Hotel Le Marais

Set on a street halfway between lively Bourbon and Royal Streets, Hotel Le Marais has one of the best locations for travelers looking to spend most of their time in the French Quarter. The five-story building has a pale-yellow facade with green shutters and wrought-iron balconies with potted flowers, plus a purple hotel-branded flag that introduces the color scheme found inside. The small lobby has a seating area opposite reception with high-backed purple and black chairs, black-and-white paintings of New Orleans swamps, and a wall of windows that lets in lots of natural light. This hallway leads to the small Vive! bar that continues the black-and-purple color scheme and LED blue lighting. Many guests opt into having their free welcome drink here, but the bar is largely quiet and empty. Doors open to the more pleasant courtyard, which houses a small pool, plush black and purple modern seating, and pretty brick decking. It's a peaceful, charming spot, though some seating was in need of a cleaning during our visit. The central location, boutique vibe, and pleasant courtyard draw primarily couples and friends who don't mind occasional late-night noise. 

Hotel Le Marais has a fantastic, central location on a one-way street in the French Quarter. It is half a block from nightlife on Bourbon Street, and steps from great shopping and art galleries along Royal Street. The area can feel overrun by tourists day and night, and the many bars and strip clubs lining the sidewalks of Bourbon are not quite family-friendly. However, the hotel’s location is ideal for those who want to explore the neighborhood and its many attractions on foot. Numerous restaurants are within easy walking distance. 

The property is three blocks from Canal Street, which is the border between the French Quarter and the quieter Central Business District, so those in town for business can have a taste of both worlds.

• 22-minute drive to Louis Armstrong International Airport
• Half a block from nightlife on Bourbon Street
• Half a block from shopping and art galleries on Royal Street
• Six-minute walk to the Central Business District
• Six-minute walk to the riverfront Woldenberg Park
• Six-minute walk to St. Louis Cemetery No.1
• Seven-minute walk from Jackson Square
• Nine-minute walk from renowned Cafe du Monde
• Nine-minute walk to Congo Square
• 14-minute walk to the Warehouse District
• 20-minute walk to the Museum District

Hotel Le Marais offers three different room types that are all the same except for the views they offer: Deluxe Rooms have limited views; Superior Rooms feature street or courtyard views; and Premium Rooms offer small furnished balconies with courtyard or French Quarter views. Contemporary decor isn't as bold as common areas -- no purple accents here -- and the largely neutral-tone design is a bit bland and generic. Expect dark-wood floors and furniture, white bed linens, and beige bed skirts. Light green-gray walls, white plantation shutters (no curtains), maroon-leather ottomans, and black-and-white swamp paintings add some much-needed personality. 

All rooms have the same solid amenities, consisting of large flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Cuisinart coffeemakers, free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and open closets with bathrobes, slippers, ironing facilities, and digital safes. Work desks are next to ergonomic chairs. Unfortunately, there are no mini-fridges. Black-tile bathrooms have showers with half partitions, which some guests have complained leads to wet floors. Accessible rooms are available. Hairdryers, toiletries, and makeup-remover wipes are provided.

A frequent complaint is of noise from the street, neighboring rooms, and elevators. Light sleepers should request a courtyard-facing room away from the elevators. Some windows are also dirty and hinder views. No rollaway beds are available.

One of the property’s best assets is the small heated saltwater pool located in the charming courtyard. It is surrounded by comfortable loungers, plush couches, and umbrellas, as well as heaters for cool nights, and the atmosphere is peaceful. It is not large enough for a swim (except for kids), but it’s popular for a quick dip. Towels are available for free. 

All rates include a well-reviewed breakfast spread that's served in Vive! bar. A typical continental spread is accompanied by scrambled eggs, bacon, and grits, and coffee. Guests are also given a coupon for a free welcome drink at the bar, which is open early afternoon until late during the week and all day on weekends. There are no full restaurant or room service, but numerous restaurants are in the immediate surrounds.

A small gym has modern cardio and strength-training machines, mats, and free weights. Free bottled water and towels are available here. Also on-site are a small business center with a printer, valet parking (fee), and a meeting room with audiovisual equipment opposite reception. Wi-Fi is free and laundry services can be arranged.