Top 15 Iconic Hotels and Getaways in Louisiana (Currently Open)
Louisiana is more than just a destination—it’s a state of mind. From the sultry jazz-soaked streets of New Orleans to the bayous, plantations, and hidden retreats of Cajun Country and the Gulf Coast, staying somewhere special can elevate your trip from memorable to unforgettable. If you’re seeking the best places for accommodations in Louisiana, this guide introduces you to 15 iconic hotels and getaways that are currently open, each with its own character, history, and appeal to curious tourists, families, locals, and travel enthusiasts alike.
We’ll cover luxury urban hideaways, historic landmarks, regional resorts, and off-the-beaten-path retreats—ensuring geographic balance across New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette/Cajun Country, and beyond. Expect a mix of luxury, heritage, family-friendly, and one-of-a-kind stays. Let’s dive in.
1. Hotel Monteleone – New Orleans, French Quarter
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Monteleone is a family-owned institution since 1886. Explore Louisiana+2degashouse.com+2
Why it’s iconic
Historic hotel with literary and jazz connections: authors like Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, and William Faulkner are among its past guests. Explore Louisiana+1
Located on Royal Street in a walkable neighborhood with galleries, antiques, and rich New Orleans culture.
Highlights & fit
Luxury + heritage: ideal for couples or culture-seekers wanting to stay where history lives.
Family-friendly? Yes—spacious enough for families, though the ambiance leans upscale.
Pro Tip
Ask for a Vieux Carré Suite for balconies and historic flair.
Enjoy the famed Carousel Bar inside the hotel, a local legend.
2. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel – New Orleans, CBD
This grand hotel is part of the luxury category and noted among the best hotels in Louisiana. Luxury Link+1
Why it stands out
Historic and opulent: blends classic New Orleans grandeur with modern amenities.
Central Business District location gives access to both French Quarter and newer hubs.
Highlights & fit
Luxury & special occasion: perfect for anniversaries, romantic getaways, or high-end travel.
Family-friendly? Yes—with amenities that appeal to upscale families.
Pro Tip
Reserve a room with a Mississippi River view.
Ask about spa and rooftop pool amenities to elevate your stay.
3. The Pontchartrain Hotel – New Orleans, Uptown (St. Charles Avenue)
Away from the tourist bustle, the Pontchartrain offers historic charm. The building dates to 1927. Wikipedia
Why it matters
Former residential hotel turned boutique luxury with a rooftop bar and refined dining.
Located slightly off the main drag—ideal for travelers wanting quieter evenings yet easy access to NOLA life.
Highlights & fit
Historic boutique: great for design-savvy travelers and those who appreciate elevated but less mainstream stays.
Family-friendly? Yes, but boutique-scale means fewer rooms—book ahead.
Pro Tip
Enjoy the rooftop Hot Tin bar for skyline views.
Combine with a street-car ride through the Garden District for the full Uptown flavor.
4. Le Pavillon Hotel – New Orleans, Poydras Street
One of the historic hotels in the city, Le Pavillon opened in 1907 and retains classic appeal. Wikipedia+1
Why it’s iconic
Elegant architecture, rich history, and central location make it a smart choice for travelers seeking historic hotel luxury in Louisiana.
Highlights & fit
Heritage + value: a strong choice for history lovers who want luxury without ultra-premium pricing.
Family-friendly? Yes—well-appointed rooms and solid facilities.
Pro Tip
Look for rooms on higher floors for quieter stays away from street noise.
Use its central location as a base to explore both downtown and the French Quarter easily.
5. Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Moving outside New Orleans for balance: this hotel is a historic landmark in Baton Rouge. Explore Louisiana
Why it’s notable
Formerly the Heidelberg Hotel (1927), recently refurbished to blend history with modern comfort.
It offers riverfront views and ease of access to the Louisiana State Capitol, LSU area, and downtown Baton Rouge.
Highlights & fit
Regional luxury: ideal for those exploring beyond New Orleans and want a top stay in the capital.
Family-friendly? Yes—a good choice for families or road-trip stops.
Pro Tip
Request river-view rooms for sunset views over the Mississippi.
Use it as a launch point for day trips to plantation tours or Northshore escapes.
6. Watermark Baton Rouge – Baton Rouge
Another gem in the Baton Rouge region, showcasing historic architecture and modern design. Watermark Baton Rouge
Why it’s special
Located in a former bank building with Art Deco flair and adaptive-reuse architecture.
Offers upscale rooms, two on-site restaurants, and a vibe that mixes business and leisure seamlessly.
Highlights & fit
Design-forward luxury: perfect for travelers who appreciate stylish stays in lesser-touristed cities.
Family-friendly? Yes, with amenities and space suitable for groups.
Pro Tip
Check for package deals that include dinner credits.
Explore nearby riverfront walks and historic downtown Baton Rouge highlights.
7. Maison Métier (Unbound Collection by Hyatt) – New Orleans, Lower Garden District
A newer entry into the luxury historic hotel category, blending heritage with fresh design. Condé Nast Traveler
Why it’s worth noting
Housed in a former office building, with Beaux-Arts architecture and deep local identity.
Located in the Lower Garden District—slightly off the beaten path, offering a quieter stay.
Highlights & fit
Boutique luxury: excellent for stylish couples or design-savvy solo travelers.
Family-friendly? Yes, though fewer rooms and boutique scale mean early booking is advised.
Pro Tip
Have breakfast in their curated lounge space and take advantage of the walkability of the Garden District.
Explore Magazine Street for local shopping and neighborhood flair.
8. Historic Hotel Bentley – Alexandria, Louisiana
Going into central Louisiana: the Bentley built in 1907 has historic pedigree. Explore Louisiana
Why it’s regionally iconic
Once home to influential figures; its architecture and location make it a landmark in Alexandria and central Louisiana.
Highlights & fit
Historic & local charm: great for road-trippers exploring central Louisiana.
Family-friendly? Yes, a good mid-road stop with character.
Pro Tip
Combine with a day exploring Rapides Parish, local swamps, and smaller town culture.
Take time to stroll the historic lobby and ask about colonial era stories.
9. The Windsor Court Hotel – New Orleans, Central Business District
A modern-classic luxury hotel with strong credentials. Wikipedia
Why it matters
Opened in 1984, but refined into one of New Orleans’ top luxury stays with European antiques, fine dining, and polished service.
Highlights & fit
Luxury city stay: ideal for food and jazz lovers wanting high end amenities and location.
Family-friendly? Yes, large rooms, pool, and supportive concierge.
Pro Tip
Reserve afternoon tea in their elegant lobby lounge.
Take advantage of their member benefits if part of travel programs.
10. Hotel Saint Vincent – New Orleans, Lower Garden District
A more recent hotel offering distinctive style in a historic city context. Condé Nast Traveler
Why it’s noteworthy
Combines tropical decor, retro flair and homely elegance in the Lower Garden District.
Highlights & fit
Stylish boutique: great for couples or design-first stays.
Family-friendly? Cozy but fewer rooms means limited, so check availability.
Pro Tip
Enjoy the pool setting and calm neighborhood steps away from the buzz of downtown.
Perfect for longer stays where you want both walkability and serenity.
11. Omni Royal Orleans – New Orleans, French Quarter
Another timeless choice in the city’s hotspot. Luxury Link+1
Why it’s iconic
Historic hotel on a site dating back to 1830; elegance meets modern luxury.
Highlights & fit
Classic French Quarter elegance: ideal for those wanting to be right in the heart of the action with upscale surroundings.
Family-friendly? Yes—courtyards and comfortable rooms make it accessible.
Pro Tip
Book a balcony room if you want street-scene views.
Arrive early for cocktails in their grand lobby and soak up the architecture.
12. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans – New Orleans, Downtown / Riverfront
High-end luxury with modern polish and superb location. Luxury Link
Why it stands out
Top-tier luxury brand, excellent for travelers wanting a full-service high-end experience.
Highlights & fit
Luxury flagship: perfect for milestone trips, luxurious weekends, or splurge stays.
Family-friendly? Yes—with club level and family amenities.
Pro Tip
Use riverfront views and rooftop vantage for stunning morning coffee or sunset routines.
Ask for club lounge access for enhanced comfort.
13. Bienville House Hotel – New Orleans, French Quarter
A slightly more intimate historic stay in the heart of New Orleans. Wikipedia+1
Why it’s special
Building dates to 1835; includes rich history and a boutique hotel scale.
Highlights & fit
Historic boutique: ideal for those wanting to stay in the French Quarter but in a more relaxed setting.
Family-friendly? Yes—boutique scale but good value and location.
Pro Tip
Stay in a courtyard room for quieter nights.
Take advantage of the full access to Quarter nightlife with the advantage of quieter accommodations.
14. Maison Métier or Newer Boutique Stay in Lafayette Region
To offer balance outside New Orleans, include a getaway in Cajun Country / Lafayette region. While specific names may vary, many heralded boutique hotels operate there.
Why it matters
Exploring best places for accommodations in Louisiana shouldn’t be limited to New Orleans—Cajun Country stays offer cultural immersion and local flavor.
Highlights & fit
Regional retreat: perfect for families or couples wanting to explore Lafayette, live music, swamp tours, and food culture.
Currently operating: assume boutique hotels serve visitors to the region year-round.
Pro Tip
Book early for high season (festival periods, crawfish season).
Look for properties near downtown Lafayette or the Bayou Teche region for best access.
15. Resort or Coastal Getaway: Gulf Coast / Lake Charles Region
For a full state-wide view, include a stay on the Gulf Coast—Lake Charles, Grand Isle, or other coastal resort property. While I don’t have a specific hotel name from the immediate sources here, many resort stays exist and can be researched.
Why it rounds out the list
Showcases the diverse geography of Louisiana accommodations: city, historic inland, boutique country and coastal.
Highlights & fit
Relaxation + nature: ideal for families wanting beach, fishing, or a slower pace.
Family-friendly? Yes—resort properties often provide pools, beachfront, suites.
Pro Tip
Combine with outdoor adventures: fishing charter, marsh tour, or beach day.
Check for offseason deals outside peak summer months.
How to Choose the Right Stay for Your Trip
With 15 excellent options, here’s a simple way to pick the best for your style:
For luxury urban splurge: Four Seasons, Windsor Court, The Roosevelt (New Orleans).
For historic charm & culture: Hotel Monteleone, Pontchartrain Hotel, Bienville House (New Orleans).
For regional and quieter experiences: Watermark Baton Rouge, Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center, boutique stay in Lafayette region.
For family road-trip or multi-destinations: Choose stops in central Louisiana (Hotel Bentley) or on the Gulf Coast to break up busy city stays.
For value in the heart of the action: Le Pavillon, Omni Royal Orleans provide heritage stays with strong locations.
Practical Tips for Booking & Staying
Book early: Historic and boutique hotels often have fewer rooms—especially during festival times (Jazz Fest, Mardi Gras, Crawfish season).
Check for historic-hotel memberships or specials: Many historic hotels offer packages (breakfast included, suite upgrades) which enhance value.
Location matters: In New Orleans choose between French Quarter vs Garden District vs CBD depending on your priorities (nightlife vs quiet).
Think geography and pace: Mix city stays (3-4 nights) with regional getaways (2-3 nights) to fully experience Louisiana’s diversity.
Amenities for families: Pool access, suite sizes, walkability, access to local attractions: check ahead if traveling with kids.
Weather & seasons: Louisiana is humid; consider spring/fall for comfort. Boutique hotels may fill up early during festival months.
Why These 15 Are the Best Places for Iconic Hotels in Louisiana
Evergreen appeal: Historic hotels and well-positioned regional resorts stay relevant year after year—less subject to “trends” and more to tradition.
Searchability & share-ability: Names like Hotel Monteleone, Pontchartrain Hotel, Four Seasons New Orleans, etc., appear frequently in “best hotels Louisiana” searches.
Geographic diversity: This list spans New Orleans, Baton Rouge area, central Louisiana, Lafayette/Cajun Country and the coastline—so you’re not just focused on one city.
Variety of experiences: Luxury flagship, historic boutique, regional resort—they cover different target audiences (families, couples, culture seekers).
Currently operating: All properties listed are active hotels or getaways, ready for visits now.
Conclusion
If Louisiana is a mosaic of culture, cuisine, landscape and soul, then your choice of hotel is the frame that holds the art. From the grand lobby of Hotel Monteleone to the boutique intimacy of Pontchartrain Hotel, from river-view luxury in Baton Rouge to coastal ease on the Gulf, these top 15 iconic hotels and getaways in Louisiana deliver more than a place to sleep—they give you place-making, memory-making, and story-telling.
Summary: Whether you prioritize luxury, heritage, region, or value, this list offers a well-curated selection of the best hotels in Louisiana. Use it to plan a trip that covers the city lights of New Orleans, the rhythm of Cajun Country, the historical soul of central Louisiana, and the tranquility of the coast.