Priced on the same night, 2026-10-25: Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG is $452 a night less. They are 794 metres apart.
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Book the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot if you want the better guest rating at nearly half the price, with a good location near the Convention Center and the Quarter. Book the Ritz-Carlton if you want the spa, pool and the full-dress Canal Street experience, including live jazz at the Davenport Lounge. Both sit in the same stretch of downtown New Orleans, under a kilometre apart, so neither wins much on location. The Ritz costs $613 against the Fontenot's $343, and the Fontenot actually scores higher with guests, 9.4 versus 9.1.
The Ritz-Carlton occupies a former Maison Blanche department store on Canal Street, a 1908 Beaux-Arts building with a cast-iron and terracotta facade, kept largely intact when it was converted into a hotel in the early 2000s. Inside, the public rooms lean on the building's bones: high ceilings, restrained gilt, marble underfoot, and a lobby that still feels institutional in a good way, more bank than boutique. The Davenport Lounge draws an older, dressed-up crowd for the jazz sets, and the 25,000-square-foot spa is a genuine draw rather than a token gesture. It suits a guest who wants Canal Street grandeur and doesn't mind paying for it.
Guests who want a grand, old-New-Orleans hotel experience with a proper spa and live jazz, and who are willing to pay for it.
The listing gives less to go on: Kimpton's house style elsewhere runs to bold colour, mixed-pattern textiles and a loose, unstuffy lobby with a shared lounge and free bikes at the door, and the Fontenot's amenities (fitness centre, restaurant, communal spaces) fit that pattern, though the specifics of this property's decor aren't detailed in the material provided. Its address near Tchoupitoulas and Poydras puts it closer to the Convention Center and the edge of the Warehouse District rather than the Canal Street tourist corridor, a slightly less monumental, more workaday stretch of downtown.
Guests who want a well-rated, contemporary stay near the Convention Center without the five-star price tag.
At $343 the Fontenot gives up the spa, the pool and the hot tub that the Ritz-Carlton offers, so anyone wanting a full spa day or a swim needs to look elsewhere or pay the difference.
The Ritz-Carlton is the more beautiful building to stand inside, a converted department store with real architectural weight, though the Fontenot likely has the livelier, more contemporary energy of the two.
| The Ritz-Carlton | Kimpton Hotel Fontenot by IHG | |
|---|---|---|
| Price, same night | $751 | $299 |
| Guest rating | 9.1/10 | 9.4/10 |
| Reviews | 507 | 633 |
| Stars | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Facilities on our list | 8 | 5 |
| Distance apart | 794 m |
Nothing on our list that The Ritz-Carlton lacks.
“The whole hotel was beautiful with paintings, plenty of different areas to sit and relax”
“From the moment we arrived until the day we checked out, every single staff member made us feel genuinely welcome.”
Kimpton guests come away happier, as review after review credits specific staff members going above and beyond, while Ritz-Carlton guests temper their praise with complaints about high prices and dated rooms.
“wonderful”
The whole hotel was beautiful with paintings, plenty of different areas to sit and relax, furniture in main reception were in keeping with the later century the courtyard was wonderful for coffee and relax. bedrooms were modern with french influence
“Great location”
The location was excellent. Very central and all the main areas were walking distance.
Carpets were old and rooms seemed dated for a ritz property
“10 stars”
Ross was super friendly & gave me the best valet service
“Best Valet Service”
Brandon and Ross made my valet experience very smooth best people to be in contact with leave them all your tips
“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
Luxurious Accommodations Indulge in the exquisite rooms at the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, featuring a fully-stocked minibar, designer toiletries, and plush bathrobes for the ultimate comfort during your stay. Pampering Spa and Dining Experiences Unwind at the 25,000-square-foot spa offering a plethora of treatments, followed by a culinary journey at M bistro…
Check-in — · Check-out 12:00 PM
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
Rates are live for 2026-10-25, 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