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Pontchartrain Hotel

Pontchartrain Hotel

New Orleans, The USA

Dating back to the 1940s, the Pontchartrain has hosted Hollywood royalty including Frank Sinatra and Rita Hayworth, as well as presidents such as Gerald Ford and George H. Bush.

Boasting a colourful and artsy decor, the hotel really is unique in the city of New Orleans and offers guests something a little different. There is a rooftop bar called 'Hot Tin' which has sweeping views over the city and is a relaxing spot to enjoy a sundowner after a day of exploring.

OUR OPINION:

The hotel has a quirky vintage feel which is charming and unique. Pontchartrain is in the Garden District and suits those looking to explore the city beyond the French Quarter (which is around 1.5 miles away) and sitting right on the St Charles street car line makes for easy access to Downtown. The rooftop bar ‘Hot Tin’ is a real gem and is one of our favourite places in the city for a drink with a view.

OUR RATING: First Class

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Audley Travel specialist Carla

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Rooms

The guest rooms at the Pontchartrain enjoy an old-world charm, Southern comfort and modern touches, making them some of the most romantic rooms to rest your head in the city. The colour schemes include dusty pinks, dark oak and green hues which reflect its location in the Garden District. 

They have a homely atmosphere and are cosy whilst elegant. The rooms are spacious and have two queen/queen beds, double or king sized beds and some of the suites have separate living rooms with sofas and desks.

Location

The Pontchartrain's location in the Garden District is ideal as Magazine Street, which has plenty of cafés, shops and restaurants is just a 10-minute walk away. It would take around 30 minutes to walk to the French Quarter and 20 minutes into the Central Business District, also known as the CBD. Alternatively, the hotel is right on the St Charles street car line which links the Garden District to downtown and the French Quarter.

Food and drink

Although a small, boutique hotel, the Pontchartrain has a number of dining options. The Bayou Bar is where the New Orleans Saints football franchise was christened in 1966 and offers casual dining in a tavern-style bar. Sinatra and Capote used to drink here and the intimate tables make it an excellent spot for a nightcap. 

There is also a coffee shop and an eclectic restaurant with a garden patio on the ground floor. The rooftop bar has incredible views over downtown New Orleans and incorporates nods to Tennessee Williams, who lived at the hotel while writing 'A Streetcar Named Desire', through its design. 

Facilities and activities

The hotel is perfectly placed for exploring New Orleans if you wish to enjoy the quieter side of the city. Guests can get into the French Quarter easily by means of the streetcar and retreat to the leafy Garden District come nightfall. 

There are plenty of shops and restaurants within walking distance of the hotel and many historic mansions to admire.

Tour ideas in New Orleans

Our itineraries are there to spark ideas for how you could include a stay at Pontchartrain Hotel as part of your trip. Treat them simply as suggestions, because every aspect of the trip we create for you will be yours to define.

Location & places nearby

Places & hotels on the map

    Alternative places to stay nearby

    Where possible, we like to offer a range of accommodation for each stop of your trip, chosen by our specialists as some of their favourite places to stay. To help you make the right choice, we give each property a rating based on its facilities and service, but we also look for hotels with distinct character or a location that can’t be bettered.

    Experiences while staying here

    The following activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences of the area where you’re staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident’s eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can also suggest outdoor pursuits and activities, such as cooking classes, that will introduce you to the traditions of the area’s inhabitants.

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      French Quarter Walking Tour

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