Place d’Armes

“Exploration is really the essence of the human spirit” -Frank Borman

This quaint little boutique hotel is absolutely my FAVORITE place to stay in New Orleans. Just a block and a half from Bourbon Street, (with a stop in at Boutique du Vampyre on the way of course) or a half block from Jackson Square in the opposite direction, Place d’Armes is in the perfect place if you want to stay in the French Quarter.

The beautiful little hotel is FULL of history, and maybe even a few unexpected guests. The hotel is made up of eight 18th- and 19th-century buildings and full of beautiful old architecture,  part of which was built in 1725, the home of the First Louisiana School. Unfortunately, most of the school was burnt down in the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, killing the school’s headmaster and many students. Due to this tragedy, many people believe the Place d’Armes later became one of the most haunted hotels in the city. Portions of the buildings were also used as the home of many stationed military, which is how it received it’s name Place d’Armes or “Place of Arms”. Another, more morbid history, is the imprisonment of slaves as they await their trials and hangings in the middle of Jackson Square. However, you must overlook the morbidity behind the history and enjoy the beauty that is left behind, for that is what is there.

If you are a night owl, like me, an interior room is the perfect place for you. These rooms have no windows, therefore no lights coming in from outside, allowing you to sleep a few of those daylight hours away. Another wonderful choice is their courtyard room, which has a great view of the beautiful courtyard, the surrounding buildings that help make up the hotel, and maybe even the cute, unique pool. Then there is always the lovely balcony room, which overlooks the stunning French Quarter, also locally known as the Vieux Carre.

The staff here is wonderfully friendly and you will truly be taking a step back in time as you enter this beautiful and historic hotel. It is absolutely a wonderful, comfortable, relaxing place to stay in the Quarter. And if your keys are across the room in the morning, or you here a few giggles in the night, your mischievous unexpected guests are just a couple of children having a little fun.