation with books and games! 

5. Moxy Hotel

I personally think this is a great vibrant and budget-friendly choice perfectly situated in the heart of the action. It’s located in the bustling Central Business District, offering easy access to attractions including the French Quarter and the iconic Bourbon Street.

It boasts an industrial-chic design perfect for Instagrammers and the 24/7 open bar serves as the hotel’s social hub, offering drinks, snacks, games, and fun-filled moments. I’d highly recommend the fun cocktail bar, the restaurant and the café which serves up treats and coffee.

My room combined style and functionality and features a comfy bed, a smart TV, and free Wi-Fi, and I thought it was a great idea to be able to choose from various sizes and views to suit your taste and budget. There was also a modern gym and a lounge/library with captivating reading materials and music.

• To book, check prices or availability for the Moxy Hotel

6. The Eliza Jane

Once a printing house and a bitters factory, I thought this place exudes history with vintage decor and preserved elements such as a grand staircase and a cozy fireplace. It also has a fabulous location near the French Quarter.

My room was chic and elegant and mixed modern comforts with historical charm with a rich color schemes, eclectic furniture, and brass fixtures. It had a plush bed, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. 

I would recommend trying the delectable French classics amidst a picturesque courtyard setting at Couvant, the hotel’s French restaurant. Alternatively, unwind at The Press Room Bar, where craft cocktails and delightful coffee concoctions are served in a chic atmosphere. I also spent a lot of time in the fitness room (get me!) and the lush spa of course! 

• To book, check prices or availability for The Eliza Jane

7. W Hotel

This upscale hotel is part of the W hotel group and they’re known for their stylish design and playful atmosphere. Located near Bourbon Street, Royal Street, and Jackson Square, it offers easy access to the city’s lively attractions and the scenic Mississippi River.

It boasted a chic artsy ambiance, with modern fittings and tech-friendly amenities. My favorite features were the lobby’s stunning spiral staircase, crystal chandelier, and cozy fireplace. The spacious rooms featured comfortable beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and minibars. Choose from various sizes and views, with some rooms offering private balconies and hot tubs lit by chandeliers! 

I would suggest trying the creative dishes and drinks at SoBou restaurant, relaxing by the courtyard pool inspired by the French Riviera, and trying out the state-of-the-art fitness center! 

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel

8. Ace Hotel

I thought this music-themed boutique located in the trendy Warehouse District of New Orleans really stood out from the crowd. It also had a great central location near the National WWII Museum and the vibrant French Quarter.

It had a hipster-friendly minimalist style infused with Southern charm and I thought it had a lounge club kind of vibe. Stand-out highlights for me included the retro photo booth, the record store, and the fun live music venue! 

My room featured bespoke bed linens, handcrafted furnishings and quirky touches such as a turntable and acoustic guitars. Some rooms featured charming terraces and wet bars.

I recommend trying the chic onsite restaurant Josephine Estelle which served up traditional American dishes and desserts. The buzzing bar stayed open late, offering craft cocktails and beers. For a refreshing pick-me-up, I would suggest Stumptown Coffee or even the modern 24-hour gym! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel

9. Maison de la Luz

For a striking boutique experience, I would recommend choosing Maison de la Luz! This exquisite boutique hotel, part of the Atelier Ace group, offers a vintage-chic style with old-world charm and Southern allure. 

Located in the heart of the city, it’s close to attractions like Lafayette Square and the French Quarter. I personally think it stands out with its art, antiques, and curiosities, creating an inspiring and a chic vibe. I loved the grand staircase, crystal chandelier, and original fireplace. My rooms was uniquely designed and came with bespoke bed linens and handcrafted furnishings.

I would recommend dining at Bar Marilou, the chic restaurant and bar serving French dishes in a glamorous setting or relaxing at the private guest lounge, offering books, games, and snacks.

10. Troubadour Hotel

I thought this was a great choice and I especially loved the views here! Located in the Central Business District, it had easy access to attractions like the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and the soulful French Quarter.

The lobby was adorned with a mesmerizing jazz musician mural, a neon sign, and a vintage record player and my room featured modern comforts, cozy furnishings, and local artwork.

Jayne, the chic bistro offered up delicious dishes and drinks in an elegant setting but my favorite was the rooftop Monkey Board, where regular DJ performances and breathtaking city views await! 

11. The ONE11 Hotel

Nestled in the historic French Quarter this beckons with proximity to Woldenberg Park, Bourbon Street’s allure, the captivating Jackson Square and the Mississippi River!

I would say the interiors were modern chic with a storied charm which celebrated the building’s legacy as an old warehouse. Cypress wood pillars, exposed brick walls, large windows, and iron beams unite the past and present, as the lobby charms with a spiral staircase, crystal chandelier, and cozy fireplace.

My spacious room mixed contemporary flair with soothing palettes and natural touches with a plush bed, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and quirky artwork.

I would suggest trying the Creole-infused bites at Batture Bistro & Bar and then lounging by the lush lap pool, graced with a terrace embracing river and French Quarter views! 

12. Kimpton Fontenot

This 5-star boutique gem is located near the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, Smoothie King Center, Lafayette Square and the French Quarter. My room featured clean lines, woven cane headboards, city views, a luxury plush bed, flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a minibar. Some rooms had balconies or terraces.

The onsite restaurant Fontenot embraces chic French and Southern flair and I would suggest visiting the special Peacock Room, where peacock blue hues, velvet furnishings, and chandeliers combine to offer a wonderful vibe as well as great cocktails, treats, and soul-stirring live music!  Atlternatively Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, a whimsical cafe, invites you to savor coffee or eats paired with tantalizing shots! 

13. The Natchez

The Natchez is just steps away from the French Quarter’s wild wonders. From Bourbon Street’s revelry to Royal Street’s charm and Jackson Square’s enchantment, you’ll be in the heart of it all, with the majestic Mississippi River by your side! 

It offers chic 2, 3, and 4-bedroom suites, tailor-made for tribe adventures with a mix of retro and modern marvels. I loved the brick walls which shared stories of the past, polished wooden floors and high-tech conveniences too. The lobby boasts a vintage jukebox, a neon sign radiating vibrant vibes, and a record player as well – bonus!

Also onsite was a heated pool, hot tubs, a sundeck, room service, valet parking, and a thoughtful concierge.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Natchez 

14. The Higgins Hotel

Located in the vibrant Warehouse District I thought this stylish hotel deserved a place on the list. It had an art-deco lobby which transported to a bygone era and I loved that it showcased a small WWII museum, complete with historic photos and memorabilia.

My room offered a sophisticated ambience, blending classic luxury with modern amenities such as plush beds, a balcony, a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, and a well-stocked minibar.

Culinary delights await at Café Normandie, the hotel’s restaurant offering French-influenced cuisine in an elegant setting. For a taste of the high life, I would suggest heading to Rosie’s on the Roof, the chic rooftop bar serving up delicious cocktails, small bites, and breathtaking vistas of the city skyline.

15. Audubon Cottages

In my opinion, this place is utterly charming! This 18th Century Creole Inn mixed historic-chic with modern amenities to create a seriously dreamy place! You can choose from the seven historic cottages, take a wander in the secret garden’s lush greenery, take a dip in the outdoor saltwater swimming pool and laze around in the cabanas.

Naturalist John James Audubon, who once lived and worked in one of these early 19th-century cottages and they still have original features like fireplaces, hardwood floors, and French doors which I thought delightfully preserved the inn’s character. I also loved the cozy lobby complete with a fireplace, piano, and library.

Each cottage came with plush beds, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars and some antiques too! Some cottages boast balconies overlooking the serene courtyard and pool. Personal butler service attends to your needs and there’s a daily complimentary breakfast too! 

Becky Moore – Owner, writer and photographer

My first true adventure began as a six-month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh-faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi-nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in the warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds, and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my ex-Athens street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Borneo, Finland, Greece, Berlin, Laos, California and the surreal and beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.

Hotel Reviewing Experience – published hotel review in the 52 Sleeps Book organised by Laterooms.com and Lonely Planet. Asked by over 12 tourist boards and many high-profile travel brands to formally review hotels including Germany Tourist Board, Canada Tourist Board, Eviivo, France.fr, Visitoostende.be, Live Riga and Queensland Tourist Board. Also travelled around the world scouting out and reviewing all the most unique hotels in the world, check out our Instagram page for photos.

I’ve also been quoted in Forbes, National Geographic, The Times, LA Weekly, Yahoo Travel, Huffington Post, Business Insider, Thrillist, British Airways Magazine, Entrepreneur, Daily Express, Wanderlust, Telegraph Travel, Daily Mail and Metro. Winner of Travel Blog of the Year. Find me on Linkedin or Facebook.