Top 20 Cool and Unusual Hotels in New Orleans 2023

One of America’s biggest party towns which has a worldwide reputation for having a joie de vivre quite like no other place on earth, New Orleans bewitches many a traveler who visits this famous Louisiana city.

Famous for its French colonial architecture, the incredible round-the-clock nightlife, an ultra-lively music scene, its famously spicy cuisine, and of course the world-famous Mardi Gras. 

Also, of course, a place dedicated to the making of merriment is going to have some equally fabulous hotels, so for a unique and hip New Orleans stay, here are the best cool and unusual hotels in New Orleans, Louisiana (in no particular order)…

1. NOPSI New Orleans – a unique, modern and very Instagrammble design hotel with a fabulous rooftop swimming pool

One of the best hotels in New Orleans, NOPSI New Orleans was constructed during the Roaring Twenties, when flappers, the radio, and art-deco were the height of cool.

The nine-story brick building at the corner of Baronne and Union Streets in the Central Business District began life in 1927 as the polished headquarters for the city’s public utility and streetcar operator: New Orleans Public Service Inc., colloquially known as NOPSI.

Nearly 90 years later, developers returned the building to its Jazz Age splendor as the NOPSI Hotel, a luxury development catering to young, sophisticated travelers.

The hotel has 217 guestrooms and suites, an on-site restaurant, a rooftop pool and a gin bar. Perfectly located for central New Orleans this is a contemporary hotel, done well.

• To book, check prices or availability for NOPSI New Orleans

2. The Saint Hotel – a trendy, hip, and stylishly fun New Orleans hotel perfect for Instagrammers and partying Millenials and Gen Zs

Within walking distance of the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, the fabulous and very highly rated 4-star Saint Hotel encourages guests to “play naughtily but sleep saintly”!

The upscale interiors at this trendsetting New Orleans Hotel look more like a nightclub than a hotel and offer a truly wonderful mix of crushed velvet, retro furniture, and unusual artwork and a cool theme throughout. You can enjoy traditional southern Louisiana food in the aptly named Tempt restaurant, or sip a drink and listen to live jazz music in the Burgundy Bar.

The standard guest rooms themselves are just as well designed with cool white linens, oversized leather headboards, and marble bathrooms, or – if you really want to get into the whole angels/devils theme that is going on here – you can book the presidential Lucifer Suite with deep red walls (and some glass walls) plenty of black leather and probably the sins of previous occupants too! Just fabulous darling!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Saint Hotel New Orleans

3. Virgin Hotels New Orleans – a new, fun and already very popular trendy design hotel located in the lively Warehouse District

In the Warehouse District of New Orleans, next to the French Quarter, is this new addition to the Virgin portfolio of hotels. The Virgin Hotel New Orleans is newly opened and features around 230 rooms, this new-build hotel will feature a Commons Club, a rooftop pool, a coffee shop, a library, a gym, meeting space, and a 482-square-foot lounge called “the Shag Room.

We haven’t been able to get inside for a look around yet, but heard Virgin Hotels New Orleans will incorporate a Southern residential feel with colorful, tropical architectural motifs and Virgin’s signature style of fun and smart design.

This new addition to the party city has quickly become one of the best hotels in New Orleans!

• To book, check prices or availability for Virgin Hotels New Orleans

4. Hotel Peter and Paul – a beautifully unique upscale boutique hotel set in a historic 1860 building in the hip Faubourg Marigny district

Situated in the heart of the Marigny, close to the Mississippi is the former schoolhouse, rectory, church and convent have each been carefully restored and reborn as the unique and entirely unusual Hotel Peter and Paul.

Constructed in 1860, each building has its own inspiration and style, with the historic restoration ensuring that no two guest rooms are alike.

The schoolhouse has classic European-designed flavors; the rectory a true Southern styling; the convent is grand monastic with the old church space being kept for events.

There is a small bar in an internal courtyard away from the city buzz and an ice cream parlor serving local delights. Throughout an air of peacefulness pervades in corridors where nuns strolled and schoolchildren clamored in old New Orleans.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Peter and Paul

5. Moxy Hotel – a cool, fun and funky industrial-chic style hotel with a hip, youthful vibe

Billed by its owners the Marriot Group, as ‘a bar with rooms’ this budget bolthole is a 24-hour drinking den very much designed with the younger demographic in mind.

The quirky interiors at the very highly rated Moxy Hotel are perfect for the Instagram generation and the entrance lobby and communal spaces all focus around the bar that is the central hub of this young and funky New Orleans hotel.

The rooms at The Moxy New Orleans are utilitarian but chic and have swapped-out wardrobes for pegs and each one comes with more unusual features that will make for great hashtags. The cafe serves coffee and basic snacks, but being located in the Central Business District just a 6-minute from the iconic Bourbon Street you are never going to be far from plenty of great restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

There’s also a modern gym, a buzzy cocktail bar, and a contemporary, open-plan lounge/library. An awesome hotel perfect for millennials or just the young at heart! 

• To book, check prices or availability for the Moxy Hotel New Orleans

6. The Eliza Jane – a beautiful, chic and upscale design hotel to stay in New Orleans located near the French Quarter

The Eliza Jane, on the edge of the French Quarter in Magazine Street, dodges the traps of historic restoration by invigorating the old, rather than trying to replicate it. The spacious rooms in this classic hotel are tastefully designed with panache to keep spaces cool and exciting.

They are graciously appointed with rich color schemes, eclectic accent furniture, and elegant brass bathroom fixtures for a modern feel with just a nod to the past. There is history oozing from the 196 rooms in this place.

The Eliza Jane welcomes you to become part of this soulful city’s story with a stay in classic New Orleans surroundings in contemporary style.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Eliza Jane New Orleans

7. W New Orleans – a cool, hip, and fun contemporary upscale hotel which is one of the hottest addresses in town

Set back from the main thoroughfares of the French Quarter, this stylish and secluded retreat is a resort location in its own right. The stunning courtyard at the exceptionally rated 4-star W Hotel New Orleans could be anywhere in the world and the cabana-laden pool area is the perfect escape from the madness of the Big Easy.

The interior is typical of the W hotel group so you know it’s going to be pretty swanky. It has a chic artsy vibe with low lighting, funky modern fittings, and tech-friendly amenities all come as standard, and upgraded rooms include private balconies with hot tubs lit by a chandelier.

Although it’s arguably the beautiful French Riviera-inspired courtyard and swimming pool that sets this hotel apart from its contemporaries. With more than a hint of the Mediterranean about the place, the W New Orleans aims to attract younger urban visitors with a fitness center, SoBou restaurant, and craft cocktails in the lively, late-night bar.

• To book, check prices or availability for W Hotel New Orleans

8. Ace Hotel – a cool, unique and music-themed New Orleans boutique hotel located in the Warehouse District

Located in the trendy central Warehouse District, the 4-star much loved Ace Hotel really plays a trump card when it comes to hip hotels. Minimalist digs with more than a touch of Southern Charm makes for low-key interiors that ooze a lounge club style.

The stylish guest rooms are equally as cool with bespoke bed linens and handcrafted furnishings and many have awesome details like turntables and acoustic guitars.

The bi-level suite offers a terrace and a wet bar. The very cool New Orleans Hotel has five chic restaurants to choose including the Josephine Estelle, which has the feel of a French brasserie and serves traditional American fayre and delicious desserts like peanut butter pie budino.

The trendy accommodation also has a buzzing bar that stays open until very late and a branch of the ultra-hip Stumptown Coffee for finely crafted hot beverages to perk up flagging tourists. There’s also an onsite cute retro booth, onsite entertainment, a 24 gym and for cooling down there is also a fabulous pool and sundeck up on the roof!

• To book, check prices or availability for Ace Hotel New Orleans

9. Maison de la Luz – one of the best boutique hotels in New Orleans with striking and impeccable decor

The Maison de la Luz is a highly distinctive guest house in the heart of New Orleans. It is breathtakingly styled as a place of old-world charm awash with Southern swoon, filled with art for prophetic visions or quiet inspiration.

Maison de la Luz combines beautiful, curious, and luxury with effortless grace. A few minutes here and you start to drift back to gracious days of elegance and reverie.

There are 67 fabulously resplendent suites, each one a private sanctuary from the heat and noise of the city. Maison de la Luz is not a museum, it is an elegantly styled beacon for the senses, evoking Southern style and New Orleans hospitality. An utterly unique, unusual, and real boutique experience. Easily one of the best five hotels in New Orleans! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Maison de la Luz

10. Troubadour Hotel New Orleans – a vibrant, fun and trendy design hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs looking to party

A cool and funky hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs. The vibe here is fun and beat and the decor is stylish and contemporary but with plenty of color and creativity thrown in for something quite special.

Located in the Central Business District only a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter, the trendy hotel features modern guest rooms featuring local artwork, retro accessories, Bluetooth speakers, and designer toiletries.

The rest of the hotel is pretty swish too with great city views from many of the rooms, a 24-hour gym, a cool bistro, and an amazing rooftop eatery/bar offering regular DJ performances and city views. Oh and it’s also dog-friendly too, bonus! 

• To book, check prices or availability for Troubadour Hotel New Orleans

11. The ONE11 Hotel – a hip and elegant new boutique hotel located in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter 

The old warehouse building in the French Quarter, right on the Mississippi, has a sleek new ambience but preserves many original elements like the cypress wood pillars, exposed brick walls, large windows that let in tons of natural light, and iron beams in some spaces.

It’s near attractions like Woldenberg Park and Bourbon Street with its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.

The rooms are spacious and well-designed in a chic neutral palette with wood accents, quirky artwork and fresh flowers and greenery accents.

There’s a lap pool, terrace with views of the river and the French Quarter, and the Batture Bistro & Bar serving up drinks and irresistible Creole-flavored small bites with local, sustainable ingredients.

• To book, check prices or availability for The ONE11 Hotel 

12. Kimpton Fontenot – a gorgeous new design boutique hotel with quirky details and a fabulous downtown location near the French Quarter

The Kimpton hotels stand for 5-star luxury, and in NOLA it comes with French and southern touches, like the opulent Peacock Room cocktail bar. This popular gathering place in shades of peacock blue has ethereal wall murals, velvet furnishings, chandeliers, and equally delectable cocktails and bar eats.

The rooms too are havens of comfort, with clean, restful lines, woven cane headboards, comfy chairs, color accents and large windows that look out over the city

The location in the central business district is convenient to explore the French Quarter and the Arts & Garden Districts. There’s also a fitness center, and the all-day cafe Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats, where you can ask for a shot to be added to your coffee or eats.

• To book, check prices or availability for Kimpton Fontenot

13. The Natchez – a funky and trendy upscale vacation rental with a retro vibe perfect for longer stays or larger groups

The Natchez offers a choice of 2, 3, and 4-bedroom suites just steps away from the French Quarter. A 1830s traditional Creole building has been transformed into comfortable, modern New Orleans accommodation that perfectly blends both the old and the new.

Exposed brick walls, polished wooden floors, and lots of high-tech conveniences await guests at The Natchez and all suites come with state-of-the-art kitchens and contemporary interiors.

There is also a fabulous heated pool, with both salt and freshwater hot tubs, as well as a sundeck with cabanas for catching your breath when the French Quarter gets too hectic. The highly-rated Nachez offers affordable and cleverly crafted self-catering accommodation at the heart of the city.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Natchez New Orleans 

14. The Higgins Hotel – a fashionable art-deco-style large hotel offering gorgeous views and a Warehouse District location

The Higgins Hotel & Conference Center, which recalls an important moment in the history of New Orleans and the US, is the official hotel of the National WWII Museum. It’s located just across the street from the Museum in the Arts & Warehouse District, and a short walk from Bourbon Street.

There’s a small WWII museum at the hotel, and the decor likewise recalls the 1940s with Art Deco design and historic photos and memorabilia. The rooms and suites have the same ambience of classic luxury and views of the city and the Mississippi River.

The restaurants are likewise historically-themed, with Café Normandie offering French-influenced cuisine and Rosie’s on the Roof serving cocktails, small bites and stunning views.

• To book, check prices or availability for The Higgins Hotel 

15. Audubon Cottages – charming and intimate accommodation in the French Quarter in the form of cottages dating from the early 19th century

This is an intimate 18th Century Creole Inn located right in the heart of the French Quarter. All seven of the period 19th century 4-star exceptionally rated Audubon Cottages are set around a lush green garden with a stunning saltwater centerpiece and are so tranquil it is easy to forget that you are just a short walk away from Arnaud’s, Antoine’s, Galatoire’s and Lafitte’s, Canal Street, the CBD, and the St Charles Streetcar.

The unique New Orleans accommodation offers comfortable Creole-style interiors full of rich colors, all mod cons mixed with antiques and oil paintings, and balconies that overlook the courtyard and a heated outdoor pool.

A truly magical place to stay, and one that doesn’t need to offer a bar or restaurant as you only need to step outside to find the very best bars and eateries in the city.

• To book, check prices or availability for Audubon Cottages

16. Selina Catahoula Hotel – a trendy, chic and hip boutique hotel housed in a converted Creole townhouse dating from 1845 in downtown New Orleans

Quirky, stylish, and kitsch, the Catahoula is both a boutique hotel and a popular meeting spot for trendy young things meeting up in New Orleans.

The cleverly converted 19th-century Creole townhouse offers a lobby that looks like a trendy coffee shop and plenty of brilliantly thought-out retro touches.

Cozy and cute, and only offering 35 rooms in total, you will feel very much at home in the bedrooms with their blend of traditional exposed brick and contemporary walk-in concrete showers.

The Piscobar serves an array of Pisco-based cocktails to both guests and locals, while the Rooftop bar specializes in South American wines and cocktails – yum!

• To book, check prices or availability for The Catahoula Hotel

17. Hotel Le Marais – a charming and alluring boutique hotel near Bourbon Street with funky, modern and colorful bedrooms and an upscale crowd

A cool New Orleans hotel that blurs the line between modern contemporary and hipster retro, the very highly rated Hotel Le Marais located just half a block from iconic Bourbon Street and also very near the historic buildings in Jackson Square is a colorful combination of function and design.

With a concept designed to attract a younger, upwardly mobile clientele, it is set back ever so slightly from the bustle of the French Quarter to ensure that millennials on a mission can still enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Colorful design touches, a purple lobby, and black and white wall art give the unique New Orleans hotel an edgy feel without distracting too much from the quality of the trendy accommodation on offer.

Breakfast is included, there’s a heated outdoor swimming pool complete with a cool patio bar, a 24-hour gym and a chic lounge with a weekday happy hour.

• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Le Marais

18. Q&C HotelBar – a chic, modern and charming small boutique hotel housed in a historic building located in the business district of New Orleans

A historic building in the heart of the Central Business District, the highly-rated Q&C HotelBar which is part of the prestigious Autograph Collection is a beautiful boutique hotel close to the French Quarter.

The guest rooms offer old-world charm beautifully combined with contemporary lines and all have free WiFi and wall-mounted TVs as standard, some feature city skyline views.

A chic and trendy New Orleans hotel that works well for business travelers and holidaymakers alike, the Q&C is clean and comfortable with an upmarket ambiance.

The Q&C Bar serves handmade cocktails and has a daily happy hour, as well as a good selection of light meals and snacks. If you overindulge, the onsite fitness center is there to help you keep fit while away.

• To book, check prices or availability for Q&C HotelBar

19. Magazine Mansion – a beautifully restored historic home with quirky decor located in the Lower Garden District 

Set on the corner of the central Magazine St & Felicity St these four eclectically styled units are in a prime location for shopping, dining, and bar hopping, and can sleep you and up to 19 of your nearest and dearest in the sought-after Saint Thomas Development.

Each unit at the exceptionally rated Magazine Mansion has a private entrance but you can open them up for large group bookings and party your own way in the Big Easy.

Cool interiors, a private courtyard with a jacuzzi, TV, and BBQ pit makes al fresco dining a breeze, while all units have their own kitchens, Wifi, and cable TV.

Sip cocktails on the balcony at this trendy New Orleans accommodation before you head on out to explore the French Quarter and Bourbon Street which are just a short cab ride away from Magazine Mansion.

• To book, check prices or availability for Magazine Mansion

20. Loft 523 – a collection of cool luxury loft-style suites located in a restored warehouse near lively Bourbon Street 

Minimalist loft spaces and cool East Coast charm can be found at the exceptionally rated Loft 523 Hotel, making an interesting chic and sleek contrast to the many more traditional New Orlean hostelries dotted throughout the city.

This hip New Orlean abode is housed in a restored warehouse just a short walk from both the famous French Quarter and the Art District, these luxurious lofts are calm and contemporary and some have luscious limestone soaking tubs and the penthouse suites have terraces with ponds, fountains and superb city views!

With dark wood furniture, thick rugs on bare floors, and low-slung designer bed frames, design-conscious interiors come as standard. There is no restaurant on-site, but the Loft 523 has its own lounge and bar – Gravier Street Social – which serves cool drinks and hot music in the secluded A-List retreat!

• To book, check prices or availability for Loft 523 Hotel