Honestly, if you’re looking up place d armes hotel photos, you’ve probably realized there’s a bit of a geographic mix-up. You're either hunting for that lush, tropical vibe in the New Orleans French Quarter or the stone-walled, neoclassical elegance of Old Montreal. Both hotels share the name, but they couldn't look more different through a lens.
One is all about dripping Spanish moss, wrought iron, and hidden salt-water pools. The other is a masterclass in 19th-century "Great Scottish Life Insurance" architecture and sleek rooftop terraces overlooking the Notre-Dame Basilica. Let's get into what actually makes these spots a photographer’s dream, and why your camera roll is about to get very crowded.
The New Orleans Aesthetic: Hidden Courtyards and Brick
When people search for these photos in the Big Easy, they’re usually looking for that specific "secret garden" feel. The Place d’Armes Hotel in New Orleans is actually seven different historic buildings stitched together. It’s located on St. Ann Street, literally steps from Jackson Square—which, fun fact, used to be called the Place d’Armes back when Louisiana was a French colony.
You’ve seen the shots: the ones with the wrought-iron balconies and the exposed brick. But the real money shot is the interior courtyard.
Why the Courtyard Wins
- The Pool: It’s a saltwater pool surrounded by magnolias. It looks like something out of a movie, especially when the light hits the water around 4:00 PM.
- The Bricks: We’re talking 18th and 19th-century masonry. It’s not "fake" old; it’s crumbling-in-a-cool-way old.
- Tropical Greenery: Potted palms and fountains create these natural frames for portraits.
If you're staying here, try to snag a room with a balcony. The view looking down into the quiet 600 block of St. Ann is way more "authentic New Orleans" than the neon chaos of Bourbon Street.
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Montreal: Neoclassical Vibes and Rooftop Views
Switch gears. If your place d armes hotel photos search is leading you toward Canada, you’re looking at a completely different beast. The Hôtel Place d’Armes in Montreal is a boutique powerhouse. It sits in the heart of Old Montreal, directly across from the statue of Paul de Chomedey and the Notre-Dame Basilica.
The exterior is a massive, five-story stone building designed by Hopkins & Willy back in 1870. It looks expensive. It looks historic. And the photos reflect that "Paris of the North" vibe that Montreal does so well.
The Best Photo Spots in the Montreal Hotel
- Terrasse Place d’Armes: This is arguably the best rooftop in the city. You get a head-on view of the Basilica’s towers. At night, when the church is lit up in blue and gold, the photos are genuinely breathtaking.
- Brasserie 701: This place is a visual feast of black-and-white decor, burnished brass, and massive pendant lamps. It’s very "Gatsby" meets modern minimalism.
- The Junior Suites: Look for the photos of rooms with the parchment-hued walls and wood-slat blinds. They have this vintage air that feels more like a private residence than a hotel.
Avoiding the "Tourist" Look
Look, anyone can take a picture of a lobby. If you want your photos to actually stand out on social or in a travel blog, you have to play with the lighting.
In New Orleans, the light in the French Quarter is famously "thick." The humidity creates a soft, hazy glow in the mornings. Aim for 7:00 AM. The streets are empty except for the occasional mule-drawn carriage, and the shadows on the Chartres Street side of the hotel are long and dramatic.
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In Montreal, it’s all about the blue hour. Right after sunset, the limestone buildings of Place d'Armes square turn a cool grey-blue. If you're on the hotel's rooftop, that's when you want to be clicking. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the architecture. The contrast between the old stone and the modern city lights in the distance is what makes the shot.
Technical Realities: What the Photos Don’t Tell You
Photos are great, but they don't tell the whole story. For instance, the New Orleans property has some "windowless" king rooms. They are cozy and great for sleeping in, but if you’re there for the aesthetic, you’ll be disappointed. You want the Courtyard Room or the Junior Suite if you want that natural light.
In Montreal, the hotel is spread across four buildings. Some rooms are ultra-modern with jetted tubs and Frette sheets, while others lean heavily into the "heritage" feel with original brick walls. It’s a bit of a roll of the dice unless you specify which vibe you're after when booking.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you're heading to either location, here's how to maximize your visual haul.
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For New Orleans:
- Walk to the River: You’re two minutes from the Mississippi. The photo of the hotel exterior with the river fog in the background is a classic.
- Don't skip the Lobby: It’s small but has that old-world Sicilian-immigrant history vibe (the Valentino family has run this place for decades).
- Check the Fountains: There are multiple water features in the courtyards; find the one with the most ferns for the best "hidden oasis" shot.
For Montreal:
- Book the Terrace: Even if you aren't staying there, get a reservation at the rooftop bar for sunset.
- Look for the Details: The brass accessories in the public spaces are meticulously polished. They make for great "detail" shots for a travel montage.
- The Bathroom Game: Some of the suites have rain showers and designer toiletries that are basically begging for a "luxury travel" flat-lay.
Capturing the Details
The architecture at both properties is protected. This means you’re seeing "real" history. In New Orleans, look for the post-and-lintel construction of the Greek Revival sections. In Montreal, focus on the neoclassical stone carvings above the windows. These aren't just hotels; they're essentially museums you can sleep in.
When you're sorting through place d armes hotel photos, remember that the best ones aren't usually the wide shots of the bed. They’re the shots of the sun hitting a wrought-iron railing or the steam rising off a café au lait from Café du Monde, which is just a block away from the New Orleans location.
To get the most out of your trip, focus on the "in-between" spaces. The narrow corridors in New Orleans and the grand, high-ceilinged lounges in Montreal tell a better story than any professional marketing photo ever could. Pack a spare battery. You're going to need it.