The hype
Travelers are blown away by the service and the lobby's grandeur, calling it the 'cleanest hotel in NOLA'.
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
$200-350/ night
Book this if You want the full 'Grande Dame' Southern luxury experience with a side of political history and the best Christmas lights in the South.
Why People Love It
- The legendary Sazerac Bar and its Paul Ninas murals
- The 'Waldorf Wonderland' lobby display during the holidays
- Rooftop pool that stays heated and open year-round
Quick Take: It's a stunning museum you can sleep in, but you'll pay dearly for parking and might stare at a brick wall if you don't upgrade your room.
Reviewed by @toyia_water: I spent a weekend here and felt like a total VIP. The rooftop pool at night was my favorite spot to unwind, and the lobby is just breathtaking. Definitely the spot for a glam NOLA trip.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
Sleep quality varies wildly—guests in the 'new wing' or lower floors report street noise and thin walls, while the 'old wing' is cited as a tomb-like sanctuary.
- You appreciate history and old-world glamour over modern minimalism
- You want a heated rooftop pool in January
- You are a Hilton Honors member (to waive the $14.95 wifi fee)
Cleanliness & Maintenance
9
- Housekeeping: Consistent and thorough; guests frequently cite it as the 'cleanest hotel in NOLA'.
- Bathroom hygiene: Immaculate, though bathrooms can be small. High-end Ferragamo toiletries.
- Maintenance: Excellent condition for a historic building; lobby is polished daily.
- Linens & towels: Crisp, high-thread-count linens; robes provided.
- Odors & scents: Signature Waldorf scent in lobby; no musty 'old building' smells reported.
Sleepability™
7.5SILENT
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Street noise (saxophones, sirens) on lower floors
- Thin walls in the 'new wing' connecting rooms
Before you book
Good to know
- The Sazerac Bar is iconic but gets packed; go mid-afternoon to actually get a seat.
- Wifi is ~$14.95/day unless you are a Hilton Honors member.
- The rooftop bar is seasonal, but the pool itself is open year-round.
What to pack
- Earplugs (just in case you get a street-facing room)
- Dress code appropriate attire (the hotel vibe is upscale, no flip-flops in the Sazerac)
Room Genie
Best picks
- King Superior in the 'Old Wing' for the best soundproofing
- Astoria Suites for actual living space
Rooms to avoid
- Standard King rooms on lower floors if you care about a view (you will likely see a wall)
- Rooms near the elevator banks in the main tower due to foot traffic
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am a light sleeper and would prefer a room in the 'Old Wing' or a high floor facing away from the street to minimize noise. A view is less important than quiet.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the pool heated?
Yes, the rooftop pool is heated and open year-round, though the bar service is seasonal.
How much is parking?
Valet is approximately $64/night with in/out privileges. There is no self-parking on-site.
Is it pet friendly?
Yes, but it's steep: a $175 non-refundable fee per stay.
How close is the French Quarter?
It's about a 5-minute walk across Canal Street—close enough to visit, far enough to sleep.
Does the hotel have a resort fee?
No explicit 'resort fee', but wifi is charged separately ($14.95) for non-members.
What is the best restaurant inside?
Domenica is widely considered one of the best Italian spots in the city, famous for its roasted cauliflower and wood-fired pizzas.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Skip the hotel breakfast and walk 2 minutes to Cleo's Mediterranean—it's inside a convenience store but serves incredible food 24/7.
- ✨
The 'Blue Room' hosts a 'Storming of the Sazerac' lunch every September to honor the day women were allowed in the bar.
- ✨
You can order the famous Domenica pizza to your room via room service.
5 things to know before you go
💡The 'internal view' rooms literally face a brick wall 5 feet away—it's dark even at noon.
💡Cleo's Mediterranean Cuisine next door is a 24/7 convenience store with 5-star kebab and falafel.
💡The 'Old Wing' rooms have significantly thicker walls than the newer additions.
💡The lobby clock is a popular meeting spot, but the real history is the bullet hole in the wall from the Huey P. Long era (ask a concierge to point it out).
💡You can access the rooftop pool even if you aren't swimming just to get a great view of the city skyline.
Local Playbook
Map
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