New Orleans’ famous French Quarter is brimming with beignets, cozy cafes, and the iconic fleur-de-lis on just about everything you see. But one of its biggest influences in this French-inspired neighborhood isn’t French at all.
The historic Hotel Monteleone is a little slice of Italy that commands big attention. With its stunning European architecture and remarkable grandeur, it fits so seamlessly into the city’s historic charm that you may momentarily forget that its roots are a bit different than the rest of the town.
The History
Hotel Monteleone remains one of the lasting emblems of the American Dream. Sicilian shoemaker Antonio Monteleone embarked for the land of opportunity in 1880 and opened a cobbler shop on New Orleans’ Royal Street (the same street that would later house Monteleone’s legacy).
When Monteleone purchased the property in 1886, it was only a 64-room hotel that went by the name Commercial Hotel. Since that time, the hotel has undergone five distinct expansions, including a complete razing and rebuilding of the hotel into the mammoth landmark it is today.
Still retaining much of its historic charm, the new building combined ballrooms, dining rooms, and cocktail lounges, and later a sky terrace with swimming pool and other attractive features.
The hotel has since been a hotspot for southern writers like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Tennessee Williams. It has also served as a backdrop for numerous television shows and movies, and countless parties and proposals.
Visiting Hotel Monteleone Today
Hotel Monteleone remains one of the oldest family-owned hotels, and it’s a rare gem indeed. Now on its fifth generation, visitors can expect their stay to be nothing short of a grand occasion. Its history is as intriguing as the unique features that have dazzled generations, and This gorgeous piece of French Quarter history is brimming with old-world inspiration, spanning nearly a full city block and decked with opulence.
Haunted Hotel: Fact or Folklore?
Hotel Monteleone has attracted visitors from around the world, including those obsessed with lore and legend. Eerie happenings have been documented on hotel property, including a restaurant door that opens and closes each night despite being locked and elevators stopping on the wrong floor.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, it’s hard to ignore that the hotel often feels other-worldly at times.
Off the Beaten Path
Hotel Monteleone is just a stone’s throw from famous Bourbon Street, yet remains something of a hidden gem among New Orleans travelers. Located just a block east of the busiest tourist street in the city, Hotel Monteleone offers proximity to many beloved attractions, but without the traffic and fanfare that’s become synonymous with the French Quarter.
Carousel Bar & Lounge
Hotel Monteleone’s most notable factor is its decades-old Carousel Bar. For over 65 years, this iconic bar has served the likes of tourists, locals, famous authors, Hollywood icons, and everyone in between. Powered by a small motor, the carousel completes a single revolution in 15 minutes, giving you a slightly new perspective every time you take a sip.
The bar alone attracts thousands of visitors to its seats each year and has been a driving factor behind the historic hotel’s fame and glory.
Rooftop Pool
Though tucked in the heart of the French Quarter, its rooftop pool can make you feel miles away from anything. Heated year-round for maximum enjoyment, the pool’s breathtaking views have become something of a bucket list item for many New Orleans travelers. It’s hidden from street view and nearly surrounded on all sides for a private tropical-esque escape.
