
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Best for travelers who want a luxury, historic property with an expansive spa steps from the French Quarter.
Prices in other currencies are estimates. You’re charged in USD.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is a historic, luxury hotel on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter; read this if you want a polished, spa-forward stay within walking distance of Bourbon Street. Hilton New Orleans Riverside is a large riverfront Hilton with extensive convention space; read this if you need meeting facilities, lots of rooms, or a central riverfront base.
Updated · about 0.6 km apart

Best for travelers who want a luxury, historic property with an expansive spa steps from the French Quarter.

Best for large groups, convention attendees, and anyone wanting lots of rooms and riverfront access downtown.
When The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans wins: choose the Ritz if you prioritize a refined, historic building, the largest spa in New Orleans, a smaller luxury scale, and immediate walking access to Bourbon Street and Quarter attractions.
When Hilton New Orleans Riverside wins: choose the Hilton if you need extensive meeting and convention space, many guest rooms for large parties, lower-cost group accommodations, or convenient riverfront positioning near the Convention Center.
Bottom line: both work well for downtown stays — pick the Ritz-Carlton for luxury, spa and proximity to the French Quarter; pick the Hilton for size, conference capability, and riverfront logistics.
| Category | The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans | Hilton New Orleans Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Overall vibe | Historic, polished luxury; quieter, refined public spaces | Large, functional riverfront convention hotel |
| Location | Canal Street — edge of the French Quarter, 1 block from Bourbon Street | Riverfront on Poydras Street — close to Canal Street and the Convention Center |
| Size (guest rooms) | 528 rooms | 1,622 guestrooms |
| Building / age / style | 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche landmark | Modern large-scale hotel (Hilton brand) |
| Pools | Heated indoor pool (year-round, 9 AM–5 PM) | Two outdoor pools |
| Restaurants & bars | M bistro (flagship) + Davenport Lounge (live jazz & tea); 24-hour room service | Two restaurants and two bars; room service (limited hours) and cafes |
| Spa & wellness | The Ritz-Carlton Spa — 25,000 sq ft, 20 treatment rooms, saunas, cold plunge | Not published |
| Meeting & event space | Over 48,000 sq ft across 34 event rooms (Grand Ballroom, courtyards) | 137,923 sq ft conference space — large convention center-style facilities |
| Accessibility & family policy | Family-friendly; kids welcome; minimum age to check in alone: 21 | |
| Airport | Preferred airport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans Intl. (MSY) | |
The Ritz-Carlton sits on Canal Street at the French Quarter edge, a short walk to Bourbon Street and many historic sites.
Pick the Ritz for immediate French Quarter access and walkable sightseeing.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside occupies riverfront frontage close to Canal Street and the Convention Center.
Pick the Hilton if you want riverfront positioning and easy convention-center access.
The Ritz-Carlton offers 528 rooms and suites across its landmark building with multiple room and suite types.
Choose the Ritz for a smaller inventory of more individually styled luxury rooms.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside provides a very large inventory of 1,622 guestrooms suitable for groups and events.
Choose the Hilton for scale and availability for group bookings.
The Ritz-Carlton centers dining around M bistro and the Davenport Lounge with scheduled live jazz.
Pick the Ritz for a focused, higher-end dining program and live-jazz evenings.
Hilton Riverside operates multiple restaurants, cafes, and bars to serve large hotel populations and event crowds.
Pick the Hilton for practical, on-site dining that supports groups and conventions.
The Ritz-Carlton has a heated indoor pool open year-round with set daily hours.
Choose the Ritz if you want a year-round indoor pool in a low-key, spa-focused setting.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside offers two outdoor pools for general guest recreation.
Choose the Hilton for more extensive outdoor pool space and higher capacity pool areas.
The Ritz-Carlton highlights a large spa and a small fitness center; live jazz is part of the nightlife offering.
Pick the Ritz for spa treatments and cultured evening entertainment.
Hilton Riverside emphasizes fitness, courts, and practical on-site recreation for active guests.
Pick the Hilton if you want active facilities, courts, and fitness options geared to many guests.

The Ritz-Carlton — the 25,000 sq ft spa with 20 treatment rooms and signature treatments makes it the clear choice.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside — 137,923 sq ft of conference space and 1,622 rooms support big meetings and block bookings.

The Ritz-Carlton — one block from Bourbon Street and steps from Canal Street attractions.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside — riverfront location and walkways to water make arrivals and meeting logistics straightforward.
The Ritz-Carlton is on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter — about one block from Bourbon Street — so it’s closer to Quarter nightlife and historic sites.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside is better suited for conventions and large blocks, with about 137,923 sq ft of conference space and over 1,600 guestrooms.
The Ritz-Carlton has a 25,000 sq ft spa with 20 treatment rooms; Hilton Riverside’s listing does not publish a comparable full-service spa.
Yes. Both properties welcome guests of all ages; the minimum age to check in alone at both hotels is 21.
The Ritz-Carlton’s heated indoor pool is available year-round (hours published). Hilton Riverside operates outdoor pools (suitable for warmer months).
Explore how The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans stacks up against other hotels nearby:
vs. sites like Expedia, Hotels.com and other OTAs ·