French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Victorian Gothic mansion with chic, contemporary decor, glass chandeliers, and modern art
Quiet residential area within walking distance of the French Quarter
Large, comfortable rooms with stylish modern decor
Some rooms have fully-equipped kitchens, washers, and dryers, plus some with balconies
Small outdoor lap pool
Continental breakfast included in room rate
Small fitness center with a handful of machines and a yoga nook
Evening wine reception
Free Wi-Fi throughout property
Complaints about lackluster breakfast
No elevators
No in-room mini-fridges or minibars (except for units with kitchens)
Some complaints about impersonal staff
Located in a quiet residential area on the outer edges of the French Quarter, this upscale hotel is an elegant mélange of renovated Victorian Gothic mansion and modern bed-and-breakfast. Fourteen simple but comfortable rooms, five of which are housed in an addition behind the main structure, offer plush beds, contemporary decor, and marble bathrooms. The rest of the property showcases a tasteful mix of old and new: modern white leather couches next to picture windows, marble floors, and contemporary art pieces. A small outdoor lap pool and tiny fitness center round out the amenities. The few complaints usually focus on the conspicuously less-than-luxurious continental breakfast that is included in the room rate. Travelers might also want to consider comparable properties such as the upscale Soniat House or the Hotel Maison De Ville.
Scene
Upscale boutique hotel housed in a historic mansion with chic, contemporary interiors
Wedding parties and couples flock to this romantic hotel housed in a late 19th-century mansion situated on a quiet residential street. An elegant black-and-white color theme pervades the property, which mixes historic and traditional touches, like decorative ceiling moldings and beautiful picture windows, with streamlined, contemporary decor. Mid-century modern furniture and modern art pieces are complemented by glass chandeliers and gilt-framed mirrors for a chic effect. A brick outdoor patio with a small pool and a lush garden surround the well-kept exterior.
Location
Located in a quiet residential area on the outer edges of the French Quarter
The Melrose Mansion is situated on the outer edges of the French Quarter, in a residential area a three-minute walk from Bourbon Street. It sits on a quiet, tree-lined street surrounded by other historic houses, apartments, and a smattering of corner stores. The nearest bus stop is a block away on North Rampart Street, with buses going through the French Quarter and downtown, giving access to attractions like the WWII Museum (25 minutes away) and the luxury shopping on Canal Street (20 minutes away).
Rooms
Stylish, elegant rooms with contemporary decor; some with kitchens and balconies
The spacious rooms and suites vary in layout and design, though all feature simple, contemporary decor which generally includes a hardwood or sisal-covered floor, white walls, crisp white bedding, and handsome wood furniture. Larger rooms have sitting areas with contemporary furniture that ranges from leopard print to tufted leather sofas, and some also include a full kitchen with marble countertops and a variety of equipment, including a washer and dryer. Some units also have small private balconies. All rooms have pillow-top mattresses, 40-inch LCD TVs, iPod docks, coffeemakers, and free Wi-Fi, though no minibars or mini-fridges (except for units with kitchens). Bathrooms are particularly attractive, with subway-tile walls, walk-in mosaic-tiled showers, and marble vanities, plus some have whirlpool tubs.
Features
Small outdoor lap pool, fitness center, free breakfast, evening wine reception, plus free Wi-Fi
Surrounded by a few deck chairs, the charming outdoor pool is just long enough for short laps. A small fitness center with a handful of weight machines, a StairMaster, and a tiny upstairs nook for yoga provides another spot to exercise. Continental breakfast is included in the room rate and served in an enclosed brick patio, though many guests complain that it's subpar. The hotel also offers an evening wine reception with cheese and crackers. Wi-Fi is free throughout.