Hotels with Live Music Venues
The best jazz and live music venues located inside hotels
Last Updated: Thursday, March 21, 2024 2:21 PM by Lauren Saizan
Last Updated: Thursday, March 21, 2024 2:21 PM by Lauren Saizan
Live music is everywhere to be found in New Orleans, including at many hotels. You barely have to leave your room to step foot into a venue bustling with live jazz. When booking your stay in New Orleans, consider one of the hotels below that feature live music right at home base.
You’ll never have to leave Harrah’s Hotel to have a fun New Orleans experience; there are over ten restaurants, a nightclub, the casino, and The Fillmore live music venue. Both nationally touring acts and local musicians perform at The Fillmore, as well as burlesque, variety acts, and dance parties. Kick back with a cocktail, play the slots, enjoy a show, and crash in your hotel room just steps away.
Situated on the edge of the vibrant French Quarter, The Ritz-Carlton is urban luxury. Lap it all up in the Davenport Lounge, named for local musician Jeremy Davenport. Enjoy live performances from the band on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays 8 p.m. - 12 a.m.
The Ace is a boutique hotel in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. There’s always something going on at the Ace, with many events held in their music venue Three Keys. Head to Three Keys during any major festival for after-hours shows: during Jazz Fest it’s Six of Saturns at the Ace; during ESSENCE weekend it’s Essentials; during Southern Decadence it’s Cake.
The Royal Sonesta’s Jazz Playhouse is an upscale live music venue with regular performances. Known for showcasing local musicians and artists, on any given night you may see the Brass-A-Holics, Trixie Minx’s Burlesque Ballroom, or Funkin’ It Up with Big Sam. Located on Bourbon Street, many visitors flock to the Royal Sonesta to hear live jazz.
The revitalized Dew Drop Inn pays homage to its legacy as one of the most culturally significant music venues in the United States. Host to iconic Black musicians of the ‘50s and ‘60s like Ray Charles, Little Richard, Irma Thomas, and Fats Domino, the Dew Drop Inn today stands as a 17-room boutique hotel with each room named after an iconic musician. Complete with décor featuring photos and text, a stylish pool, on-site restaurant, two-on site bars, event space, and live music venue, a stay at the Dew Drop Inn promises a lively yet relaxing stay in New Orleans.
Elegance and luxury are the standards at The Windsor Court, with live music to match. Head to the Polo Club Lounge for artists-in-residence Robin Barnes on Friday evenings and Bean & The Boys on Saturday evenings. Enjoy piano performances nightly from John Royen and David Boeddinghaus.
Located on the foot of Canal Street, Four Seasons is a luxury hotel experience complete with two restaurants, the Chandelier Bar, and Vue Orleans on the 34th floor. Within one of the restaurants, Chemin à la Mer, live music is a frequent occurrence on Wednesdays from 5-7 p.m. and Saturdays during brunch. Enjoy local musicians while sipping a cocktail and enjoying the 5th-floor view.
The Carousel Bar & Lounge located inside Hotel Monteleone is a magical place to hear New Orleans music. Take a seat on the slowly revolving bar and enjoy music from New Orleans jazz greats like Nayo Jones or James Martin Band.
Located on historic Frenchmen Street, you don’t even have to leave your hotel to see live music when staying at Royal Frenchmen. Whether it’s outside in the courtyard or up front in the hotel lobby, Royal Frenchmen presents everything from singer-songwriters to brass bands.
Want more New Orleans music? Check out the WWOZ Live Music Calendar here.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.