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The Chloe

From $345/night • Score: 4.9★ (420 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

New Orleans is a city defined by its architecture, a living museum of Creole cottages, Greek Revival mansions, and shotgun houses that whisper tales of bygone centuries. Yet, amidst the grand parade of the Upper St. Charles Avenue historic district, few properties command attention quite like The Chloe. Originally conceived in 1891 by legendary architect Thomas Sully—a master of Victorian exuberance who shaped much of the city's late-19th-century aesthetic—this turreted masterpiece has been meticulously resurrected as a 14-room boutique hotel that redefines modern Southern hospitality.

Approaching the property is an exercise in cinematic romance. Set back behind a wrought-iron fence and a meticulously manicured lawn, the exterior is a masterclass in Victorian detailing. Towering second-story balconies, intricate spindlework, and steeply pitched gables catch the golden Louisiana light, while the iconic wrap-around front porch immediately beckons travelers to slow their pace. This is not the sterile, corporate luxury of a downtown high-rise; it is deeply personal, rooted in a sense of place that honors the neighborhood's illustrious past while injecting a sharp, contemporary sensibility.

Stepping across the threshold is akin to entering the private residence of an exceedingly stylish, well-traveled Creole art collector. The interior design, spearheaded by local visionary Sara Ruffin Costello, strikes a triumphant balance between preservation and provocation. Original hardwood floors creak with historic gravitas, perfectly juxtaposed against bold, graphic wall coverings, jewel-toned velvets, and an eclectic art collection featuring works by contemporary Louisiana artists. There is no traditional front desk; instead, guests are welcomed at a residential-style reception table, where check-in feels less like a transaction and more like being welcomed home by an impeccably curated host. The air is lightly scented with custom botanicals, carrying a subtle hint of jasmine and aged wood, immediately washing away the humid clamor of the St. Charles streetcar line just outside. The Chloe does not merely occupy a historic building; it inhabits it with a vibrant, pulsating soul that sets a new standard for Uptown accommodations.

The Room Experience

Spanning just 14 guest rooms, The Chloe ensures an intimate, highly personalized lodging experience where no two spaces are identical. During our stay in one of the premier second-floor rooms overlooking St. Charles Avenue, the immediate impression was one of residential sanctuary paired with unpretentious luxury. High ceilings amplify the natural light pouring through oversized double-hung windows, framing a living tableau of moss-draped live oaks and passing historic streetcars below.

The design narrative within the room continues the hotel's witty, maximalist aesthetic. A custom upholstered king-sized bed anchors the space, dressed in crisp, high-thread-count white linens that contrast sharply against rich, moss-green wainscoting. Vintage furnishings—sourced from local estate sales and thoughtfully restored—sit alongside bespoke modern lighting fixtures. One of the room's most charming tactile details is the integration of retro technology: a Crosley turntable accompanied by a curated stack of vinyl LPs, inviting guests to score their own evening with classic jazz, soul, or swamp pop.

Modern comforts are seamlessly woven into the historic fabric without disrupting the visual harmony. Subtle power outlets, silent and efficient climate control, and high-speed Wi-Fi are discreetly integrated. The refreshment bar is a masterclass in local curation, stocked not with generic corporate snacks, but with craft cocktails in cans from local mixologists, local artisanal chocolates, and regionally roasted coffees.

The bathrooms are an absolute revelation, serving as private wellness retreats. Depending on the specific room category, guests are treated to either oversized walk-in showers with Lefroy Brooks brass hardware or deep, clawfoot soaking tubs designed for lingering. Custom bath amenities, housed in large-format ceramic bottles, feature intoxicating botanical formulations that evoke the lush flora of the Gulf South. Plush Turkish bathrobes and monogrammed slippers complete the ensemble, encouraging guests to extend their morning lounging ritual well past noon. Every tactile surface, from the heavy brass doorknobs to the bespoke stationery left on the writing desk, reinforces the narrative of uncompromising, thoughtful luxury.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

While the historic mansion commands immediate visual respect, the true beating heart of The Chloe lies just beyond its rear doors. Stepping out from the main house reveals a lush backyard sanctuary that feels worlds away from the vibrant urban energy of Uptown. At the center of this oasis is a heated swimming pool, its crystalline waters reflecting the swaying fronds of tropical palms and banana trees. Surrounded by custom striped loungers and chic striped umbrellas, the pool area serves as the social epicentre for guests during the warm Louisiana afternoons.

Flanking the pool is the brick patio bar and a series of intimate outdoor cocktail cabanas. This is where the magic of New Orleans lounging truly unfolds. Whether nursing a cold local craft beer or a masterfully prepared Sazerac, guests congregate in the dappled shade, exchanging travel notes and soaking in the relaxed, bohemian-chic atmosphere. The service here is remarkably intuitive; pool attendants glide by unobtrusively, offering chilled water, fresh towels, or taking orders from the patio menu.

Beyond the pool, the property's public spaces invite quiet contemplation and social connection alike. The indoor parlor features plush seating arrangements clustered around historic fireplaces, offering a cozy refuge on rare chilly winter evenings. Throughout the hotel, the soundtrack is carefully curated—a low, rhythmic hum of vintage soul and ambient jazz that ties the distinct indoor and outdoor zones together. The overall atmosphere is effortlessly sophisticated, eschewing the stuffiness often associated with historic luxury hotels in favor of a relaxed, residential house-party vibe that encourages guests to make themselves utterly at home.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Dining at The Chloe is an essential component of the guest experience, drawing discerning locals and hotel guests alike to its acclaimed Creole-influenced restaurant and iconic front porch seating. Helmed by a talented culinary team, the menu pays respectful homage to traditional Louisiana flavors while incorporating modern, seasonal techniques that elevate the local bounty.

Venturing beyond the property, the local nightlife of the Upper St. Charles and Garden District is entirely walkable. Historic neighborhood pubs, upscale dining institutions like Commander's Palace (just a short stroll away), and antique shops line the surrounding blocks. Yet, guests often find themselves reluctant to venture too far into the night, preferring to anchor their evening right back at The Chloe’s patio bar under the warm glow of string lights.

Who This Stay Is For

The Chloe is not a sprawling mega-resort designed to appeal to everyone; rather, it is a hyper-curated sanctuary built for a specific kind of discerning traveler.

Practical Travel Notes

At an average rate of $345 per night, The Chloe represents exceptional value given the high level of design, bespoke amenities, and prime location. However, prospective guests should keep a few practical considerations in mind to ensure a seamless stay.