Ever wondered how a 19th-century asylum becomes one of new orleans’ most seductive retreats? I did, and the answer surprised me.
I arrived through wrought iron gates into a place that feels more like a lived-in mansion than a hotel. A shaded veranda and breezy patio beckoned guests to linger with drinks as the sounds of Preservation Hall drifted down the lane.
Built in the 1860s as Saint Vincent’s Infant Asylum, the property now wears contemporary design with respect for history. I loved how every corner—terracotta pool, cozy lounges, five on-site venues like San Lorenzo and the Chapel Club—whispers style without shouting.
Located in the Lower Garden District, the scene is bohemian-country-club: urbane, warm, and quietly confident. For visitors who crave both atmosphere and access to the city, this neighborhood feels like a private retreat that opens onto true New Orleans rhythm.
Key Takeaways
- Hotel St Vincent blends 1860s architecture with modern, design-forward touches.
- The veranda and patio create a strong sense of place and easy social moments.
- Five on-site venues mean dining and drinks are built into the experience.
- Located in the Lower Garden District, it offers quiet retreat and city access.
- I found a property that rewards curiosity—design, music, and food interwoven.
First Impressions of Hotel Saint Vincent in New Orleans’ Lower Garden District
You sense a lived-in ease right away—refined, slightly bohemian, and utterly inviting.
The crowd here favors quiet swagger over flash. People move between the veranda and pool with that effortless rhythm you only find in a thoughtful city spot. Conversations fizz at the bar, then melt into late-afternoon hush by the terracotta pool.
Backstory and Local Flavor
The building began life in the 1860s as an orphanage founded by Margaret Haughery. That history gives the property weight—its bones anchor playful, modern finishes so nothing feels contrived.
“I remember designers and musicians toasting the idea over a casual bottle of wine—an origin story that still tastes true.”
- Vibe: bohemian country club, relaxed yet stylish.
- Culture: porch music, Black Masking Indians, murals, and regular jazz.
- Place: a bridge to the neighborhood, not a bubble.
| Feature | Why it Matters | How you feel |
|---|---|---|
| Historic building | Authentic 19th-century charm | Grounded, reflective |
| Veranda & porch | Live music and people-watching | Connected to the city |
| Design touches | Contemporary art and sultry finishes | Inspired, at ease |
Inside the Rooms and Design at Hotel St Vincent
The suites reveal a different kind of hospitality: bold color, thoughtful texture, and small rituals that slow the day.
I stayed in several room types across the 75 unique layouts. Magazine Rooms offer two queen beds and tidy, well-lit corners. Superior Suites add a living room and a sweeping veranda I used every morning.
Corner Mary Suites look out on a 150-year-old grotto—quiet and meditative in a busy city.
Design is the star. Voutsa marbled and psychedelic wallpaper meets custom red velvet frames, burgundy mohair couches, Carrara marble, and cheeky cherry-red tile bathrooms. Vintage phones and D.S. & Durga toiletries make the room feel like home.
Accessibility and sustainability are practical priorities. The property includes nine ADA-compliant options and uses LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, timed AC, and eco-friendly cleaning.
“The terracotta-lined pool and the ByGeorge boutique turn simple conveniences into moments you want to linger over.”
- Terracotta-lined courtyard pool with seating and a pool bar.
- ByGeorge boutique stocks considered products and stylish essentials.
Eat, Drink, and Live the Scene: San Lorenzo, Paradise Lounge, and Chapel Club
The dining rooms and bars here stitch together quiet theatrics and easy comfort.
San Lorenzo
San Lorenzo marries coastal Italian technique with Louisiana Creole taste. Oak-fired Gulf shrimp, scampi risotto, and Grilled Creole Oysters share a menu beneath red chandeliers and Corinthian columns.
I paired monkfish schnitzel with a risotto and couldn’t decide which bite I loved more—every dish feels like a small, dramatic event.
Paradise Lounge
Paradise Lounge is the hotel’s living room: tropical murals, a gleaming marble bar, and cocktails that honor New Orleans standards while nudging them forward.
Try the Saint Vincent Spritz—aperol, grapefruit, rosemary honey, bubbles—for an aperitivo that lingers.
Chapel Club and Elizabeth Street Café
Chapel Club stays velvet-quiet until late. It’s guest-and-members-only, with rotating DJs, live sets, and occasional burlesque. Stained glass and sensual art make the night theatrical.
Elizabeth Street Café wakes the mornings: coffee, pastries, and French-Vietnamese plates—banh mi, pho, and dumplings—served in a shaded garden.
The Lower Garden District and nearby Magazine Street mean the neighborhood’s restaurants and jazz pulse are always within reach. Good food and good bars make staying in a delicious option.
“The food and drink program here anchors your day so well that leaving the property becomes optional.”
Conclusion
When I step back from the rooms and bars, what lasts is how thoughtfully every space is composed. hotel saint vincent balances style with substance—design that feels curated, not contrived.
The terracotta pool really resets you. A restorative pool day and a generous room make slow mornings feel possible again.
I appreciated the practical care: LEDs, energy-smart systems, nine ADA options, and a curated on-site scene—San Lorenzo, Paradise Lounge, Chapel Club, and a pool bar that keeps the courtyard lively.
Amex FHR perks and periodic direct offers add value for travelers. Read more about the project’s backstory here.
For visitors seeking a refined Garden District base in new orleans, this is a place that feels like home—full of music, food, products to discover, and people worth lingering with a glass of wine.
