History

The Columns is no ordinary hotel. Built in 1883 as a private residence, it was converted into a boarding house during World War I. In 1953, a local family turned it into a hotel and the bar on the porch became a star. Listed on the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places, in 2019 it was sold to Jayson Seidman and his family. Now it’s time for the next chapter of this beloved setting. As locals, we love this hotel as much as you do, and we’re excited to keep it a family property with the attention and respect it deserves.

The Columns has been part of New Orleans long enough that it’s become a landmark in its own right. You don’t need to say the address when everybody knows the name. Overlooking St. Charles Avenue, with its stately magnolia trees and streetcar line, the Columns is an easygoing walk from other historic mansions in the district.

We’ve carefully restored the historic building and added a completely new garden, rooftop sundeck and a new cocktail bar. We also breathed new life into our public spaces, with a meticulous and modern restoration. The spirit and history of the architecture are the focus of grand rooms that are perfect for intimate gatherings or larger events. These new spaces, both inside and outside, were carefully created with hospitality and privacy in mind.