Debuting as one of the first luxury suburbs in the 1840s, the historic New Orleans Garden District has been a hub of architectural and botanical beauty for over a century. The oak-lined streets offer plenty of shade and a quiet retreat from busier parts of the city. The modern culture remains vibrant and varied, true to its roots in New Orleans’ history.
In use since 1833, a can’t-miss Garden District landmark is Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. Owned by the city rather than a church, this cemetery is the final resting place of over 7,000 people. As of September 2019 the grounds are closed to the public for restorations, but it’s still worth taking a walk past for a glimpse at one of the most historically significant sites in the city. You can also take a virtual tour of the grounds.
New Orleans is perhaps best known for its Mardi Gras celebrations. If you’re in the Garden District during Mardi Gras season, look for the flag of Rex flying over residents’ homes. If they’re flying the flag, that means it’s the home of a former King of Carnival. Each year an outstanding community member is elected as Rex, ruling over Mardi Gras for that year’s celebrations. The organization behind Rex is an all-male crew sponsored by the School of Design. In 1872 they established the tradition of day parades and carnival royalty. They also came up with the official Mardi Gras colors- green, gold, and purple.
The Garden District is home to a variety of historic architecture, from Greek Revival to Victorian. In some of these houses you may catch a glimpse of celebrities like Sandra Bullock and John Goodman, who call New Orleans home when they’re not busy with projects. Sign up for a walking tour to see some of the most famous homes and landmarks in the area up close, including the Women’s Opera Guild Home. Built in 1859, this mansion is where scenes from films like Django Unchained were shot.
Our New Orleans Garden District hotel lets you experience this historic neighborhood like a local. We want you to have an immersive, authentic New Orleans experience with us. We strive to make every experience unique, from our southern hospitality to the curated local art throughout the property. With our convenient location near the St. Charles Streetcar line, it’s easy to get out and explore the rich history and culture that surrounds our boutique hotel.