New Orleans has this weird way of making you feel like you've stepped into a time machine, but not always the good kind. You know the vibe—smells like stale beer and history that's been polished a few too many times. But then you hit the Central Business District. It's different. Specifically, on Gravier Street, there’s this spot called The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans LA that manages to feel like a 1970s vinyl record come to life without being a total cliché.
It's cool. Genuinely.
Most people heading to the Crescent City think they need to stay in the French Quarter to "experience" the city. Honestly? That’s a mistake. The CBD is where the actual pulse of the city has moved, and The Troubadour is basically the anchor of that shift. It’s part of the Joie de Vivre collection, which usually means you’re getting a boutique experience that doesn't feel like a corporate cookie-cutter nightmare.
The Vibe Check at Gravier Street
Walking into the lobby, you aren't greeted by the typical marble and gold leaf of the Roosevelt or the Windsor Court. It’s funkier. Think mid-century modern meets a basement jazz club. The building itself is an old office tower—the 17-story Rault Center—which has some pretty intense history of its own, including a tragic fire in the 70s. But today, the architects have leaned into that retro-cool aesthetic.
The rooms are small-ish. Let’s be real. It’s an old office building conversion. If you’re looking for a sprawling suite to host a wedding party, this might feel tight. But the way they use the space is smart. Dark woods, brass accents, and a mini-bar that actually has stuff you want to drink.
Most hotels in this price bracket give you those generic "art" prints of jazz players. Here, the aesthetic feels more intentional. It's moody. It's a place where you actually want to have a drink before heading out to a show at the Saenger Theatre, which is just a few blocks away.
Why the Location Actually Works
People worry about being "away from the action." Look, the French Quarter is a ten-minute walk. Max. But staying at The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans LA means you can actually sleep when you want to. You aren't listening to a brass band at 3:00 AM under your window unless you really want to.
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- Proximity to the Saenger and Joy Theaters: If you’re in town for a Broadway show or a concert, this is the spot. You can walk back after the encore while everyone else is fighting for a $40 Uber.
- The CBD Dining Scene: You’re right by Domenica (get the cauliflower, seriously) and a short walk from the South Warehouse District's heavy hitters like Pêche or Cochon.
- The Streetcar: The St. Charles line is right there. It’s $1.25. Use it.
Monkey Board: The Actual Reason People Come Here
If you ask a local about The Troubadour, they won’t talk about the beds. They’ll talk about Monkey Board.
It’s the rooftop bar. In a city as flat as a pancake, height matters. The views from the 17th floor give you a 360-degree look at the skyline that most tourists never see. You can see the Superdome glowing purple or gold, and you can see the river winding off in the distance.
The drinks are solid. They don't try too hard with the mixology nonsense. They make a good cocktail, the music is usually loud enough to be fun but quiet enough to talk, and the food—mostly casual stuff like sliders and fries—is better than it has any right to be. It gets crowded on Friday nights. Like, "line at the elevator" crowded. If you’re staying at the hotel, you get a bit of a pass, which is a massive perk.
What Most Reviews Get Wrong
I’ve read the TripAdvisor rants. People complain about the elevators. Yeah, they can be slow. It’s an old building with a high-traffic rooftop bar. If you’re in a rush to catch a flight, leave five minutes early.
Another thing? The "urban" noise. You’re in the middle of a major American city. There are sirens. There are people. If you want silence, go to a bed and breakfast in the Garden District. The Troubadour is for people who want to be in the mix.
The staff is also worth mentioning. New Orleans service is... unique. It’s rarely "fast" in the way New York service is fast. It’s conversational. At The Troubadour, the front desk folks usually have the best recommendations for under-the-radar spots that aren't on the "Top 10 Things to Do" lists.
The Room Specifics
Let’s talk brass tacks. The beds are comfortable. Serta mattresses, high-thread-count sheets—the usual stuff. But the bathrooms are where they won me over. Jonathan Adler toiletries and rainfall showerheads. It feels luxury without the stuffiness.
They have "Petite" rooms and "Deluxe" rooms. Unless you are literally just dropping your bags and leaving, get the Deluxe. The extra square footage is the difference between feeling like you’re in a cool apartment and feeling like you’re in a high-end dorm.
One weird detail: the lighting. They use a lot of Edison bulbs and dimmers. It’s great for a mood, but if you’re trying to do a full face of glam makeup for a gala, you might find yourself squinting in the mirror. Just a heads up.
Sustainability and Local Impact
One thing that doesn't get enough play is how the hotel integrates with the neighborhood. They often feature local artists and musicians. It doesn't feel like they're just "New Orleans-themed." It feels like they are part of the city.
In a city struggling with over-tourism in residential areas (thanks, Airbnb), staying in a converted commercial building in the CBD is actually the more ethical choice. You aren't pricing out a family in the Treme; you're revitalizing a piece of the city's skyline that sat underutilized for years.
How to Get the Best Out of Your Stay
Don't just book on a random travel site. Check their direct website for "Park and Stay" packages. Parking in the CBD is a nightmare—expect to pay $40+ a night for valet. If you can bundle that into your room rate, you’re winning.
Also, skip the hotel breakfast once or twice. Walk two blocks to Ruby Slipper for some biscuits, or hit up a local coffee shop. The hotel food is fine, but you’re in New Orleans. Go eat.
The Verdict
The Troubadour Hotel New Orleans LA isn't for everyone. If you want a quiet, traditional stay with a bellhop in white gloves, go to the Monteleone. But if you want a base camp that feels like the "New" New Orleans—modern, musical, and a little bit gritty—this is it.
It’s a place for people who like rooftops, good playlists, and being close enough to the French Quarter to smell the beignets but far enough away to avoid the puke on Bourbon Street.
Actionable Takeaways for Your Visit
- Book the Rooftop Early: If you're planning on Monkey Board for a sunset drink, get there at least 30 minutes before the sun goes down. The "golden hour" views of the Superdome are incredible.
- Request a Higher Floor: Since the bar is on the top floor, being on floors 14 or 15 gives you the best views without as much foot traffic noise from the lobby.
- Explore the CBD: Take the time to walk toward Lafayette Square. Some of the best bars in the city, like CellarDoor or Prizefight, are tucked away in old brick buildings nearby.
- Use the App: Joie de Vivre has a decent app for requests. If you need extra towels or a late checkout, it’s usually faster than calling the front desk.
- Check the Event Calendar: The hotel often hosts pop-up events or live DJs. Check their social media before you arrive so you don't miss a local set.
Next Steps for Your Trip
To make the most of your stay at The Troubadour, you should first check the schedule at the Saenger Theatre to see if any major shows align with your dates. Once you've secured your room, call the concierge to ask about their current "Local Favorites" list, as the dining scene in the CBD changes rapidly. Finally, make sure to download the Le Pass app for the New Orleans RTA; it’s the easiest way to pay for the streetcar and buses without fumbling for exact change at the Gravier street stop.