by Jay

Prince Conti Hotel’s Ultimate Guide to the French Quarter

The French Quarter has a lot to offer round the clock in terms of sightseeing, food, cocktails, nightlife, history, and old-world charm. For over 300 years, it’s been a cultural medley of Spanish, French, Caribbean, and African influences, and it’s evident in every cobblestone, wrought-iron balcony and lush tropical courtyard.

In the French Quarter, you can sample uniquely New Orleans dishes prepared by award-winning chefs, walk the streets steeped in over three centuries of volatile and magical history, witness only-in-New-Orleans traditions playing out in the street, and catch a performance of a world-class musician. There’s no other city like New Orleans, and its heart, the French Quarter, distills everything that makes New Orleans so alluring, and dishes it out 24/7, with flair.

Needless to say, finding your way through the French Quarter can be a little overwhelming to a visitor. We would like to make sure that you experience the best of the Quarter’s many sights, sounds and tastes, so if you need help locking in a perfect itinerary and choosing a room that would best suit your needs, read on! Here, we offer our recommendations on what to see, do, eat, and drink, and give you a little more information about our well-appointed rooms.

Choosing the perfect room at the Prince Conti

Our historic hotel is a cool oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter, featuring an old-world southern atmosphere yet with modern amenities. The Prince Conti Hotel is also very close to a plethora of renowned historic sites and fun destinations. The always-hopping Bourbon Street is only a block away, and the historic St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square are six blocks away. The shopping and dining destinations of Canal Street are close by, and the museums and world-class restaurants of the CBD are a short ride away. New Orleans is also known for its exciting nightlife, and the Prince Conti Hotel puts you close to some of the best nightlife destinations, like Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, Pat O’Brien’s, House of Blues, and more.

The hotel also houses The Bombay Club Bar & Restaurant, an elegant New Orleans favorite featuring creative cocktails and bar bites. The Bombay Club serves up dozens of varieties of martini and nightly live music. In the morning and afternoon hours, dine in style at the Cafe Conti, also located in the Prince Conti Hotel. Serving a variety of breakfast and lunch fare daily, Cafe Conti’s menu gives special attention to Creole and French cuisine.

There are five room types, with either a king or a queen bed, and we also have rooms with two queen beds. The one-bedrooms are ideal for solo travelers, couples, or besties who don’t mind sharing a bed. The rooms with two queen beds are well suited for families, friend trips, girl trips, and any small groups that are OK with sharing a room.

Minimalists will love the petite room, it’s well-appointed and offers great value. If you treasure your privacy and are sensitive to noise, the windowless interior room with two queen beds also offers great value and all the peace and quiet you need. Our beautiful deluxe room offers more space and features elegant decor. The junior suite, with its sitting area, and the suite rooms with a separate elegant parlor, offer the most space.

Keep in mind that due to the historic nature of our property, we have some variations in our room sizes. 

Getting around

The Prince Conti Hotel is located within walking distance from the many attractions the whole family will love, such as the Riverwalk along the scenic Mississippi River, where you can enjoy watching the boats go by, have a picnic, or just stroll and people-watch. The Aquarium of the Americas features an IMAX theater and is located on the river, too.

There are plenty of shopping areas to visit as well, including the historic open-air French Market. New Orleans is known for its amazing food, and your trip would not be complete without having an order of beignets and a cafe au lait from Cafe Du Monde. Enjoy live music next door, and try not to get that powdered sugar all over yourself!

You can pretty much walk to all of your destinations in the French Quarter from the hotel as the terrain is flat, the area is just 78 square blocks, and the street layout makes sense and is easy to navigate. The next best thing would be to bike or hail a pedicab. If you want to go outside the Quarter, try a cab or rideshare, or the streetcar.

The historic St. Charles Avenue streetcar stops across Canal Street and will take you through the CBD, the Garden District, Uptown, and all the way to the Riverbend for just $1.25. Riding the famous green streetcar is a rite of passage for many a visitor, and one of the easiest ways to get around and see the nearby neighborhoods. It stops on almost every block, and you can explore at your own pace.

Similarly, the City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On, Hop-Off double-decker bus tour is another flexible and convenient way to travel from the French Quarter to the Garden District and Magazine Street shopping district. Your ticket includes three free walking tours, and the buses come to each stop every 30 minutes. You can hop and off anytime, as the name suggests, allowing you to travel and sightsee on your own terms. 

Wondering what’s on Conti Street? A nod to the city’s multicultural history, it connects the Mississippi River and Rampart Street. Named for French royalty, a prince in the Bourbon family, Conti Street today is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and other attractions. Check out the free Irish Cultural Museum, which explores the rich history of the city’s Irish residents dating back to the 1700s, and has a whiskey and coffee bar on-site; or the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, which has one of the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city. 

Where to eat

Besides the casual Cafe Conti which makes a great breakfast or dessert stop, and the elegant Bombay Club, both located inside the Prince Conti Hotel, a few popular restaurants call Conti Street home. Those include the Gulf seafood haven Oceana Grill, the cocktail pro standout Kingfish, the 24-hour burger and breakfast mainstay Deja Vu Bar & Grill, and Broussard’s, the grande dame of Creole dining that’s been delighting New Orleanians with oysters Broussard, crawfish remoulade, Gulf shrimp, and other local delicacies since 1920.

If you’re out late and need a bite, don’t miss the family-owned agave bar and restaurant Cuñada (open till midnight), or head to the local fave, Erin Rose. This beloved Irish bar dishes out Guinness on tap, very good frozen Irish coffee, and hosts a po-boy popup in the back, Killer Poboys.

What to do

The many attractions of the French Quarter are located within walking distance and just waiting to be explored, including the antique store-packed Royal Street, the 18th century (and still operating) Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop bar, and such notable landmarks as the Old Ursuline Convent, the oldest surviving example of the French colonial period in the country, circa Louis XV.

There’s plenty to do in the Quarter, whether you’re short on time, on a limited budget, working during your visit, or facing a rainy day. We have suggestions on how to stay fit during your New Orleans stay, or where to celebrate a romantic occasion. The French Quarter is a simply perfect backdrop for your romantic getaway! Need some local tips on how to spend a perfect girls’ day in the Quarter, including getting glam? We have recommendations, too!

And, of course, the Quarter (and the adjacent Marigny with its incredible club-hopping destination, Frenchmen Street) never really sleeps, so we hope you take advantage of the abundant nightlife, with its live music, burlesque, karaoke, and all kinds of late-night entertainment.

Where to shop

The one-of-a-kind boutiques of Chartres Street, the souvenir shops blasting zydeco that pepper the long strip of Decatur Street, the daily flea and food markets at the French Market and Shops at the Colonnade, plus three malls (including the upscale Shops at Canal Place), are all within walking distance from the hotel.

Gifts and souvenirs as distinctive as New Orleans itself can be found in many local shops, but also any of the last-minute essentials should you find you forgot to pack a toothbrush, need an umbrella, or want to stock up on snacks for your hotel room. The French Quarter also packs an impressive number of women’s shops, including some vintage gems.

The best time of the year to visit

If you can handle the heat, anytime, really, is a good time to visit. The city’s event calendar is staggeringly full all year, though the fun intensifies, if that’s possible, in the fall and leading up to the holidays, and stays that way through Mardi Gras and the spring festival season. Even when the heat and humidity descend on the city in late spring and till mid-fall, Crescent City still parties hard. Just to give you an idea, here are just a few highlights of all that’s going on in New Orleans year-round.

No matter when you visit, we’d love to have you. Book your room today and take in all the wonderful and delicious things the French Quarter has to offer!

by Jay

Last-Minute Essentials Near the Prince Conti Hotel


Image courtesy of Matassa’s Market on Facebook

The French Quarter may be the crown jewel of New Orleans, a tourist mecca where the revelry never ends. But it’s also home to thousands of locals, who do what residents everywhere do: shop for groceries and do their laundry. Forgot your razor? Fancy a bottle of wine? You don’t have to wander far to find what you need, along with an only-in-New-Orleans ambiance.

Rouses Market (701 Royal St.)

This family-owned supermarket chain puts a distinctly local spin on grocery store staples, from grab-and-go boiled crawfish (in season) to dozens of fiery hot sauces. Rouse’s also boasts an excellent selection of wine, beer and spirits, which you can pick up on the fly until 10 p.m.

Matassa’s Market (1001 Dauphine St.)

For over 90 years, French Quarter residents have stocked up on staples like milk and TP at Matassa’s. But the real draw is their famous fried chicken and other hot-plate specials. The best part? This full-service grocery, deli and liquor store delivers to your door. Matassa’s underwent a renovation in 2021, and is better than ever, with an expanded deli menu.

Mary’s Ace Hardware Store (732 N. Rampart St.)

Chances are you won’t need a saw or a hammer. But Mary’s stocks lots of handy stuff for visitors, from bike-repair kits to umbrellas, and perks include free coffee and off-street parking. Venture “a step above” to the second-floor kitchen & bath emporium, where you’ll also find shelves laden with local gourmet foods.

Suds Dem Duds (1101 Bourbon St.)

Got a load of laundry to do? Fire up your laptop with free Wi-Fi while your clothes cycle through the coin-up machines. Or get the VIP service, and text 504-345-2828 for a pickup. Suds Dem Duds returns your clean, folded laundry the same day, and even ties a festive bow on top.

Walgreens (619 Decatur St.)

It’s got everything you’d expect at your own local Walgreens, including sunscreen essentials for tropical weather. But the Decatur St. branch is housed in an art deco building, complete with neon arches, and boasts a trove of New Orleans souvenirs like pralines and Cafe du Monde coffee, some priced lower than in Quarter tourist shops.

CVS (620 Decatur St.)

As in many cities, CVS is directly across the street from Walgreens, and stocks many of the same items as its competitor. But insiders also know CVS as one of the best places in town to score good deals on champagne, wine and spirits.

by Jay

What’s on Conti Street

Conti Street - Bombay Club
Photo courtesy of The Bombay Club on Facebook

Stroll through the French Quarter, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the colorful history of one of the nation’s oldest neighborhoods. The stories of the Vieux Carré are told by its architecture, its people, and even its street names.

Take Conti Street, for example. Connecting the Mississippi River and Rampart Street, it’s named for French royalty, a prince in the Bourbon family. Conti Street is a nod to the city’s multicultural history, and today, it’s home to numerous restaurants, bars, and other attractions. Here are just a few to check out, starting from N. Rampart St. to the Mississippi River.

Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture (1010 Conti St.)

The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture is located between N. Rampart and Burgundy streets in the French Quarter and features the private collection of its owner, Carl Mack, a costumer and entertainer known as The Xylophone Man. It’s one of the largest personal collections of Mardi Gras costumes in the city. The costumes on display include those worn by the Kings and Queens of various krewes, including Irma Thomas and Al “Carnival Time” Johnson. The museum’s gallery features four exhibits a year and hosts special events. You can also experience Mardi Gras for yourself by playing dress-up in the museum’s vast costume closet. Admission is $15; tours are available.

Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans (933 Conti St.)

The free Irish Cultural Museum explores the rich history of the city’s Irish residents dating back to the 1700s. The collection includes maps, photographs, genealogy resources, a documentary, and interactive kiosks. The historic building features a balcony and a courtyard. There’s a coffee and whiskey bar on-site, St. Patrick’s Coffee House, which doles out homemade ginger tea and Irish coffee.

Deja Vu Restaurant &Bar (400 Dauphine St.)

You’ll find this burger and breakfast joint at the corner of Conti and Dauphine streets. It’s home to some quintessential New Orleans characters and a long menu of comfort food (including breakfast all day). For those times when hunger strikes, Deja Vu is a quick, easy solution.

Cuñada (833 Conti St.)

This Mexican Grill and Agave Bar is a family-owned, colorful destination with a rotating menu of Agave-based margaritas plus house-made tortillas locally and traditional Mexican dishes made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Cuñada (that means “sister-in-law” in Spanish) is open till midnight, which makes it a perfect stop for a late-night bite.

Prince Conti Hotel (830 Conti St.)

The namesake of our hotel should be obvious to you now — and it should also make the address easy to remember. High ceilings, antique decor and courtyards contribute to the vintage New Orleans flavor, and the central French Quarter location makes it a great stepping-off point to any destination in the French Quarter and beyond. Don’t forget to stop in the adjoined Bombay Club for a classic martini, a perfectly cooked steak and live jazz (more on that below).

Café Conti (830 Conti St.)

The on-site Cafe Conti at the Prince Conti Hotel has a casual breakfast and lunch menu from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a focus on French and Creole cuisines. There you’ll find sweet and savory crepes, eggs Benedict, and local favorites like breakfast po-boy, shrimp and grits, and Croque Madame. Ask about the daily specials, including the Benedict of the day.

The Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Tucked away down the carriageway at the back of the Prince Conti Hotel, the Bombay Club & Martini Bistro has more than 50 specialty cocktails on the menu. It specializes in martinis but also has an extensive selection of single malt scotches, ports, reserved bourbons, and premium cigars. You’ll find that its happy hour is popular with visitors and locals alike, with $3 beer, $4 wine and $5 cocktails. The small plates are fresh takes on Cajun and European comfort food, like, for example, the Natchitoches meat pies and Ploughman’s Board. The Bombay Club is also a popular choice for the nightly local live music, including jazz and cabaret performances.

Broussard’s (819 Conti St.)

This grande dame of Creole dining has been delighting New Orleanians with its elevated takes on the classics like oysters, crab cakes, remoulade, Gulf fish, and other local delicacies since 1920. Don’t miss the weekend jazz brunch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday. It’s a true taste of history.

Erin Rose (811 Conti St.)

A stone’s throw from the Irish Cultural Museum, you’ll find this dim, dog-friendly destination with Guinness on tap and the best frozen Irish coffee this side of Jackson Square. (The second-best Irish coffee is served at Molly’s at the Market, which is Erin Rose’s sister location.) If hunger strikes, be sure to hit up Killer Po-Boys, a po-boy pop-up situated in the rear of the bar.

Oceana Grill (739 Conti St.)

Fresh Gulf seafood, Louisiana fare, a charming courtyard, and a kitchen that’s open till 1 a.m. and offers delivery — these are just a few reasons to try Oceana Grill. It’s fine dining-caliber food without the pretension.

Latrobe’s (403 Royal St.)

Formerly the Louisiana State Bank — with the heavy safe, stonework and whisper dome to prove it — Latrobe’s is now a stunning events venue at the corner of Conti and Royal streets. It was built in 1822 by Benjamin Henry Latrobe, who also was the architect for the U.S. Capitol. Don’t pass by without taking a peek inside!

Kingfish (375 Chartres St.)

Located on the corner of Chartres and Conti streets, this popular restaurant and cocktail bar tips its hat to the Huey P. Long era. The menu is a locally sourced embodiment of traditional New Orleans cuisine with some modern twists. The standouts include the blackened “Hook and Line” Gulf fish, boudin balls, and duck and Andouille gumbo. Kingfish is also very serious about its cocktails, so it’s a great place to try both the classics like the Sazerac and the signature concoctions, especially during the very generous happy hour (referred to as “Governor Hours”).

We hope you take some time to explore the beautiful Conti Street and the rest of the French Quarter while you are staying with us!

by Jay

The Best Desserts Near Prince Conti Hotel in the French Quarter

Photo courtesy of The Bombay Club on Facebook

New Orleans is the city of over-indulgence, known for its cocktails and rich Creole cuisine. It’s also a great place for desserts. Doberge cake, Bananas Foster, pralines, and snoballs are just a few confections invented or perfected in the Big Easy. Looking for a place to satisfy your sweet tooth? Here are a few essential spots in the French Quarter — start with dessert-caliber breakfast and end with hot buttered rum. Life is sweet.

Arnaud’s (813 Bienville St.)

Crème Brûlée is a classic you’ll find in many local French and Creole restaurants.  Not that it needs an introduction, but, in a nutshell, it is rich custard topped with a brown sugar crust. It’s also offered as part of Arnaud’s excellent jazz brunch menu. Then, of course, there’s a whole slew of classic New Orleans desserts on the menu, like bread pudding, Bananas Foster, and café brûlot (hot spiced coffee flamed with brandy tableside).

Bombay Club (830 Conti St.)

Nightcap or dessert? A sweet cocktail such as Irish coffee, brandy milk punch, or a grasshopper solves the age-old dilemma. There are also beignets and a satsuma pound cake at this swanky live jazz club.

Brennan’s (417 Royal St.)

To this day, the original recipe Bananas Foster is Brennan’s most-ordered item. The restaurant reportedly flames 35,000 pounds of bananas for the famous dessert. The dramatic, tableside-flambéed original remains a standalone draw for the post-dinner crowd, visitors and locals alike, who flock to enjoy just the dessert, maybe with a cocktail, at the restaurant’s lush, iconic courtyard.

Café Conti (830 Conti St.)

Sweeten up breakfast with a Nutella and banana, mixed berries and creme Anglaise, or chocolate and strawberry crepe, among other flavors. Sometimes there’s also a sweet French toast of the day at this elegant little café.

Café du Monde (800 Decatur St.)

It wouldn’t be a trip to New Orleans without a beignet (or three). Deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar, they’re a little bit of heaven served with a cup of café au lait.

Court of Two Sisters (613 Royal St.)

The historic courtyard at this restaurant is so great they named the restaurant after it, and its Creole menu and the jazz brunch are staples of the local culinary scene. The brunch buffet’s selections change seasonally, but Court of Two Sisters made the traditional version of Bananas Foster part of its dinner and jazz brunch menus (it’s served with brandy and banana liquor over French vanilla ice cream). Other luscious selections are New Orleans classics like pecan pie plus New York-style cheesecake.

Croissant D’Or Patisserie (617 Ursulines Ave.)

This pretty, pastel coffee shop and traditional French bakery serves up house-made pastries, including almond croissants, fruit tarts, eclairs, crème brûlée, tiramisu, and specialty cakes. 

Southern Candymakers (334 Decatur St.) 

Do you like fresh pralines? This classic southern confection makes for a great edible souvenir to take home, and Southern Candymakers makes small batches daily (you can also check out Loretta’s at the French Market).

by Jay

Guide to Glam in the French Quarter – Prince Conti Hotel

Photo courtesy Marcus Lewis on Unsplash

Coco Chanel famously offered the following fashion advice: “Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.” They’re words of wisdom to live by unless you’re in New Orleans. Things that might be considered over-the-top elsewhere — glitter, false eyelashes, rainbow-hued wigs — won’t turn any heads in the Big Easy.

And from bal masques to fundraiser galas, New Orleans offers endless opportunities to dress up. Step one in pulling together your look? Hair and makeup. Fortunately, the French Quarter and beyond boasts a wealth of talented stylists and makeup artists who are all too happy to get you glammed up. Here are a few that are just steps from the Prince Conti Hotel.

Blo Blow Dry Bar (5530 Magazine St.)

You’d expect a blowout bar to be a master of hairstyling — and you’d be right. Blo delivers gorgeous hairstyles ranging from Hollywood curls to sleek side ponytails. Thanks to their expert combination of skills and products, a blowout can last a couple of days and still look great. Best of all, there’s no need to trek Uptown — Blo will send a stylist to you for an added fee.

Fifi Mahony’s (934 Royal St.)

For full glam, Fifi Mahony’s is the place to be. You’ll know you’ve arrived when you pass a lavish assortment of custom Technicolor wigs displayed in the front window. Step inside this boutique, which houses a wig shop, as well as makeup and locally made accessories. Makeup artists can imbue you with natural-looking beauty or give you the glittery lips and false eyelashes of your wildest dreams.

IV Lounge (519 Wilkinson St. #107)

IV Lounge’s services include vitamin IV therapies, massages, facials, and waxing. You can enjoy some rejuvenation as a group in an open lounge or get a private lounge. A new location at 717 Toulouse St. is set to open in January 2023.

Paris Parker Salon & Spa (633 Carondelet St.)

Got a gala, black-tie event or public appearance on your itinerary? Go where New Orleanians go: the Paris Parker Salon (there are four locations in metro New Orleans, the one in CBD on Carondelet St. is closest to the hotel). The glossy Paris Parker is an Aveda concept salon that offers hair, makeup and nail services. It’s home to the most talented stylists in the city — and they’ll make sure you leave looking and feeling absolutely gorgeous.

Rocket Science (640 Elysian Fields Ave.)

Rocket Science is for you if you want amazing, cool-girl hair without the holier-than-thou attitude. The salon is inside a sunny, inviting double shotgun on Elysian Fields, near Washington Square Park in the Marigny, just steps away from the bustling Frenchmen Street. Cuts, color, bridal styling, facials, waxing — they do it all, making Rocket Science the spot for serious maintenance or special-event prep.

Spa Atlantis (536 Bienville St.)

Spa Atlantis is a locally-owned hair and salon and day spa located in a historic Art-Deco building right in the French Quarter. A one-stop shop for a makeover and some pampering, Spa Atlantis offers everything from massages to nails, facials, and hair and makeup. One of their specialties is bridal/group services. You can check out their various packages on the company website.