The Pontchartrain Hotel

The Pontchartrain Hotel originally opened as a luxury apartment building in 1927. By the 1940s, it was reborn as an upscale hotel catering to the whims of prominent locals and visitors alike. More recently, the property underwent a massive renovation and rebranding aimed at restoring it to its former grandeur and bringing forth its historic character.

Throughout the years, many prominent names have passed through the hotel’s doors, including Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, The Doors, and several presidents and dignitaries. A source of pride for The Pontchartrain is that Tennessee Williams worked on “A Streetcar Named Desire” while here. The property is located right on the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, which traverses one of New Orleans most historic neighborhoods, the Garden District. A stay here charms you, as the streets are lined with 200-year-old oak trees. Plus, you’ll be at the crossroads to downtown’s boisterous French Quarter scene and uptown entertaining, restaurants, music, shopping and business conferences. Drive, ride a bike, stroll along, or take the streetcar to randomly hop off at some of New Orleans’s top attractions, such as Audubon Park, Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, Commander’s Palace, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the Contemporary Arts Center, and the National World War II Museum.

The 106-room Pontchartrain Hotel features luxury suites, roomy extended stay sprawls, and anything but standard rooms. Their recent revamp brought guests four dazzling food and nightlife spots:

• Bayou Bar- Casual tavern-style ambiance with an extensive whiskey and beer list.
• The Silver Whistle Cafe- once a hangout of high-powered New Orleans judges. Now offers breakfast and brunch classics and a local favorite – their famous blueberry muffins.
• Jack Rose- Eclectic and fun dining that encourages spontaneous celebration. Try the Mile High Pie!
• Hot Tin- The Pontchartrain Hotel’s crown jewel. This rooftop bar offers stellar 270-degree views of the Mississippi River and downtown New Orleans. The space captures the look and feel of a 1940s artist loft with nods to Tennessee Williams.

Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed and offer the perfect balance of Deep South charm and modern comforts. Expect old world antiques and textures as well as plenty of European flair and romantic color schemes that this Spanish-French city is known for. Lacquered black and mint-green tones evoke the majestic oaks dripping with Spanish moss, while layered Moroccan rugs create a multi-textured cozy feel. The vibe is elegantly effortless- perfect for sleeping, working, or celebrating.