Standing regally at the gateway to New Orleans’ historic Royal Street antique district since 1886, Hotel Monteleone is much more than just a place to rest — it is a living, breathing emblem of the French Quarter’s unique fusion of European sophistication and Southern charm. For over a century, this stunning Beaux-Arts masterpiece has remained proudly family-owned, now in its fifth generation, preserving a legacy steeped in elegance, culture, and tradition.
Hotel Monteleone is woven deeply into the rich tapestry of American literary history. It has been a beloved haunt for some of the greatest writers of the 20th century—luminaries such as Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, and Truman Capote all found inspiration within its storied walls. These literary giants not only stayed here but also immortalized the hotel in their celebrated works, forever linking Monteleone to the creative pulse of New Orleans.
The true crown jewel of the hotel is undoubtedly the iconic Carousel Bar. Since 1949, this 25-seat revolving bar has been turning gracefully, completing a full rotation every 15 minutes, offering patrons a mesmerizing view of the vibrant French Quarter as they sip on expertly crafted cocktails. The bar is famed for concocting some of New Orleans’ most legendary drinks—the Sazerac and the Vieux Carré, the latter of which was invented right here at Monteleone. This enchanting rotating oasis has served as both muse and meeting place for artists, writers, and dreamers seeking the spark of creativity amid clinking glasses and soft jazz melodies.
Beyond its literary charm, Hotel Monteleone carries a mystique of its own. It has garnered a reputation as one of America’s most haunted hotels, with countless tales of ghostly encounters whispered by guests and staff alike. Doors are said to open and close inexplicably, and elevators sometimes pause mysteriously on floors unrequested, lending an eerie yet fascinating layer to the hotel’s allure. These spectral legends only deepen the hotel’s connection to the city’s rich spiritual and mystical undercurrents.
Boasting 570 guest rooms, including 55 exquisitely appointed suites named after its famed visitors, the hotel masterfully balances modern luxury with authentic New Orleans character. Inside, guests are greeted by ornate crystal chandeliers that cast shimmering light upon gleaming marble floors and richly carved antique furnishings that evoke the grandeur of a bygone era. Each corner of Hotel Monteleone tells a story, inviting visitors to step back in time while enjoying every contemporary comfort.
More than just a place to stay, Hotel Monteleone offers an immersive experience that captures the very essence of New Orleans. It is a gateway to the city’s cultural heritage, a beacon of artistic inspiration, and a whispering witness to its mysterious, soulful spirit. To spend a night within its walls is to become part of a living legend—a legend that continues to enchant travelers from around the world, inviting them to lose themselves in the magic that is uniquely New Orleans.