Hotel Monteleone

There is More to the Quarter Than Meets the Eye.

As I have previously mentioned, in other reviews, I lived in New Orleans in the late 80's (in the GD). My intention was to have my company purchase a restaurant & bar in the Quarter. As I was not prepared to have the negotiations at my home, I arranged to have all the discussions transpire at the only place that was suitable for talks about food & drink & plaster & gutters - The Monteleone Hotel. I can remember clearly how convivial these discussion were between me, the city (who were very please that someone else was picking up the tap), and the old landlords (ditto). Our discussion went very well (free booze is a wonderful thing). Ultimately, the deal fell through because of circumstances unknown, and beyond, all of our knowledge. But, I digress, this is a review of the Monteleone Hotel. If you are going to do anything of importance, or value, in New Orleans, do it at the Monteleone. The Monteleone is prevaded with the sweet scent of decay; of having done this a thousands times; of wheelling & dealing over a 100 years. If you're a businessman, or a lover, do your business in a place that has the history; the ambience; the rep, to give your moment it's true importance. The Monteleone is such a place. Drink at the same bar where Williams, and Faulkner slammed them down. (Well, maybe not Williams, he sipped his, but Faulkner sure did). Do love & business with panache, and the Carousel Lounge is as good a place as any in the world, to do it. But, this is my past, in the recent (post Katrina) months, I've returned to New Orleans, and thought about what I would see. My old house was a little beaten up, but the Quarter looked OK, and the Monteleone (where I stayed) looked it's regal self. In times of trouble & uncertaincy neighbors look to stability, and in the Quarter, the Hotel Monteleone, filled that roll. No G/D storm was going to take out this Lady, or her neighbors, Ever!! The Monteleone is not just at steely, but, gentleel symbol, a heroine of the new New Orleans, but also marveleous place to stay.

Grand Dame, Worn around the Edges

This is one of the hotels that you must stay in at least once in New Orleans. It is as famous as the city itself. Known in its day as a hang out for the Literary Elite, it has seen better days. It is still a very lovely hotel, but may not be seeing the care it needs. The lobby and public areas are beautiful and you must check out the Carousel bar. The rooms were a little worn and Housekeeping a little lax, but I still loved being there.