9/10
Location, nice facilities
Not much counter space in bathrooms, can’t stay at pool deck later than 10pm
New Orleans · head to head
Hotel Monteleone vs Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
Priced on the same night, 2026-10-10: Hotel Monteleone is $22 a night less. They are 655 metres apart.
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The honest take
Both sit at $339 a night, 0.7km apart in New Orleans, so this comes down to what you want from the stay rather than what you save. Monteleone has the higher review count (1,060 vs 633) despite a slightly lower guest score, and it offers a spa and heated rooftop pool that Fontenot lacks. Fontenot answers with breakfast included and a marginally higher rating (9.4 vs 9.2), and sits closer to the Convention Center. If you want Bourbon Street atmosphere and a landmark bar, book Monteleone; if you want a newer boutique base near the convention trade, book Fontenot.
The look and the feel
Hotel Monteleone
The Monteleone has been run by the same family since 1886 and it shows in the right way: French Quarter grandeur without the theme-park gloss. The lobby is marble and brass, chandeliers overhead, the kind of hush that comes from a century of Vieux Carré foot traffic passing through. Its Carousel Bar is the real draw — a rotating circular bar, actually revolving on a turntable, where Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams once drank and where locals still perch for a slow lap with a Sazerac. Rooms lean earth-toned with high ceilings and marble bathrooms, old-hotel proportions rather than boutique compression. It draws literary tourists, honeymooners doing the Quarter properly, and anyone who wants a hotel bar with a personality rather than a hotel bar with a DJ.
Monteleone suits people who want the French Quarter itself — the noise, the history, a bar worth telling people about — as part of the stay.
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
Fontenot is a newer Kimpton entry, sitting at the edge of the Warehouse District toward the Convention Center rather than deep in the Quarter — a different New Orleans, gallery-and-office energy by day, quieter at night. Expect Kimpton's usual playbook: a shared lounge with some design flourish, free bikes for guests who want to pedal to the river, a fitness centre, and a restaurant doing its own thing rather than leaning on Creole cliché. The listing text doesn't give architectural specifics, so take it as a contemporary boutique build rather than a historic property — comfortable, current, and less about atmosphere than about ease.
Fontenot suits business travellers and convention-goers who want a clean, modern base close to Poydras and the river without wading through Bourbon Street crowds.
At the same price, Fontenot gives up the spa and rooftop pool that Monteleone has on-site, while Monteleone gives up the included breakfast that comes with Fontenot's rate.
Monteleone is the more beautiful place to actually stand in — the Carousel Bar and the marble lobby carry 140 years of New Orleans in a way a new Kimpton build simply hasn't had time to earn.
The numbers
| Hotel Monteleone | Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $905 | $927 |
| Guest rating | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Reviews | 1060 | 633 |
| Stars | ★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 6 | 5 |
| Distance apart | 655 m |
What one has that the other doesn't
Only Hotel Monteleone has
- Spa
- Pool
Only Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG has
- Breakfast
What guests actually say
Hotel Monteleone
- great location
- classic style and ambience
- pool area and staff
- late check-in, room not ready
- little bathroom counter space
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
- exceptional, attentive staff by name
- great valet service
- helpful front desk recommendations
- carpet needed cleaning in rooms
“What impressed us most was that this wasn’t just the way they treated us—they treated every guest with the same warmth, professionalism, and kindness.”
Kimpton Fontenot guests come away happier, as review after review singles out specific staff members going above and beyond, while Monteleone guests praise the location but note service and room niggles.
Rooms & rates, 2026-10-10
Hotel Monteleone
- Suite, King Bed, 1.5 Bathrooms, Sofa, Iberville TowerRoom Only · free cancellation$905
- Iberville King Suite with Sofa Bed (1.5 Baths)Room Only · free cancellation$910
- Double King Size BedRoom Only$936
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
- One Bedroom SuiteRoom Only$913
- Suite, 1 Bedroom, Accessible (Communications, Mobility)Room Only$913
- Suite, 1 Bedroom, Accessible (Mobility)Room Only$913
In guests' own words
Hotel Monteleone
10/10
“Great hotel in a perfect location”
Location, classic style, Carousel lounge
10/10
“Our New Orleans Go-To!”
Location, ambience, literary history, pool, staff! Especially Nolan!
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
10/10
“10 stars”
Ross was super friendly & gave me the best valet service
10/10
“Best Valet Service”
Brandon and Ross made my valet experience very smooth best people to be in contact with leave them all your tips
10/10
“Amazing experience”
Our recent stay at the Kimpton Fontenot in New Orleans was nothing short of exceptional. We’ve stayed in many hotels over the years, and this property truly stands as the model for how a hotel should be run. From the moment we arrived until the day we checked out, every single staff member made us feel genuinely welcome. What impressed us most was that this wasn’t just the way they treated us—they treated every gues
About each
Hotel Monteleone
Luxurious Amenities This charming, historic hotel is located 1 block from famous Bourbon Street. Criollo restaurant, the Carousel Bar, and a heated rooftop swimming pool are featured on-site. Wellness and Relaxation Guests can work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center or enjoy a massage at the full-service spa. There is a business center along with a…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
Luxurious Amenities Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, an IHG Hotel in New Orleans offers a range of upscale amenities including free bikes, a fitness centre, and a shared lounge for guests to unwind and stay active during their stay. Gourmet Dining Experience Indulge in a culinary journey at the hotel's restaurant where guests can savor delectable dishes and enjoy a…
Check-in — · Check-out 11:00 AM
Facilities, in full
Hotel Monteleone
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- Swimming pool
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business center
- Heating
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Luggage storage
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG
- Fitness facilities
- WiFi available
- Free WiFi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Fitness center
- 24-hour front desk
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Heating
- Terrace
- Family rooms
- Pets allowed
- Lift / Elevator
- Laundry
Where they are
214 Royal Street501 Tchoupitoulas at Poydras
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Rates are live for 2026-10-10, one night, two guests, fetched together so the two are comparable. Facilities and reviews are from each hotel's own listing. The honest take is written by our AI from the listing, the reviews and what is widely known about each hotel. HotelDupe earns a commission if you book, which never changes the verdict. All comparisons