Driving up to the Hilton on St. Charles Avenue, our car was parallel to one of the city’s most historic sights — the street car line that dates back to 1835. While a porter picked up our luggage, passengers on the streetcar waved to us.

The Hilton is in the former Grand Lodge of the Louisiana Masonic Temple, a modern modified Gothic Revival style building. Today’s guests walk through the same archway and doors the Masons did in 1926. Other touches of the original architecture are evident in the ornate marble, tiled floors, domed ceilings and decorative woodwork.

The light-filled lobby bustled with guests checking into the AAA Four Diamond boutique property with 252 recently appointed guestrooms and 24 suites. The contemporary space features an original fireplace and loads of seating.

Our suite included a king-sized bed, a spacious bathroom and a separate living room with a television. A large work desk, a coffeemaker and access to the executive lounge were some additional perks. The hotel’s fitness center is inside a former ballroom with detailed crown molding and a soaring ceiling. The indoor, heated swimming pool is located in the basement.

One of the best reasons to visit New Orleans is for the city’s food. Prolific local chef John Besh’s restaurant Luke is located on the premises. If you can’t get a reservation — and we recommend you do — then order room service. The restaurant staff prepares all of the food served at the hotel. We attended a Historic Hotels of America luncheon and were treated to a delightfully authentic Louisiana meal of crawfish bisque, Caesar salad and shrimp and grits, followed by bread pudding.

The hotel has more than 10,000 square feet of event and meeting space. Large events frequently book the hotel’s lovely Grand Chapel with 17-foot ceilings, stained glass windowpanes, intricate woodwork and restored light fixtures. A small stage at the front can nicely accommodate a jazz band.

If you have a free afternoon, the French Quarter is a mere three blocks away, or hop aboard the streetcar for one of the most historic rides in America past stately mansions and lush parks. The location of the Hilton is far enough away from the tourist destinations to provide a quiet night, but close enough to easily enjoy some of New Orleans’ best restaurants and attractions.

Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue

333 St. Charles Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70130
tel 504 378 2800