The Cornstalk Hotel

Hello, fellow Louisianians and anyone with a love for the timeless allure of New Orleans! Our city is steeped in history and unique charm, and sometimes, the best way to experience it is to stay in a place that truly embodies its spirit. Today, we're talking about The Cornstalk Hotel, a legendary landmark in the heart of the French Quarter that offers more than just a room – it offers an immersive step back into "old New Orleans."

The Cornstalk Hotel is renowned not only for its incredible location but also for its distinctive architecture, particularly its famous cast-iron cornstalk fence that graces Royal Street. This hotel promises a truly authentic, charming, and comfortable stay, perfectly blending historic ambiance with welcoming hospitality. Let's delve into what makes this iconic establishment a must-consider for your next visit to the Crescent City.

The Cornstalk Hotel boasts an absolutely fantastic location at 915 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant and historic French Quarter, specifically on Royal Street, which is celebrated for its antique shops, art galleries, and charming architecture. Guests consistently praise the location, stating it's "fantastic!" and that "You definitely feel like you are in old New Orleans."

The hotel's accessibility to major French Quarter attractions is unparalleled. It's just a "five-minute walk from Bourbon Street," putting the legendary nightlife and entertainment within easy reach, yet being on Royal Street, it's often described as being able to "enjoy some peace when you need it" – slightly removed from the loudest sections of Bourbon. You're also "just a short walk from Saint Louis Cathedral," Jackson Square, and the French Market, allowing for effortless exploration of the area's most iconic landmarks, historical sites, and culinary delights.

For those relying on public transportation, the French Quarter is well-served by various RTA (Regional Transit Authority) bus routes and the iconic streetcar lines, though the closest streetcar stop (Rampart at St. Ann or similar) would be a few blocks away. Walking is truly the primary mode of transport for most attractions from this central location.

Regarding parking, this is a crucial point for guests. While some older sources or hotel descriptions might imply "free on street parking," current information and customer reviews clarify the situation. One guest explicitly stated, "The Inn advertised free on street parking. What they don't say is that all on street parking is residential with limited hours. But we could park 5 blocks away for $40 a day." Another source indicates that "private parking is provided nearby," suggesting various paid parking lots and garages are available within a short walking distance. Options listed online include parking at 433 St. Peter Street, 535 Chartres St, and 500 Decatur St, typically requiring a payment. It is highly recommended to plan your parking in advance or budget for off-site paid parking if you are driving, as directly at the hotel, or free street parking, is not consistently available. Despite this, the overwhelming advantage of being able to walk to virtually all French Quarter highlights makes the location highly desirable.

The Cornstalk Hotel, while maintaining its historic charm, provides essential services to ensure a comfortable and pleasant stay for its guests:

• Friendly and Accommodating Staff: Guests consistently rave about the hotel staff. Reviews highlight that "The staff could not have been any nicer!!" and that the "young lady was very nice," even in a challenging situation like a cancelled reservation. This focus on courtesy and helpfulness is a significant asset.

• 24-Hour Front Desk: While not explicitly stated in all public data, a hotel of this size and caliber in a major tourist area typically offers 24-hour front desk service for check-in, check-out, and guest inquiries. One review mentioned hearing "folks at the front desk talking from our bed," implying their presence.

• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is accessible "throughout the property" and in guest rooms, allowing guests to stay connected.

• Daily Housekeeping: Rooms are well-maintained, with guests noting they were "wicked clean."

• Luggage Storage: For early arrivals or late departures, the hotel likely offers luggage storage, a convenient service for guests exploring the city.

• Concierge/Tour Assistance: Staff are available to provide "tour assistance" and general advice on exploring New Orleans, helping guests plan their activities.

• Business Center: Some sources indicate the presence of a "24-hour business centre," which can be helpful for those needing to attend to work matters.

The Cornstalk Hotel stands out with several unique features and highlights that embody its historic and charming essence:

• The Iconic Cornstalk Fence: This is arguably the hotel's most famous and distinguishing feature. The intricate cast-iron fence, made by Wood & Perot in Philadelphia in 1858, depicts "cornstalks resting on pumpkins, with vainglorious weaving around them." It's a truly unique architectural element that captures the "old New Orleans" feel and is a popular photo opportunity.

• Historic 1850s Victorian Architecture: The hotel is housed in a "Victorian brick townhouse" dating to around 1850, originally built after Judge Francois-Xavier Martin sold the property. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places, allowing guests to truly "feel like you are in old New Orleans" and offering a glimpse into the city's past.

• Exquisitely Victorian Styled Rooms: The 14 rooms are "exquisitely, Victorian styled" with "Old World Charm." Features like "14 foot gold leaf ceilings, chandeliers, and fireplaces (decorative only)" add to the grandeur and historic ambiance. Guests describe the place as "absolutely gorgeous."

• Unbelievably Comfortable Beds: Reviews consistently praise the "unbelievably comfortable" beds and "comfortable mattress top pillows," ensuring a restful night's sleep despite the historic nature of the building.

• Common Balcony Overlooking Royal Street: A "common balcony overlooking Royal Street is accessible to all guests," providing a quintessential French Quarter experience for enjoying the views and street life.

• Prime French Quarter Location: As mentioned, its placement on Royal Street provides easy walking access to Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and other major attractions, balancing proximity to action with a slightly quieter ambiance than being directly on Bourbon.

• Intimate and Private Atmosphere: Despite its central location, guests note the hotel's ability to feel "quiet, secure and private," offering a more intimate experience than larger, more impersonal hotels.

• Unique Ambiance: The hotel's character makes it feel "kind of like you're staying in the guest room of a friend's house," adding to its charming and welcoming appeal.

As a historic and charming boutique hotel, The Cornstalk Hotel, managed under the French Quarter Guest Houses, often participates in promotions designed to attract guests and enhance their stay. While specific offers can vary by season and availability, it's always advisable to check directly with the hotel or its managing group for the most current deals.

Common promotions you might find include:

• Advanced Purchase Discounts: Many hotels, including those in the French Quarter Guest Houses collection, offer savings for booking your stay in advance, such as "20% off your stay when you reserve at least 30 days in advance."

• Weekday Discounts: To encourage mid-week stays, hotels might offer "10% off Retail Rates when you book a stay... during the week," allowing guests to "beat the weekend crowds."

• Direct Booking Benefits: Booking directly through the hotel's official website (or the French Quarter Guest Houses website) often provides access to the best available rates, exclusive offers, and sometimes more flexible cancellation policies.

• Seasonal Specials: New Orleans has a vibrant event calendar. Look for potential packages tied to specific festivals, holidays, or quieter travel periods, which might include added amenities or discounted rates.

• Last-Minute Deals: Occasionally, if there's availability, last-minute deals might pop up, especially through hotel apps as mentioned by one reviewer ("got an amazing deal").

To secure the best rate and inquire about any ongoing special offers that might fit your travel plans, visiting The Cornstalk Hotel's official website or contacting them directly is the most reliable approach.

For reservations, inquiries, or to learn more about The Cornstalk Hotel, you can use the following contact information:

• Address: 915 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA

• Phone: (504) 523-1515

• Mobile Phone: +1 504-523-1515

These contact details will connect you directly with the hotel's staff, who can assist with booking your stay, answering questions about specific rooms, amenities, or current availability, and providing guidance on planning your French Quarter visit.

For us locals in Louisiana, The Cornstalk Hotel offers an unparalleled opportunity for a genuine "Old New Orleans" "staycation" or as a charming recommendation for out-of-state guests. Its incredible location on Royal Street means you are truly in the heart of the French Quarter, within easy walking distance of its iconic landmarks, bustling nightlife on Bourbon Street, and renowned culinary scene, yet still offering a sense of "peace" when you desire it.

What makes it particularly suitable for locals is the immersive historic experience. Staying in a beautifully preserved 1850s home with "14 foot gold leaf ceilings, chandeliers, fireplaces" truly transports you, making it feel like a unique escape right here in our own city. The "unbelievably comfortable" beds ensure a restful night, and the access to a common balcony overlooking Royal Street provides that quintessential New Orleans experience without even leaving the hotel. While the rooms may be "tiny" and lack individual temperature controls, these are minor trade-offs for the authentic charm and prime location. The consistently "nice" and welcoming staff further enhance the appeal, making your stay feel like you're "staying in the guest room of a friend's house." If you're looking for an unforgettable, historic, and wonderfully located French Quarter experience that feels deeply rooted in New Orleans' past, The Cornstalk Hotel is an absolute gem, and a place you'll "definitely be staying here again."