Our Top Picks
- The Windsor Court: Ranked #1 with a reader score of 94.96, this property remains the gold standard for traditional elegance and stunning Mississippi Riverfront views.
- Hotel Monteleone: A historic gem in the French Quarter celebrated for its legendary Carousel Bar and timeless Southern charm.
- The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel: The ultimate destination for grand Beaux-Arts architecture and world-class service in the heart of the city.
The best hotels in New Orleans for 2025 are led by The Windsor Court, which earned the top spot for its exceptional service and riverfront location. Other highly ranked properties include the historic Hotel Monteleone, famous for its Carousel Bar, and The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria hotel known for its grand Beaux-Arts architecture and long-standing hospitality tradition.
| Hotel | 2025 T+L Score | Neighborhood | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Windsor Court | 94.96 | Central Business District | Classic Luxury & River Views |
| Hotel Monteleone | 92.45 | French Quarter | Historic Charm & Famous Cocktails |
| The Roosevelt New Orleans | 91.80 | Central Business District | Grandeur & Holiday Transitions |
| Omni Royal Orleans | 90.12 | French Quarter | Rooftop Pool & Old-World Elegance |
| Maison Métier | 89.95 | Central Business District | Boutique Intimacy & Design |
| The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans | 89.20 | French Quarter | Spa Wellness & Club Level Service |
| Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans | 89.05 | Central Business District | Modern Sophistication & Dining |
| Pontchartrain Hotel | 88.50 | Garden District | Local Character & Jazz Vibes |
| Saint Vincent | 88.20 | Lower Garden District | Trendy Romance & Bold Design |
| Virgin Hotels New Orleans | 87.90 | Warehouse District | Rooftop Socializing & Modern Tech |
1. The Windsor Court: A Legacy of Excellence
For the refined traveler, The Windsor Court is not merely a place to sleep; it is a meticulously curated experience of Southern charm and elegance. Securing the #1 position in the best luxury hotels in New Orleans 2025 rankings with a remarkable score of 94.96, this property continues to define what top New Orleans hotels with world class service should look like. Walking into the lobby feels like entering a stately English manor that has been graciously transported to the banks of the Mississippi.
The hotel recently unveiled a $2M Presidential Suite renovation, ensuring that its most opulent accommodations remain at the forefront of modern luxury. As a Forbes 4-Star rating recipient, the service here is intuitive and invisible until the exact moment you require it. One cannot visit without indulging in their Traditional Afternoon Tea—a sensory-rich ritual involving delicate leblon teas and house-made scones that feels wonderfully indulgent amidst the city's frantic energy.
The guest experience is further elevated by the full-service wellness spas and the saltwater pool on the rooftop, which offers some of the most serene Mississippi Riverfront views in the region. Whether you are sipping a cocktail in the Polo Club Lounge or admiring the museum-quality art collection scattered throughout the halls, it is clear why this remains the best luxury hotels in New Orleans.
2. Hotel Monteleone & 3. The Roosevelt New Orleans
The silver and bronze spots on this year's list represent the soul of the city’s history. Hotel Monteleone, often called the Grande Dame of the French Quarter, is one of the premier top rated hotels in the French Quarter New Orleans. Its facade is a masterpiece of ornate masonry, but its heart is The Carousel Bar. There is something deeply romantic about sitting at the city's only revolving bar, watching the French Quarter drift by through the windows while your Sazerac is prepared with surgical precision. It remains a pinnacle for historic luxury hotels in New Orleans with famous bars, drawing literary buffs and cocktail enthusiasts alike.
Just a few blocks away, The Roosevelt New Orleans, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel, captures a different kind of magic. Its block-long lobby, shimmering with gold leaf and Waldorf clocks, is a monument to Historic Beaux-Arts architecture. The Roosevelt is a masterclass in Crescent City hospitality, especially during the festive season when the lobby transforms into a winter woodland. For those seeking top rated hotels in New Orleans with a deep sense of place, the Sazerac Bar here offers an atmosphere of dark wood and hand-painted murals that feels like a whispered secret from the 1930s. Both properties prove that while the city evolves, the allure of time-honored grandeur never fades.
The Rising Stars: Omni Royal Orleans and Maison Métier
The 2025 rankings have brought some exciting shifts to the leaderboard. The Omni Royal Orleans was ranked as the No. 4 best hotel in New Orleans in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards, a testament to its consistent delivery of Southern hospitality. Situated on the most fashionable corner of the French Quarter, it offers a rooftop pool deck that provides a 360-degree view of the skyline—a rare luxury in this historic district.
Perhaps the most impressive feat this year comes from Maison Métier. Formerly known as Maison de la Luz, this guest house style boutique property was recognized as the 33rd best hotel globally in the 2025 Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 'Top 100 Hotels in the World' list. It is a sanctuary of Southern charm and elegance, where the library bar serves as a private hideaway for guests. For those looking for places to stay in New Orleans that feel like a private residence rather than a hotel, Maison Métier provides an unmatched level of intimacy and bespoke design.
Pro-Tip: If you are visiting for jazz, the Pontchartrain Hotel in the Garden District is a frequent favorite. Its Bayou Bar is where local legends often play late-night sets in an intimate, wood-paneled room.
New for 2025: Nobu Hotel and the Fairmont Return
The energy in the city is reaching a fever pitch as New Orleans prepares for the 2025 Super Bowl LIX. This global spotlight has accelerated several high-profile developments in the luxury hotels New Orleans sector. We are seeing a fascinating blend of international brands and the revival of local legends.
One of the most anticipated openings is the Nobu Hotel Caesars New Orleans. This "hotel-within-a-hotel" concept brings a level of modern, minimalist luxury and fine dining establishments that the city hasn't seen before. Complementing this is the triumphant return of the Fairmont brand. The new 304-room Fairmont will occupy a historic structure, promising to blend the brand's global prestige with the specific, soulful New Orleans tourism industry standards. These new entries are already being discussed as future contenders for top rated hotels in New Orleans, offering tech-forward amenities alongside the classic live jazz lounges.
Neighborhood Guide: Where to Stay in the Big Easy
When deciding on places to stay in New Orleans, your choice of neighborhood dictates the rhythm of your trip. The French Quarter is for the romantic and the historian. Staying at locations like The Ritz-Carlton or the Omni Royal puts you within walking distance of courtyard gardens and the morning scent of beignets. It is the heart of the action, where the clip-clop of mule-drawn carriages provides the soundtrack to your morning.
The Central Business District (CBD) and Warehouse District have become the hubs for modern luxury. This area is home to the Four Seasons and The Windsor Court, offering more space, Mississippi Riverfront views, and proximity to the finest dining. For those seeking boutique hotels in New Orleans for a romantic getaway, the Garden District offers a quieter, leafier alternative. Properties like the Pontchartrain Hotel allow you to experience the city like a local, with historic streetcars and oak-lined avenues just steps away. It is arguably the best hotels in New Orleans Garden District for local charm, providing a peaceful retreat from the French Quarter's exuberance.
FAQ
What is the best neighborhood to stay in New Orleans?
For most first-time visitors, the French Quarter is the best neighborhood due to its walkability and proximity to major landmarks. However, those seeking a more sophisticated and quieter experience often prefer the Central Business District, which houses many of the best hotels in New Orleans and offers easy access to high-end dining and the Caesars Superdome.
Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or the Garden District?
It depends on the vibe you desire. The French Quarter is vibrant, historic, and often loud, placing you in the center of the nightlife and tourism hub. The Garden District is much more residential and serene, offering boutique hotels in New Orleans for a romantic getaway with beautiful historic mansions and a "local" feel along Magazine Street.
What are the safest places to stay in New Orleans for tourists?
The Central Business District and the Garden District are generally considered the safest places to stay in New Orleans for tourists. These areas are well-lit and have a high presence of hotel security and professional crowds. As with any major city, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings regardless of the neighborhood.
What are the best luxury hotels in downtown New Orleans?
The Windsor Court and the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans are widely considered the best luxury hotels in downtown New Orleans. Both offer world-class service, exceptional spa facilities, and high-end culinary programs. The Roosevelt also remains a top contender for those who prefer classic, grand hospitality.
What are the best New Orleans hotels for a romantic getaway?
For a romantic getaway, the Maison Métier offers a gorgeous, intimate environment with bespoke service. If you prefer a more traditional romance, the Hotel Monteleone’s historic suites and the Pontchartrain Hotel’s rooftop views are perfect for couples seeking the unique soul of the city.
Planning Your NOLA Stay
As New Orleans was ranked as the No. 2 best city in the United States by Travel + Leisure readers, demand for the best hotels in New Orleans is higher than ever. With the 2025 Super Bowl approaching, the city is polished and ready to welcome the world.
When booking your stay, consider the World's Best Awards methodology which prioritizes value, service, and location. Whether you choose the riverfront elegance of The Windsor Court or the boutique allure of Maison Métier, you are participating in a hospitality tradition that is as deep and winding as the Mississippi itself. Plan early, especially for 2025, to ensure you secure your piece of Crescent City hospitality.
