The Celestine

At the bar, I overheard a white female bartender with dark hair speaking about Black people in a deeply derogatory way. It was far beyond an offhand comment, and I was so shocked I nearly checked out on the spot and left the bar. I rarely feel this physically uncomfortable in a place. The atmosphere felt toxic, and guests shouldn't have to hear hateful remarks while trying to enjoy a drink or a stay. I arrived expecting a professional, welcoming establishment and instead witnessed blatant racism. Management needs to think hard about who represents the business. If respect, equality, and basic decency matter to you, avoid this place. There are many world-class bars and hotels in the French Quarter and the Garden District that appreciate diverse customers. I wouldn't spend my money somewhere that tolerates this behavior.

Johnny the GM and Alex the bar manager made our elopement stay magical. They let us hold the ceremony in the Celestine's intimate courtyard and were gracious enough to sign as our witnesses. Gentry and Zari were also part of a terrific staff. My wife and I loved the comfy, cozy room and the central location. In all the best ways, the stay felt like the New Orleans version of the Grand Budapest Hotel. We'll be back!

Slow mornings in the courtyard, with light coming through the greenery, were a favorite part of our stay. Even in such a central spot, The Celestine felt like a quiet refuge, and the fountain gave the space a calm, steady feel. At Christmas the garlands and wreaths looked lovely in the evening. We had a Courtyard King Room overlooking the fountain, elegant and comfortable, with a sense of history that never felt heavy. We slept deeply in the unusual quiet. At Peychaud’s, complimentary drinks felt like a real welcome. I had a bright, refreshing raspberry cooler mocktail, and my husband chose a classic Moscow mule. The place has a softer rhythm than the city outside, with thoughtful details and time to linger. We left feeling restored and already want to return. If you like historic character, quiet surroundings, and understated elegance, The Celestine has a lot to offer. . . . the celestine, french quarter, new orleans, courtyard stay, quiet luxury, historic hospitality

We had booked six nights in a balcony room six months ahead, but left after two. The photos didn't match what we got, and our room had no windows. It was right across from the dungeon, which got so loud at night that the earplugs provided did no good. The rooms are above a vape shop too, so there was a smoke and pot smell all day. The courtyard is lovely, but it rained while we were there, leaving nowhere to sit except in the room. There's no lobby or other indoor place to hang out. Getting luggage upstairs was no fun either, with no help and very steep stairs. Maybe it would be a nice place to visit the bar, but the stay wasn't worth the price. I wanted to like it.