
The Pontchartrain Hotel
Best for food-and-drink-focused stays and an adults-oriented Garden District atmosphere with a streetcar outside the door.
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The Pontchartrain Hotel is a circa-1927, adults-oriented boutique stay on St. Charles Avenue focused on restaurants and a rooftop cocktail scene; this guide is for travelers who want a small, historic hotel with strong dining and local atmosphere. Harrah's New Orleans Hotel & Casino — A Caesars Rewards Destination is a larger, casino-connected downtown property for guests who prioritize gaming, convention proximity, and Caesars Rewards benefits.
Updated · about 2.4 km apart

Best for food-and-drink-focused stays and an adults-oriented Garden District atmosphere with a streetcar outside the door.

Best for travelers who want on-site casino action, large meeting facilities, and easy access to Canal Street and the CBD.
When The Pontchartrain Hotel wins: choose The Pontchartrain if you want a smaller, characterful hotel with four distinct on-site dining and drinking venues (including the 21+ Hot Tin rooftop), a Garden District location on the St. Charles streetcar line, and a more intimate, adults-focused experience.
When Harrah's New Orleans Hotel & Casino wins: choose Harrah's if you need casino access, large conference or ballroom space, many assigned room-type options (including river-view rooms), or the immediacy of Canal Street and the central business district.
Bottom line: pick The Pontchartrain for boutique character, dining, and rooftop cocktails in the Garden District; pick Harrah's for casino-driven entertainment, larger meeting capacity, and central downtown convenience.
| Category | The Pontchartrain Hotel | Harrah's New Orleans Hotel & Casino A Caesars Rewards Destination |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Small, historic boutique; adults-oriented | Large downtown casino hotel; convention/entertainment focus |
| Location | Garden District on St. Charles Ave with streetcar stop out front | Central Business District / Canal Street, steps from Caesars New Orleans Casino |
| Size (rooms) | 106 rooms and suites | 450 guestrooms |
| Ages / check-in | Minimum check-in age 21; adults-oriented property | Minimum check-in age 21 (front-desk policy notes) |
| Pools | No on-site swimming pool | Not published |
| Restaurants & bars | Four venues: Jack Rose, Bayou Bar, Silver Whistle Café, Hot Tin rooftop | On-site Ruth's Chris Steak House; 1 restaurant and 1 bar/lounge listed |
| Spa / wellness | No on-site gym or spa; daily access to nearby Franco’s Gym included via amenity fee | Health or beauty spa described as 'nearby' in listing (no on-site spa published) |
| Known for | Rooftop Hot Tin and live-music Bayou Bar; Garden District character | Casino affiliation (Caesars New Orleans) and convention access |
| Event & meeting space | About 5,000 sq ft total event space; The Parlor (2,790 sq ft) for weddings/events | Approximately 30,000 sq ft of conference/banquet space and 8 meeting rooms |
| Parking | Valet parking for a fee; limited street parking nearby | Secured covered parking and valet available (surcharge) |
The Pontchartrain sits on St. Charles Avenue with a streetcar stop right in front and easy access to Magazine Street and uptown sites.
Choose The Pontchartrain for a Garden District base and a more neighborhood, less-touristy feel.
Harrah's sits in the Central Business District on Poydras Street, a short walk to Canal Street and downtown attractions.
Choose Harrah's for central downtown location and immediate access to casino and convention venues.
The Pontchartrain has 106 rooms and suites with a mix of one- and two-room suites including family-style suites.
Pick The Pontchartrain if you want boutique suites and characterful rooms rather than a standard-chain layout.
Harrah's lists many assigned-on-arrival and named room types, including river- and city-view premium rooms across 450 guestrooms.
Pick Harrah's if you want many room choices and standard hotel features with river- or city-view options.
Dining at The Pontchartrain centers on four distinct venues covering breakfast, lunch, dinner, live music, and rooftop cocktails.
The Pontchartrain is a better pick if you plan to stay largely on-site for meals and evening drinks.
Harrah's highlights an on-site Ruth's Chris Steak House plus at least one bar/lounge and room service during limited hours.
Harrah's is practical for casino visitors who want a classic steakhouse and late-night options tied to on-site gaming.
The Pontchartrain's signature amenity is Hot Tin, a 14th-floor rooftop bar with wide views and a 21+ policy; the hotel does not have a pool.
If rooftop cocktails and views matter more than a pool, The Pontchartrain is the winner here.
Harrah's signature draw is its connection to Caesars New Orleans Casino and large event/ballroom space.
Pick Harrah's if casino access and large meeting/banquet facilities are your priority.
The Pontchartrain does not have an on-site gym; daily access to a nearby Franco’s Gym is included with the amenity fee.
Choose The Pontchartrain for local-style music and cocktail nightlife plus an included partner gym for workouts.
Harrah's lists a 24-hour fitness facility and on-site casino nightlife while naming spa services as nearby rather than necessarily on-site.
Pick Harrah's if you want 24-hour fitness access and casino-driven nightlife steps from your room.

Hot Tin rooftop bar with 270-degree views and an adults-focused evening scene.

Immediate access to Caesars New Orleans Casino and 30,000 sq ft of conference/banquet space.

Four on-site venues (Jack Rose, Bayou Bar, Silver Whistle, Hot Tin) and a historic Garden District location.

Around 450 guestrooms with multiple view and bed-configuration categories, including premium river-view rooms.
Harrah's is in the CBD near Canal Street and is closer to the French Quarter on foot; The Pontchartrain is in the Garden District and is a streetcar ride away.
The Pontchartrain has more varied on-site dining and bars across four venues; Harrah's has a notable steakhouse (Ruth's Chris) and on-site bar/lounge options tied to the casino.
The Pontchartrain does not have an on-site pool. Harrah's listing does not publish an on-site pool detail.
Harrah's offers substantially more conference and ballroom space (about 30,000 sq ft); The Pontchartrain has intimate event venues including The Parlor and about 5,000 sq ft total.
Explore how The Pontchartrain Hotel stacks up against other hotels nearby:
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