The Pontchartrain Hotel is one of those New Orleans establishments locals appreciate for its quirky beauty just as much as out-of-town travelers do. The impressively restored hotel, originally built in the 1920s, is a getaway for guests to experience New Orleans culture at its finest. “There’s a rich history here at the hotel that many people find romantic,” said General Manager Cody Bertone. “Our Garden District location is a nice break from busier parts of town. We have a lot of loyal, repeat guests, but nothing is better than the reaction of first-time guests when they experience our hospitality firsthand.”
Even if you’re a local and don’t plan on staying a night or two, the food, cocktails, and ambiance of the place make it a destination for a night out, full of class and yet a crowd-pleasing level of edge. You’ll find opulent chandeliers in a lobby reminiscent of a bygone era, but you’ll also find a large portrait of Lil Wayne in one of the hotel’s restaurants, Jack Rose. It’s this balance between paying homage to the old while living in the now that makes this boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of the Garden District, stand out to New Orleanians and out-of-towners alike. “While Pontchartrain Hotel is a distinctly New Orleans hotel, we want our guests to feel a break from the ordinary as much as possible — a place where spontaneity is the norm,” added Bertone. “The menu design for Jack Rose and the interiors draw on New Orleans’ craveable Italian, French and Spanish influences. Much like the city itself, it is one-of-a-kind.”
THE HISTORY
Originally a luxury apartment building built in 1927, Pontchartrain Hotel has operated as a hotel since the 1940s, and it has hosted an impressive list of who’s-who’s — think Frank Sinatra, Rita Hayworth, Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush. Those with a literary bent will delight in the fact that Truman Capote used to enjoy drinks at the hotel’s Bayou Bar, and that Tennessee Williams worked on “A Streetcar Named Desire” during his stay at the Pontchartrain Hotel.
In fact, visitors will find Williams’ mark all over the hotel, from Jack Rose, a character from “The Rose Tattoo” to the iconic Tin Roof bar atop the hotel, a nod to “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.” “I feel that New Orleans is a destination where people like to peer in on the past, get a glimpse of bygone days and celebrate the future,” Bertone said. “Celebrity guests, past and present, are always a draw. A few others who have stayed with us over the years include Cole Porter, Richard Burton, Henry Kissinger, James Beard, and even The Doors.”
NIBBLES AND NOSH
Diners at Jack Rose will enjoy noshing on crispy pork cheeks roasted with garlic grits topped with pan gravy, best enjoyed with the restaurant’s signature cocktail — the Jack Rose, a whiskey and apple brandy concoction with egg white, pomegranate, rose and citrus. Enjoy libations and live entertainment at the Tin Roof bar while overlooking downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Visitors can also opt for a meal at the Silver Whistle Cafe, open Wednesday through Sunday, from 7-10 a.m., for coffee, cocktails and hearty breakfast fare.
AMBIANCE
As for guests staying at the hotel, you’ll find that the rooms reflect a similarly sophisticated ambiance with plenty of local flair. Colorful furniture, rich textiles and elegant antiques characterize the motif, which, in keeping with the common areas of the hotel, presents a marriage between classic and contemporary. You’ll find all the modern amenities, of course, with special touches like artisanal toiletries by Le Labo. “A lot of the furniture in our suites is from regional antique markets,” said Bertone. “I find interesting pieces that complement an eclectic but classic style. Also, all of our guest rooms have bathrooms outfitted with apothecary style, stocked vintage medicine cabinets.”
Whether you are planning an event or simply looking for a classic New Orleans retreat with a modern twist, Pontchartrain Hotel is a scene worth checking out. “Pontchartrain Hotel is the place where old meets new within an always vibrant city,” Bertone said. “There’s a lot to discover here.”