If Walls Could Talk - Hotel Monteleone

All Things New Orleans

I really enjoyed my trip to Louisiana that included nearly a week in New Orleans. I am excited to share my choice of hotel when visiting the lovely French Quarter.

The French Quarter is anchored by the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street.  It defiantly has THE best vantage point for people watching, shopping antiques, gorgeous jewelry, Oriental rugs, art and gifts from around the world. Nearby there are traditional Louisiana restaurants and specialty gift shops 

• Stroll the cobblestone streets that lead to Jackson Square.  
• Visit the Old French Market
• Join the Riverwalk where a quick stroll along the levee you will see steamboats, barges and ships along the Mississippi River.

Hotel Monteleone is not only a Historic Landmark it is also a member of the Historic Hotels of America.  The hotel is larger than it at first seems with 600 guest rooms, a wonderful restaurant, and the infamous Carousel Bar, 

http://jotraveler.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-for-eye-at-carousel-bar-new-orleans.html

They also have a mall sundries shop - gift store, heated rooftop pool (really enjoyed swimming in the evenings) and an exercise facility.  The Spa Aria, sent specials on the desk in our room, the business center was well equipped.  There was loads of meeting space, and of course valet parking.

Hotel Monteleone is a hotbed for hosting literary giants, musicians and celebrities.

Who has stayed here:

William Faulkner

Eudora Welty

Elvis Presley

Liberace

From their website I learned that the hotel is still owned by the same family, the Hotel Monteleone derives its name from its Italian founder's roots. Monteleone means mountain lion. Established in 1886 in a building that once housed Union troops during the War of Northern Aggression (as they say in the deep South), the hotel offers both a sense of heritage and a feel of luxury. The pristine lobby with its sparkling chandeliers and antique grandfather clock (built in 1909) promises all a comfortable stay.

When we arrived and went in to our room, we weren't disappointed. Two Audubon prints hung on one wall. A pale yellow and pink color scheme with striped wallpaper felt very traditional. All of the expected amenities were there including a full minibar in the armoire.  The shower was heaven and the window let in lots of light.

I loved the lounge, with it's unique carousel piano bar that rotates around.   I wrote about the lounge here:

http://jotraveler.blogspot.com/2013/01/art-for-eye-at-carousel-bar-new-orleans.html

 There is live New Orleans Jazz music in the bar most nights. Its location is just a short walk from Bourbon St. and other places of entertainment. 
 
The lobby is truly beautiful, with 12 foot ceilings, Beaux-arts decor, antiques and beautiful painted ceilings. (Yes do not forget to look up!)  There is a HUGE Grandfather clock in the center of the lobby that cranks out loud chime every quarter hour.

I always like to share what movies a famous hotel has been in.  Here is my list taken from the internet:

FILM list

1999
“Double Jeopardy” – Starring Ashley Judd and Tommy Lee Jones. Filmed in Lobby, front of Hotel Monteleone and the Carousel Bar & Lounge transformed into the Armani Shop.

September 2004
“Glory Road” – a Jerry Bruckheimer production. Starring Josh Lucas, Derek Luke and Jon Voight. Filmed in Lobby and also built set in storage area. Hotel Monteleone featured as fancy hotel lobby in a different city. Conference space was set aside for extras. This was the same crew that worked on the production of “Double Jeopardy” in 1998.

September 2005
“The Last Time” – Starring Brendan Fraser and Michael Keaton. Filmed in Lobby, Carousel Bar & Lounge, Hunt Room Grill, Bagatelle and Engineer.

February 2005
“Retirement” – Starring Peter Faulk. Filmed in Hotel Monteleone‘s fine dining restaurant Hunt Room Grill. Restaurant is stand in for any Steak House. Hotel Monteleone provided all steaks; salad and other food prep as well and table settings etc. Rooms provided for talent during filming.

March 2008
“12 Rounds” – Starring John Cena. Filmed in Vieux Carre Suite (1480), 14th floor hallway, roof by the Marquis, boiler room, garage freight elevator, Lobby and front of Hotel Monteleone. Employee’s cafeteria & Exchange Alley was used for film crew lunch breaks.