See for yourself, “Je Ne Sais Quoi” that Bienville House displays!
This stately hotel is decorated in the style of a centuries-old French manor house with hand-painted murals and old-world furnishings. It’s a 5-minute walk from Bourbon Street and a 9-minute walk from Harrah’s Casino.
I reached out to Hayley Amoss, the Community Manager for the property, and requested an interview because I wanted to know the story behind the name and the glamor behind the architecture.
Q: Bienville House, what is the story behind your hotel name?
Originally occupied by Thompson’s Planters Rice Mill and Southern Syrup Manufacturing, the building went under a complete transformed in 1835 and the North American Hotel born.
The New Orleans hotel was advertised as a “delightful summer residence for Ladies and Gentlemen.” However, by 1837, the hotel’s owners had parted company, and the building was split into a small French Quarter hotel for boarders and a Fire House.
Eventually, the building would become the Royal Bienville, 20 luxury apartments that marked the revival of Decatur Street. By the early 1970’s the building was once again a New Orleans hotel that appealed to people driving to or through the city.
After surviving a fire that destroyed a warehouse across the street, the 83 room “motor hotel” was purchased by the Monteleone family in 1972.
The Bienville House hotel is still family-owned and operated by the Monteleone family.
Q: Is your hotel haunted or do you have any cool ghost stories?
We don’t have any ghost stories…. Not yet anyways!
Q: Everybody has their reason as to why they love New Orleans, what’s yours?
The people, history, and spirit are what make New Orleans, unlike any other city.
Q: What is your favorite thing to do in the city, and why?
Since it’s impossible to choose just one, we’ve built out a full list of our top things to do!
Q: What would you say to a traveler to make them choose you for their vacation spot?
Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Bienville House provides the perfect escape without having to travel far to experience some of the city’s best attractions.
Q: What is your favorite place and meal to eat in The Crescent City?
Head to the food section of our blog for some of our favorite spots.
Q: In one word what makes your hotel different from the rest?
“Family.”
Q: Ever have a hotel guest who ONLY stays at your hotel when in the French Quarter, even if it is only to eat at your restaurant?
We have too many to single out just one, but we appreciate all of our patrons and consider them a part of the Bienville House family.
