Our Experience at NOLA’s Hotel Monteleone

This year, my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary. We came up with many ways to commemorate the event, but decided we would love to play tourist in our own hometown and have a romantic “Staycation!”  My husband and I both are New Orleans natives and know that there is definitely no shortage of historic hotels, delicious restaurants and toe-tapping music in this City.  Fortunately, the people at the Hotel Monteleone, a pet friendly, AAA Four Diamond Award winning hotel located directly in the French Quarter,  invited us to stay at their hotel and enjoy all of the wonderful things their hotel has to offer.

Background

Opening in 1886 with only 64 rooms, the hotel has since expanded to include 600 guestrooms and 5 suites as well as a spa, bar, restaurant and sky terrace with pool and jacuzzi.  Located on Royal and Iberville Streets, the Hotel Monteleone is the largest hotel in the French Quarter and remains one of the last family owned and operated hotels in the entire City.  The hotel is only eleven miles from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) and within walking distance of some incredible restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and the famous Bourbon Street.  The Hotel Monteleone is not without it’s celebrity accolades!  Many stars have stayed at the hotel including Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemmingway and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.

The hotel’s website boasts that their “guests don’t want to leave….and some never do.”  The Hotel Monteleone appears on many lists as one of New Orleans’ most haunted hotels.  In 2003, the International Society of Paranormal Research was able to establish contact with over a dozen spirits living at the hotel including several former employees and children who like to play hide and seek.  Boo!

Our Experience

My husband and I have walked past the Hotel Monteleone many, many times.  I have always admired the beautiful architecture and we have even gone in to admire the very unique carousel bar.  So, when we were given the opportunity to celebrate our 10th Anniversary in a guest suite, we could not wait!

Finding the hotel is very easy and valet parking is available for your convenience (as parking can be quite difficult in the French Quarter).  When we arrived, our room was waiting for us and we were given a key which also included a pull out map of the French Quarter.  Walking into our suite, we were both speechless!  The King size bed looked so comfy (the thought of a nap without kids sounded divine!) and the jacuzzi tub was incredibly inviting.  Our suite had two flat panel televisions, internet access, a chair with loveseat and one and a half bathrooms.  Our particular suite looked out onto Royal Street.

The staff was very friendly and even offered to take our picture on our way out to dinner.  We both loved that we had so many fabulous places to eat within walking distance of the hotel…it was really hard to choose where to go!  So, we picked two.  After dinner and dessert, we strolled hand-in-hand down Bourbon Street listening to the music in the air and just enjoying being together.  Back at the hotel, we were greeted with sparkling water and chocolate covered strawberries!

Outside our window, we were able to watch a street performing group and a second line celebrating a local wedding.  While we really enjoyed seeing the sights of Royal Street, if you are looking for a quiet room, I would suggest asking for one on a higher floor (we were on the 3rd floor) or one located away from Royal Street.  And my husband is also sad to report that we did not see any ghosts (although I am thrilled!).

Take a look at our pictures: