The hype
Travelers worship the location and the lobby's grandeur but often feel cramped in the standard rooms.
Hotel Monteleone
$180-350/ night
Book this if You want the quintessential 'Grand Dame' New Orleans experience where the lobby feels like a movie set and the bar actually spins.
Why People Love It
- The world-famous Carousel Bar is literally inside the lobby
- Perfect location on Royal Street—close to the chaos but not sleeping in it
- Heated rooftop pool with year-round views of the Mississippi River
Quick Take: A stunning historic landmark that trades modern room dimensions for old-world charm and a faint scent of yesteryear.
Reviewed by @theandreaandrade: I stayed here with my dog and was blown away. The rooftop pool is stunning, but the real highlight was the branded treats they gave my pup! The suite was huge and the lobby is breathtaking. It’s the perfect spot for a luxe trip without leaving your best friend behind.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
You are paying for the address and the history, not for a spacious bathroom or cutting-edge technology in the base-tier rooms.
- You appreciate literary history (Hemingway, Faulkner stayed here)
- You want a heated rooftop pool open year-round
- You plan to spend more time exploring the Quarter than sitting in your room
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Daily service is reliable and staff are praised, but they battle the dust of a century-old building.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean but dated in standard rooms; grout lines show age. Renovated rooms are sparkling.
- Maintenance: Generally good, but expect creaky floors, peeling paint on exterior windows, and occasional AC rattles.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens that feel fresh.
- Odors & scents: A persistent, subtle musty odor in hallways and older rooms—the 'scent of history.'
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street performers and sirens on Royal Street
- Hallway noise due to older door gaps
- Elevator dings if you are assigned a room near the lift
Before you book
Good to know
- The '14th Floor' is actually the 13th floor (superstition quirk) and is rumored to be haunted.
- There is no mandatory resort fee, but amenities like the gym and pool are included.
- The pool is heated and open year-round, a rarity for the area.
What to pack
- Earplugs for street noise
- A hanging toiletry bag (zero counter space in standard bathrooms)
- Swimsuit for the heated rooftop pool
Room Genie
Best picks
- Iberville Tower rooms (fully renovated, marble baths, rain showers)
- Interior rooms (no view) if you require absolute darkness and silence
- Literary Suites for a splurge with actual living space
Rooms to avoid
- Standard Traditional King rooms near the elevator
- Lower floor rooms facing Royal Street (unless you enjoy 4 AM street noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I would love to request a room in the renovated Iberville Tower, preferably on a high floor away from the elevator to minimize noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the Carousel Bar really worth the hype?
Yes, for one drink. It spins once every 15 minutes. Go at 11 AM when it opens to grab a seat without hovering.
Does the hotel have a resort fee?
No, there is no mandatory daily resort fee, though valet and pet fees are high.
Is the pool open in winter?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated and open year-round from 6 AM to 10 PM.
Are the rooms haunted?
Legend says yes, specifically the 14th floor (actually the 13th) and the 'Maurice' ghost room.
How bad is the parking situation?
Valet is expensive (~$54+ tax) but highly recommended as street parking is non-existent and nearby garages are sketchy.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes, for a $100 non-refundable cleaning fee plus $25/night. They get a mat and bowls.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Iberville Tower guests sometimes get priority or early access to the Carousel Bar—ask the concierge.
- ✨
The gym on the roof has one of the best views of the Mississippi River in the entire city.
- ✨
Use the Bienville Street entrance for easier luggage loading/unloading away from Royal Street traffic.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'Traditional' rooms are shockingly small—barely enough room to open a large suitcase.
💡The 'old hotel smell' is real; it's a mix of history, humidity, and carpet.
💡You can hear your neighbors in the hallway clearly through the vintage doors.
💡The rooftop pool bar (Acqua Bella) closes early (around 6 PM in off-peak seasons).
💡The 14th floor is technically the 13th floor, which they skipped numbering due to superstition.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Hotel Monteleone is located and what's nearby.