Hotel Storyville

For folks here in Louisiana, especially those looking for a truly authentic New Orleans experience that steps beyond the typical tourist traps, the Hotel Storyville offers a unique and memorable stay. Nestled on historic Esplanade Avenue, just a stone's throw from the iconic French Quarter, this boutique hotel promises a stay steeped in character and local charm. It’s the kind of place that captures the spirit of our beloved city, with a personality all its own.

Hotel Storyville aims to provide an intimate and personalized experience. While some guests have noted its unstaffed nature at times, others consistently praise the incredible hospitality from individuals like Barbara, who is described as a "gem" and incredibly knowledgeable about the area. This personal touch, combined with the hotel's distinctive setting, makes for a truly unforgettable visit. It’s a place where you can relax in a beautiful garden, enjoy the quiet charm after a day of adventures, and feel truly connected to the soul of New Orleans.

With its blend of historical character, comfortable accommodations, and a prime location that balances accessibility with a local feel, Hotel Storyville is an intriguing option for anyone from Louisiana looking to deepen their connection with New Orleans.

The Hotel Storyville is wonderfully situated at 1261 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA. This address places it on Esplanade Avenue, a beautiful tree-lined boulevard that serves as a historic dividing line between the French Quarter and the vibrant Treme neighborhood, stretching towards the picturesque Bayou St. John. This location is one of the hotel's strongest assets, offering an ideal balance of proximity to major attractions and a retreat into a more residential, authentic New Orleans setting.

From Hotel Storyville, guests are just "2 blocks from the edge of the French Quarter," meaning that world-famous Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and the French Market are "just minutes away." This allows for easy walks to explore the Quarter's unique architecture, lively music, and culinary delights. It's also within walking distance to Frenchmen Street (approximately 0.6 miles or 850 meters), the city's premier destination for live jazz and local music, featuring beloved spots like the Port of Call, which is "in walking distance of the hotel."

The hotel's location also provides convenient access to other significant New Orleans landmarks. The New Orleans Jazz Museum and New Orleans African American Museum are nearby, offering cultural immersion. Louis Armstrong Park, a beautiful green space and home to Congo Square, is also within easy reach (approximately 1.1 km). For larger events, the Caesars Superdome is about 1.5 miles away, a short drive or ride-share.

Accessibility by car is facilitated by complimentary on-site parking, which is a significant advantage in New Orleans. While some information indicates a fee for parking (up to $70 for the week or $10 per day), other sources state it's complimentary; it's advisable to confirm current parking policies. The property's well-lit path to the entrance adds to the sense of security. Public transportation, including bus stops, can be found nearby (e.g., Ursulines Avenue stop is about 1 km away), connecting guests to wider parts of the city.

The Hotel Storyville aims to provide a unique and comfortable stay, though it operates with a distinct approach that guests should be aware of. Based on available public data and customer reviews, here are the services guests can expect:

• All-Suite Accommodations: The hotel offers eight suites and one studio, all of which are complete with a sitting area and a dining area. These accommodations are designed to provide more space and comfort than a standard hotel room.
• Kitchen/Kitchenettes: A key feature in each suite is a full kitchen or kitchenette, equipped with a microwave oven, refrigerator, and kitchenware. This allows guests the flexibility to prepare their own meals.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free high-speed wireless internet access is available throughout the property, including in all rooms and public areas, ensuring guests can stay connected.
• Air Conditioning: All accommodations are air-conditioned, providing essential comfort, especially during New Orleans' warm weather.
• Daily Housekeeping (On Request): While some reviews indicate a lack of daily room cleaning or towel changes during a weekend stay, other sources mention "Housekeeping on request" and a "Change of towels (on request)." There may be a weekly housekeeping fee (e.g., $50). It's crucial to confirm current housekeeping policies upon booking.
• 24-Hour Front Desk (Unstaffed at Times): While a 24-hour front desk is mentioned, guest reviews indicate the hotel may be "unstaffed for the whole weekend." Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours (typically 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM) will receive email instructions and an access code for self-check-in. Personal assistance, like from Barbara, is often highlighted when available.
• Private Entrances: Guests can access their accommodation through a private entrance, adding to the sense of privacy and independence.
• Event Venue Services: The hotel's "huge Garden" and two covered areas (The Mermaid's Lounge and The Tiki Bar) are available for rent for various events, including weddings, receptions, crawfish boils, reunions, corporate picnics, and birthday parties, accommodating up to 300 guests. Event services may include bar & drinks, food & catering, rentals & equipment, and service staff.
• On-Site Parking: While there are conflicting reports on whether it's free or paid, the property offers on-site parking for approximately 18-20 cars, a valuable amenity in New Orleans. Some sources indicate a fee (e.g., $10/day or $70/week).
• Outdoor Spaces: Guests can enjoy the beautiful, landscaped garden area, a comfortable front porch for morning coffee and reading, and an upstairs balcony for relaxing and people-watching.
• Basic In-Room Amenities: Suites are equipped with flat-screen TVs with cable, ironing facilities, hair dryers, and complimentary toiletries.
• Owner's Direct Involvement: The owner emphasizes a commitment to "constant care and attention" to maintain and improve the hotel, encouraging guests to call if anything needs attention in their room.

The Hotel Storyville offers a distinct experience with several notable features and highlights that set it apart, as described by guests:

• True New Orleans Character and Charm: This is arguably the biggest highlight. Guests describe the place as having "true character" with a "beautiful setting" from the front yard to the back, and a palpable sense of New Orleans history. Its boutique nature provides a more intimate and authentic feel.
• Beautiful Courtyard Garden: The "lovely courtyard" and "huge Garden" are consistently praised as a "beautiful setting" and a "wonderful place to sit under the gazebos and enjoy a glass of wine (or soda)." It offers a relaxing and quiet oasis after a day of adventures.
• Exceptional Host/Staff (when present): Despite being unstaffed at times, the personal attention and knowledge provided by individuals like Barbara are highly lauded. She is described as a "gem" who knows "a lot about the area and was very informative," making guests feel welcomed and well-cared for. This personalized service can be a significant highlight.
• Spacious Suite-Style Rooms: The hotel's all-suite concept provides more living space, making stays more comfortable, especially for longer visits or for guests who prefer to spread out. The inclusion of kitchens/kitchenettes is a major convenience.
• Cleanliness (Immaculate in Rooms): While one review notes some initial issues, another strongly states that "the rooms were cleaned immaculately," and the place had a good "smell." This suggests a commitment to cleanliness, particularly within the guest rooms.
• Fantastic Location for Exploration: Being just "2 blocks from the edge of the French Quarter" and "in walking distance of the Port of Call" and Frenchmen Street is a prime advantage. It allows for easy access to the city's main attractions while offering a slightly quieter base.
• Quiet and Relaxing Atmosphere: Guests appreciate that it is "nice and quiet at night after a long day of adventures," allowing for restful sleep.
• On-Site Parking: The availability of on-site parking, whether free or paid (it's essential to confirm), is a valuable amenity in New Orleans where parking can be challenging.
• Event Venue Potential: Beyond lodging, the beautiful garden and covered areas make it a highly sought-after venue for weddings and various events, accommodating up to 300 guests. This dual purpose adds to its unique appeal.

While the Hotel Storyville does not widely advertise standard chain-hotel promotions, its unique operational model means that special offers might be communicated directly or through personalized inquiry. Given its character as a boutique property and event venue, here's what Louisiana locals might consider when looking for value:

• Direct Booking Incentives: The hotel's "About Us" section on its website encourages guests to "Call now for your instant reservation and best rates!" This suggests that direct contact via phone is the best way to inquire about any current deals or personalized rates, potentially avoiding third-party booking fees.
• Extended Stay Rates: Given that all accommodations are suites with kitchens, Hotel Storyville might offer more competitive rates for longer stays. This would be a great question to ask when calling for a reservation.
• Group Rates for Events: If you're planning a small gathering, reunion, or even a larger event at their garden venue, inquiring about combined accommodation and event space packages could lead to special pricing.
• Seasonal or Off-Peak Discounts: Like many independent hotels, Hotel Storyville might offer reduced rates during New Orleans' quieter seasons (e.g., peak summer or certain weekdays) or for last-minute availability.

It’s important to manage expectations regarding promotions typically found at larger hotel chains. Hotel Storyville's value often comes from its unique charm, location, and the space offered by its suites, rather than frequent blanket discounts. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on availability and potential special offers, directly contacting the hotel is the most effective approach.

To learn more, inquire about reservations, or discuss hosting an event at the Hotel Storyville, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1261 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

Phone: (228) 342-5382

Mobile Phone: +1 228-342-5382

(Please note: Another phone number, 504-948-4800, also appears in some public listings for Hotel Storyville, though the provided numbers are most consistently associated with direct booking. Email contact, such as barbara@hotelstoryville.net, is also mentioned on their website for inquiries.)

For us Louisiana locals, the Hotel Storyville offers a unique and compelling reason to choose it for a New Orleans stay. Unlike standard chain hotels, this charming boutique property provides an authentic, character-filled experience that resonates deeply with the spirit of our city. If you're looking for a weekend getaway that feels more like staying in a beautifully preserved local home rather than a cookie-cutter hotel, this is it.

Its location on Esplanade Avenue is simply ideal. You get the best of both worlds: the vibrant energy of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street are literally minutes away on foot, meaning you can easily dive into the music, food, and culture without the hassle of a long commute. Yet, you also have the luxury of retreating to a "nice and quiet at night" sanctuary in the beautiful courtyard garden, allowing for true relaxation after a day of New Orleans adventures.

For those traveling with family or planning a longer visit, the all-suite accommodations with full kitchens are incredibly practical, offering more space and the ability to prepare meals, saving on dining costs. The on-site parking is also a significant convenience, a true rarity in this part of town. And while the hotel may operate uniquely, the personal touch and local insights from staff like Barbara provide a warm, welcoming experience that feels genuinely Louisianan. Hotel Storyville isn't just a place to sleep; it's an immersive part of your New Orleans story, making it a truly suitable and recommended choice for our community.