You’re walking down Camp Street, and honestly, if you aren't looking for the blue-and-gold neon, you might just walk right past it. New Orleans is famous for being loud. It’s brass bands on Frenchmen Street and beads flying off balconies in the Quarter. But the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans Louisiana is doing something else entirely. It’s quiet. Well, relatively quiet. It’s basically a converted warehouse that feels more like a gallery where they happen to let you sleep than a traditional hotel.
People always think staying in the Central Business District (CBD) or the Warehouse District means you’re sacrificing "the real New Orleans" for convenience. That's just wrong. In fact, staying here puts you in the middle of the city's actual creative heart, far away from the sticky floors of Bourbon Street.
A Warehouse with a Soul
Built inside a historic warehouse from the early 20th century, the building itself is a piece of art. High ceilings. Exposed brick. Those massive windows that let in that weirdly beautiful, humid Louisiana light. When you walk into the lobby, you aren't greeted by generic hotel art. You’re greeted by Dale Chihuly.
Yes, that Chihuly.
The hotel houses a legitimate collection of fine art, specifically focusing on glass. There is an on-site glassblowing studio, which is kinda wild for a Marriott property. It’s the Arthur Roger Gallery partnership that really elevates this place. You’ll find rotating exhibits that would hold their own in any museum in the country. If you’re the kind of person who hates beige walls and mass-produced prints of the Eiffel Tower, this place will feel like a relief.
The Room Situation: Don't Expect "Standard"
Most hotels have that cookie-cutter layout. You know the one. Desk on the right, bed in the middle, bathroom by the door. At the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans Louisiana, the floor plans are a bit more... eccentric.
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Because it’s an old warehouse, the rooms vary wildly. Some have massive structural pillars right in the middle of the floor. Others have windows that look out onto a stunning interior courtyard that feels like a secret garden. Honestly, some of the rooms on the lower floors can feel a bit dark because of the surrounding buildings, but that’s the trade-off for staying in a historic district.
The beds are massive. The linens are crisp. But it’s the little things, like the local coffee and the art-centric decor, that remind you where you are. You aren't in a sterile corporate box in Omaha. You’re in a city that treats breakfast like a four-course meal and cocktails like a religion.
Eating and Drinking Near 700 Camp Street
Let’s talk about Legacy Kitchen’s Tackle Shop, which is the on-site restaurant. It’s fine. It’s actually pretty good for a hotel lobby spot, especially the oysters. But you’re in New Orleans. You’d be doing yourself a massive disservice if you didn't wander a few blocks away.
You have Peche Seafood Grill just down the street. It won a James Beard award for a reason. The whole grilled fish is life-changing. Then there’s Cochon, where they treat pork with the kind of reverence most people reserve for their firstborn child. If you want something a bit more low-key, Mother’s Restaurant is nearby. People will tell you it’s a tourist trap. They’re sort of right. But the "Ferdi Special" po-boy is still worth the line, even with the crowd.
The Bar Scene
The hotel bar is a great spot for a nightcap, but for a real experience, walk over to the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt. It’s about a ten-minute stroll. It’s opulent. It’s historic. It’s where Huey P. Long used to drink.
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Or, if you want to stay in the Warehouse District, go to Bar Marilou. It’s tucked inside an old library and the vibes are unmatched. Dark red walls, bookshelves everywhere, and drinks that are dangerously easy to finish.
Logistics: The Stuff Nobody Mentions
Valet parking is expensive. There, I said it. It’s New Orleans, so parking is a nightmare anyway, but expect to pay a premium. If you can, just Uber or Lyft from Louis Armstrong International (MSY). Once you’re at the Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans Louisiana, you don't really need a car.
The St. Charles streetcar line is just a couple of blocks away. For a few bucks, you can ride all the way through the Garden District, past the mansions and the oak trees, down to Audubon Park. It’s the best deal in the city.
The fitness center is decent, but who comes to New Orleans to run on a treadmill? Go walk the Riverwalk instead. It’s more interesting and you’ll get a better breeze off the Mississippi.
Why This Place Works
The "Arts" in the name isn't just marketing fluff. The hotel actually hosts events for the local community, and during the "White Light Night" or other gallery hops in the Warehouse District, this hotel is basically ground zero.
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It manages to bridge the gap between "luxury" and "authentic." It’s polished enough that your grandmother would be comfortable, but cool enough that a 20-something artist wouldn't feel out of place.
A Note on the Neighborhood
The Warehouse District—or the Arts District, depending on who you ask—is safer and cleaner than the French Quarter. It feels like a neighborhood. You’ll see people walking their dogs. You’ll see locals heading to work in the office buildings nearby. It’s a bit more "real life" than the Disney-fied version of the city you see on TV.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
- Request a Courtyard Room: If you want peace and quiet, the rooms facing the interior courtyard are significantly quieter than those facing Camp Street.
- Visit the Glass Studio: Check the schedule for live demonstrations. It’s one thing to see the glass on the walls; it’s another to see the heat and the craft behind it.
- Skip the Hotel Breakfast Once: Go to Willa Jean. It’s a short walk and their biscuits are arguably the best in the South. No joke.
- Walk to the River: The hotel is only about six blocks from the Mississippi River. Catching the sunset over the water is a great way to start an evening.
- Talk to the Concierge: They actually know the local art scene. If there’s a pop-up gallery or a jazz set that isn't on the main blogs, they’ll know about it.
New Orleans is a city of layers. The Renaissance Arts Hotel in New Orleans Louisiana is one of those layers that people often overlook because it doesn't scream for attention. But once you’re inside, you realize it’s exactly the kind of place this city needs more of—thoughtful, historic, and genuinely interested in the culture it occupies.
To make the most of your trip, book your stay at least three months in advance if you're coming for Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras, as this location fills up fast due to its proximity to the parade routes on St. Charles. Download the Le Pass app for streetcar fares before you arrive to avoid fumbling with exact change. Finally, make sure to set aside at least one hour just to walk the hotel hallways; the curated photography and sculpture on the upper floors are often better than what you'll find in the commercial galleries nearby.