New Orleans was home to some of the first luxury hotels in the country, and this legacy of high-quality hospitality is still evident today. Along with superb outposts of major hotel chains, there are dozens of beautiful independent properties that evoke the timeless nature of this historic city.

Pontchartrain Hotel

$ | Readers' Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023

Attention to design details and value for money make the Pontchartrain Hotel a must-stay for anyone unafraid to bed down outside of the French Quarter (it's in the Lower Garden District). There is a timeless elegance to the exterior—a style that hasn’t changed since the 1940s—which is carried through to the lobby, with its crimson and emerald overtones, defiantly analogue elevators, and gilded mirrors with gold leaf accents. For unparalleled city views, head to the rooftop bar, Hot Tin, which is as busy with locals as guests (always a good sign).

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