Hotel Monteleone: The Grand Dame of the French Quarter

Where history, hospitality,

and a spinning bar define New Orleans charm.

Few places in New Orleans can match the timeless elegance and rich storytelling power of the Hotel Monteleone. Nestled at the foot of Royal Street in the French Quarter, this historic property has been welcoming guests since 1886—and it’s still proudly operated by the same family, making it the oldest family-run hotel in America. Over five generations, the Monteleone has stood as more than just a place to stay—it’s a cultural landmark, a literary muse, and a living piece of New Orleans history.

A Legacy in the French Quarter

Antonio Monteleone, a Sicilian shoemaker, opened the hotel with 64 rooms in the late 19th century. As the city’s prominence grew, so did the hotel—expanding in the 1900s, the 1950s, and again in the 1960s. Through Prohibition, the Great Depression, and multiple hurricanes, the Monteleone has remained steadfast, adapting to the times while preserving its old-world charm.

The Carousel Bar:

A New Orleans Icon

In 1949, the hotel unveiled what would become one of the most famous watering holes in the world: the Carousel Bar & Lounge.

This revolving, hand-carved, circus-themed bar spins gently—one full rotation every 15 minutes—offering patrons a whimsical, one-of-a-kind experience.

Over the decades, it’s drawn an eclectic crowd of locals, travelers, and some of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century.

Literary Legends & Their Barstools

The Carousel Bar has been immortalized in the works of writers such as Tennessee Williams, Ernest Hemingway, and Truman Capote—the latter famously claiming he was born at the Monteleone (though records show it was a nearby hospital). The hotel itself is a member of the Literary Landmarks program, celebrating its role as a meeting place for great minds, tall tales, and strong drinks.

The Vieux Carré Cocktail:

a.k.a. The Manhattan of the French Quarter

One of the Carousel Bar’s most enduring contributions to cocktail culture is the Vieux Carré, created there in 1938 by bartender Walter Bergeron. Named for the French term meaning “Old Square” (a nod to the French Quarter), the drink is a perfect reflection of New Orleans’ cultural blend—rich, complex, and refined.

Ingredients:

• ¾ oz Rye Whiskey

• ¾ oz Cognac

• ¾ oz Sweet Vermouth

• ¼ oz Bénédictine

• 2 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters

• 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

Stirred with ice and garnished with a lemon twist, the Vieux Carré is often called the “Manhattan of the French Quarter,” offering a spirit-forward sophistication with a distinctly New Orleans flair.

The Soul of Royal Street

Beyond its bar, the Hotel Monteleone boasts luxurious accommodations, a rooftop pool with panoramic views, and a lobby steeped in old-world glamour. It has hosted movie stars, musicians, dignitaries, and countless guests drawn by its location at the crossroads of art, literature, and revelry. It’s a place where Mardi Gras royalty rubs elbows with jazz musicians, and where the past feels very much alive.

A Parade Partner with Style

As a proud float sponsor for the Krewe of Les Bon Temps Rouler, the Hotel Monteleone brings its elegance and legendary status to our celebration of All Things New Orleans. Just as the Carousel Bar keeps turning, the Monteleone’s story keeps rolling forward—offering both locals and visitors a place where every cocktail, conversation, and memory is infused with the spirit of the French Quarter.