This Louisiana Hotel Is the First Certified Gluten-Free in the US

The Hotel Monroe has been recognized as the first 100% gluten-free, full-service hotel in the U.S. by the Gluten-Free Food Program. The certification was endorsed by the National Celiac Association.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Those with a gluten intolerance often experience bloating, stomach pain, fatigue, headaches and skin issues when they ingest gluten.

The historic Monroe, Louisiana, boutique hotel is completely free of wheat, barley, rye and common oats.

In addition to its rooms, the hotel features Heirloom Restaurant, rooftop Star Bar and Opera House Events under its roof. Every dish served within the hotel and event spaces is prepared in a certified gluten-free environment. No outside foods containing gluten are permitted in the kitchen.

There is a caveat. Some beverages, like bottled beers, bourbons and vodkas, may contain gluten. Guests who choose beverages with this variable have those drinks prepared in a separate bar environment.

“At The Hotel Monroe, we set out to solve a problem the hospitality industry has overlooked for too long. Guests with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity have never been able to fully relax when they travel. We changed that. As the nation's first fully gluten-free, full-service hotel, we've built an environment where safety and luxury coexist. Every dish, every surface, every process is intentional so our guests can trust their experience from start to finish,” Michael Echols, Co-Owner of The Hotel Monroe, told Newsweek.

“What makes this truly special is that we deliver a high end dining experience while accommodating all food needs without losing our Southern flair for flavor. The outcome is simple. Our guests can finally relax, dine freely, and enjoy hospitality without compromise,” he said.

For guests who want to venture out on the town and continue to enjoy gluten-free cuisine, Monroe offers numerous restaurants that have gluten-free options on the menu including Delta Biscuit Company (gluten-free pancakes and waffles), Butter Bakery (gluten-free brownies and cheesecakes), Flying Heart Brewery & Pub (cauliflower crust pizza) and Victory Pizza (gluten-free pizza crust).

There are other gluten-free getaway spots in the U.S. and beyond. The Inn Berlin, a bed and breakfast in Berlin, Maryland, is a gluten-free establishment. Costa Rica’s Anamaya Resort is a sugar- and gluten-free establishment.

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This story was originally published April 2, 2026 at 6:14 AM.