The Best Boutique Hotels In New Orleans

Steeped in rich history, strong liquor and, of course, exquisite cuisine, New Orleans is one of our top weekend destinations. For gastronomes like us, the thought of munching on powdery beignets while sipping creamy café au lait is reason enough to plan a trip down, and NOLA's diverse lot of charming hotels only adds to the city's tourist appeal. With Mardi Gras fast approaching, we've rounded up seven spots, many that only just opened, where you'll want to get a room.

This eclectic Portland-based hotel chain's NOLA outpost is steps from the French Quarter. But despite such close proximity to party central, the Ace's many amenities might convince you to skip Bourbon Street and toss your beads from its rooftop garden instead. Inside the restored 1928 warehouse, you'll find everything you need for a night in, including an oyster bar specializing in the Gulf Coast's best bivalves, as well as the 3 Keys, the hotel's own intimate music venue. Plus, every room comes complete with its own record player and an accompanying library of jazz classics.

For cash-strapped twentysomethings who've surpassed the age of standard rambunctious hostels, Marriott's line of upbeat, modern and refreshingly affordable hotels, which greets every guest with a boozy cherry limeade upon arrival, is just right. And while the central bar and swanky common areas emit an upscale backpacker's paradise vibe, this time around, you can retreat back to your own private—and very stylish—bedroom to freshen up for a night out with fellow travelers.

Behind its vibrant teal exterior, the Catahoula offers 35 cushy guest rooms, ranging from four-person bunks for the budget-minded to luxurious master suites with private balconies overlooking Union Street. Its relatively quiet Business District location means that while you're still within walking distance to popular Jackson Square, you won't fall victim to spontaneous 2 a.m. jam sessions. You can, however, expect an expertly crafted pisco sour at the hotel bar, an inviting, sunlit space dedicated to Peruvian-inspired cocktails. 

This Garden District gem's vivid history includes playing host to legendary guests such as Frank Sinatra and power player Gerald Ford. As its pedigree might suggest, the hotel has stately bedrooms with ornate drapery and velvet headboards paying homage to the region's antebellum elegance, while a stunning rooftop deck brings just a touch of hipster flair. After checking in, head downstairs to the Caribbean Room, which features twists on Bayou standbys like wild boar "chicken and dumplings" and gooey pecan pie served with vanilla sour cream ice cream. And if you've somehow grown tired of all the in-house perks, NOLA's iconic street trolley stops right in front of the hotel's doorstep.

Named after the famed New Orleans architect, this ultra-quaint, 18-bedroom boutique has been beautifully restored to its 1867 glory. Stepping past the front entrance's towering white pillars is like traveling back in time: The suites are decked out with vintage 19th-century furniture, as is the richly appointed lobby parlor. And the supremely friendly staff is always happy to point you in the direction of the city's best barbecue shrimp and tastiest jambalaya while you sip stiff Sazeracs on the expansive front porch. 

While The Troubadour's trendy, midcentury-modern decor is more than enough reason to book your stay, it's the dining options that attract both local residents and out-of-towners alike. Native chef Phillip Lopez helms the kitchen at the on-site Petit Lion, honoring the city's French heritage in the form of moules frites, and a brandy- and green peppercorn-spiked steak au poivre. If cozy bistro fare isn't your bag, head upstairs to the Monkey Board, a rooftop bar featuring street food bites in a funky, youthful setting. Trust us, after a few pitchers of the bar's signature large-format cocktails, you'll be more than ready for those lobster corn dogs, chilaquiles or even a slice of birthday cake.

Once a bustling warehouse housing everything from coffee beans to tobacco, The Old No. 77 sets itself apart from the pack with an overwhelming amount of creature comforts to suit your every whim—it even has a menu for its menus. Visitors can choose from an array of pillows to ensure a blissful night's rest, and the hotel's custom-curated Spotify playlists are guaranteed to get the pregame started. While exposed-brick walls and warm-hued wood flooring come standard in every room, be sure to check out the Artist Loft Suites, strewn with local art, a separate sitting area and the perfect view for spying on the ever-bustling street below.