8/10 Good
RACHEL
Traveled with partner
Mar 18, 2026
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
We stayed at the Pontchartrain for 2 nights in mid March and it was funky and fun. But be advised: a 4-star hotel it is not. It has a run-down "faded elegance" feel, with cracked tiles, patched carpeting, & slapdash paint -- but perhaps that's the point. It's an old hotel, using old-fashioned room keys (that you must return to the desk clerk every time you leave or risk a $250 fine if you lose them), a tiny elevator, and creaky stairs. But the room we had was clean and quiet with good air conditioning, a very comfortable bed, and well-appointed bathroom.
Service was a little "off" -- the only hotel staff we ever saw was the desk clerk and the front door greeter, but we didn't mind.
The coolest thing about the Pontchartrain is its location right on St. Charles at a street car stop. (We didn't notice any noise from the street car.) Also, the jazz bar and restaurant was outstanding!
So, if you know what to expect, the hotel is just fine and VERY New Orleans!
RACHEL
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2026