Bienville House

Hello, Louisiana locals! When the allure of New Orleans beckons, often what we're truly seeking is that quintessential French Quarter experience – a blend of historic charm, vibrant culture, and a touch of serene escape. Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a gem that perfectly encapsulates this: Bienville House. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of Old World elegance and modern comfort, making it an ideal choice for your next Big Easy adventure, whether you're visiting from Baton Rouge, Lafayette, or just across the city.

Bienville House is more than just a place to stay; it's a doorway to the soul of New Orleans. From its stunning architecture and inviting courtyard to its attentive staff and convenient location, it promises a memorable stay for anyone looking to truly immerse themselves in the city’s magic. We'll take you through what makes this hotel so special, highlighting its accessibility, the services it provides, its unique features, and how it truly caters to the Louisiana traveler seeking an authentic, yet comfortable, French Quarter retreat.

Bienville House boasts an enviable address at 320 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA. For us, as Louisiana residents, this means being right in the thick of the action, yet with the ability to retreat to a tranquil oasis. Decatur Street itself is a bustling thoroughfare, known for its unique shops, lively eateries, and proximity to some of the French Quarter's most iconic landmarks.

The hotel's location offers exceptional accessibility to the very best of New Orleans. You are literally just steps away from the historic French Market, perfect for grabbing a morning coffee, exploring local crafts, or indulging in some delicious street food. A short stroll will lead you directly to Jackson Square, where you can soak in the artistic atmosphere, listen to street performers, and admire the majestic St. Louis Cathedral. Bourbon Street, with its legendary nightlife, is only three blocks away, allowing you to easily dive into the excitement or enjoy its relative peace and quiet from a distance, as one satisfied guest noted.

Beyond the immediate French Quarter, the hotel's location on Decatur Street provides easy access to the Mississippi Riverfront, where you can enjoy scenic walks, ferry rides to Algiers Point, or even steamboat cruises. The Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is also conveniently reachable, making Bienville House a practical choice for those attending events, while still offering that distinct French Quarter charm. Public transportation options are readily available, ensuring that exploring beyond the Quarter, perhaps to the Garden District or Magazine Street, is a breeze. Whether you're driving in from elsewhere in Louisiana or planning to primarily explore on foot, Bienville House's location makes navigating the city effortless and enjoyable.

Bienville House prides itself on offering a personalized and attentive guest experience, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your stay. Here’s a detailed look at the services you can expect:

• Daily Morning Offerings: Start your day right with complimentary coffee, tea, and assorted pastries served daily in the lobby lounge from 7 AM to 10 AM. This thoughtful touch, coupled with afternoon cookies and water, as highlighted by a guest, truly enhances the welcoming atmosphere.

• Dining and Bar: The hotel is home to Latitude 29 Restaurant, a renowned upscale Tiki bar and restaurant. It’s famous for its creative cocktails and modern Polynesian cuisine, designed by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. Latitude 29 serves lunch, dinner, and cocktails. The beautiful bar in the lobby is also available for guests to enjoy drinks.

• Concierge and Front Desk: A 24-hour front desk with knowledgeable and friendly staff, as consistently praised by reviewers, is available to assist with check-in, check-out, and provide excellent recommendations for local attractions, dining, and activities.

• Connectivity: Enjoy complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel, allowing you to stay connected with ease.

• Wellness and Recreation: Guests have access to an outdoor heated salt-water swimming pool, described by a guest as "wildly aesthetic" and "so beautiful," providing a perfect spot for relaxation. There is also access to a nearby fitness center for maintaining your workout routine.

• Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Bienville House is a welcoming destination for your furry companions, offering pet-friendly rooms with certain weight restrictions and fees. They even provide a special mat, two bowls, a treat, and a pet brochure, pampering your pet just as much as you.

• Business and Meeting Facilities: The hotel offers meeting facilities and access to a nearby business center for guests who need to stay productive during their travels.

• Guest Conveniences: Additional services include laundry/dry cleaning service, safety deposit boxes, daily newspaper access, and complimentary access to the PressReader app for thousands of newspapers and magazines.

• Parking: Valet parking is available for a surcharge, including in/out privileges, which is a great convenience in the French Quarter.

Bienville House distinguishes itself with a collection of unique features and highlights that contribute to its charm and guest satisfaction:

• Stunning Courtyard and Heated Salt-Water Pool: The hotel's outdoor heated salt-water swimming pool is a true highlight, set within a beautiful flagstone courtyard. It’s described as "wildly aesthetic" and a perfect escape, offering a serene, almost "Victorian novel" like ambiance, as one guest eloquently put it.

• Historic Charm and Boutique Style: Housed in a building dating back to 1835, which was once a rice mill, Bienville House beautifully blends its historic past with modern luxury. The intimate lobby, with hand-painted murals and French furnishings, sets a sophisticated tone.

• Elegant Room Amenities: Guest rooms, which include options with balconies overlooking the street or serene courtyard, are designed for comfort and luxury. They feature 300 thread-count cotton triple sheeting, premium Italian linens, designer Gilchrist & Soames toiletries, luxury robes, in-room coffeemakers, and excellent air conditioning, ensuring a comfortable stay even in the New Orleans heat.

• Latitude 29: A Culinary Gem: Having an acclaimed Tiki bar and restaurant like Latitude 29 on-site is a significant highlight. It offers a unique dining experience, making it a destination not just for hotel guests but also for locals.

• Attentive and Knowledgeable Staff: Reviews consistently praise the "amazingly hospitable, knowledgeable and friendly" staff who go above and beyond, offering "terrific recommendations" and ensuring a pleasant stay.

• Proximity to French Quarter Essentials: Its location means you're just a few blocks from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, the French Market, and the Mississippi River, providing the perfect balance of accessibility to lively attractions and quiet retreat.

• Pet-Friendly Philosophy: The hotel doesn't just allow pets; it actively welcomes and pampers them, a notable feature for those who travel with their beloved animals.

• Quirky Elevator: While mentioned as "snug and takes a while," the unique, perhaps older, elevator adds to the charming character of the historic building, reminding guests that they are staying in a place with a rich past.

Bienville House frequently offers various promotions and special packages to make your stay even more appealing. These offers can change, so it's always best to check the official Bienville House website directly for the most current information. However, common types of promotions you might encounter include:

• Summer Escapes: Enjoy seasonal discounts, such as up to 20% off Best Available Rates, for stays during specific summer periods. These are often designed to encourage visits during the warmer months, making luxury more accessible.

• Stay More, Save More: This popular offer rewards longer stays, with potential savings of 20% for two nights, 25% for three nights, or even 30% for four nights, particularly valid for balcony rooms. This encourages guests to fully immerse themselves in the New Orleans experience.

• Essence Festival Rates: For those attending major events like the Essence Festival, Bienville House may offer special rates, catering specifically to festival attendees and ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay during busy times.

• AAA Member Rates: Members of AAA often qualify for exclusive discounts on their bookings.

• National Trust for Historic Preservation Member Rates: As a Historic Hotels of America member, Bienville House sometimes offers special savings, potentially up to 30% off, for members of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

• Email List Discounts: Signing up for their newsletter can provide advance notice of special offers, packages, and insider savings ranging from 10% to 30% off Best Available Rates.

• Preferred Suites Offers: Promotions focused on their suites, providing extra space and comfort for those looking for an upgraded experience.

Always review the specific terms and conditions for any offer, including validity dates, minimum stay requirements, and cancellation policies, to ensure they align with your travel plans.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Bienville House, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 320 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Phone: (504) 529-2345

Mobile Phone: +1 504-529-2345

They also have a toll-free number for reservations: 800-535-9603.

You can also email them at info@bienvillehouse.com or reservations@bienvillehouse.com for booking inquiries.

For us, as Louisiana locals, Bienville House isn't just a hotel; it's an accessible and authentic gateway to experiencing the best of New Orleans with a touch of refined comfort. We understand the unique appeal of the French Quarter, and Bienville House delivers on that promise, making it an excellent choice for a staycation or a special getaway right in our own backyard.

Its location on Decatur Street is a major advantage. We appreciate being able to walk to iconic spots like Jackson Square, the French Market, and Bourbon Street, knowing that we can easily retreat to the relative peace of the hotel when needed. This convenience allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant culture without the added stress of long commutes or parking hassles that often come with visiting a bustling city like New Orleans.

The hotel's charming ambiance, with its historic architecture and that "wildly aesthetic" heated salt-water pool in the courtyard, offers a beautiful escape. After a day of exploring, enjoying the afternoon cookies and water, or simply relaxing by the pool, provides a true sense of relaxation and indulgence. The excellent air conditioning, a must-have in our Louisiana climate, ensures comfort even during the hottest months, as one satisfied guest confirmed.

Furthermore, the consistently praised "amazingly hospitable, knowledgeable and friendly" staff truly embodies Southern hospitality. As locals, we value genuine warmth and helpful recommendations, and Bienville House delivers, making every guest feel truly welcomed. The availability of a renowned on-site restaurant like Latitude 29 means we don't even need to leave the property for a fantastic dining experience, adding another layer of convenience and luxury.

While the elevator might be "snug and takes a while," as one reviewer noted, it simply adds to the unique character of this historic building. For us, this minor quirk is a small trade-off for the immersive French Quarter experience and the exceptional service that Bienville House offers. Ultimately, Bienville House is perfectly suited for Louisiana locals seeking a charming, comfortable, and conveniently located base to savor all the magic that New Orleans has to offer, whether it's for a romantic weekend, a family trip, or just a delightful escape from the everyday.