New Orleans Hotels

Our Top Boutique Hotel Picks in and Around New Orleans

Handpicked by those who know the city best.

There’s no place in the world quite like New Orleans—a city that lives and breathes history, romance, fascinating culture—not to mention fun. But to truly experience this city’s soul, where you stay matters just as much as where you eat or explore. Skip the big-box hotels and let our team point you toward something more intimate, more atmospheric, more New Orleans.

We’ve put our heads together to create a list of boutique hotels we recommend to our visiting friends and family. Each one offers that ideal mix of historic charm, modern comfort, and cultural immersion that makes a stay feel less like a visit, and more like you’re living in the rhythm of the city.

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  Hotel Provincial

  Chartres Street, French Quarter

  Hotel Provincial is one of those gems that balances history, hospitality, and location to perfection. Tucked into a quiet stretch of the French Quarter just steps from the Mississippi River and the French Market, this family-owned hotel is a beautiful blend of 18th-century charm and Southern comfort. 

  With its stunning decor and hidden courtyards, you feel like you’re stepping back in time—yet you’ll still find modern comforts. Locals love that the Provincial has a genuinely relaxed, welcoming vibe—far from the big-chain bustle. Learn more and book.

• 

  Melrose Mansion

  Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans

  Melrose Mansion is a favorite among locals who want to impress out-of-town guests with something both refined and romantic. Situated on stately Esplanade Avenue near the edge of the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny, this beautifully restored Victorian mansion has just a handful of rooms, each uniquely styled with antique accents and luxurious modern touches like spa tubs and marble bathrooms.

  It’s perfect for travelers who want an elegant home base without the tourist crowds. 

  The location is ideal—close enough to walk to Frenchmen Street’s jazz clubs and the Quarter’s architecture and history, but in a part of town that feels more like a real New Orleans neighborhood. There’s a quiet pool in the back, and the front porch is made for evening cocktails under the oaks. Learn more and book.

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  Hotel Villa Convento

  Ursulines Street, French Quarter

  If you’re after atmosphere and authenticity, Hotel Villa Convento is the place. This modest, family-run hotel has stood on Ursulines Street since the 1830s and is often called “The House of the Rising Sun,” thanks to local lore (and a certain song). It’s not glitzy or overdone—it’s all about old-school French Quarter charm: balconies overlooking the street, creaky wooden staircases, cozy courtyards, and stories in the walls. What we locals love is how it feels like you’re staying in someone’s home, not a commercial hotel.

  The location is stellar—close to Royal Street, Jackson Square, and all the Quarter’s energy, but just far enough to get a quiet night’s sleep. It’s affordable, memorable, and the kind of place that makes you fall in love with New Orleans all over again. Learn more and book.

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  Chateau LeMoyne

  Dauphine Street, French Quarter

  Chateau LeMoyne-French Quarter has that perfect blend of history and charm. You feel the old-world character in the courtyard and architecture, but the rooms have all the comfort and modern touches you want after a day exploring. It’s close enough to the energy of Bourbon Street that you can stroll over in minutes, but just far enough away that you can actually get a good night’s sleep. What really makes it special, though, is the atmosphere. The courtyard feels like a hidden oasis with its saltwater pool. A family of turtles has their own little home here. Stop by and stay hello. 

  There’s a warmth to Chateau LeMoyne that feels genuinely New Orleans—laid-back and welcoming. The concierge there, Mr. Eddie, is a wonderful storyteller, and will give you lots of ideas on where to go and what to eat while you’re in town. It’s the little things, like a free drink station with flavored waters in the lobby, that’ll make you want to go Chateau. Learn more and book.

• 

  The Inn at Houmas House

  Darrow, Louisiana (about an hour from New Orleans)

  Looking to go beyond the city and immerse yourself in plantation history and lush Louisiana landscapes? The Inn at Houmas House, located just upriver in Darrow, is an unforgettable step back in time. The cottages here are scattered throughout the stunning grounds of Houmas House Estate & Gardens, offering privacy, luxury, and incredible scenery under the ancient live oaks.

  While it’s technically outside New Orleans, we locals see it as a perfect complement to a trip to the city. After a few days of music and nightlife, this is where you can slow down, sip a mint julep, and absorb history. The on-site restaurants are excellent and the gardens are world-class. For a romantic weekend or cultural deep-dive, Houmas House is a must. Learn more and book.

Our Final Thoughts.

Each of these places gives you something unique—whether it’s the faded grandeur of a French Quarter inn, the gentility of a Garden District mansion, or the historic beauty of plantation country. What ties them all together is that they’re intimate, rich with character, and rooted in the real New Orleans and its surrounding culture.

These are places where you don’t just visit—you belong, if only for a few magical nights.

More Hotels We Recommend

For more options, visit NewOrleansHotels.com, another website run by locals who only recommend places they can vouch for personally.