You know that feeling when you step off a plane at MSY and the humidity hits you like a warm, damp blanket? That's the first sign you're in New Orleans. But the second sign—the real one—is when you find a place to stay that doesn't feel like a corporate glass box. Honestly, the Inn at St Ann New Orleans is exactly that kind of place. It’s tucked away on St. Ann Street, just a literal stone's throw from the chaos of Bourbon Street, yet it feels like it belongs to a completely different century.
It’s old. Like, 1830s old.
Most people heading to the French Quarter end up in one of the massive hotels on Canal Street. They’re fine. They have elevators that work fast and lobby bars that serve twenty-dollar martinis. But if you want to actually feel the pulse of the Vieux Carré, you have to go smaller. The Inn at St Ann is part of the Marie Antoinette hotel family, and it’s essentially a restored Creole cottage and townhouse. It’s got that specific New Orleans smell—a mix of old wood, floor wax, and maybe a hint of jasmine from the courtyard.
What the Inn at St Ann New Orleans gets right about the French Quarter
Location is everything, but in New Orleans, location is also dangerous. If you stay right on Bourbon, you aren't sleeping. Period. The Inn at St Ann New Orleans sits in that sweet spot. You’re in the 700 block of St. Ann. That means you can walk to Pat O’Brien’s for a Hurricane in about four minutes, but when you come back, you aren't hearing a brass band at 3:00 AM through your pillow.
The building itself is a National Historic Landmark. That isn't just a fancy plaque on the wall; it means the layout is weird and wonderful.
Don't expect cookie-cutter rooms.
Since it’s an 1830s townhouse, the rooms are shaped by the original architecture. Some have exposed brick that’s crumbling just enough to look cool but not enough to be a problem. Others have these massive, towering windows that look out onto the street or the interior courtyard. The courtyard is really the heart of the place. It’s got that classic flagstone floor and wrought-iron furniture. It's the kind of spot where you sit with a coffee and wonder why you don't live in a city with better architecture.
The "Haunted" factor and the history
Let’s be real: every hotel in the French Quarter claims to be haunted. It’s practically a zoning requirement. While the Inn at St Ann New Orleans doesn't lean as hard into the "ghost tours" as some other spots, the history is heavy there. It was originally built for a wealthy merchant, and you can see that in the bones of the place.
The transition from a private residence to a guest house happened decades ago, but it kept the residential soul. You aren't a "guest in room 204" as much as you are a temporary resident of a historic home.
The floors creak.
The ceilings are high.
The light hits the walls in a way that feels... deliberate.
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Reality check: What to expect when you check in
If you’re the type of traveler who needs a 24-hour fitness center and a high-tech "smart room" where you control the lights with an iPad, you’re going to hate it here. Just being honest. This is a place for people who like character more than convenience.
- Elevators? Barely. It’s a historic building. Be prepared for some stairs.
- The Staff: They usually know the best place to get a po-boy that isn't a tourist trap (hint: it's probably Killer Poboys or Verti Marte around the corner).
- The Vibe: Quiet. Respectful. A little bit mysterious.
One of the most surprising things about the Inn at St Ann New Orleans is how it handles the "New Orleans noise." Because the walls are thick, old-school masonry, it’s surprisingly muffled. You’ll hear the occasional mule-drawn carriage clip-clopping past your window, which is honestly the best way to wake up in this city.
Why people keep coming back
There’s a loyalist crowd for this hotel. You’ll see them in the mornings, usually older couples or solo writers who have been staying in the same room every Jazz Fest for twenty years. They stay here because it feels authentic.
In a world where every Marriott looks like every Hilton, the Inn at St Ann is stubbornly itself.
It’s close to Louis Armstrong Park, which is a detail many people overlook. You can walk up to Congo Square and feel the history of jazz, or just sit by the duck ponds. Being on the "residential" side of the Quarter—closer to the Marigny—gives you a different perspective on the city. You start to notice the local shops and the tiny art galleries instead of just the neon signs on Bourbon.
The logistics of a French Quarter stay
Parking in New Orleans is a nightmare. Do not bring a car. Seriously. If you stay at the Inn at St Ann New Orleans, you don't need one. Everything in the Quarter is walkable. If you need to go to the Garden District, take the St. Charles streetcar. If you need to go to Mid-City, take the Canal streetcar.
If you do bring a car, expect to pay a lot for valet or a nearby garage. It’s just the tax you pay for staying in a city built before cars existed.
Room types and choosing your spot
Because of the historic nature, some rooms are "interior," meaning they don't have windows to the street but rather to a hallway or the courtyard. Some people hate this because they want natural light. Other people—the ones who know New Orleans—actually prefer these rooms because they are the quietest rooms in the entire French Quarter.
If you want the full experience, ask for a room with a balcony.
There is nothing quite like sitting on a New Orleans balcony at dusk, watching the shadows stretch across the brickwork of the neighboring buildings. You can see the steam rising from the gutters and hear the distant sound of a trumpet. It’s peak atmosphere.
Actionable advice for your visit
If you've decided to book a stay at the Inn at St Ann New Orleans, there are a few things you should do to make it worth it. First, skip the hotel breakfast if there is one; walk two blocks to Croissant d'Or Patisserie on Ursulines. It’s an old French bakery in a tiled building that will make you feel like you’re in Paris.
Second, check the calendar. If you stay here during Mardi Gras or Decadence, you are in the eye of the storm. If you want a peaceful getaway, aim for November or early December. The weather is perfect—cool enough for a light jacket—and the crowds are manageable.
Lastly, talk to the night auditor. The people who work the late shifts at these historic hotels usually have the best stories about the building's history and the colorful characters who have passed through over the years.
Steps to take now:
- Check the "Quiet" Rooms: When booking, specifically ask if the room faces St. Ann Street or the interior courtyard based on your noise tolerance.
- Pack Light: Remember those stairs. Large suitcases are the enemy of 19th-century architecture.
- Explore the "Upper" Quarter: Use the hotel as a base to explore the area between Royal and Rampart streets, which is far more authentic than the blocks closer to the river.
- Book Directly: Often, the smaller boutique hotels in New Orleans like the Inn at St Ann offer better rates or specific room choices if you call them instead of using a giant booking site.
Staying at the Inn at St Ann New Orleans isn't just about having a bed to sleep in. It's about leaning into the friction of an old city—the creaks, the history, and the undeniable charm of a place that refuses to modernize just to please the masses.