Age and children policy at The Pontchartrain Hotel — what families should know
The Pontchartrain Hotel enforces a minimum check-in age of 21 (the reservation holder must be 21 and present at check-in), but children are permitted to stay when accompanied by an eligible adult. Families should book suites like the Thalia Family Suite or room types with multiple beds and confirm policies (cribs, extra beds) with the hotel before arrival.
In this guide
Who must be 21, and who can travel with children
The property requires the reservation holder/guest checking in to be at least 21 years old and to present a valid photo ID and payment card at check-in.
That minimum applies to the person completing registration — it does not automatically bar children or younger family members from staying when accompanied by an eligible adult.
- Reservation holder / check-in guest: 21+ and card must match the name on the reservation.
- Accompanying children: allowed when the check-in guest meets the hotel’s age and ID requirements.
- Service animals: exempt from pet fees (the hotel accepts dogs only under its pet rules).
| Role | Requirement at check-in |
|---|---|
| Reservation holder / check-in guest | 21+ with photo ID and payment card in their name |
| Accompanying adults | No separate minimum noted beyond being a registered guest |
| Children | Allowed when accompanied by the 21+ check-in guest |
Best room choices for families
If you’re traveling with kids, request one of the multi-bed suites or rooms that list multiple beds. The property lists several room types by exact name; check availability when booking.
The hotel does not advertise rollaway beds or cribs on public pages, so confirm any extra-sleeping arrangements directly with the front desk before arrival.
- Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Thalia Family Suite): 1 King Bed and 2 Twin Beds — designed for families.
- Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite): 2 King Beds — useful for families wanting separate sleeping rooms.
- Standard Room: 1 King Bed or 2 Double Beds — option for smaller families.
- Polyhymnia Two Room Suite (Superior Suite): 2 Double Beds — another multi-bed option.
| Room name | Typical bed setup |
|---|---|
| Thalia Family Suite | 1 King Bed + 2 Twin Beds |
| Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite | 2 King Beds |
| Polyhymnia Two Room Suite | 2 Double Beds |
Dining and age-restricted venues
The Pontchartrain Hotel has multiple onsite food and drink venues that have their own age rules. Hot Tin, the rooftop bar, is strictly 21+ and enforces that at entry.
Other venues such as Silver Whistle Cafe, Jack Rose, and Bayou Bar serve food and welcome guests of all ages, but check specific seating areas (patios, terraces) and hours.
- Hot Tin (rooftop): 21+ only — drinks, no food service; first-come, first-served.
- Silver Whistle Cafe: breakfast and coffee (open daily) — family-friendly daytime venue.
- Jack Rose and Bayou Bar: dinner/brunch and live music; family suitability varies by seating area and show times.
| Venue | Age note |
|---|---|
| Hot Tin (rooftop) | 21+ only |
| Silver Whistle Cafe | Family-friendly (breakfast/lunch) |
| Jack Rose & Bayou Bar | Generally open to all ages; check hours and late-night music |
Amenities families should check before booking
The hotel is historic and adult-focused in feel; it does not have an on-site pool, spa, or internal fitness center. The destination amenity fee includes daily access to a nearby gym (Franco’s Gym) and Wi‑Fi.
Because room service is not available, families may rely on the hotel restaurants, carryout, or nearby dining on Magazine Street.
- No on-site swimming pool — plan other activities for kids.
- No in-hotel gym or spa; daily access to Franco’s Gym is included with the amenity fee.
- Room service unavailable; guestrooms include a private bar and restaurants offer takeout options.
- Valet parking is available for a fee; street parking is limited.
| Amenity | Family note |
|---|---|
| Pool | None on property |
| Gym | Access to Franco’s Gym included via amenity fee (off-site) |
| Room service | Not available; in-room private bar and restaurant carryout are options |
Safety, balconies, and spaces parents should note
The hotel’s historic character includes terraces and balconies that the property’s own materials flag as not necessarily suitable for children; supervise children closely in these areas.
The lobby and ground-floor bars can be busy in evenings and weekends, which may affect noise and foot traffic if you have young children.
- Supervise children on terraces, balconies, and rooftop approaches (Hot Tin remains 21+).
- Lobby areas may have live music or crowded bar scenes — expect higher activity after afternoon and evening service begins.
- Confirm room placement if you need quieter locations or easier access to ground-floor amenities.
| Concern | What to do |
|---|---|
| Balconies / terraces | Ask for rooms away from outdoor railings or confirm suitability with front desk |
| Lobby noise | Request a higher floor or a room away from the lobby/bar area |
| Late-night rooftop access | Not available to guests under 21 |
Booking tips and arrival logistics for families
When you book, list the exact number and ages of children and request the specific room name (for example, Thalia Family Suite) to avoid surprises. Ask the hotel about crib/rollaway availability — public materials don’t list these details.
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM; late check-out may be available for an extra charge. The hotel accepts major credit/debit cards and typically requires the cardholder to present the card at check-in.
- Provide the name of the 21+ check-in guest on the reservation and be prepared to show matching ID and card at arrival.
- Confirm parking needs in advance (onsite valet for a fee; street parking limited).
- Plan transport: the St. Charles streetcar stops directly in front of the hotel, useful for family outings.
| Practical item | Family action |
|---|---|
| Check-in age | Ensure reservation holder is 21+ and travels with the group |
| Beds | Book a named room type that matches your sleeping needs (Thalia Family Suite, Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite, etc.) |
| Extras | Call ahead to confirm cribs, rollaways, or special requests |
