Pontchartrain Hotel: New Orleans' Most Glamorous Stay Awaits!

Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue New Orleans (LA) United States

Pontchartrain Hotel: New Orleans' Most Glamorous Stay Awaits!

Pontchartrain Hotel: More Than Just a Room – It's a Vibe. (And Sometimes a Headache.)

Alright, let's talk about the Pontchartrain Hotel in New Orleans. Forget the glossy brochures, forget the perfect Instagram shots. I'm here to give you the real deal, the messy, sometimes glorious, sometimes slightly irritating truth about this iconic hotel. Think of this as my therapy session after a weekend there.

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First Impressions & The Grand Entrance (or Lack Thereof)

Walking into the Pontchartrain… well, it’s a moment. The lobby? Stunning. Rich, dark woods, shimmering chandeliers, and that unmistakable old-world charm that screams "I've seen things." (Namely, a lot of Jazz Fest after-parties, I suspect.) The staff? Initially, very polished. Think perfectly pressed uniforms and smiles that are almost…too perfect. It’s that level of service where you feel like you should be wearing a monocle and calling people chap.

(Accessibility - The Good, The Bad, and Maybe The Ugly)

Okay, let's get real. Accessibility is a must for me, even though I don’t personally require it. I’m talking about it because it matters. The hotel says they have it, and thankfully they do. BUT… navigating a historic building built before the Americans with Disabilities Act can be…challenging. The elevators are a bit slow (understandable, given the age!), and some areas, like the hidden, winding corridors, might be a bit of a tight squeeze for a larger wheelchair. (Accessibility Features: Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Accessible rooms are available.) They also have a few accessible rooms, and I'd recommend calling ahead and being very specific about your needs to ensure a smooth experience.

(Rooms – The Pretty Parts, The Practical Parts, & That Pesky Blackout Curtain Challenge)

My room (a "classic" – naturally) was gorgeous. Think plush carpeting (a little worn, adding to the history), a ridiculously comfortable bed, and a bathroom that screamed "luxury" with its marble and gleaming fixtures. (Room Features: Air Conditioning, Alarm Clock, Bathrobes, Hair Dryer, Free Wi-Fi, In-Room Safe, Coffee/Tea Maker, Desk, Minibar, Non-Smoking, Satellite/Cable Channels, Seating Area, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletry’s, Wake-up Service, etc.) The blackout curtains were also incredible, essential for beating the New Orleans sunshine and late-night escapades. The only downside? I spent a good five minutes wrestling with them to close them. It was genuinely comical. I'm not sure I got them all the way closed, but it's the best I could do. I felt like I was competing against a strong wind! Another tiny complaint that I had was the outlets weren't always near the bed, so charging my phone was a bit of a reach in my case.

(Internet – Blessedly Free, But Not Always Fast)

Free Wi-Fi! Hallelujah! (Internet: Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!, Internet Access, Internet [LAN], Wi-Fi in Public Areas, etc.) However, the speed… well, let's just say it wasn't the fastest. Perfect for checking emails and posting a few Instagram stories, but don’t expect to stream Netflix without a few buffering issues.

(Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Where the Magic Happens (and the Wallet Gets Lighter))

Okay, here's where the Pontchartrain really shines. The restaurants and bars are practically legendary.

• The Caribbean Room: Chef! I've never been, but my friends have. It's legendary! (Dining: A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant, etc.)

• Hot Tin: Oh Mama, I'm a mess when I'm here! This rooftop bar is peak New Orleans. The views? Unbelievable. The cocktails? Strong. The atmosphere? Pure, unadulterated, get-ready-to-regret-it-in-the-morning joy. (Drinking: Bar, Poolside bar, happy hour.) Be warned, though: it gets crowded. Like, really crowded. I spent a good chunk of my first night there just trying to flag down a bartender. Eventually, I succeeded and had a magnificent gin and tonic. (Service: Room Service [24 hours]).

• Silver Whistle Cafe: A great place to grab a coffee and a pastry in the morning. A quick bite before heading out to the French Quarter!

(Relaxation & Rejuvenation – Spa Days, Fitness Fixtures, and Poolside Bliss)

Yes, there’s a spa. (Spa: Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Massage, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, etc.) And yes, it’s as decadent as you’d imagine. I, unfortunately, was too busy drinking (and wandering around the French Quarter) to indulge in a massage, but I did peek inside and it looked utterly divine. The pool? It’s beautiful by the way. Not huge, but with a killer view. (Pool: Pool with view, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]). The fitness center is a standard hotel gym. (Fitness: Fitness Center, Gym/fitness.)

(Cleanliness & Safety – Navigating the Post-Pandemic Reality)

The hotel was definitely taking COVID precautions seriously when I visited. (Cleanliness & Safety: Anti-viral cleaning products, Cashless payment service, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, etc.) Plenty of hand sanitizer, masks were encouraged. They seemed to be taking the necessary steps to keep guests safe, and I felt relatively comfortable.

(Services & Conveniences – The Extras That Make a Difference)

The concierge was fantastic. (Services: Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Safety deposit boxes, Terrace, Valet parking, etc.) They helped me with everything from securing reservations to recommending the perfect po' boy. The 24-hour room service? A lifesaver after a night of exploring. (Room Service (24 hour)). And valet parking is a must, especially in the French Quarter, where parking is notoriously difficult (and expensive!). (Getting Around: Airport transfer, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking)

(For the Kids – Family Fun? Maybe, Maybe Not)

While the Pontchartrain is certainly elegant, it’s not necessarily the most kid-friendly place. (For the Kids: Babysitting Service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal) There aren’t many specific amenities for children. But, if you have well-behaved little ones who appreciate a touch of luxury, they'll be fine.

(The Quirks & The Charm – It's Got Personality, Baby!)

This hotel is not perfect, and that's part of its charm. You will experience the occasional creaky floorboard. You might encounter a slightly bewildered staff member. But you'll also feel like you've stepped back in time, into a world of glamour, history, and pure New Orleans magic. And that, my friends, is worth the potential minor inconveniences.

(Overall Verdict: Would I Stay Again? Absolutely. But with a Few Caveats…)

The Pontchartrain is a splurge. It’s not the cheapest option in town, but you’re paying for an experience, not just a room. If you're looking for a taste of New Orleans history, luxury, and a whole lot of character, then YES, absolutely book it. Just be prepared to embrace the imperfections, the occasional hiccup, and the feeling that you’ve stumbled into a glamorous, slightly tipsy, love affair with the city. It's an unforgettable experience, and I can't wait to go back!

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Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue New Orleans (LA) United States

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! This ain't your grandma's perfectly polished itinerary. We're going raw, real NOLA experience at the Pontchartrain Hotel! Consider this… my attempt at wrangling chaos into something resembling a schedule. Bless.

Pontchartrain Pilgrimage: A (Mostly) Coherent Adventure

Day 1: Arrival & Absinthe-drenched Dreams

• 1:00 PM: Land in beautiful, humid, gloriously chaotic New Orleans. Okay, the airport smells faintly of spilled coffee and hope. But hey, we're here! Grab an Uber (because, let's be honest, I’m already lost) to the Pontchartrain. Pray to the GPS gods.
• 1:45 PM (ish): Check in. Fingers crossed for a room NOT facing the parking lot. The lobby is stunning, that old-school glamour… it's enough to make a girl swoon. Plus, they give you water bottles, which is crucial given that I'm pretty sure my body is mostly humidity at this point.
• 2:30 PM: Dump bags, change into something… appropriate for… well, whatever New Orleans throws at me. Basically, something breathable and hopefully stain-resistant.
• 3:00 PM: High Tea at the Caribbean Room. I’ve heard tales. Whispers of elegance and possibly a little too much sugar. Gonna go balls-to-the-wall on the scones and clotted cream. Send help… or maybe just a second stomach.
• 5:00 PM: Unscheduled downtime. (Important for all travel plans) Likely involve some serious room service snacks (probably a hamburger) and planning what to do for dinner
• 7:00 PM: Head to the Hot Tin Roof Bar. It's on the rooftop, and supposedly the views are killer. I’m expecting (and hoping) for a killer cocktail menu, too. Gotta find that perfect pre-dinner buzz.
• 8:30 PM: Dinner at Jack Rose. I’m already mentally preparing for a culinary adventure. Fingers crossed that the food is as legendary as they say. If there's a dessert that involves chocolate, I am all in.
• 10:00 PM: Absinthe at the Hot Tin Roof. Because… New Orleans. Because… why not? Praying I don’t wake up the next morning needing a new liver.

Day 2: Ghosts, Gardens & Gumbo (Maybe)

• 9:00 AM: Okay, let’s be honest. It's probably going to be more like 10:00 AM. (Absinthe, remember?) Stumble (gracefully, of course) downstairs for coffee. The hotel coffee better be good. I need fuel to face the day.
• 9:30 AM: Start the day with breakfast.
• 11:00 AM: Walking Tour of the Garden District: I'm picturing myself strolling down lush streets, ogling the mansions, and feeling like a Southern belle. Or, you know, maybe just hot and sweaty. Either way, I'm there for the history and the architecture. And maybe to find a ghost or two.
• 1:00 PM: Lunch: Somewhere near the Garden District (recommendations welcome!). I’m craving something… Creole-y. Gumbo? Jambalaya? I can't decide.
• 2:30 PM: Wander through Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Embrace the creepiness, the history, the otherworldly vibes. Trying to resist the urge to yell "Boo!" at the tombs is going to be a challenge.
• 4:00 PM: Free time, maybe back to the hotel and read or nap.
• 7:00 PM: Dinner somewhere.

Day 3: Culture, Cocktails &… Regret (Possibly)

• 9:00 AM: Coffee (again!), and maybe some breakfast. We're probably running on fumes by now.
• 10:00 AM: Riverboat cruise on the Mississippi. Touristy? Absolutely. Worth it for the views? Probably. Opportunity to get away from the city.
• 1:00 PM Lunch while cruising the Mississippi.
• 3:00 PM: Shopping on Royal Street. Art, antiques, and maybe a souvenir or two. Avoiding the trinket traps is going to be a struggle.
• 5:00 PM: Cocktails at Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone! Because, rotating bar. Need I say more? It's a New Orleans rite of passage, and I'm ready to embrace the spinning chaos.
• 7:30 PM: Dinner! Something local and delicious.
• 9:00 PM: Late-night jazz at a local club. Preservation Hall? Fritzel's? The options are endless. Just hoping to find a spot that doesn't require an hours-long wait.
• 11:00 PM: Nightcap… maybe. Or maybe just collapse in bed. Depending on how the night goes.

Day 4: Brunch, Departure & the Sad Farewell

• 10:00 AM: Brunch! Somewhere fabulous. Somewhere greasy. Somewhere that understands the importance of bottomless mimosas.
• 12:00 PM: Final stroll down St. Charles Avenue. Soak it all in. Try to remember the good times (and maybe forget the questionable ones).
• 1:00 PM: Check-out from the hotel.
• 2:00 PM: Uber to the airport.
• 3:00 PM: Depart.

This is just a blueprint. It's gonna be messy. It’s gonna be imperfect. It’s gonna be New Orleans. And I wouldn't have it any other way. Wish me luck (and maybe some Pepto-Bismol). This should be epic!

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Pontchartrain Hotel: FAQs That Don't Pull Any Punches (And Maybe Spill a Few)

Okay, spill the tea. Is the Pontchartrain Hotel REALLY as glamorous as everyone says?

Alright, buckle up buttercup, because the truth is… it's complicated. Yeah, the Pontchartrain *oozes* a certain kind of old-school, faded glory. Think less Kardashian-level glitz, more a slightly tipsy, silver-haired socialite who still knows how to throw a killer party. The rooms? Gorgeous. Seriously. Think high ceilings, plush fabrics, and a view that could make you temporarily forget you're sweating in the Louisiana humidity. BUT... and there’s always a but, isn't there? My first time? I was all starry-eyed. I’d seen the pics, read the reviews, mentally prepared my Instagram feed... Honestly? The *elevator* gave me a bit of a fright. It's ancient, okay? Makes a noise like a dying whale. My friend, bless her heart, thought it would be a fun "vintage" experience. I just kept my eyes shut and prayed to be delivered safely. Then, the doorman, now *that's* glamorous. He's seen it all, probably. And he does it with that perfect, understated New Orleans flair. So, glamorous? Yes. Perfectly polished? Nah. Charming as hell? Absolutely. Just… brace yourself for a little bit of peeling paint and some, erm, *character*. Think of it as a layer of authentic imperfection, a sprinkling of "lived-in" that adds to the charm.

What's the deal with the rooms? Worth the splurge?

The rooms? Okay, look, let's be honest. New Orleans isn't cheap. So, the splurge? Depends. If you're used to staying at the Motel 6 and consider "luxury" a pack of sugar-free gum, well, maybe it's not for you. BUT, and this is a big but, the rooms are beautiful. Seriously, those details! The artwork, the furniture… it all screams "refined." Now, the "classic" rooms? Maybe a little… cozy. But even those are charming! I remember one time, I was in a classic room, and the shower pressure was… well, let's just say it was more of a gentle mist than a power wash. I was *mildly* annoyed, but then I looked out the window at the city and remembered I was in *New Orleans*. Suddenly, a gentle mist felt like a perfectly acceptable, even delightful, luxury. They do have more spacious options, of course, but be prepared to pay. Think of it like this: are you willing to cough up a little extra to feel like you’re starring in a movie? If yes, book the room. If no, go for the Motel 6. But, seriously… treat yourself. At least once. Just… call ahead and ask about the shower situation in your specific room. Trust me.

Is the rooftop bar, Hot Tin Roof, really as amazing as everyone raves?

Hot Tin Roof… oh, Hot Tin Roof. Okay, it's… legendary. And for good reason. The VIEWS, people. The VIEWS! You'll be practically breathing the history and the city lights. Now, the drinks? They are *not* cheap. You're paying for the view, the atmosphere, the chance to feel like a character in a Truman Capote story. Honestly, I once saw a woman order a glass of water there. A GLASS OF WATER! I almost choked on my (expensive) cocktail. But, the drinks are well-made. The vibe? Chic, and crowded, so go early. And yeah, it’s worth it. Even if you’re pinching pennies, at least go for one cocktail. Or maybe sneak a pre-game drink back in your room. That way, you can truly soak it all in (and the prices) and feel like you're living the high life. The first time I went, a jazz band was playing, and I legit got chills. I’m talking full-body goosebumps. It's that kind of place. Tip: Go on a weeknight if you can to avoid the worst of the crowds. And be prepared to wait for a table. Unless you’re incredibly charming (which I am not, usually), you might be standing around awhile.

Is it kid-friendly?

Okay, let's be real. The Pontchartrain *isn't* exactly the hotel you bring a gaggle of screaming toddlers to. It’s more… sophisticated. While I’m sure they *tolerate* families, the vibe is more "whiskey sours and whispered conversations." There's no pool, no kids' club, and the food leans towards the gourmet side. My advice? If you have small children, maybe look elsewhere. If you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a place to celebrate a special occasion, or a weekend of self-indulgence? Then, hell yes. Leave the kids at home. Or, you know, with a babysitter. You deserve it! Think of it like this: it's the kind of place where a well-behaved, well-dressed child wouldn't be *out of place*, but a boisterous, sticky-fingered one might attract some side-eye. Take that as you will.

What's the food like?

The food? Oh, the food. Compère Lapin – absolutely divine. I mean, that restaurant is *legendary* in its own right. Think Caribbean flavors, delicious sauces, and dishes you'll be dreaming about for weeks. A bit pricey? Yep. Worth it? Absolutely. The breakfast in the hotel is also a winner. It’s a classic, and the biscuits… oh, the biscuits! They’re fluffy clouds of carbohydrate perfection. The service is impeccable, but you’re in a hotel of this sort, be prepared to pay for the quality of the food. My advice? Don’t skimp on the food. You're in New Orleans. Eat ALL the things. Just… maybe skip the pre-dinner snack at the airport. Save room. You’ll thank me later. The only complaint I've heard is that some people find the breakfast service a little bit on the slow side. But again, you're in New Orleans, darling. Relax. Take a deep breath. Order another coffee. Enjoy the ambience.

Can I get a good workout in?

Workout? Okay, so, let’s address the elephant in the room (or, more accurately, the lack of elephant in the room). The Pontchartrain *does* have a gym. A small one. Honestly? It’s… functional. Don’t expect a state-of-the-art facility. Think a few treadmills, some weights, and a slightly awkward view. If you're a hardcore gym rat, you might want to look elsewhere, or just plan to hit the streets. But, let's be honest, you're in New Orleans. The best workout you'll get is wandering around the French Quarter, dodging street performers and attempting to navigate the cobblestones without tripping. Or, you know, dancing the night away. You’re on vacation! Just… go easy on the beignets. Or, you know, don’t. I won’t judge.

Is parking a nightmare?

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Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue New Orleans (LA) United States

Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue New Orleans (LA) United States

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