Review: Dauphine Orleans Hotel in New Orleans

The history upon which Dauphine Orleans Hotel of the New Orleans Hotel Collection was built is as spicy as a cup of gumbo from the Gumbo Shop. Located on Dauphine Street in the center of the French Quarter—one block from Bourbon Street and two blocks from Royal Street—the hotel sits on the former site of one of New Orleans’ most well known bordellos within the infamous Storyville red light district (1897-1917). When the Dauphine opened its doors in 1969, the hotel decided to celebrate and preserve the site’s colorful past rather than hide it beneath Mardi Gras beads. Paying homage to its roots, a red light glows in the courtyard adjacent to the cottage housing Dauphine Orleans Hotel bar, May Baily’s Place.

Built in 1821, the cottage’s walls are lined with portraits of madams by Storyville photographer E.J. Bellocq. Among Victorian era decorations, you might even notice May Baily’s original operating license from when prostitution was legal. Even if sipping a martini by yourself in the bar, you might not actually be alone. Guests and staff have reported seeing a ghost of a Creole Soldier, possibly from the Civil War. People have also reported sightings of the ghosts of “ladies of the evening” moving through the courtyards. Take time to explore the hotel’s buildings and notice that great care has been taken to preserve the historic architecture.

The oldest records from the Dauphine Orleans site date back to 1775. The current Audubon Room, where patrons can enjoy a fresh breakfast, was once the location for John James Audubon when he painted his “Birds of America” series (1821 -1822). Dauphine Orleans Hotel’s 111 rooms are located in three main areas: Carriage House, Hermann House Courtyard, and the Main House. Named after the former early 19^th century merchant who owned the house, the 14 rooms of the Hermann House Courtyard overlook a private courtyard. Formerly a French Quarter townhouse dating back to the 18^th century, the Carriage House features nine rooms that surround or overlook a scenic courtyard. Originally built in 1834, the hotel’s cottages were renovated in 1991 to showcase their original wooden posts, handmade nails and brick walls.

An integral part of the suites’ decorations are stunning stone fireplaces and original Pecky cypress and pine beams. Settle into your beautifully decorated historic room and then possibly have a chat with a dead Civil War soldier over martinis at May Baily’s Place. Then step out on Dauphine Street and allow the laid-back, festive spirit of New Orleans to wash over you while reveling in world-class jazz and magnificent Cajun cuisine.

Guests of the hotel can join STASH hotel Rewards program and earn free stays around the country at other unique, independent hotels!