The Columns is one of New Orleans’ most iconic historic hotels, located on St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District, one of the city’s most picturesque neighborhoods. Overlooking the famous streetcar line and magnolia trees, the hotel offers a quieter, more residential alternative to the French Quarter while still being a 10-15 minute drive away.
The hotel was originally built in 1883 as a private mansion for a wealthy tobacco merchant, and then used as a boarding house during World War I, until it finally became a hotel in 1953. Today, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, preserving its status as a landmark in New Orleans history.
The hotel is relatively intimate, with 20 rooms, each uniquely designed due to the building’s historic layout. The rooms feature high ceilings, vintage decor, and eclectic furnishings that reflect the building’s 19th-century character. What really stands out is how easy it is to get lost in the space. The decor is bold and historic, yet everything comes together in a way that feels intentional and cohesive rather than overwhelming. There are countless places to unwind—from the terrace and garden to the many beautifully designed rooms on the ground floor of the hotel. It’s the kind of hotel where you don’t feel the need to leave, because simply being there is part of the experience.
One of my favorite features of the hotel was the second-floor terrace—a beautifully designed space reserved for guests, complete with comfortable couches and tables, perfect for relaxing or enjoying a quiet morning. The Columns is also known for its iconic wraparound porch bar, which has become a destination in its own over the years. It draws a lively crowd during happy hour, with guests gathering on the front porch and garden or settling into the wood-paneled bar. Grabbing a cocktail at The Columns has become an iconic New Orleans experience, and their new Matcha Matcha Man—topped with a salted coconut cloud foam—is so worth trying. The food is equally impressive; I highly recommend the duck confit and the carrots. On the second floor, just outside my room, I always found fresh, cold water with glasses available at all times, along with coffee in the morning, which added to the guest-focused experience. In 2024, the hotel was awarded a Michelin Key.
The rooms are just as thoughtfully done. My room featured a fireplace and beautiful fringe lamps that added to the overall charm, blending vintage character with comfort. The bed was easily one of the most comfortable hotel beds I’ve ever slept in, and the bathrooms were stocked with Le Labo products, which is always a great touch.
Overall, the location made it the perfect choice for my first time in New Orleans. As a boutique hotel, it offers a more intimate and authentic experience, while still being incredibly convenient—just a 10-minute walk to the shops and restaurants along Magazine Street and 1.5 mile walk from Audubon Park, Loyola, and Tulane University.
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