The Pontchartrain Hotel: 2021’s Best Hotel Vibe in New Orleans

New Orleans is a majestic French-established city, suspended in time, with the most vibrant, energetic and hospitable community. As the locals say, “laissez les bon temps rouler” – a Cajun expression meaning “let the good times roll” – is the essence of this beautiful place. One of the most historically alluring and incomparable wards of New Orleans is the Vieux Carré, the crown jewel of New Orleans, the French Quarter which is the heart beat of it all. World travelers visit for the local culinary cuisines, jazz music in the streets, laughter amongst sazeracs – the city’s coined signature cocktail, Mardi Gras, second line parades, music festivals and the beautiful untouched 300 year old oak trees that line the streets of St. Charles along the famous streetcar trolley.

During my journey through the Garden District of New Orleans, adjacent to the charming streetcars on St. Charles, radiating 1951 Tennessee Williams vibes, I heard about a hotel that transcends all the others from the architecture to the impeccable rooms with chandeliers and an ambiance that will teleport you back into the 1920’s Fitzerald era yet with an understated opulence. As you check into The Pontchartrain Hotel and receive a Salvador Dalí looking brass key with a crimson red long tassel, the bellman who’s been working there over a decade, has all the knowledge in the world of the hotel, its history and where to get the nearest libation. He pointed me in the right direction to the rooftop terrace bar, Hot Tin, with balcony views of the Mississippi River, Caesars Superdome – home of the New Orleans Saints – and the downtown skyline.

Due to the lush yet intimate style of  The Pontchartrain Hotel, it could only be compared to the Chateau Marmont of New Orleans. After finishing a sazerac and the best shrimp and grits to date, I headed back to my room, slipped on a famous Pontchartrain pink robe after an adventurous day on Magazine Street and the French Quarter. The supreme aspect of the hotel other than the historic establishment itself was the kind and accommodating management team, Viviane Friedman and Josh Robichaux. The Pontchartrain Hotel has a staff that is helpful yet sets the tone to make you feel comfortable and private. Don’t judge me if I didn’t take my robe off for days while admiring the intricate details of the emerald and red rose colored decor and brunching on the rooftop terrace – the NOLA way!

The Pontchartrain Hotel transcends all expectations and is Popular TV’s “Best Hotel Vibe in New Orleans of 2021”

Words by: Jonathan Stinson
Photo Credit: The Pontchartrain Hotel