Hotel Monteleone review – The Points Guy

What is Hotel Monteleone?

Hotel Monteleone’s historic significance is perhaps what makes this property most well known. It opened in the 19th century and has since maintained a footprint along New Orleans’ Royal Street, about 500 feet from bustling Bourbon Street. Many fellow tourists I casually talked with away from the hotel either knew where to find Hotel Monteleone or had heard of its famed Carousel Bar (more on this to come) when I mentioned where I was staying.

Hotel Monteleone, notably a Historic Hotels of America member, has been owned by five generations of the Monteleone family, and the lobby features portraits of its owners.

The property has more than 500 guest rooms, including over 50 suites, and is in a prime location for anyone looking to center their New Orleans experience in the French Quarter.

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How to book Hotel Monteleone

Hotel Monteleone offers a wide range of rooms for multiple types of travelers, including Preferred rooms with guaranteed views on higher floors and larger suites with much more space. Literary suites honoring historic authors connected to the hotel, such as Truman Capote and Ernest Hemingway, are Hotel Monteleone’s most luxurious accommodations and come with the highest price tag.

I booked a three-night stay in a traditional king room directly on Hotel Monteleone’s website. These rooms are decorated in warm tones and feel more down-to-earth compared to some more luxurious suites, but then again, they do not cost as much. We stayed in June for an average of $166 a night, not including taxes and fees.

Prime location for French Quarter tourists who like to walk

We navigated to Hotel Monteleone from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and took a 30-minute taxi for a flat rate of $36 (for two passengers; it’s an additional $15 for each passenger if there are more than two). Taking an Uber or Lyft would’ve cost anywhere from $40-$110, depending on ride type and surcharges. We also took a taxi on our way back to the airport from the hotel — and those were the only times we were in a car during our trip.

My partner and I centered our New Orleans trip in the lively French Quarter but wanted to rest at night with less rambunctious activity outside our window. Hotel Monteleone was a good option for this preference.

Just one block separated Hotel Monteleone from the nightly chaos of Bourbon Street, but the walk back to the hotel after a night of dancing and people-watching was safe and easy. It took us about five minutes each way. When we walked into Hotel Monteleone, we left most of the noise behind us. We weren’t disturbed by sounds during our trip, which was a pleasant surprise considering how close we were to the center of the activity.

We also found that most heavily frequented tourist spots were no more than a 20-minute walk away. We strolled to Jackson Square and the French Market with ease, walked by Louis Armstrong Park, stopped to tour the historic St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 and had no trouble finding delicious food for dinner, all on foot.

When we ventured out of the French Quarter to other parts of the city, such as the Central Business District, Garden District and Audubon Park, we found Hotel Monteleone was conveniently located a couple of blocks from a central stop for multiple New Orleans streetcar routes. It rained one afternoon during our trip, and we enjoyed taking the streetcar to see the sights and avoid getting soaked.

Kind staff and an opulent lobby greet guests upon arrival

Once our taxi arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by one of Hotel Monteleone’s personable doormen, Cedric, who warmly welcomed us and helped open the door to the lobby. From the grand chandeliers and columns to multiple cozy seating areas, we took note of the opulent design details as we walked into the lobby. The area felt elevated and luxurious, but it wasn’t so stuffy that it felt uncomfortable.

The front desk staff promptly greeted us, and check-in was simple. From the moment we entered the hotel, it took us less than 10 minutes to step into our room. Our initial experience with employees at Hotel Monteleone set a great tone for the rest of our trip. Each person we interacted with was kind and seemed genuinely interested in making our experience positive.

We especially appreciated the morning doorman, Dwight, who talked with us while we waited for transportation to various activities throughout our trip. He really looked out for us when we were trying to find a tour bus or needed to call a taxi on our last day.

There were a few patrons around the lobby when we checked in around 3 p.m. on a Thursday, but the lobby grew more crowded as the afternoon and night progressed. Mornings were typically the quietest times, though it was rare to find couches completely empty at any given point. Since Hotel Monteleone’s lobby is the gateway to the guest rooms, as well as the property’s famed Carousel Bar and Criollo restaurant, there were often multiple people walking around to get to their destination.

Rooms were warm, cozy and well lit

Hotel Monteleone offers six types of guest rooms, five suite layouts and six of the previously mentioned literary suites. Traditional guest rooms are 250-330 square feet, while suites are a bit larger, varying from 450-560 square feet. Literary suites are the largest, with three measuring more than 1,000 square feet and the largest (the FJ Monteleone Suite, named after a former owner) at 1,450 square feet. Preferred rooms and suites have more options when it comes to views of the French Quarter or the Mississippi River and placement on the higher floors.

Our Traditional king room was on the smaller side and was not guaranteed to have a view or be on a high floor.

We ended up on the eighth level of the Bienville Tower (roughly the middle of the property’s 17 floors). Our room faced the front of the hotel and had a view of Royal Street. If we peered down, we could catch the tops of buildings across the street as well as some more classic French Quarter architecture. Our window wasn’t perfectly clean, but it didn’t keep us from taking in the views.

The room had a classic, cozy vibe and tasteful details paired with modern amenities. The striped wallpaper’s golden hue complemented the matching floral curtains and bed skirt. Another touch I appreciated was that the TV could be put away within a credenza when we weren’t channel surfing.

The room was well lit, with multiple light fixtures throughout. These included an elegant chandelier above the bed, many lamps and natural light coming from the oversized window. I liked how we could curate different vibes by opening or closing the thick curtains, which were also great for blocking out the sun to get some solid sleep.

Amenities were standard and included a coffee machine, two boxes of water in a small refrigerator, a safe, a docking station for extra plugs, an iron and ironing board, an umbrella, two robes, extra linens, and about 10 hangers. Even though the room wasn’t exceptionally large, it didn’t lack storage space for my partner and me on a three-night trip.

The bed was large and cozy and came with fluffy pillows that adequately supported my neck.

I spent a decent chunk of time sitting at the well-placed desk. The mirror in front of the desk and desk chair was ideally positioned for applying makeup, and I liked keeping the lamp on for some extra light while I got ready.

From crown molding to elegant mirrors, artwork and lamps, the room placed an emphasis on small details that elevated the design without making it feel stuffy. The accommodation didn’t feel completely new, as the room had certainly hosted plenty of guests before us, but it was still charming and completely clean.

The bathroom was clean but small

The bathroom was clean and had everything we needed, but it was far from spacious. A marble countertop held the sink and essentially all of the counter space, which wasn’t much. It was challenging to find enough space to set things as my partner and I attempted to place our personal toiletries alongside the provided ones.

There was a gold-framed mirror over the sink, as well as a shower, a tub and a toilet. The shower curtain matched the curtain in the bedroom, which was a cute design detail. Because the bathroom was so small, the door, toilet and tub were all extremely close together, which caused showering to feel cramped.

The sink also took a long time to drain when we washed our hands or brushed our teeth, which became bothersome and was our top complaint about the room during our stay.

Bath amenities, in mini sizes within the shower and on the sink, were from Gilchrist & Soames. There were plenty of fresh white towels and two robes.

Carousel Bar was as cool as advertised — but expect crowds

Hotel Monteleone is home to the Carousel Bar & Lounge, an iconic bar modeled after a rotating carousel. The bar actually spins (very slowly), making a full rotation every 15 minutes.

The bar is easily one of the main attractions for the hotel and contributes to the heavy foot traffic through the property’s lobby, especially around the evening and into late night. It’s located through doors just to the right of Hotel Monteleone’s front entrance on Royal Street and has a fun, dark ambience that really comes to life on the weekends with live jazz performances. Parts of the space could get somewhat loud with music playing, but it wasn’t hard to find less noisy areas at other spots around the lounge.

My partner and I stopped in twice — Thursday and Saturday after dinner — to stake out a coveted seat on the rotating carousel itself. We weren’t able to snag one of those 25 spinning spots, but simply finding any seat within the lounge wasn’t as much of a problem as there were multiple small tables, couches and chairs, as well as another circular bar (that doesn’t move). If you want to find a seat at the iconic rotating bar, it will take time and perhaps a bit of luck.

During our Thursday night visit, we spotted a pair of seats at the other bar rather quickly and sipped cocktails. My partner had a classic gin martini while I tried the lemon drop, one of the June specials in celebration of the bar’s 75th anniversary. I didn’t find any physical menus lying around, but a cocktail list flashed on screens placed throughout the lounge. Our drinks were $18 each and tasty.

The area was packed and occasionally felt cramped, but you could still order at the bar in a timely manner and stroll around to find a spot to stand if there were absolutely no seats around you. I assumed many people there weren’t staying at the hotel, as I watched multiple groups of people walk in from the lobby and walk straight into the bar.

Flavorful dishes and solid service from the hotel’s restaurant

Hotel Monteleone’s on-site restaurant, Criollo, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On Saturday and Sunday, it hosts a weekend jazz brunch with live performances.

We stopped in for Sunday brunch at Criollo and had a very pleasant experience. Our servers were attentive, frequently refilling our glasses of water and answering any questions we had about the menu. Prices were also fair for the portion sizes, which kept us full throughout the morning.

The brunch menu included appetizers, soups, salads, entrees and an entire section dedicated to eggs — omelets, Benedicts and breakfast sandwiches were featured in this section. We ordered two appetizers, the Orchard Harvest with a hefty portion of seasonal fruit and berries, Greek yogurt and banana bread ($15) and fried green tomatoes with remoulade sauce ($12).

As soon as we finished the appetizers, our main courses were ready. I selected the avocado and heirloom tomato toast appetizer ($12) as a main, and my partner chose a Cajun omelet ($19), which came with a side of hash browns. We also received a solid selection of hot sauce.

I follow a vegan diet, so my options were more limited, but that’s something I’ve come to expect. Plus, I like avocado toast, so I was pleased with the choice I had. The avocado toast was flavorful without being too rich. My partner said his omelet was memorable because of the crawfish in the filling, which elevated it from the typical breakfast fare.

I also ordered a $12 mimosa along with brunch and appreciated its balance, not too sweet or tart.

Overall, Criollo was a solid experience, especially in service, portion sizes and presentation. There aren’t too many vegan options on the room-service breakfast or on-site brunch menus, but omnivores and even vegetarians can find plenty of fare, especially if you like eggs.

We also ordered room service breakfast one morning. We found that this menu was pretty much an abbreviated version of Criollo’s weekend brunch menu. I ordered the avocado and heirloom tomato toast ($17), while my partner chose the eggs Benedict ($25).

We ordered around 7:30 a.m. on Friday morning, and our food came to the door 30 minutes later, as promised when we placed the order. Our plates were thoughtfully presented and came with two glasses of ice water, ketchup, hot sauce, salt and pepper.

Overall, the food was served at a nice temperature and arrived when we expected. My partner especially enjoyed the hash browns served on the side of his eggs Benedict entree, and the avocado toast was delicious.

The fitness center and spa are fit for wellness enthusiasts

If you’re into fitness and relaxation, Hotel Monteleone offers some good options. The fitness center was among my favorite hotel features. There was plenty of equipment to get in a decent workout, apples available for a pre- or post-workout snack, water, and towels on the amenities counter.

The real highlight was the gym’s location, though.

Hotel Monteleone’s fitness center is on the roof, right beside the doors to the pool, and cardio machines are positioned in front of large glass windows looking out over New Orleans. This was one of the coolest views I’ve seen in a hotel, and I couldn’t get enough of the sight from the treadmill.

Spa Aria is on the mezzanine and is well marked in the elevator for anyone looking for a treatment — Hotel Monteleone guest or visitor. The spa offers various services, such as facials, massages, scrubs and waxing.

Massage prices varied from $75 to $165 without add-ons, such as hot stones or back scrubs, which cost extra. Spa packages ranged from a $175 rejuvenation session focused on exfoliation, soothing and de-stressing to a luxurious $700 three-hour couples package which includes massages, facials, pedicures and Champagne.

My partner and I didn’t partake in any of these amenities, but when we stepped in to get a feel for the spa, we appreciated the serene atmosphere. The welcoming setting was a chill reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the lobby downstairs.

An inviting rooftop pool is packed during peak hours

Hotel Monteleone’s pool is on the roof, adjacent to the fitness center. The area is well decorated and inviting, with multiple potted plants and plenty of seating, matching the vibe of the rest of the hotel.

The pool’s rooftop location offers neat views of other tall buildings near the hotel, which is especially interesting scenery while you swim or sip a drink from the poolside bar, Acqua Bella.

As expected during summer in New Orleans, the crowds quickly grew throughout the hot day. During our trip in June, it wasn’t always easy to find a place to feel comfortable without rubbing shoulders with other guests, particularly when Acqua Bella was serving drinks and small bites from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Still, there were moments of quiet, particularly in the morning. We stopped by around 8:30 a.m. on Sunday and found very few people, which made for a more relaxing experience under the sun.

Reasons it may not be for you

Hotel Monteleone is a tourist attraction in itself, thanks to factors like its historic opulence and the popular on-site bar and restaurant. Because of this, the lobby is frequently buzzing with people, especially from midday into the evening. If walking into a serene hotel lobby after a long day is important to you, the hustle and bustle here may be overwhelming.

Another factor to consider is parking. While driving in the French Quarter is a challenge, if you choose to drive to Hotel Monteleone, you’ll have to use the valet for a $48 fee plus 12.7% sales tax per night. These costs could add up.

Accessibility

Hotel Monteleone’s entrance on Bienville Street, near the valet area, provides full wheelchair access from the side of the property.

The hotel offers king and double-double traditional rooms with wheelchair access, and some of these rooms have roll-in showers or shower chairs, both of which are available upon request.

Elevators and common spaces throughout the hotel, including the lobby and hallways, were all wide and spacious, which would help when navigating the property in a wheelchair.

Checking out

Hotel Monteleone proved to be an excellent experience thanks to its prime location, friendly service and unique design. As someone who enjoys staying in the tourist hot spot of New Orleans’ French Quarter, this is a good choice if you’re looking to stay close to the action without having to hear loud nightlife all night.

The hotel’s lobby and common spaces were frequently crowded, but that was to be expected, given that the hotel itself is a bit of a tourist attraction. Even when the lobby was bustling, however, the guest room was a reprieve, so relaxation was just an elevator ride away (and could be found in the spa, too).

Overall, the property was a nice mix of luxurious yet practical, with a memorable on-site bar and a strong restaurant option. I appreciated how Hotel Monteleone featured thoughtful, upscale decor without feeling stuffy, and that was largely a result of the friendly and helpful staff. I would love to visit this hotel again and would recommend booking a room here.

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