Chateau Hotel

The Chateau Hotel is what many people are likely picturing when they think of classic New Orleans architecture -- a genteel southern mansion with a beautiful wraparound porch and wrought iron balconies. Dating from the 18th century, the gorgeous building dominates a corner in a scenic part of the French Quarter where walking tours routinely stop for prime photo ops. The hotel actually occupies a couple other buildings on the block as well, though guests would never know it just by walking past.Hidden behind the buildings is a large, serene courtyard oasis that feels worlds away from the busy streets just out front. Solo adults, couples, families, and groups gather at the beautiful courtyard pool and lounge areas throughout the day, enjoying a chance to take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life. The vibe is generally quiet and relaxing -- people seem to just purely be enjoying vacation.

The Chateau Hotel enjoys a prime location in the historic French Quarter, making it an ideal spot for those who want to explore the vibrant neighborhood on foot. Many of the Quarter’s top attractions are within a five-minute walk, including St. Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, and the French Market, as well as famous eateries like Cafe du Monde and Central Deli and Grocery. The quieter end of Bourbon Street is just two blocks (a three-minute walk) away. It’s about a 17-minute walk to Canal Street, where guests can catch the city’s famous streetcar to visit the Garden District (a 20-minute ride). Alternatively, the Garden District is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 35 minutes from the hotel by car or taxi. 

Decorated primarily in gold and other warm tones, with striped carpets and classic wood furnishings, the rooms at the Chateau Hotel are cozy and comfortable, but can feel a bit dated. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers. Most of the rooms also include mini-fridges (or they can be provided on request if the room lacks one). The bathrooms are relatively small but clean, offering walk-in showers, hairdryers, and New Orleans Collection toiletries.As with many old buildings, the room sizes and layouts tend to vary widely. At the entry level are the aptly named Petite Rooms, which are on the small side and don’t include much floor space outside of where the furniture stands. Deluxe Rooms are larger, but are a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to layout -- some are interior rooms that lack widows, while others are exterior rooms that have semi-private furnished courtyard patios. Upgrading to a Superior Room adds a small living area with a sofa, and either a balcony or a patio, depending on whether the room is on the first or second floor.For larger groups or guests who want more space, the Chateau Hotel offers its top-of-the-line St. Philip Suite. Full of exposed brick and vintage wood paneling, the refined two-bedroom suite features a master bedroom, a loft bedroom, a living room, and a kitchen area with a full-size fridge and a dining table. A large private balcony overlooking the street provides a wonderful New Orleans experience.

The hotel’s major focal point is its lush courtyard, which features a small, but lovely, semi-circular pool surrounded by plants, statues, and ivy-covered brick walls. Around it are plenty of padded sun loungers, with even more sofas and sitting areas tucked into quiet corners of the rest of the courtyard. A bar area exists for private events, but doesn’t currently serve drinks on a regular basis.The courtyard is also where the hotel serves its free continental breakfast. If guests prefer, they can have the breakfast delivered to their rooms. The lobby features another nice lounge area, as well as a computer and printer that guests can use, and a station with free coffee and water that’s restocked throughout the day.Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Guests can park for a fee in the hotel’s private parking lot across from the hotel (a rarity in the French Quarter). There’s no full-service restaurant or fitness center at the hotel.