Review: Hotel Mazarin – New Orleans Boutique Hotel in the French Quarter

Hotel Mazarin is a 102-room boutique hotel located just a few steps away from the famous Bourbon Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans. One of the most highly-rated properties in the city, the hotel is part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection which also owns other properties such as Hotel Le Marais and Crowne Plaza New Orleans Airport. If your impression of New Orleans is of a city filled with charming 19th century European-style buildings, the quaintness of Hotel Mazarin certainly fulfills that image.

I stayed in Hotel Mazarin during a short trip to the Big Easy. As I was only there for a quick visit, I wanted to stay somewhere really convenient and this hotel’s location less than a block away from Bourbon Street and around two blocks from the streetcar that goes to the Garden District is definitely hard to beat.

The lobby gives one an initial idea on what the property looks like. Resembling a modest French chateau, I found oil paintings hanging by the walls, parquetted floors and French-style windows that give off an old world feel.

My check-in process was quick and light-hearted. The front desk associate made the effort to chat as she verified my details and handed me my keys and welcome drink vouchers. Later on, these people would prove to be extremely helpful in advising on places to go as well as transport options around the city.

The property has two bars but the welcome drink is valid at 21st Amendment Bar which opens in the afternoon until late.

For this particular stay, I was upgraded to a Superior King Room. The room’s décor was essentially an extension of the opulent theme permeating the rest of the property. The walls were painted yellow while a chandelier graced the ceiling. There was a window that looked out to the hallway which in turn looked out to the courtyard. It had a square layout which made the sleeping quarters look really big with a considerable space between the bed and the TV.

Speaking of the courtyard, I was really impressed with the soundproofing done on the room. Despite the loud sound of the fountain outside by the courtyard or the proximity of my room to the elevator, I could practically hear no outside sound once I enter my room.

I received a small box of chocolates as well as a pin symbolizing New Orleans as part of my welcome amenity. Complimentary bottled water was also provided in copious amounts.

The bathroom was well-appointed, with a separate vanity area consisting of a his and hers sink. There was no bathtub in the bathroom but the shower area was spacious. My only complaint was that the light inside the shower area was automatic and had a tendency to turn off even while I was showering.

My stay came with breakfast which is served in a restaurant at the other side of the building when coming from the lobby. It was quite a decent spread with a number of Louisiana specialties such as a different type of sausage alongside the usual bacon, scrambled eggs and bagels. Seeing some Tabasco hot sauce in the buffet spread served as another reminder that I was in New Orleans!

With such a stunning courtyard, I decided to have my morning meal in an alfresco setting. As a boutique property, Hotel Mazarin may not boast of a spa or swimming pool but the courtyard, with the charming fountain as centerpiece, was certainly something different from what I see in other hotels.

Verdict

The property has a lot going for it – wonderful location, nicely executed old-world theme as well as a homey and personalized service that could only be found in a boutique hotel. If you’re in New Orleans for leisure and don’t need a swimming pool or spa, Hotel Mazarin makes for an excellent base from which to explore the city. I always enjoyed coming back here after a productive day out in the town.

Hotel Mazarin
730 Bienville Street
New Orleans
Louisiana 70130
United States
+1 504 581 7300
Website: Official website