This September, the esteemed MICHELIN Guide released its picks for the top hotels in the United States. For the first time ever, six New Orleans hotels made the list as One Key MICHELIN properties–meaning they must demonstrate excellence in the following five categories: architecture and interior design, quality and consistency of service, overall personality and character, value for the price, and a significant contribution to the guest experience in a particular setting.

In a city with as much architectural history, pride in hospitality, and beauty as New Orleans, it’s no surprise that multiple properties would meet and exceed these expectations, but we still find ourselves bursting with pride. If you’re looking for a truly unique and unforgettable stay, don’t just take our word for it: consider these the best of the best from those the most in the know.

Hotel Peter and Paul

Tucked away in a converted sacred space in the Marigny, Hotel Peter and Paul isn't just a stay – it's a revelation. This architectural chameleon shape-shifts between schoolhouse, rectory, and convent, offering a choose-your-own-adventure vibe where every room tells a different tale. The real holy grail? The Elysian Bar, where seasonal bites meet cocktails that'll make you see the light. It's not just a hotel, it's an immersion into NOLA's eclectic soul, where the sacred and chic dance a delicious tango. Welcome to your new confessional – where the only sin is leaving.

The Celestine

Step into The Celestine, a hidden gem in the French Quarter that has also landed on Condé Nast Travelers' 2024 Hot List, in addition to its inclusion as a Michelin Key Hotel. This 10-room hideaway blends 18th-century charm with mid-century cool, housed in a 1791 edifice that's seen it all. Each room is a curated experience – think bespoke in-room bars and vintage finds that work together to tell a story. Balconies offer a choice between the buzz of the French Quarter streets or garden serenity, while the courtyard and on-site bar (Peychaud’s Cocktail Bar) beckons for late-night rendezvous. It's where New Orleans' past and present collide, creating a vibe that's undeniably magnetic. The Celestine isn't just a stay; it's a scene unto itself.

Columns Hotel

Columns Hotel, a St. Charles Avenue landmark since 1883, has reinvented itself from a private mansion to a wartime boarding house to New Orleans' coolest hangout. Recently revamped by local hotelier Jayson Seidman, it blends meticulously restored grandeur with modern flair, featuring a new garden oasis amidst the historic oaks and streetcars. This architectural chameleon offers both intimate nooks and grand event spaces, embodying quintessential New Orleans charm where history and contemporary cool collide.

Hotel Saint Vincent

Nestled in the Lower Garden District, the Saint Vincent isn't just a hotel - it's a 75-room fever dream where orphanage past meets boutique-escape-chic. This Magazine Street maverick has ditched its austere roots for a glam makeover that'll make your Instagram weep. Think wrought-iron drama meets a color palette so rich it should come with its own tax bracket. Boasting more hotspots than a jazz quartet - from swanky bars to lush hideaways - it's all centered around a courtyard pool that's part oasis, part glamorous time machine. Whether you're plotting a clandestine rendezvous or a full-blown soirée, Saint Vincent's got a nook with your name on it. It's where NOLA's past and present collide in a cocktail so intoxicating, you'll swear you can taste the history.

Maison Métier

Maison Métier, a darling of the Downtown hotel scene, sits pretty right where the Central Business District meets the Warehouse/Arts District. This recently rebranded gem (formerly Maison de la Luz) is where art lovers, fashion hounds, and history buffs converge. A stone's throw from the world-famous National WWII Museum, French Quarter jazz, and award-winning restaurants, it's decked out in an eye-popping style that screams 'gram-worthy. Maison Métier isn't just a place to crash - it's where NOLA's past and present mix a potent cocktail of heritage and modern luxe. Speaking of cocktails, you won’t want to miss libations in their gorgeous lobby bar–complete with a hidden speakeasy meant only for hotel guests.

The Pontchartrain Hotel

Nestled on storied St. Charles Avenue (and the famous St. Charles Avenue Streetcar line), the Pontchartrain Hotel offers a slice of Garden District elegance with a modern twist. This historic gem boasts Instagram-worthy spots at every turn, from the panoramic views at Hot Tin rooftop bar to the stylish ambiance of Jack Rose restaurant and (almost) nightly jam sessions by some of the city’s best musicians in the lobby’s Bayou Bar. Perfect for a group getaway, it's also prime real estate during Mardi Gras, sitting right on the Uptown parade route. The Pontchartrain blends vintage New Orleans charm with contemporary flair, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's vibrant culture.