A day trip from New Orleans: Oak Alley Plantation (how to plan it)

Oak Alley Plantation is a feasible half-day or full-day drive excursion from Hotel Monteleone — the property is about 53 miles (roughly a one-hour drive) each way. Plan a morning departure from the French Quarter or use the hotel concierge to book a guided transfer or tour for a smoother day trip.
In this guide
At-a-glance: Oak Alley from Hotel Monteleone
Oak Alley Plantation is commonly listed as about 53 miles from central New Orleans; travel time by car is roughly one hour depending on traffic. The plantation is a popular plantation-daytrip option for guests staying in the French Quarter.
Hotel Monteleone's concierge can assist with arranging tours, rental cars, or private transfers if you prefer not to drive yourself; the hotel is centrally located at 214 Royal Street, steps from Bourbon Street and easy to reach before your departure. Photo 1 shows the hotel's lobby if you need a meeting point for a tour pickup.
- Distance from Hotel Monteleone: ~53 miles (about a one-hour drive).
- Hotel address for meeting/taxi: 214 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130.
- Concierge and tour/ticket assistance available at Hotel Monteleone.
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Typical drive time | Roughly 1 hour (depends on traffic) |
| Hotel meeting point | Hotel Monteleone lobby / front desk |
| Concierge help | Yes — can arrange tours and transfers |

How to plan timing and logistics
Decide whether you want a self-drive day trip or an organized tour. Self-drive gives you flexibility on arrival and departure times; a tour handles driving, admission, and some interpretation for you.
If you drive, leave early from the French Quarter to avoid city traffic and allow time to park at or near the plantation. If you prefer guided transportation, the hotel's concierge can provide options and likely recommend departure windows based on tour operator schedules.
- Self-drive: check plantation admission hours on Oak Alley's official website before you go.
- Guided tour/transfer: ask Hotel Monteleone concierge for options and pick-up times.
- Allow extra time for stops, photo opportunities, and any seasonal crowds.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Self-drive | Flexible timing, control over stop length | You handle parking and navigation |
| Guided tour/transfer | No driving, interpretation included | Less schedule flexibility |
| Private transfer | Door-to-door service via hotel concierge | Higher cost than shared tours |
A sample itinerary (half-day and full-day)
Below are two sample schedules to help you decide how long to stay at Oak Alley and what to fit in around it. Times are examples; check Oak Alley and tour operator schedules before you plan.
If you plan to return to Hotel Monteleone the same day, allow time for traffic when scheduling dinner or evening plans in the French Quarter.
- Half-day: depart Hotel Monteleone early morning, arrive at Oak Alley mid-morning, take a house and grounds visit, depart late morning, return to hotel for lunch.
- Full-day: depart Hotel Monteleone in the morning, visit Oak Alley and on-site exhibits, have lunch locally (if available), consider stopping at a nearby plantation museum or a small river town on the return trip.
| Half-day | Full-day |
|---|---|
| 6:30–8:00 AM | 6:30–8:00 AM |
| Leave Hotel Monteleone; drive ~1 hour | Leave Hotel Monteleone; drive ~1 hour |
| 8:30–10:30 AM — Oak Alley visit | 8:30 AM–12:30 PM — Oak Alley visit + exhibits |
| 11:00 AM — Head back to New Orleans | 12:30–2:00 PM — Lunch; optional nearby stop |
| Noon–1:00 PM — Back at Hotel Monteleone | 3:00–4:00 PM — Return to hotel |
What to bring and practical tips
Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and a camera for the grounds. Weather in Louisiana varies by season — check the forecast and bring a light rain layer in summer for afternoon storms.
If you’re driving, confirm vehicle parking instructions with Oak Alley in advance. If you’ve booked through Hotel Monteleone’s concierge, confirm pick-up/drop-off meeting points and times at the front desk before you depart; the hotel’s phone for BookResorts agents is +1 (888) 605-1350.
- Essentials: ID, credit card, phone charger, water, sun hat.
- Seasonal: insect repellent in warmer months; layers in spring/fall.
- Accessibility: check Oak Alley directly for current accessibility details before visiting.
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Comfortable shoes | Grounds and walking tours |
| Sun protection | Open lawns and oak allee exposure |
| Photo ID/credit card | Ticketing and purchases |
Returning to Hotel Monteleone: dining and after-hours options
After your day trip, return to Hotel Monteleone for on-site dining or the rooftop pool if you are a registered guest. Criollo Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner offered Thursday through Monday) and reservations are strongly suggested.
If you want a drink, the Carousel Bar & Lounge operates daily with live entertainment Wednesday through Sunday, and the rooftop Acqua Bella Poolside Bar serves daytime cocktails and light fare (hours listed seasonally).
- Criollo Restaurant: breakfast 6:30–10:30 AM; lunch 11:30 AM–2:00 PM; dinner Thurs–Mon 6:00–9:00 PM.
- Carousel Bar & Lounge: open 11:00 AM–12:00 AM with live music Wed–Sun.
- Rooftop pool and Acqua Bella: pool open daily 6:00 AM–10:00 PM (guest-only); Acqua Bella bar hours vary seasonally, commonly 11:00 AM–6:00 PM.
| Venue | Typical hours (from hotel info) |
|---|---|
| Criollo Restaurant | Breakfast & lunch daily; dinner Thurs–Mon |
| Carousel Bar & Lounge | 11:00 AM–12:00 AM |
| Acqua Bella Poolside Bar | Seasonal daytime hours (commonly 11:00 AM–6:00 PM) |

Rooms, booking notes and concierge services at Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Monteleone lists a Superior Room, Tower as one of its room types; confirm bedding and occupancy details with the hotel at booking. Standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 12:00 PM (noon).
The hotel provides concierge services, 24-hour front desk support, and can assist in booking day trips such as Oak Alley. If you need parking on your trip day, note the hotel offers 24-hour valet parking (valet-only; no self-parking).
- Room name to reference: Superior Room, Tower.
- Check-in/check-out: 4:00 PM / 12:00 PM (noon).
- Valet parking only; hotel operates on-site valet facilities.
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Concierge | Tours, transfers, restaurant reservations |
| Valet parking | 24-hour valet; no self-parking option |
| Pool access | Rooftop pool reserved for registered guests |



