What is the Cornstalk Hotel known for?

It is a small, elegant Victorian hotel in the French Quarter known for its iconic corn-stalk iron fence and its status on the National Register of Historic Places.

The hotel is located at 915 Royal Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana.

What are the check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 11:59 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

What amenities does the hotel offer?

The hotel provides free Wi-Fi, valet parking, a 24-hour business centre, and breakfast and newspaper service that can be delivered to rooms, balconies, porches, or patios.

What is the history of the building?

The current structure was built in 1816 by François Xavier-Martin, the first Attorney General of Louisiana. The site has been occupied since at least 1730, though early traces were destroyed in the Great Fires of the 1790s.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Cornstalk Hotel in New Orleans

What to know

The Cornstalk Hotel, located at 915 Royal Street, is a small, elegant Victorian inn in the heart of the French Quarter. The property sits on land that has been occupied since at least 1730, though early traces of habitation were destroyed during the Great Fires of New Orleans in the 1790s. The current structure was built in 1816 by François Xavier-Martin, the first Attorney General of Louisiana, who resided there until 1846. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hotel is renowned for its unique cast-iron fence designed to look like cornstalks, which was erected in 1856 by Dr. Joseph Secondo Biamenti. Local legend suggests the fence was commissioned to make his wife, who was homesick for the open fields of Iowa, feel more at home. While some historians describe this as a myth, the fence remains one of the most photographed features of the Vieux Carré. Inside, the 14-room boutique hotel emphasizes Victorian charm with a grand entrance hall lobby featuring crystal chandeliers and antique mirrors. The interior design incorporates relics of Louisiana sugar plantation home craftsmanship, such as rosette scrolls, cherubs, and medallions. Guest rooms are outfitted with canopy beds, oriental rugs, and fireplaces, while stained-glass windows add to the atmospheric quality of the property. The hotel also holds a place in pop culture, as it is the location where Elvis Presley lived while filming King Creole in 1958. Today, it continues to offer a refined experience, providing breakfast and newspaper delivery to guest rooms, balconies, porches, or patios.

Visitor tips

Take a photo of the cornstalk fence, as it is one of the most photographed spots in the French Quarter.
Check-in is from 3:00 PM to 11:59 PM if you are staying overnight.
Allow a few minutes to admire the architectural details from the outside before continuing your walk down Royal Street.

Nearby context

Located on Royal Street, the Cornstalk Hotel is within walking distance of major French Quarter attractions including Jackson Square and the French Market, and is about a 5-minute walk from Bourbon Street.

Cornstalk Hotel