The Columns - New Orleans

  • Description:

    • New Orleans made a mistake when it tore down its famous bordellos. If somebody had turned one of the grander ones into a hotel, imagine how many people would stay there! The next best thing is The Columns, whose interior was used by Louis Malle for his film about Storyville, Pretty Baby. Built in 1883, the building is one of the city's greatest examples of a late-19th-century Louisiana residence. The grand, columned porch is a highly popular evening scene thanks to the bar inside. The immediate interior is utterly smashing; we challenge any other hotel to match the grand staircase and stained-glass-window combination.

      The Columns is another hotel that benefited from Katrina. The building lost part of its roof during the storm, creating a waterfall effect inside. The resulting new carpets, drapes, paint, and bedspreads have freshened up a musty place that sorely needed it. We wish still more had been done to make the upstairs match that smashing downstairs; it's still a bit too dark and the color schemes not that great. The totally renovated third floor looks more modern, mostly to good and comfortable effect. The Pretty Baby room has no discernable nods to its ostensible theme (nor does the Bellocq), but it does have a nice garret sitting area. We particularly like room no. 16, with its grand furniture and floor-to-ceiling shutters that lead out to a private, second-story porch. The Columns is worth the money if you can get a low rate, but otherwise, come by for a drink. Smoking is not permitted in the rooms.

    • © Frommer's 2012

    User Reviews for The Columns

    •  

      Could be better

    • Stayed for five days. Liked the staff and the location. My bed was comfortable. Noise was awful and as someone said earlier it could have been cleaner. They do such a big party...

    • Read full review on TripAdvisor
    •  

      This place stinks (and I'd like to use a stronger word)

    • Looks nice on the surface but Friday and Saturday nights are frat parties taking over the entire first floor until 2am. If you're on the second floor, particularly the room right...

    • Read full review on TripAdvisor
    •  

      Only if cleaner!

    • I stayed here with my son three winters ago when he was still in high school and visiting Loyola New Orleans as a senior. It was one of the hotels suggested by the University. My son...

    • Read full review on TripAdvisor

    Awards:

    Frommer's
    Frommer's
    •  Recommended 2009
    •  Recommended 2010

    Other features:

    Rooms are quaint and simple. The less expensive ones share a bath. Rates include a daily newspaper and breakfast served in the dining room or on the veranda. You can enjoy cocktails in the intimate lounge that features live progressive jazz on particular days.

    • Details
      • Contact:

      • visit website
      • tel: 504/899-9308
      • fax: 504/899-8170
      • send email
      • Address:

      • 3811 St. Charles Ave
      • Uptown
      • New Orleans, LA 70115
      • Neighborhood:

      • Uptown
      • Other resources:

      • Y! Travel: The Columns
      • Amenities:

      • air-conditioning
      • bar
      • breakfast included
      • business-facilities
      • child-care
      • internet-available
      • pets-allowed
      • restaurant
      • Payments:

      • amex mastercard visa discover

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