Bienville House, New Orleans

Bienville House Hotel of New Orleans was placed in an old grain warehouse. The building was first owned by Planters Rice Mills, which then became Thompson's Rice Mill and Southern Syrup Manufacturing. In 1835 the building was transformed into a hotel. In 1837 the owners split up, which meant the building was split into a small hotel and a fire house. The hotel was eventually converted into the Royal Bienville Apartments before becoming the hotel it is today in the early 1970's. The Monteleone family owns the hotel. It is also part of the Sterling Hotels chain. The exterior of the building is non- descript. It is a brick building with balconies covered in plants.

The interior of the hotel offers much more then the outside. The rooms are decorated in soft colors to juxtapose the dark wood furniture. Beds are four posters, with numerous pillows and a down comforter to top it. Art is placed on the walls of the rooms, with flowery draperies to cover the French doors leading to the balconies. There are standard rooms, deluxe rooms, and suites available. Amenities in the rooms include coffee maker, in room safes, hair dryers, bathrobes, clock radio, newspaper, wireless internet, voicemail, TV, toiletries, work desk, and chair. The Sun Deck room presents two double beds as does the superior room. The room sizes do vary. The King Suite is 550 square feet with couch and chairs separate from the bedroom area. The penthouse suite also makes a meeting area for guests. The room can hold up to 20 guests.

The Bienville House Hotel is set up as a family friendly hotel that also allows for romantic weekends or business retreats. A continental breakfast is offered daily to guests. There is an outdoor heated salt water swimming pool, courtyard, and WiFi. The hotel does allow pets. It is a non smoking hotel. They have valet parking, laundry services, meeting rooms, safety deposit boxes, and restaurant with bar. Rollaways and cribs are available for the guests who need them.

The Iris Restaurant recently moved to the Bienville House Hotel. The dining room is set up for business casual, with lime green walls and grey chairs. It is an intimate dining area. The cuisine ranges from American to local favorites. Ingredients used are fresh and natural and found in Louisiana, providing a helping hand to the local agricultural industry.

From the hotel a number of attractions and restaurants can be reached. New Orleans French Quarter has a trolley system for public transportation. Guests can take the trolley from the hotel to the Aquarium of the Americas, Riverboat Cruises, casinos, and Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is well known for its shops, night clubs, and Jazz clubs. It is an important stopping point for most tourists. Antique shops, old cemeteries, and the wax museum are also top spots to see. Restaurants with fresh seafood, gumbo, Jambalaya, and other New Orleans favorites surround the hotel and Bourbon Street. Arnaud's is a popular destination for the evening meal.