A white classical building with large columns and decorative frills, surrounded by green trees, under a partly cloudy sky.

Housed in one of New Orleans’ landmark Greek Revival mansions, The Whit is rooted in the history and heritage of the Garden District.

Home to fifteen beautifully appointed hotel rooms, a lively coffee, tea and cocktail salon, and a series of striking indoor-outdoor event spaces, this expansive property harkens back to the neighborhood’s golden age of entertaining.

Whether guests join us for leisurely summer afternoons or extravagant occasions, our hospitality balances the architecture of old world elegance with a modern sense of Southern ease.

A decorative white metal railing with floral and swirl patterns, cast shadows on a white tiled porch, with a background of green trees and a clear blue sky.
A breakfast tray with a croissant on a decorative plate, a cup of black coffee, a glass of orange juice, a small jar of honey, and a metal container of sugar cubes, set on a table with gold flatware.
Stylized digital illustration of a Dalmatian dog sitting on a neutral surface, facing left, with a black background.
A tall potted plant with large green leaves positioned on a white marble mantelpiece. Behind the plant is a framed landscape painting with a gold ornate frame, depicting a sunset over trees. Part of a smaller picture frame is visible to the left of the plant.

A Legacy of Southern Style

Constructed in 1857, the story of The Whit is emblematic of the entrepreneurial and industrial boom that drew prominent Northerners to New Orleans. These titans of trade and manufacturing founded the Garden District, establishing their own ornate yet orderly style of high society—distinct from the French Quarter’s Creole charms.

These businessmen were soon followed by influential cultural figures, including the hotel’s namesake, Brooklynite Walt Whitman. Though his sojourn in New Orleans lasted only a few months, Whitman’s most famous collection of poetry, Leaves of Grass, was directly inspired by the lush plant life and colorful social norms he encountered in the Crescent City.

Since then, the property has lived several distinct lives, yet has remained an unwavering icon of the prosperous, aspirational era in which it was conceived. In opening this historic home to the public, we seek to unshroud the mystery of its imposing stature, inviting both native New Orleanians and curious travelers to enjoy spirited conversation, intimate celebrations and moments of unhurried beauty within its halls. 

An open door with sunlight streaming in, revealing a white wall with a power outlet and a vent on the floor, with shadows cast by the sun.
Black and white illustration of a young man with a beard holding a skateboard, standing against a gray background.
A martini glass with pink liquid on a marble surface, with a gold ornate framed painting in the background.
Sketch of a table corner with stacked books, a wine glass, and a small container.
Inspirational quote on black background that reads, 'Happiness, not in another place but this place... not for another hour, but this hour.'

From cocktails and conversation, to distinctive events and overnight stays, The Whit invites guests to not only step outside of their everyday lives, but to experience a transportive shift in perspective. 

Just as Walt Whitman came to New Orleans with a sense of broad-eyed curiosity, we believe each guest carries an unwritten story, waiting to be told. Our role is simply to curate a setting that may spark their next chapter.