Marilyn Anderson & Dennis Lanning’s
ROMANCE ON THE ROAD
HOTEL MONTELEONE
214 Rue Royale
New Orleans, LA 70130-2201
800.535.9595
www.hotelmonteleone.com
When you enter the lobby and walk though this magnificent hotel, it’s unlikely you’ll bump into any of the literary icons that are so much a part of its history. That’s because they’re all dead! But not the Hotel Monteleone. To the contrary, it is alive and burgeoning with a vitality that belies its 100 years of providing first-rate lodging to the masters and misfits that are an integral part of New Orleans history.
The Hotel Monteleone is one of only three hotels in the U.S. that has been designated a literary landmark. Granted by the Friends of the Library Association, only The Plaza and The Algonquin in New York share this designation.
At the Monteleone, William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote, Ernest Hemingway and Eudora Welty are not just names on the doors. Each famously-named suite bears the moniker of an author that had a significant relationship with the hotel. To find out more, you should take the MP3 self-tour that, in about 30 minutes, describes the colorful history of this lovely hostelry. It’s free and well worth it!
The Hotel is owned and operated by the 5th generation of Monteleone heirs whose obvious sense of mission is to make their guests supremely comfortable and happy. That’s a chore
for most hotels these days in an industry dominated by huge chains and cold efficiency experts. We loved the warmth and graciousness that characterizes this elegant hotel.
Outside, the French Quarter may be bubbling over with tourists in various states of excitement and intoxication. Inside, the Hotel Monteleone is tranquil and sober, with a genteel mix of Southern charm and devilishness.
You don’t need to leave the hotel for an authentic feel of the New Orleans of the past. Just take a seat at the legendary Carousel Piano Bar and Lounge. You’re as likely to find yourself next to a famous celebrity as a local character with some inside diss on the City. As you turn one revolution every 15 minutes, it’s not the booze; it’s the bar that’s moving you. An architectural gem; study each detail, especially the hand carved chair backs.
Hop off the Carousel and head for the first-class Hunt Room Grill for a superbly prepared meal in traditional New Orleans style or Le Café for lighter fare. Not to be missed is their Breakfast Buffet. We celebrated our 13th anniversary breakfast here and were treated royally by Demetrius, whose life in NOLA is book-worthy itself. Tasting everything, our most highly-rated favorite was the Grillades (GREE-yahds), pork (or beef or lamb) combined with sautéed vegetables in a slow-cooked beef stock. Of questionable Bayou origins, it is typically served over grits or rice. Not controversial is its place on breakfast tables throughout New Orleans, in both modest homes and fancy restaurants alike. After two hours luxuriating on their delicacies, we rolled out of the hotel to walk it off, window-shopping along Royal Street.
New Year’s Eve in the New Orleans French Quarter is sheer chaos… of the fun kind. Topping New York’s Time Square, revelers are permitted to walk the street imbibing their
alcoholic beverage of choice. From the look of things, we were the only teetotalers out that night. Fortunately, the Monteleone is only a block away from the fray on Bourbon Street, and we headed back to our gorgeous suite to watch from above.
Appointed with antiques and the most comfortable furnishings, high ceilings and French doors, the Ernest Hemingway Penthouse was our home for two marvelous nights. We especially enjoyed the Jacuzzi, wi-fi, cd player and flat-screen TV’s. Adjoining the rooftop pool and gym, our views of the city were remarkable.
There are many hotels in NOLA. If all you need is a room to rest your head, they’re easy to find. Very few are memorable, and even fewer have the charm, goodwill or lineage of The Hotel Monteleone, itself a destination, refuge, and frequent movie set location. You’ll find yourself seduced by its allure, not wanting to leave it. We sure didn’t.
If you’re thinking about a visit to New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is offering a special Summer Sizzle package from May 15 – Sept 30, 2009. Rooms start from $99; luxurious suites from $189, and they are pet-friendly, too! So grab a friend, your family, or Fido… and enjoy the French Quarter from Royal Street.
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