Enjoy the vibe of this old haunt of famous 20th century writers
Hotel Monteleone was built in 1886 on the corner of Royal and Iberville Streets in New Orleans’ famous French Quarter, and has since been in the thick of many Mardi Gras celebrations. Having undergone five major additions over the last century, this grand, Beaux-Arts-style hotel remains true to the mood and style of New Orleans.
Besides being dubbed the French Quarter lobby, Hotel Monteleone has had the honour of hosting numerous celebrities, including many famous Pulitzer Prize winning writers such as Richard Ford, Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote.
“When Tennessee Williams and his grandfather checked out after two weeks, they discovered that Mr. Monteleone had taken care of their bill, no doubt as a tribute to the glory the playwright had bestowed on New Orleans four years before when A Streetcar Named Desire debuted,” says Andrea Thornton, Director of Sales and Marketing for the hotel. “Also, William Faulkner referenced Hotel Monteleone in Orpheus Descending and The Sound and the Fury.” Leave it to Capote, though, to come up with a colourful story claiming he was born while his parents were staying at the hotel.
After Hurricane Katrina extensively damaged the hotel, including the Ernest Hemingway penthouse suite, the Monteleone once again renovated every single guestroom and all public spaces.
RESILIENCY
“New Orleans has been through epidemics, wars, fires, hurricanes and floods,” says Thornton. “I truly believe that New Orleanians basically are non-judgmental and embrace the saying, ‘Live and Let Live.’”
In September 2010, the hotel received the Green Key Hotel Award for accomplishments in environmental management and corporate social responsibility. Green practices include using local produce and participating in the Clean the World amenity recycling program that donates discarded soap and shampoo to impoverished people. “We have everything from soy-ink key cards to meeting rooms equipped with dimmers on lights, and an abundance of windows for natural light,” Thornton points out.
RELAXATION
After a day of meetings, reveling in the French Quarter, or attending Mardi Gras balls and parade, locals and tourists flock to the hotel’s Carousel Bar. Installed in 1949, it’s the only bar in New Orleans that actually revolves 360°.
For those who want to really relax, the hotel’s Spa Aria offers everything from massage to manicures and pedicures. Organic beauty rituals are the signature treatments, featuring an all-organic line from Hawaii called
Malie Organics.
REASONS TO RETURN
Ultimately, the experience Hotel Monteleone staff want their guests to enjoy is simple. “We hope our guests fall in love with Hotel Monteleone and its staff,” says Thornton, “and also with the City of New Orleans.” Indeed, it’s difficult to dispute the overwhelming Southern hospitality of the hotel. From the doorman to front office staff, concierge and waiters, Hotel Monteleone is quintessential New Orleans, where you are always greeted with a smile and a warm welcome.
