Hotel Monteleone | Product Reviews by The Experimental Mommy

Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea

While my family is still young, my husband and I are trying hard to form some lasting holiday traditions that we will carry on for years to come. One thing I have begun is taking my oldest daughter to a holiday tea with my Mom. This year, we chose the Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea at the Hotel Monteleone. About the event:

“Some of the season’s favorite Christmas characters including, Santa, Rudolph, Frosty the Snowman and Santa’s elves, will all be in attendance sharing in the festivities. Mrs. Claus will be reading classic Christmas tales and a trumpeter will lead special guests in a musical parade. Savory treats, games and caroling will fill the air with joy. Monte the Lion will close the day by presenting each of his new friends with a Monte stuffed animal.”

When we arrived the hotel, my daughter was in awe of the gorgeous tree in the lobby (and I was speechless, too!). We quickly made our way to the banquet room and took a picture with Monte the Lion and a few of Santa’s elves. We were escorted to our beautifully decorated table and almost instantly, we were served tea, milk or coffee. The food was presented on beautiful trays and was truely a work of art in itself.

After we ate, my daughter got the chance to make her own cupcake (nothing says Christmas like gummy worms on a buttercream cupcake, right?). While Santa was available for pictures ($10), Mrs. Claus led the kids in a reading of “The Night Before Christmas” followed by some fun reindeer games including Bingo and Rudolph Says.

We had an amazing time and I beleive we created some wonderful holiday memories. Everyone in my party agreed that the event was very child friendly (they even served peanut butter and jelly wraps and pizza for the kids!). We would definitely consider attening again next year!

If you are looking to start a holiday tradition with your kids, there is another seating of Monte the Lion’s Children’s Holiday Tea on December 18th at both 10:00am and 2:00pm. Tickets can be purchased for $36 for kids and $49 for adults.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy. Tickets for the holiday tea were purchased by me at a discounted rate. All opinions are 100% mine and I was not otherwise compensated for this post.

Our Experience at NOLA’s Hotel Monteleone

This year, my husband and I celebrated our 10th wedding Anniversary. We came up with many ways to commemorate the event, but decided we would love to play tourist in our own hometown and have a romantic “Staycation!” My husband and I both are New Orleans natives and know that there is definitely no shortage of historic hotels, delicious restaurants and toe-tapping music in this City. Fortunately, the people at the Hotel Monteleone, a pet friendly, AAA Four Diamond Award winning hotel located directly in the French Quarter, invited us to stay at their hotel and enjoy all of the wonderful things their hotel has to offer.

Background

Opening in 1886 with only 64 rooms, the hotel has since expanded to include 600 guestrooms and 5 suites as well as a spa, bar, restaurant and sky terrace with pool and jacuzzi. Located on Royal and Iberville Streets, the Hotel Monteleone is the largest hotel in the French Quarter and remains one of the last family owned and operated hotels in the entire City. The hotel is only eleven miles from Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) and within walking distance of some incredible restaurants, art galleries, antique shops and the famous Bourbon Street. The Hotel Monteleone is not without it’s celebrity accolades! Many stars have stayed at the hotel including Tennessee Williams and Ernest Hemmingway and it has been featured in numerous films and television shows.

The hotel’s website boasts that their “guests don’t want to leave….and some never do.” The Hotel Monteleone appears on many lists as one of New Orleans’ most haunted hotels. In 2003, the International Society of Paranormal Research was able to establish contact with over a dozen spirits living at the hotel including several former employees and children who like to play hide and seek. Boo!

Our Experience

My husband and I have walked past the Hotel Monteleone many, many times. I have always admired the beautiful architecture and we have even gone in to admire the very unique carousel bar. So, when we were given the opportunity to celebrate our 10th Anniversary in a guest suite, we could not wait!

Finding the hotel is very easy and valet parking is available for your convenience (as parking can be quite difficult in the French Quarter). When we arrived, our room was waiting for us and we were given a key which also included a pull out map of the French Quarter. Walking into our suite, we were both speechless! The King size bed looked so comfy (the thought of a nap without kids sounded divine!) and the jacuzzi tub was incredibly inviting. Our suite had two flat panel televisions, internet access, a chair with loveseat and one and a half bathrooms. Our particular suite looked out onto Royal Street.

The staff was very friendly and even offered to take our picture on our way out to dinner. We both loved that we had so many fabulous places to eat within walking distance of the hotel…it was really hard to choose where to go! So, we picked two. After dinner and dessert, we strolled hand-in-hand down Bourbon Street listening to the music in the air and just enjoying being together. Back at the hotel, we were greeted with sparkling water and chocolate covered strawberries!

Outside our window, we were able to watch a street performing group and a second line celebrating a local wedding. While we really enjoyed seeing the sights of Royal Street, if you are looking for a quiet room, I would suggest asking for one on a higher floor (we were on the 3rd floor) or one located away from Royal Street. And my husband is also sad to report that we did not see any ghosts (although I am thrilled!).

Take a look at our pictures:

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

If you are looking for a beautiful hotel located in the French Quarter of New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is a great pick! The room was spacious, clean and comfortable. The service was impeccable and the location just can’t be beat. New Orleans has so much to offer not only couples, but families too, so check out the rates and availability today! And don’t miss current promotions follow @HotelMonteleone on Twitter!