Located in the heart of the vibrant French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, stands the magnificent Hotel Monteleone, a timeless icon of elegance and hospitality. With its grandiose baroque facade and rich history dating back to 1886, this distinguished establishment is not just a hotel but a cherished piece of the city's heritage.
Founded by Antonio Monteleone, an immigrant from Sicily, the hotel began its journey as a modest establishment on the bustling Royal Street. Antonio's entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to excellence soon saw the hotel's expansion, merging with the Commercial Hotel in 1886. This marked the genesis of what would become the legendary Hotel Monteleone, a testament to the enduring legacy of family ownership in the hospitality industry.
Over the decades, the Hotel Monteleone underwent several expansions, each adding to its splendor and reputation. In 1908, the addition of 300 new rooms prompted a renaming from the Commercial Hotel to the Hotel Monteleone, solidifying its place among New Orleans' premier accommodations. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, the hotel persevered under the management of Antonio's son, Frank Monteleone, who oversaw the addition of 200 more rooms in 1928.
The hotel's resilience and adaptability were further demonstrated in 1954 when the original building was replaced with a modern structure, housing not only guestrooms but also lavish ballrooms, dining areas, and cocktail lounges. This redevelopment was followed by a final expansion in 1964, culminating in the addition of more guestrooms and the enchanting Sky Terrace featuring a swimming pool and cocktail lounge, offering guests unparalleled views of the cityscape.
Stepping into the lobby of the Hotel Monteleone is like stepping back in time, with its timeless elegance exuded by shimmering chandeliers, polished marble floors, and gleaming brass accents. The centerpiece of the lobby, the famed grandfather clock, continues to chime, echoing the passage of time and the hotel's enduring legacy.
One of the hotel's most iconic features is the Carousel Bar & Lounge, a true marvel of engineering and entertainment. This unique revolving bar, the only one of its kind in New Orleans, transports guests on a leisurely spin every fifteen minutes, offering a whimsical experience unlike any other. Originally a hotspot for nightlife in the 1950s and 1960s, the Carousel Bar has hosted performances by legendary musicians such as Liberace and Louis Prima, and continues to enchant visitors to this day.
Throughout its illustrious history, the Hotel Monteleone has been a sanctuary for artists, writers, and luminaries, counting among its esteemed guests literary giants like Ernest Hemingway, William Faulkner, and Truman Capote. Their presence has left an indelible mark on the hotel, with references to it appearing in numerous literary works, further cementing its place in literary and cultural lore.
In recognition of its historical significance, the Hotel Monteleone was designated an official landmark by the Friends of the Library Association in June 1999, joining the esteemed ranks of iconic establishments such as the Plaza and Algonquin in New York City. Today, as a proud member of Historic Hotels of America, the Preferred Hotel Group, and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Hotel Monteleone continues to epitomize the timeless charm and hospitality for which it has long been renowned.
