Went here just for a drink at the bar. I ordered an old fashioned and it was good. The drinks were a tad expensive, but that isn't a surprise. The room was dark and felt like a bar. The outdoor patio was full so we unfortunately couldn't sit there. The hotel lobby is very nice. Apparently the hotel was originally a single family home when it was built. I couldn't imagine living in such a large place with just my family! It is worth a visit. read more

Columns is an iconic place for sure. Too bad the service and the cocktails aren't very good. I went there on a weekday after Mardi Gras and the place was absolutely dead, I think there were only 3 customers in the entire place and about 10 teenage/college kids behind the bar. Service was very bad and slightly unprofessional. It's not the employees fault entirely but mostly a fault in management. There was a older guy that came downstairs and made the bartender put on different music, even tho there was nothing wrong with it and the only 3 customers at the bar, myself included, were younger and actually liked the music that was being played. Then the manager put on some snoozy jazz that literally made me have to leave or else I was going to fall asleep. He was also very rude and just plain not friendly in front of the customers. I tried to say hi and he didn't even look at me. Rude. read more

I was brought here by a NOLA native who swore that a drink on the Columns front porch was a must. She was right! I imbibed with a traditional Ramos Gin Fizz (which tasted like clouds and flowers) and enjoyed a lazy afternoon on the porch. I appreciated we were never rushed and the drink menu was reasonably priced for well-crafted cocktails. read more

Stayed for 3 nights over valentines weekend. Yes it's a grand old house, that creaks, and groans, and has sloping floors. Every room is decorated with antiques individual to each space. The entire staff was gracious and accommodating and greeted me by name by the second afternoon when they saw me in the hall. The breakfast they served us in the mornings was hot, delicious, and faster than the McDonald's drive thru. A hello and huge thank you to Shonda for taking such wonderful care of us, at breakfast and sharing with us what Mardi Gras was like for her during her growing up years. The drinks in the bar are strong, and the porch and veranda make you lose track of time. It's right on the street car line, and parking on the street was easy. read more

I've been a patron of the Columns Hotel and loved it since I left Cabrini and was old enough to order my own drinks, but the tall dark haired bartender on Sunday night needs a lesson or two in customer service. Rude and couldn't be bothered with local folks dressed down a bit...too bad. read more

I'll start by saying the inside bar area is beautiful and we have enjoyed seeing the Tuesday night music in the parlor on occasion. The staff inside the bar area has almost always been superb and friendly, but we have had issues with the waitresses service when we are outside. Now the front porch is a wonderful spot to sit, sip on a cocktail and watch the streetcars roll by, but be prepared to pay a little too much for the drinks and the semi-good food. ... I also had friends visiting from the northeast not too long ago and after they got drenched in a sudden downpour they were 'greeted' by the manager who yelled at them like they were only there to clean up in the restroom. Actually they were ready to spend a lot of cash there... that was a missed opportunity! So if you just want a cocktail on the porch to watch the streetcars for a short time, check it out, but be prepared to overpay for what you get. read more

It was interesting to read how many reviewers commented on the bad service here. I thought it was just me. I actually come here occasionally for meetings, and the service here goes from non-existent to terrible. I've served a few times in my life, and I'm the last one to complain about minor stupid things. I don't mind waiting for orders, and I understand when a staff is busy--so for me to complain is a testament to how horrible the service is here. The staff spends majority of their time talking to each other or to their buddies, so much so that when it was nearly empty, majority of their tablecloths were filthy. I'm talking grub and used matches on the linen. I don't have a problem with employees enjoying themselves at work as many do in New Orleans, but do so as you work. The servers and bartenders will purposely ignore stuff and people so that they can keep talking. It's a pity, because as others have said this place would otherwise be a great place to grab cocktails, and the food I've had here in the past has been pretty excellent. I really hope management starts taking this seriously, as I'm not sure why such a classy looking establishment would want to get this reputation for bad service--especially for what they're charging when it's not happy hour. Get it together Columns. Edit: I should have said their burgers are great. Probably one of the best I've had in the city. I also remember enjoying a poboy--- but I would not recommend the other items on the menu for the price. You can get way better food for a similar price or cheaper elsewhere. I recently ordered something other than the burger and was very disappointed with how salty an unambitious it was. read more

Attended a bridal luncheon in the private room....worst experience of my life. Waiter didn't even ask what we wanted to drink. When we finally asked for a drink he spilled the tray of drinks over the table. When the drinks soaked a girls expensive handbag, she was told "at least it wasn't a Cartier purse." Not that Cartier even makes purses but anyway....... Steaks at entire table came out rare and bleeding, regardless of what temp was ordered. One girl was ill the whole next day from eating blood soaked mashed potatoes from under the steak. Just awful. read more

Disappointed! As a New Orleans native, I have spent a lot of time at The Columns. Great location and venue. However, I had the worst experience planning a 20 person event in amine 2019. I had particular unprofessional dealings with their director of catering Adam Miller. His customer service is unacceptable and frustrating. The quality of the breakfast food that was served was quite poor. Not the quality brunch food I've had years ago. The service was slow. Very disappointing. I would never host another event here. read more

Loved this place! Came here for drinks with a large group - really fun atmosphere, cheap drinks, and different spaces for standing, sitting, etc. Very fun! read more

Bar is awesome. Drinks are filled to the brim. Love it. Wonderful atmosphere outside on the balcony. Really recommend.

Stately old hotel, but REAL problems with heating and air conditioning!!! Nearly impossible to get a proper temperature. Room fluctuated between 70 and 80 degrees and impossible to control. They switched us to another room and it wasn't any better. Then they put a new customer in our old room (right next door to our new room) and they had even worse problems, which ended up waking us up at midnight when the repairman came to their room - was unable to fix the problem. Sorry, but these people have no clue how to run an establishment, and show zero ability to learn from their mistakes or customer feedback. Stay here only at your own risk, and don't say you weren't warned!!! read more

Gorgeous atmosphere. Worst service I have experienced in the south. Was told to self seat and didn't receive attention for 20 minutes. Waitress was rude, obviously having a bad day. I would not recommend because there are far better spots on St. Charles. read more

We give them 5 stars for hospitality. Over the top with taking care of us. They even let me check into my room at 630a so I could nap and shower after a red eye flight. We give 3-4 stars for bed quality and the loud AC unit. But seriously, the place makes you feel like you are back in time in the old south. Would definitely go back. Awesome free breakfast. read more

Perfect spot for a southern drink on the porch. Gorgeous architecture and historic interior.

Have never stayed at the hotel but have spent many nights at the bar. The drinks I've had have always been stiff, prompt, and well priced. Jameson seems to be a crowd favorite, so I've always followed suit. I plan on going back this weekend and for New Years Eve! #GiddyUp read more

I was married there 20+ years ago, very beautiful and history place. I remember all the special moments, I highly recommend a visit or even host an event there. read more

Perfect place to have an afternoon/after work drink. I love to sit on the front porch and enjoy a cocktail with friends. Located right on the streetcar line of St. Charles Ave. When you walk inside the Columns it is like taking a step back in time. It has kept it's old southern charm. The bartenders aren't quick...be prepared for that. The crowd is diverse. However, I wouldn't call it a t-shirt and shorts type of place. They do Sazeracs well enough...not the best in the city no doubt, but certainly enjoyable! Overall a nice place to have a drink or two, not somewhere I would stay all night long. read more

I've only been for happy hour and absolutely adored the outdoor seating and drink specials. How could you not enjoy a spring evening in the Garden District (cue whiffs of gardenias and night blooming jasmine) with inexpensive cocktails and a Victorian scene? read more

Came here on a recommendation. Comfy seats and wooden walls with a roman revival/Victorian feel. Ordered a few drinks and a cheese plate. Cheese took forever to come. Plate contained pate, cheese, prosciutto, crackers, toasted bread rounds, green and kalamatta olives, and fresh fruit with a bittersweet chocolate drizzle. read more

We stopped by for a quick drink at the Victorian Lounge before dinner at Superior Seafood on a Sunday, and I'm so glad we did. This is a great space. It certainly feels haunted, with all of the old furniture and the décor of the space. I bet the inside space gets uncomfortable in the summer, but there is a huge porch in the front that probably gets a lot of competition. read more

This is a really cool place to hang out for a drink. As visitors, we were looking for an experience that was uniquely NOLA, and I think we got it. I've had some cool experiences in Miami, but this was really unique. The drink prices were good too. read more

Impressive colonial mansion with a generous and an inviting front porch embedded in the heart of the ever beautiful Garden District. The fire place, mock antique furniture, parquet flooring and Persian tapestries allude to a certain (former) majestic prestige. It is a shame that the pimply, middle class Tulane students in awkwardly-fitting suits and squeaky shoes ferrying to and from the bar in faux-sophistication contribute to creating the antonym of such a reverie. read more

The Columns offers a traditional Southern mansion look to it that is absolutely spectacular, especially to a non-native such as myself. On a given Friday night, the architecture and gaudy ornate decor sparkle as jazz plays in the main lobby. The bar is attended by hipsters and collegiates and a span of random folks who just want to enjoy the atmosphere. I appreciate the location in Uptown-- where I live-- and that its history is prominent as a selling point! The drinks are good, especially the Pimm's Cup. read more

I haven't had a chance to try the food but I go here pretty often for the drinks. The outside seating area is nice and always quiet for hanging out. The ambiance is nice and so is the decor. Service...not exceptional but people are nice overall. read more

What a great place spend the afternoon. Have a drink in the bar then head to the porch for some snacks ,and of course more cocktails as you watch the street cars roll down old St Charles. read more

On a hot, summer night in NOLA, sit out on the porch of the Columns. Drink your mint julip, watch the streetcars pass along St Charles, and you'll realize why there is no other city like New Orleans. read more

During college, I spent many evenings at the Columns, drinking cool drinks on green tablecloths. It's a great central meeting point uptown, and accommodates everybody- nobody has a bad time at the columns. The only bad thing is erratic waitress service, but no matter- you can always trot inside to the darkness of the bar and get your own. No big deal. I returned recently and stayed here. I actually had a great experience. Everyone was very friendly, and while this is not a luxury hotel, I felt the accommodations were very fair for the price. Plus, they're so eclectic and sooo New Orleans...I'm sure there are ghosts in there somewhere. Plus, how great is it to be able to walk upstairs from happy hour and take yourself a little nap before the evening's activities? So great. Drink here, stay here, whatever. Just go to the Columns! read more

Felt very Southern-y sipping on Mint Juleps, Ramos Gin Fizzes, and Bloody Marys on the porch of this charming hotel overlooking St. Charles. Enjoyed my great company as we watched the streetcars pass by and soaked up the warm evening breeze. Was a nice change of pace and scenery from the bars we had been going to in NOLA. read more

Get away from the craziness, and dress up to enjoy the cool ambience of the Polo Lounge at the Columns Hotel. A bit overpriced, but the music was kickin' and the vibe was intimate. Perfect for a date night, before dinner, or after dinner event. It was a great getaway from the French Quarter and near our hotel. read more

This place is beautiful. You'll see that from the moment you start walking up the stairs. The interior is old timey even has a bit of an aged smell to it. Not bad just smells a bit antique. This is a great spot to bring a date and enjoy a nice cocktail over a somewhat intimate setting. read more

Well, the best I can say about this place is the ambiance is very nice. Let's take this in turn. First off the food is horrible, and the is coming from someone who owns a restaurant in New Orleans. 2nd, The wait stuff is mainly a bunch of incompetent college kids who if your unlucky enough to show up on one of their drunk nights you may get food thrown at you across the bar. Please let me explain. the staff likes to drink and no one is watching them, so at various times they get loaded and neglect the patrons. 3rd is the so called entertainment which mainly consists of a fellow named John Rankin who plays a very forgettable guitar show on Tuesday night. He is also very rude and arrogant. You would think he thinks he is Robert Fripp. Save your money and go down the street to Delachaise. You will enjoy it better. read more

One of the most unimpressive brunches. Yet definitely memorable due to the pungent taste in the turtle soup and the outdated and itchy chairs that we were sat in, the funky smell of your grandmothers basement should have pushed us away yet we still had faith being that it was such a well known place. read more

We stayed at the hotel a couple weeks ago, and the stay was nice, except for one glaring problem -- bed bugs! My wife and my son were covered in bites, we've tried multiple times and multiple ways to contact a manager or owner of the hotel, and we've gotten no responses. read more

I love this place. It doesn't matter what they set down on the table in front of me, I will always come back. No matter how hot and heavy the air is, it is comfortable on the porch. And I can't imagine anywhere more relaxing. We ordered cheese fries, which were fine. There were orders for wines and beers and I had a Sazerac. Next time I think I'd order a wine or beer. There was something not quite right about my drink. Music was setting up when we finally managed to leave the wonderful setting. read more

You should go to The Columns at least once, if only to drink a Sazerac on an antebellum porch in the balmy New Orleans twilight. You will feel like you stepped in some bizarre time warp. To go on the regular, however, doesn't seem practical unless you are looking to crash a Tulane Law School alumni party. If you want to avoid that crowd, go early or bring your own posse to counteract the Polo shirts. Maybe snag a spot inside. I've been there on a slow afternoon and it was delightful kicking it inside at ye olde wooden bar. Don't bother eating, just start mainlining bourbon, then go up to your haunted bedroom for an affair with a Southern Gothic literature professor. read more

Sitting inside hotel bar is amazing. Step inside this place and it feels as if you have gone back in time. Nestled in the heart of the Garden District, this elegant hotel greets you with its large columns and open porch just right for sitting and watching time go by. Make a visit to the inside bar where you can take a seat at the bar or one of the couches in the sitting room. The ornate decoration and antique interior is sure to please even the most pretentious. Come dressed in business casual and enjoy a glass of champagne or any of there special drinks. read more

I went to Columns for just one beer but really enjoyed it. I would definitely recommend it if you're visiting New Orleans and checking out Uptown. The place has a lot of character. On the inside there are several small rooms where you can privately sit and drink with your group. The place has a great Southern (Victorian? Gothic? I don't know these things) style. The front and side patios are also really nice. There is also a great selection of beers and liquors. read more

I absolutely love the woodwork in this place and the booths are soooo comfortable. Great drinks with an even better porch for people watching. A better summertime hangout is hard to find. read more

Being in or around a palatial plantation mansion is it's own reward for slow service. Sit outside, hear the jazz.