T+L’s Hotel Review of The Garden District Hotel in New Orleans

I’m no stranger to New Orleans, a city I have excitedly visited for more than 20 years. Though the French Quarter’s frenetic pace is a major draw for first-time visitors, it’s the neighborhoods beyond Bourbon Street that reveal the city’s many layers.

The Garden District is one of those areas that floats between yesterday and tomorrow, where Greek- and Italianate-style homes adorned with ornate cast iron and sweeping verandas provide shade for people watching and respite from the commercial center. No matter how many times I’ve walked these streets, I’m always smitten by the deep porches shaded by towering oaks, how quiet and still the streets feel in a city so often associated with bacchanalia and beads. In recent years, many hotels have staked a claim in this residential neighborhood, enlisting historic homes to provide an intimate experience for travelers. Take The Garden District Hotel, located on a quiet corner of Prytania Street. Blink twice, and you could mistake it for a sprawling home, but that’s part of its unassuming allure.

“Being in the iconic Garden District, there was an opportunity to create an immersive atmosphere through thoughtful design touches,” says Adam Gaudry, area general manager of Dreamscape Hospitality, the hotel’s Dallas-based management company. In the lobby, the original brick façade still stands, while eye-catching murals and garden-inspired palettes add a sense of place. Velvet couches and chairs flank a central fireplace and exposed brick walls.

The garden theme continues in the bar, with winding green vines and pops of pastel. “We hope the hotel reflects what makes this neighborhood special, from its historic Southern charm and lush greenery to its refined yet vibrant spirit,” Gaudry adds.

The crown jewel of the hotel awaits outside: a heated saltwater pool with the city’s only swim-up bar. Here, sun loungers and candy-striped cabanas are best enjoyed with herbaceous cocktails or remixed takes on the classic Sazerac. There’s also a space for lawn games and poolside events. “New Orleans culture is built on inclusive gatherings, shared spaces, and open invitations. At The Garden District Hotel, the pool carries that tradition forward. A welcoming space where everyone—locals and visitors alike—is invited to spend an afternoon together,” Gaudry says.

Below, my full review of The Garden District Hotel.

The Rooms

Tucked around a corner past the lobby, the 47 guest rooms overlook a large courtyard. Accommodations range from Standard King and Queen Rooms to the expansive District Suite, a two-level space with vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, a dining table for three, and a secondary loft living room.

Designed by local talent Jeannine Jacob Interiors, the interiors are awash in shades of cream and light grey. The guest rooms ooze a residential feel, thanks to small touches like spiraled staircases that lead sofa sleepers, wine fridges, and glassware for an evening nightcap.

Food and Drink

Foliage-fueled motifs adorn the Garden Bar’s walls, paired perfectly with botanical cocktails that celebrate the space’s breezy energy. Here, guests can enjoy a curated wine list and a good conversation with the bartender in a cozy dining room with leather seating, exposed brick, and an adjacent open-air courtyard. 

As the hotel’s social centerpiece, the heated saltwater pool offers a menu of tropical cocktails and savory bites of shrimp ceviche, served in stylish cabanas. The pool’s swim-up bar is also the setting for special events like Tropics Hour and Spirits in Flight, a complimentary tasting series hosted by guest distillers and brand ambassadors.

Accessibility and Sustainability

The Garden District Hotel has a Standard King Accessible guest room available to book that features a roll-in shower, a single sink, and an accessible layout throughout.

How to Book

The Garden District Hotel is not part of any points-based loyalty program. Before booking, check the hotel’s website for the latest packages and discounts.

Nightly rates at The Garden District Hotel start from $300.

Every T+L hotel review is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed at the property, and each hotel selected aligns with our core values.