In the heart of the French Quarter, between Decatur and N. Peters Streets, lies the historic Bienville House hotel. The upscale boutique hotel had humble beginnings, originating as Planters Rice Mills, then becoming home to Thompson's Rice Mill and Southern Syrup.
After spending decades as a manufacturing plant, the owners capitalized on the hotel’s prime location in 1935 and transformed the building into the North American Hotel. The hotel was known as a "delightful summer residence for ladies and gentlemen." After just two short years, the building was sold in 1937 and split into a small boarder hotel and fire house. During the revival of Decatur Street, the building was remodeled into 20 luxury apartments named Royal Bienville. In the early 1970s, the Bienville narrowly escaped destruction by a nearby fire that destroyed several neighboring buildings. The building was restored to a hotel again and served as a "motor hotel," appealing to people driving to or through New Orleans. In 1972, the Monteleone family purchased the establishment. The Bienville House Hotel joined the Hotel Monteleone as a family-owned and operated historic hotel.
After countless transformations and a nearly disastrous fire, the Bienville House has the look and feel of a centuries-old French Quarter manor house. The European-style hotel features wrought iron balconies off of guestrooms, welcoming sundecks, and a flagstone courtyard surrounding the crystal blue lagoon pool. Ample in-room amenities make the Bienville House a luxurious retreat from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.
Surrounding the beautiful Bienville House are the antique shops of Royal Street, the late nights of Bourbon Street, the blues and jazz of the House of Blues, the intrigue of voodoo and ghost tours, the history of Jackson Square, and world-class dining of culinary New Orleans. The Bienville House is the perfect destination to experience the sights, sounds, and soul of New Orleans.