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Hotel Monteleone
A family-owned French Quarter hotel on Royal Street since 1886, home of the revolving Carousel Bar, with a rooftop pool and literary-themed suites.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic hotel
- Area
- French Quarter, New Orleans, United States
- Price
- $$$ · Upscale
- Official site
- hotelmonteleone.com
Good to know
- Rooftop pool
- Spa
- Carousel Bar
- Restaurant
- Literary Suites
Why we recommend it
Hotel Monteleone has welcomed travellers on Royal Street since 1886, and it remains a family-owned landmark in the French Quarter. Being inside the Quarter makes it a convenient base for anyone who wants to walk everywhere.
The hotel's literary connections are part of its identity, and its Literary Suites are themed around great authors who have been linked with the building. Rooms range from standard doubles to suites, and the rooftop pool, with views over the city, is a welcome escape on hot afternoons. The Acqua Bella poolside bar serves drinks by the pool, and the hotel's spa, Spa Aria, offers treatments.
The best-known feature is the Carousel Bar and Lounge, which has been turning since 1949. True to its name, the bar completes one rotation every 15 minutes, and there is live music seven nights a week. It is open from 11am to midnight daily, and it is restricted to over-21s after 6pm. For dinner, Criollo, the hotel restaurant, combines Gulf seafood and Louisiana traditions with global influences.
The Monteleone suits couples, literary fans and first-time visitors who want to be in the French Quarter rather than near it. Families should note the Carousel Bar's age rule in the evening. Bourbon Street is about 0.2 miles away, close enough to visit easily. Book early for festival weekends and Mardi Gras.
The founder, Antonio Monteleone, was a Sicilian cobbler who bought a small hotel at the corner of Royal and Iberville streets in 1886, and the business has passed down through four generations of his family. Today the hotel has around 570 rooms, including 50 suites. Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner all stayed here, and in 1999 the hotel was designated an official literary landmark, an honour otherwise held in the United States only by the Plaza and the Algonquin in New York. Mixology fans staying at the hotel can book a private session with the Carousel Bar's mixologist at 10am through the link in their confirmation email.
Jackson Square is around 0.4 miles away, an easy walk through the Quarter. Galatoire's and Antoine's are both within easy walking distance for a traditional dinner, and Brennan's is on the same street. Allow time for a drink at the Carousel Bar on your first evening, even if you are staying elsewhere.
Hotel Monteleone FAQs
How old is Hotel Monteleone?
It has welcomed guests on Royal Street since 1886 and is still family owned.
Does the Carousel Bar really turn?
Yes. It has been turning since 1949 and completes one rotation every 15 minutes.
When is the Carousel Bar open?
Daily from 11am to midnight, for over-21s only after 6pm.
Is there a pool?
Yes. There is a rooftop pool with city views and the Acqua Bella poolside bar.
What restaurant does the hotel have?
Criollo, which combines Gulf seafood, Louisiana traditions and global influences.
How far is the hotel from Bourbon Street and Jackson Square?
About 0.2 miles from Bourbon Street and 0.4 miles from Jackson Square.
Is there a spa?
Yes. Spa Aria is the hotel's spa.