Surprisingly Nice Stay: Review of Stay at Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans
If you’re planning a weekend escape to New Orleans this year and want more than the typical French Quarter mayhem, then the chic, newly-expanded Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in the Warehouse District may just surprise you as it did us.
Musical Decor in Seating area near main lobby at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot New Orleans
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As a local New Orleans-resident travelers, we recently settled in for a stay-cation here during a busy festival weekend and discovered why this boutique property delivers both comfort and design flair. In this updated review we’ll walk you through the check-in, room, food & drink scene, and whether it’s genuinely worth your next NOLA trip.
The rates at Hotel Fontenot were great for the weekend nights that we needed, and we were able to use anniversary reward nights for two of the rooms.
I am a local of New Orleans and expert on NOLA things, but not a points and miles expert by any means (I try). I’ve learned a thing or two from the best blogs on the subject such as, The Points Guy and the BoardingArea website.
We arrived really early on Saturday (around 9:00 a.m.) because we were heading to the festival and wanted to get settled and leave our bags before heading out to the fest. The front desk agent was very welcoming and efficient.
The only downside is that if we wanted to check in early there was a 75$ fee to be able to do that. After discussing it with the group we decided to pay the fee for one room and put all of the bags in there. We also could’ve left them in the hotel’s luggage storage room, but this option (although expensive) worked best for our group and we could hang out until it was time to head over to the festival.
We were also all offered the famous Kimpton welcome drink (we chose Paradise Park) as well as given a 10.00 discount “raid the mini bar” card for the mini bar in the room with a coupon code to give upon checkout.
Hotel Fontenot Lobby with comfortable seating areas to relax and enjoy your vacation
The Hotel Location
The location of the Hotel Fontenot is actually perfect for being able to drive into (off of Poydras St.) without the heavy traffic that hotels near Canal St. can get when special events bring many visitors to the city.
It is still walking distance to the French Quarter, Caesars Superdome, Riverfront, and Warehouse District so the location is very convenient. There are many bars and restaurants nearby that are walkable.
A musician playing the trumpet at the Hotel Fontenot New Orleans Peacock Room Gospel Jazz Brunch
Hotel valet parking
We easily pulled up to the space in front of the hotel lobby and the valet parking attendant was there to help unload our bags and safely park the vehicle. Valet Parking is off-site and costs a steep $55.00 (plus tax) per 24 hours with in and out privileges.
The front lobby and décor
The lobby is nicely decorated and there are comfortable seating groupings to hang out or drink coffee in the morning. There is also a guest reception in the evenings that we were not there for. I think it was from 5-7 pm.
When we returned late from the festival there were trays on the tables in the lobby full of wrapped pastries that had a sign saying “free, please take one” which we did because we were starving. They were placed there from the small coffee shop that is off of the lobby (Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats) and were very good.
Sadly, there is no pool at the Hotel Fontenot, but there is a fitness center that we did not get time to check out on this trip.
The Room
2022 Travel to Kimpton rm 903 Hotel Fontenot New Orleans staycation
The rooms were very large compared to other hotel rooms in New Orleans that I’ve stayed in. We had four rooms, but ours was room 903.
There was the Kimpton mini bar and fridge, two queen beds that were very comfortable, a nice desk and chair, and a two-seater bistro table and chairs.
Bathrobes were also hanging in the closet and an in-room safe for use if needed.
Our window overlooked the city of New Orleans towards the French Quarter and directly across from the famous Mother’s restaurant. (Mother’s is not worth standing in line for….but that is my humble local opinion so if you feel that you must try it, enjoy)
Room service was also available during our stay, but we didn’t have time to try it.
There’s a breakfast ordering card in the room that can be placed on the door before 11:00 p.m. to order in-room breakfast the next morning, but we also forgot to do that and will try it on our next visit.
The Atelier Bloem amenities could be purchased at the front desk on the way out after our stay at Hotel Fontenot New OrleansBathrobes for use at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot New Orleans in the room closetSpacious bathroom in room 903 at Hotel Fontenot New OrleansHotel Fontenot Review Bath Amenities
The Peacock Room
The Hotel Fontenot has a beautiful small plate and cocktail bar called, The Peacock Room, which also has a full-course Jazz Brunch on Sundays.
It is not very large, so reservations are important for busy times. We enjoyed some small plates and really nice cocktails. They were a little pricey, but in line with other craft bars in the area.
The décor is amazing, and I love the deep teal with the white peacock accents set against the black and white pattern on the floors.
The trumpet player performing at Sunday’s Jazz Bruch sounded great and even though they had no tables available that morning, we could sit in the lobby and listen to the music.
Peacock Room cocktail bar Hotel Fontenot New Orleans
Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats
The small coffee shop (Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats) off of the lobby is a perfect place to grab a pastry and coffee in the morning.
There is a dispenser for hotel guests to get a cup of coffee free, but specialty coffees are available for various prices. The pastries were tasty, especially the raspberry Danish.
There is also a small menu of breakfast items that can be ordered. The seating is limited and it was crowded (there’s also a door that opens to Poydras St) so we took our coffees into the lobby seating area to enjoy.
Major Expansion: The property now spans two adjacent historic buildings and added 33 rooms plus 12,000 square feet of event space—making it a top pick for weddings and conferences.
New Restaurant & Bar, KingBrasserie: A modern French brasserie helmed by Chef Samuel Peery, serving New Orleans-inspired dishes with seasonal flair.
Lobby and Peacock Room Refresh: Interiors were updated with more local art, new seating areas, and expanded cocktail options.
Still Pet-Friendly and Playful: Kimpton’s “no fees for furry friends” policy continues, so it is perfect for pet-owners traveling with pups.
Neighborhood Buzz: The surrounding Warehouse District has added several new coffee shops, galleries, and bars within a five-minute walk. It’s ideal for guests who love a local experience.
Final thoughts on Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot New Orleans Review
If you’re planning a weekend getaway or festival trip to New Orleans in 2025, you might want to look beyond the French Quarter crowds and discover this hidden gem tucked just a few blocks away. We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Fontenot, and were surprised that we had not experienced it sooner since we stay at hotels in the downtown and warehouse district area of New Orleans often when there are special events going on.
Another stay is definitely on the horizon there and we would also choose to stay there during Mardi Gras parade season because of the excellent location.
We will also return to The Peacock Room again even if not staying at the hotel because it was a great place to have a small bite and cocktail in a nice atmosphere.
Travel Laundry sink wash kit – Soap Suds are TSA approved and will help you pack lighter because you can wash clothes as your trip progresses. (on Amazon)
Other resources for things to do on a visit to New Orleans
A food and history tour is perfect to get some history of New Orleans and find all of the best food spots.
Author’s Note: As locals born and raised in New Orleans, we’ve personally stayed in all of the hotels we recommend; whether for staycations, special events, or just a little indulgent romantic escape in our hometown. This review is built from our own experiences, ymmv. We hope it helps you choose the perfect place to stay and experience New Orleans like a local. ~KJ
