Staying at Oak Alley Plantation Overnight: Historic Cottages Review

A towering alley of live oaks leading to an imposing white columned mansion — it’s the classic Louisiana plantation scene at the famous Oak Alley Plantation. But did you know you can stay overnight at this iconic historic site?

I got the chance to stay at the historic cottages at Oak Alley Plantation, and this is such a unique opportunity that history buffs will love! When the last tour bus left for the day, we had the entire property to ourselves for a quiet sunset stroll down the alley of oaks and a peaceful night in a four-poster bed.

If you want a stay that really lets you get away from it all and lets you experience Oak Alley in a way that no other tourists get, then you’ll love staying at these historic cottages. Here’s everything you need to know for your stay.

Thanks so much to Louisiana’s River Parishes for hosting my stay at Oak Alley Plantation! As always, all opinions are my own.

Can You Stay Overnight at Oak Alley Plantation?

Yes, you can actually stay overnight at Oak Alley Plantation!

The famous mansion and oak-lined alley are a popular spot for daytime visitors, but the property also offers charming overnight accommodations in historic cottages. Staying here lets you to experience the plantation after the crowds leave and enjoy peaceful evenings beneath the iconic oak trees.

Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant & Inn is a separate for-profit company that works closely with the nonprofit Oak Alley Foundation that runs the historic site. The cottages are on a connecting property, and the foundation allows cottage guests exclusive access to the historic grounds at all hours.

Understanding the History of Oak Alley Plantation

Let’s talk about the complex history at Oak Alley Plantation and the question that may already be on your mind: should you stay at a plantation? After all, this was once a place of enslavement.

Like many of the historic plantations along Louisiana’s River Road, Oak Alley was established in the 1800s as a sugar plantation, where enslaved people lived and worked on the property before emancipation. Today, the site interprets this history through exhibits and guided tours that discuss both the plantation owners and the lives of the enslaved people who made the plantation possible.

When you hear “historic cottage on a plantation,” you might be wondering the same thing I did — what were these buildings originally used for?

The cottages where overnight guests stay today were built after emancipation, primarily between the 1890s and the 1920s. While they are part of the historic property, they are not original slave quarters. Instead, they were built to house paid workers like farmhands, the chauffeur, and the cook.

Staying overnight at Oak Alley offers a unique opportunity to experience the historic grounds while also learning more about the full history of Louisiana’s River Road plantations.

Not everyone will feel comfortable staying at a former plantation, and that’s understandable.

One perspective that stuck with me during my time in Louisiana’s River Parishes came from a guide at Laura Plantation who pointed out that while plantations were undeniably built on the labor of enslaved people, so were many historic buildings throughout New Orleans — from restaurants in the French Quarter to grand B&Bs in the Garden District. The difference, he explained, is that plantation museums are actively working to interpret and confront that history, while many other historic sites are not having those same conversations (yet).

Review: What It’s Like to Stay Overnight at Oak Alley Plantation

What It’s Like After the Plantation Closes

When the last tour buses leave and the gates close for the day, Oak Alley Plantation becomes incredibly peaceful. During the daytime, visitors gather along the famous oak-lined alley for photos, but in the evening you have the grounds all to yourself.

Staying overnight means we got to wander the property at sunset and get some of the best pictures with the oak trees casting long shadows across the lawn and the historic mansion glowing in the soft evening light. It’s one of the few times you can truly appreciate the setting without dozens of other visitors around. There are only 9 cottages, so you may see other overnight guests, but not many.

And at night, when it was completely dark, I ventured out again on my own. The property was quiet and dark enough to really see the stars. I walked all the way down to the end of the oak alley in complete darkness, the only lights in the mansion and the oaks closest to the house, but it was more peaceful than eerie. On my way back to my cottage, I saw a fox roaming the gardens.

If you’re hoping for a more peaceful experience than the typical daytime visit, this is easily one of the best parts of staying overnight.

The Oak Alley Plantation Cottages

The cottages are located to the side of the historic site, lined up in a row toward the back of the property. They’re well removed from the tourist hubbub of mansion, and the area is nice and quiet even with daytime visitors touring the grounds.

There are 9 cottages total, ranging from one bedroom to two bedroom.

• The oldest cottages (3, 4, 5A, 5B, and 6) were built between the 1890s and the 1920s for paid workers living at the estate. These cottages retain more of the historic character of the property.
• The deluxe Milkshed was built in 2004 for the present owners of Oak Alley Restaurant & Inn and was refurbished as an overnight accommodation in 2017.
• The newer cottages (7, 8, and 9) were built in 2015 and are much more modern in style.

Cottages 5A and 5B are adults-only, and Cottage 7 is handicap accessible. Families are welcome to stay in the larger cottages, though overall I would recommend this stay for couples since they are mostly one bedroom accommodations on a historic property.

Inside the Oak Alley Plantation Cottages

All of the cottages have bedrooms, living room space, bathrooms, and a small kitchenette or full kitchen area. They also have screened-in front porches and back patio decks, plus their own designated parking spaces, making it easy to come and go while exploring Louisiana’s River Parishes and the River Road plantations nearby.

You can expect more historic charm than luxury amenities here. There is air conditioning (a relief in the Louisiana heat!), Wi-Fi, cable TV in many cottages, and basic kitchenette amenities and full kitchens in some cottages. Because the buildings are historic, layouts can be a bit quirky, but that’s also part of the charm of staying on a property like Oak Alley.

During my weekend in Louisiana’s River Parishes, I stayed in Cottage 5A with a friend next door in 5B; these cottages are very similar since they’re a duplex made from one house split down the middle, but that also gives them a special quirk that I’ll share about.

I also had friends in Cottage 4 and Cottage 7, so I got to look inside those as well.

Cottages 5A and 5B

Cottages 5A and 5B are really unique because it’s a duplex. They share a screened-in front porch and have separate door entries.

In 5A, you enter into the living room with a sofa and two chairs; a small table is pushed against the wall, and I had to pull a chair over for dining. Through a doorway is the bedroom with a King bed and a large armoire. Through another doorway is a small kitchenette with a full size refrigerator that is way too big for the space and a microwave. Off the kitchen to one side is a bathroom with a shower, and to the other side is a door to the back deck.

In 5B, you enter into the living room that has the same sofa, chairs, and small table. It also has a dresser that serves as a makeshift kitchenette where the microwave is located. Through a doorway is the bedroom with a King bed, and through another doorway is the cottage’s quirkiest feature: a full sized refrigerator in the bathroom.

These are some of the older cottages, so their furnishings are antique and period-appropriate. There is notably no TV in these cottages. Still the bed, couch, and chairs were very comfortable.

Cottages 3, 4, and 6

Cottages 3, 4, and 6 are the two-bedroom cottages.

I took a look inside Cottage 4 where a friend was staying. This cottage has a bedroom with a Queen bed, a bedroom with a Full bed, a living room, a dining room, a screened back porch, a full kitchen, a full bathroom, and cable TV.

The other cottages have a similar layout, but they enter through a screened front porch, one cottage has a Twin bed instead of a Full bed, and the other cottages have a Jacuzzi spa tub in the bathroom.

All of these cottages are the older buildings, so they’re decorated with antique furnishings the fit the period style.

Cottages 7, 8, and 9

Cottages 7, 8, and 9 are the newer one-bedroom cottages.

I took a look inside the handicap accessible Cottage 7 where a friend was staying. This cottage has a screened front porch that enters into the living room with a TV, which flows into the bedroom with a King bed, connecting to a kitchenette with a full refrigerator, sink, microwave, and breakfast table, connecting to the bathroom.

These cottages are shotgun style, much like 5A and 5B, but with a much more open floorplan.

The other cottages have a similar layout but with smaller bathrooms because they are not made to be handicap accessible.

The furnishings in these cottages are definitely more modern, but in a style that’s meant to feel older and elegant. These cottages also have working fireplace, unlike the older cottages.

Which Oak Alley Cottage Should You Book?

• Best for couples: Cottage 5A or 5B
• Best for families: Cottage 3, 4, 6, or the Milkshed
• Most modern: Cottage 7, 8, or 9

Evening Meal Service for Cottage Guests

Because Oak Alley is located in a rural part of Louisiana’s River Parishes, the property offers an Evening Meal Service for overnight guests who don’t want to leave the plantation for dinner. Since the Restaurant is closed in the evening, meals must be ordered ahead of time so the staff can prepare them earlier in the day.

Your dinner is then placed in the refrigerator in your cottage to be reheated whenever you’re ready to eat. While I appreciate the effort to provide a dinner option on such a rural property, I’ll admit the concept didn’t feel as appealing to me as traditional room service.

My meal included chicken and sausage gumbo, rice, a salad, a roll, bread pudding, and a carafe of unsweet iced tea. Because everything had to be reheated separately in the microwave, it took a bit of trial and error to get the temperature right — especially since no reheating instructions were provided.

Unfortunately, my dinner experience took a turn when a wasp made its way into the cottage while I was reheating the food. I first tried calling the reception number listed in the cottage information book, which indicated it should be available until 9 p.m., but I wasn’t able to reach anyone despite multiple attempts. I even walked over to the office listed on the property map, only to find it closed.

Eventually I called the after-hours maintenance number for help, even though it was still well before 9 p.m. A maintenance staff member did come to assist, but in the process he sprayed the bug spray directly above the kitchen counter where my uncovered food was sitting, which meant the meal was no longer safe to eat.

However, even setting that experience aside, the Evening Meal Service still wasn’t particularly impressive. My friends staying in the other cottages were able to eat their meals and also found them underwhelming. One friend said the gumbo tasted like canned gumbo, and several people mentioned that their salads looked wilted.

To be fair, I know the food from Oak Alley’s restaurant can be good — I had a great breakfast there the next morning, and I’ve had their catering (which is what the photo above is from) — so the Evening Meal Service just may not be the best way to experience it.

I know the reason they do the meal service is because the plantation is so far removed, the closest restaurants that are open for dinner are 30 minutes away. If I’d had a car, I would have driven that to get me a replacement supper.

If you’re staying overnight, I would recommend having dinner before arriving at the plantation or picking up takeout on your way back to the cottages. While the plantation is located in a rural area, there are several good restaurants in Louisiana’s River Parishes within a short drive if you plan ahead.

Breakfast at Oak Alley Plantation

The next morning, we had breakfast at the Oak Alley Plantation Restaurant. Breakfast is included in your reservation.

My breakfast experience was much better than my dinner experience.

I recommend the Breakfast Sandwich with scrambled eggs, bacon, cheddar cheese, and Texas toast. They also have a good selection of hot tea.

If you want a heavier breakfast, my friends enjoyed the Plantation Breakfast, which includes a little bit of everything, even beignets.

We ate breakfast right when the restaurant opened so that we could make an early plantation tour and see the Big House before most of the tourists arrived for the day.

Touring Oak Alley Plantation

A Big House tour is unfortunately not included with your stay at the Oak Alley Cottages, but you do get access to the historic grounds during your stay.

To tour the mansion, you’ll have to purchase tickets for the Big House Exhibit, which will also give you access to the other exhibits on the grounds.

Since you’re staying on the grounds, you can get early access to the alley of oaks before the crowds get there, you can stroll the gardens and the People of Oak Alley Exhibit, and you can access the Slavery at Oak Alley Exhibit and Sugarcane Theatre right when they open.

Book your Big House tour for early, again to beat the crowds. The tour of the Big House is guided, and you get to see rooms on both the first and second floors. You’ll learn about the sugar cane business and the enslaved people who worked at this plantation. You’ll also learn about what happened to the plantation after the Civil War, hear about the family that owned the estate and turned it into a historic site, and see some of the 20th century changes made to the house.

The tour ends with you stepping out onto the veranda and enjoying the unique view of the alley of oaks from a different perspective.

Book your Oak Alley Big House Tour here.

How Much Does It Cost to Stay at Oak Alley Plantation?

Cottage prices range from $200 per night for the one bedroom duplex to almost $400 per night for the two bedroom, two bathroom Milkshed.

Included in your stay is access to the historic grounds, a full breakfast, free parking, free Wi-Fi, a kitchenette or full kitchen, and a full bath with luxury bath amenities.

Breakfast in the morning is included, but the Evening Meal Service has to be purchased separately. You need to make dinner arrangements in advance so the Restaurant has time to prepare your meal.

I recommend booking your cottage stay in advance as there are limited cottages, so they do fill up. Spring and Fall are great times to visit for the best Louisiana weather, while January and February typically have fewer tourists, so you can more easily score a reservation. Be sure to check when Mardi Gras is before booking, because accommodation prices go up during this busy period!

Pros and Cons of Staying at Oak Alley Plantation

Pros:

• Unique historic setting
• Crowd-free photography opportunities
• Peaceful evenings with exclusive after-hours access to the plantation grounds after the crowds leave
• Convenient base for exploring River Road plantations
• Historic charm with basic modern comforts

Cons:

• Limited dining options nearby
• Evening Meal Service is underwhelming
• Fewer amenities than a traditional hotel
• Rural location without much nearby
• Some cottages feel more dated than others, and the layouts can be quirky

Who Should Stay at Oak Alley Plantation Cottages

The cottages at Oak Alley Plantation are perfect for history lovers who want to stay surrounded by important Louisiana history. You’re right in the thick of the River Road plantations, so you can put yourself at the center of tons of historical sites.

This is also a great stay for couples: the cottages are cozy and perfect for two, plus the grounds are quiet and serene.

It’s a great stay if you’re visiting from New Orleans and want to explore more of Louisiana’s River Parishes. This is a great way to get away from the noise of the city and really immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the river parishes.

Things to Do Near Oak Alley Plantation

There are so many more important historical sites to visit near Oak Alley Plantation. Here are a few of my recommendations:

• St. Joseph Plantation and Felicity Plantation — neighboring plantation used as a filming location for popular shows and movies
• Laura Plantation — Creole plantation that does a great job interspersing the stories of the family with the enslaved
• Whitney Plantation — plantation museum that focuses solely on slavery

FAQs About Staying at Oak Alley Plantation

More Louisiana Itineraries

• 16 Best Things to Do in Louisiana’s River Parishes near NOLA
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• Which Plantations near New Orleans are Worth Visiting
• Ultimate River Road Plantation Itinerary near New Orleans
• 16 Can’t-Miss Things To Do in New Orleans, Louisiana
• 14 Best Summer Vacation Spots in the South
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• 14 Best Winter Vacations in the South
• 14 Best Fall Vacations in the South

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Cheers!

Paige

Would you stay overnight at Oak Alley Plantation? Let me know in the comments!