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Let’s be honest — New Orleans has no shortage of hotels. Boutique spots, haunted B&Bs, big-name chains… you name it. But The Roosevelt? This place is different. It’s not just a place to sleep; it’s a piece of living history. We’re talking about a hotel that’s been hosting everyone from Frank Sinatra to Louisiana governors since 1893. It’s grand without being stuffy, historic without feeling like a museum, and located literally steps from the French Quarter. If you want to experience New Orleans at its most elegant — while still being close to all the chaos that makes the city famous — this is the spot.
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Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | $$$ (Luxury; rates vary seasonally, typically $250–$600+ per night) |
| Best For | History buffs, couples, luxury travelers, and anyone wanting to be steps from the French Quarter |
| Neighborhood | Central Business District / Downtown New Orleans |
| Walkability Score | 98/100 — steps from Canal Street, 4-minute walk to Bourbon Street |
The Full Write-Up
A Hotel With a Story to Tell
Here’s the thing about The Roosevelt: you can’t talk about it without talking about its history. And honestly, that’s half the appeal.
It opened back in 1893 as the Hotel Grunewald, built by a German immigrant named Louis Grunewald. It started as a six-story, 200-room building facing Baronne Street. But it didn’t stay small for long. By 1908, a 14-story tower with 400 more rooms was added. The hotel was officially renamed The Roosevelt in 1923 — not because Theodore Roosevelt ever stayed there, but to honor his role in building the Panama Canal, which was a huge deal for New Orleans’ economy.
Over the years, this place has seen it all. It’s hosted presidents, movie stars, and musicians. The Blue Room — the hotel’s legendary nightclub — was a hotspot for jazz and big band in the 1920s and 30s. Louisiana Governor Huey Long famously kept a room here (and reportedly a safe full of campaign contributions). Frank Sinatra, Marilyn Monroe, and Sonny and Cher all walked these halls.
And here’s a fun fact: after Hurricane Katrina, the hotel underwent a massive $145 million restoration and reopened in 2009 as a Waldorf Astoria property. So while it’s dripping in old-world charm, it’s also got all the modern amenities you’d expect from a top-tier luxury hotel.
Location, Location, Location
You really can’t beat where this hotel sits. It’s at 130 Roosevelt Way, right in the Central Business District. You’re steps from Canal Street and just a four-minute walk to Bourbon Street. Jackson Square is about a 15-minute walk. The Superdome? Also about 15 minutes on foot.
What does that mean for you? It means you can dive into the French Quarter madness whenever you want, but you’ve got a quiet, elegant retreat to come back to. One reviewer put it perfectly: the location is “unbeatable — you’re a short walk from the French Quarter, yet far enough away to retreat from the hubbub”. Another guest said they could “walk everywhere that interested us within 20 minutes or less”.
The Rooms: Historic Charm Meets Modern Comfort
The Roosevelt has 504 rooms, including 125 suites. That’s a lot of options. Rooms are designed with a nod to the hotel’s heritage but refreshed for modern tastes — think plush bedding, neutral tones with golden accents, and art deco touches. Bathrooms are spacious with marble finishes and luxury amenities.
Guests consistently rave about the comfort. One review called the rooms “very comfortable” with high ceilings and high-end finishes. Another mentioned that despite the grandeur of the public spaces, the rooms are “surprisingly calming” with excellent soundproofing. That’s a big deal in a city as loud as New Orleans.
If you can swing it, upgrade to a suite. You’ll get separate sitting areas, more square footage, and views over downtown.
Food and Drink: The Sazerac Bar Is Legendary
Okay, we need to talk about the Sazerac Bar. This isn’t just a hotel bar — it’s a New Orleans institution. It’s an art deco gem with polished African walnut wood, leather banquettes, and stunning Paul Ninas murals. The bartenders wear white coats and treat cocktail-making like an art form.
The Sazerac — rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters — is the official cocktail of New Orleans, and this bar is famous for it. But the drink most tied to The Roosevelt’s history is the Ramos Gin Fizz, a frothy, citrusy concoction that requires a special shaking technique. Legend has it that Governor Huey Long loved it so much that he brought Roosevelt bartenders with him on political trips.
Beyond the bar, there are five on-site dining venues. The Fountain Lounge serves classic New Orleans dishes with live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Teddy’s Cafe is great for coffee and beignets in the lobby. Domenica serves wood-fired Italian. And the seasonal Rooftop Bar offers sweeping city views and poolside drinks.
One guest mentioned the “Fried Chicken Mondays” at the Fountain Lounge as a unique experience. Another said the breakfast buffet was great, with a special shoutout to the omelet station.
Amenities: Spa, Pool, and More
This is a Waldorf Astoria property, so the amenities are top-notch. There’s a 2,300-square-foot fitness center open 24 hours. The Waldorf Astoria Spa offers a variety of treatments. The rooftop pool is open daily from 7am to 10pm and is described as a “quiet escape in the middle of downtown”.
There’s also a gift shop, valet parking, and 60,000 square feet of meeting space. Basically, everything you could possibly need is right there.
What Guests Are Saying
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a few honest critiques mixed in. Guests love the location, the historic charm, and the comfortable rooms. One reviewer called it a “stunning hotel, very rustic and classy”. Another said the staff was “outstanding” and helpful with recommendations.
On the flip side, a few guests mentioned inconsistent service. One reviewer wasn’t impressed with the breakfast food (though they loved the beignets). Another noted that because it’s an older property, rooms can be smaller. But honestly, that’s part of the charm — it’s not a cookie-cutter chain hotel.
Parking and Practical Tips
Parking is valet-only, and there’s a parking structure right across the street. Be prepared for valet fees, which are standard for a luxury hotel in a city center.
If you’re a Hilton Honors member, you can earn and redeem points here. The hotel also participates in the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program, which can include perks like breakfast credits and room upgrades.
One thing to note: the hotel is 100% smoke-free, and there’s a $500 fee for violations. Also, don’t use bleach or Clorox wipes on surfaces — it can damage them.
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Nearby: What to Do Around The Roosevelt
One of the best things about this hotel is how close it is to everything. Here are a couple of nearby activities to check out during your stay:
French Quarter Exploration — You’re literally a four-minute walk from Bourbon Street. Spend an afternoon getting lost in the French Quarter’s historic streets, checking out Jackson Square, and grabbing beignets at Café du Monde.
Saenger Theatre or Orpheum Theater — Both are within easy walking distance and host Broadway shows, concerts, and comedy acts. Locals often pass through The Roosevelt’s lobby when attending events at these theaters.
The Bottom Line
Is The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans worth it? If you want to be in the heart of the action but have a luxurious, quiet place to retreat to at the end of the day — absolutely. If you appreciate history, architecture, and a good cocktail — yes. If you’re looking for a generic, budget-friendly chain hotel — probably not.
This is a place that feels special. It’s got soul. It’s got stories. And it’s got a bar that literally helped define New Orleans cocktail culture. Whether you’re visiting for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or just a random weekend, The Roosevelt delivers an experience that’s uniquely NOLA.
Takeaway Summary
- The Roosevelt New Orleans opened in 1893 as the Hotel Grunewald and was renamed in 1923 to honor President Theodore Roosevelt.
- It’s a Waldorf Astoria property with 504 rooms, 125 suites, and five on-site dining venues.
- Location is unbeatable — steps from Canal Street, a 4-minute walk to Bourbon Street.
- The Sazerac Bar is legendary, famous for the Sazerac cocktail and the Ramos Gin Fizz.
- Amenities include a rooftop pool, 24-hour fitness center, and full-service spa.
- Guests love the historic charm, comfortable rooms, and excellent location.
- Some guests note occasional service inconsistencies and smaller room sizes due to the property’s age.
- Perfect for travelers who want luxury, history, and proximity to the French Quarter.
Need a hotel? Check out some New Orleans hotel suggestions! Looking for things to do? Check out some activities in New Orleans and the surrounding areas!
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