St. Charles Avenue runs through mansion territory. Oak trees shade sidewalks wide enough for streetcars and pedestrians. Houses built in the 1800s sit back from the street behind wrought-iron fences. Five of these properties operate as hotels where you can sleep in rooms that once belonged to New Orleans families with money older than most American cities.
The Chloe, 4125 St. Charles Avenue, Uptown.
Thomas Sully designed this Victorian mansion in the 19th century. Róbert LeBlanc converted it into a 14-room boutique hotel that opened in October 2020. Designer Sara Ruffin Costello went moody Victorian with Egyptian blue walls, Chinese art deco rugs, tiger-print carpet, and alligators woven into wine-red stair runners. Each room is different with antique furniture, four-poster beds, clawfoot tubs, vintage art.
The restaurant was named the most beautiful hotel restaurant in New Orleans by Visit New Orleans in 2024. Chef Ben Triola makes smoked chicken and alligator sausage gumbo and shrimp and grits. Resy said the restaurant defined New Orleans dining in 2024. A saltwater pool sits in the back courtyard. Rates from $300.
Check-in 3pm, checkout noon. Restaurant hours: Monday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-11pm, Saturday 10am-11pm, Sunday 10am-9pm. Phone: (504) 541-5500.
The Pontchartrain Hotel, 2031 St. Charles Avenue, Garden District.
Built 1927 as a high-rise luxury hotel, not a mansion conversion, but it sits on St. Charles Avenue among the mansions and operates with old-world service. Tennessee Williams stayed here. Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor stayed here. The hotel closed in 2013, was completely renovated, and reopened in 2016. The rooms have high ceilings, marble bathrooms, and custom furniture.
The rooftop bar Hot Tin overlooks the avenue and downtown skyline. Bayou Bar on the ground floor serves cocktails in velvet booths. Josephine Estelle restaurant does Gulf Coast Italian food. The hotel has 106 rooms across nine floors.
Rates from $200. Parking available. Phone: (504) 524-0581.
The Columns, 3811 St. Charles Avenue, Uptown.
This 1883 Italianate mansion is famous for its front porch, where locals drink on weekends. The movie “Pretty Baby” was filmed here in 1978. The interior hasn’t changed much since then. High ceilings, mahogany woodwork, stained glass, creaky floors. The hotel has 20 rooms, some with original fireplaces and balconies overlooking St. Charles Avenue. The rooms are dated in a charming way, not a neglected way.
The Victorian Lounge bar operates in the front parlor. The porch is the real draw. People who aren’t staying at the hotel show up to drink on the porch and watch streetcars pass.
Rates from $150. No elevator, stairs only. Limited parking. Phone: (504) 899-9308.
St. Charles Coach House, 1749 Prytania Street, Lower Garden District.
This isn’t on St. Charles Avenue, it’s one block away on Prytania, but it operates as a mansion-style boutique hotel. The property consists of three 1890s buildings: a main house, a carriage house, and a cottage. Seven suites total, all different layouts. Some have full kitchens. Others have sitting rooms and separate bedrooms. The buildings surround a courtyard with a hot tub and tropical plants.
Breakfast is delivered to your room each morning. The neighborhood is residential and walkable to Magazine Street shops and restaurants.
Minimum two-night stay on weekends. Rates from $200. Phone: (504) 895-5053.
The Marsh Hotel, 4137 St. Charles Avenue, Uptown.
Opened 2022 in a restored 1890s Victorian mansion. The hotel has 10 rooms with modern amenities hidden inside historic architecture. Original hardwood floors, pocket doors, crown molding, and fireplaces. The bathrooms are updated with walk-in showers and heated floors.
No restaurant on-site, but the hotel is surrounded by Uptown restaurants within walking distance. Small pool in the back courtyard. The lobby bar serves coffee in the morning and cocktails in the evening.
Rates from $250. Parking included. Phone: (504) 525-9292.
