Roosevelt Hotel

Question

Is the Roosevelt Hotel a good choice to stay at Christmas or is it too chaotic to be enjoyable?

Thanks

Answer

The Roosevelt Hotel is one of the most iconic places to stay in New Orleans during Christmas, thanks to its famous lobby decorations, holiday festivities, and central location. Whether it feels magical or overwhelming largely depends on what kind of atmosphere you enjoy and what you expect from your stay.

During December, the Roosevelt transforms into a holiday attraction in its own right. Thousands of locals and visitors come through the lobby daily to see the lights and Christmas displays. This creates a vibrant and festive atmosphere, but also means crowds, noise, and constant foot traffic—especially in the lobby and public spaces.

If your priority is experiencing a classic, luxury New Orleans holiday setting—and you don’t mind crowds—you’ll likely find the Roosevelt delightful. If, however, you prefer a calmer, more intimate hotel environment, the holiday season at the Roosevelt may feel a bit chaotic.

Why it’s a great choice: stunning Christmas lobby; excellent service; convenient location near the French Quarter and CBD; classic New Orleans charm.
Why it may feel chaotic: very crowded lobby at nearly all hours; long lines for photos; bar areas can be packed; higher holiday rates.
Good fit for: travelers who enjoy festive energy, holiday décor, and being in the middle of the action.
Not ideal for: those who want peace, quiet, and minimal crowds during their stay.

If you want the Roosevelt experience but don’t want to feel overwhelmed, you can stay there but plan your lobby time strategically—early mornings tend to be quieter. Request a room on a higher floor away from elevators to reduce noise.

Alternatively, if you love visiting the decorations but prefer calm accommodations, you might stay at another nearby high-quality hotel and simply walk over to the Roosevelt to enjoy the holiday display.

The Windsor Court Hotel: refined, quieter, elegant holiday décor rather than crowded; spacious rooms.
The Four Seasons New Orleans: modern and luxurious; festive but not mobbed; great food and river views.
The Omni Royal Orleans: in the French Quarter but typically more peaceful than the Roosevelt in December.

Overall, the Roosevelt is absolutely worth considering for Christmas—just be prepared for lively crowds and a buzzing holiday atmosphere. If you’re seeking a festive and iconic New Orleans experience, it’s hard to beat.

If you prefer a more relaxed environment, staying nearby and visiting the lobby as a holiday outing might be the perfect compromise.