Key Takeaways
Hotel Peter & Paul is a 19th-century church, schoolhouse, and rectory complex converted into a boutique hotel in the Marigny, home to the Elysian Bar—widely considered one of the most distinctive hotel bars in the American South.
- A converted 19th-century Catholic church, schoolhouse, and rectory in the Marigny
- The Elysian Bar serves bacchanal-inspired cocktails with daily aperitivo from 3–6 PM
- Walking distance to Frenchmen Street's legendary live jazz and blues clubs
Hotel Peter & Paul is exactly the kind of place that makes you forget everything you know about hotel bars.
Forget everything you know about "hotel bars." For Day 6 of our New Orleans residency, we are checking into the Hotel Peter & Paul in the Marigny to worship at the altar of the sexiest hotel bar in the South: The Elysian Bar.
If New Orleans is a city built on beautiful sins, the Elysian Bar is where you go to confess them—or commit a few more.
The Vibe: Ecclesiastical Wes Anderson
Located in the hotel's former rectory (where the priests once lived), the vibe is pure "moody aristocrat." It's a maze of small, interconnected parlors swathed in saffron-yellow drapes, antique gingham, and Italianate marble fireplaces. It feels less like a commercial business and more like you've broken into a private 19th-century estate during a very chic, very quiet party.
But the real "jewel box" is the bar itself. Tucked in the back atrium, the bar-back is a soaring, sculptural piece of woodwork inspired by the roots of a Louisiana bald cypress. It undulates up the wall like a golden halo, casting a warm, amber glow that makes everyone in the room look like they're starring in a French indie film.
The Drink: Liquid Temptation
The cocktail program here—designed by the geniuses behind Bacchanal—is built for lingering.
The Aperitivo Hour
From 3–6 PM, the sun hits the atrium just right, and the spritzes start flowing. It's the ultimate "see and be seen" for the Marigny's creative elite.
The Signature
Try the Elysian Bar Martini. It's sophisticated, bright, and botanical with citrus notes that awaken the senses.
Why it's the "Sexiest" Stay
It's the tension. There is something undeniably provocative about sipping a stiff Negroni in a space that used to house a convent and a church. The hotel itself—with its limestone soaking tubs, heavy velvet curtains, and "Rector's Repose" suites—invites a certain kind of elegant mischief.
When the sun goes down and the candles are lit in the courtyard, the air turns thick with the scent of jasmine and woodsmoke. It's the kind of place where you lose track of time, and honestly, you don't want to find it.
Ready to Experience The Elysian Bar?
Book your stay at Hotel Peter & Paul in the heart of the Marigny
Book at Hotel Peter & PaulThe Marigny: Where Jazz Meets Bohemia
The Faubourg Marigny is where the historic charm of the French Quarter evolves into a more eccentric, rhythmic, and local-centric lifestyle. Just downriver from the Quarter, this neighborhood is the heartbeat of New Orleans' live music scene.
What makes the Marigny so special?
Frenchmen Street
This is where locals go for live music. Jazz, blues, and brass pour out of intimate clubs like The Spotted Cat and DBA. It's everything Bourbon Street wishes it could be—authentic, soulful, and impossibly cool.
Colorful Architecture
Vibrant Creole cottages and classic shotgun homes line the streets, creating an Instagram-worthy backdrop for your morning coffee run. Every corner feels like a postcard.
Local Culture
The Marigny is for travelers who want to experience the soul of New Orleans culture. Think independent bookstores like Baldwin & Co., artisan markets, and historic inns that emphasize authenticity over traditional luxury.
Why Stay Here?
Hotel Peter & Paul isn't just a place to sleep—it's a destination unto itself. The Elysian Bar alone is worth the booking, but when you add in the hotel's stunning conversion of sacred spaces into luxurious accommodations, it becomes an unforgettable experience.
If you're looking for a hotel bar experience that goes beyond generic cocktails and tourist traps, this is your spot. And if Hotel Peter & Paul isn't quite your vibe, Inndira can help you find other boutique stays with exceptional bars throughout New Orleans. Whether you're after a romantic hideaway or a lively rooftop scene, we'll match you with the perfect spot.
What's Next in Our Series?
Tomorrow, we're heading to the French Quarter for a stay that's a little more "Old Guard" but just as soulful. See you at Day 7!
Not quite what you're looking for? Search for other boutique hotel features with Inndira.
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