What to pack for a stay at The Pontchartrain Hotel
Pack for a historic Garden District stay with smart-casual clothing for dining and rooftop drinks, comfortable walking shoes for streetcar and Magazine Street, and basics for an adults-oriented hotel stay (no on-site pool or gym). Bring ID and the credit card used to book — check-in requires a guest at least 21 and cards are commonly pre-authorized.
In this guide
What to bring for your room
Guestrooms at The Pontchartrain Hotel include private bars and standard toiletries in bathrooms, but room service is not available. Pack any specialty toiletries or medications you need.
If you reserved a specific room type, remember the exact name when communicating with the hotel: Standard Room, Superior Suite, Deluxe Room, City View, Deluxe Room, Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Thalia Family Suite), Superior Suite, Multiple Beds (Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite), and Superior Suite (Polyhymnia Two Room Suite).
- Toiletry kit for personal preferences (hotel supplies basic toiletries)
- Any prescription medications and a small first-aid kit
- Power adapters and chargers — rooms include power outlets but bring your own cords
- Light travel laundry kit if you prefer not to use dry cleaning
| Item | Why bring it |
|---|---|
| Extra toiletries | Hotel provides basics but not specialty items |
| Phone charger / power bank | Free high-speed Wi‑Fi but keep devices charged |
| Credit card & photo ID | Required at check-in; card may be pre-authorized |
Clothing and footwear
The hotel hosts venues like Jack Rose (business casual recommended) and Hot Tin (rooftop cocktails), so pack smart-casual outfits for evenings as well as comfortable daytime clothes for exploring the Garden District and streetcar rides.
New Orleans weather varies by season — lightweight breathable layers work best in spring and summer; bring a light jacket for evenings in fall and winter.
- Smart-casual outfit for dinner or cocktails
- Comfortable walking shoes for Magazine Street, Lafayette Cemetery and streetcar rides
- Light rain layer or compact umbrella (afternoon storms are common in summer)
- Sunglasses and a hat for daytime sightseeing
| Season | Suggested items |
|---|---|
| Spring / Fall | Layers, light jacket, walking shoes |
| Summer | Breathable clothes, umbrella, sandals plus walking shoes |
| Winter | Light-to-medium jacket, long sleeves |
Documents, money, and check-in essentials
Bring the credit card used to reserve your room and a photo ID. The hotel accepts major credit and debit cards and may pre-authorize cards before arrival.
The Pontchartrain Hotel enforces a minimum check-in age of 21; the cardholder must be present at check-in. The property does not accept cash for some transactions — have a card handy.
- Photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Credit/debit card in reservation holder’s name
- Reservation confirmation (print or digital)
- Phone number for BookResorts agents if you booked through them: +1 (888) 605-1350
| At check-in | Common requirement |
|---|---|
| Photo ID | Yes |
| Card on file | Yes — may be pre-authorized |
| Minimum age | 21 to check in |
Dining, bars and food logistics
The Pontchartrain Hotel has four on-site venues: Silver Whistle Cafe (breakfast), Jack Rose (dinner & brunch), Bayou Bar (lunch/dinner & live jazz), and Hot Tin (rooftop cocktails). Guests receive preferred access to these venues as part of the destination amenity fee.
There is no room service. If you plan to eat in-room, budget to order carryout from the hotel restaurants or bring snacks and beverages. Hot Tin is 21+ and serves drinks only.
- Bring any preferred snacks if you plan late-night in-room eating
- Dress business-casual for Jack Rose when dining indoors
- If you want rooftop drinks, plan for Hot Tin’s hours and 21+ rule
| Venue | Typical offering / note |
|---|---|
| Silver Whistle Cafe | Breakfast daily 7:00 AM–11:00 AM |
| Jack Rose | Dinner Wed–Sat; brunch Sat–Sun (reservations recommended) |
| Hot Tin (rooftop) | Drinks only; 21+; Sun–Thu 2 PM–12 AM, Fri–Sat 2 PM–2 AM |
Fitness, pool and other amenity-related items
The hotel does not have an on-site gym or swimming pool. The destination amenity fee includes daily access to Franco’s Gym on Magazine Street; bring workout clothes and shoes if you plan to use that partner gym.
High-speed Wi‑Fi is included with the amenity fee, and the hotel offers valet parking for a fee if you’re driving. Bring any car-related items you may need since street parking is limited nearby.
- Workout clothes and sneakers for Franco’s Gym
- Swimwear is not essential (no hotel pool) unless you plan an off-site beach trip
- If driving, keep a credit card for valet parking and consider a backup plan for limited street parking
| Amenity | Hotel detail |
|---|---|
| On-site gym | None — partner gym access included |
| Pool | No on-site pool |
| Wi‑Fi | High-speed access included via amenity fee |
Traveling with pets or families
The Pontchartrain Hotel is pet-friendly for dogs only: up to two dogs per room, each up to 50 lbs, with a non-refundable $75 fee per pet per stay. Service animals are exempt from the fee.
Although the property offers some family-sized suites (for example, Thalia Family Suite and Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite), the hotel is described as adults-oriented and enforces a 21+ minimum check-in age. Outdoor terraces and the rooftop Hot Tin are not always suitable for children.
- If traveling with dogs, bring proof of vaccinations and familiar bedding/toys
- Families: confirm suitability of balconies/terraces for children with the front desk
- If you need interconnecting or multi-bed layouts, request the Thalia Family Suite or Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite when booking
| Policy | Note |
|---|---|
| Dog policy | Up to 2 dogs, ≤50 lbs each; $75 non-refundable fee per pet |
| Children & check-in age | Property enforces 21+ minimum to check in |
| Family suites | Thalia Family Suite and Melpomene Two Bedroom Suite available |
