Stay at the First Completely Gluten-free Hotel in the U.S., Where Even the Beignets and Beer Don’t Contain Wheat

Traveling with an autoimmune condition like celiac disease can be difficult. Christie Echols, co-owner of The Hotel Monroe, Tapestry Collection by Hilton in Monroe, Louisiana, knows this firsthand—that's why she set out to make the hotel gluten-free since its opening in 2025.

"When you're gluten-free, you go on your trip and end up sick for two weeks when you get home," she says.

Gluten allergies and sensitivities, which are caused by an intolerance to a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, cause symptoms like painful stomach cramps, diarrhea, bloating, and headaches that can last for days, if not weeks. But at The Hotel Monroe (which is co-owned by Christie and her husband, Michael), travelers don't have to guess whether something is gluten-free or not. The property recently became the first full-service hotel in the United States to be certified as fully gluten-free by the Gluten Free Food Program . The National Celiac Association has also endorsed the certification.

"Nothing is allowed that has gluten in it," she stresses. "We have a zero-tolerance policy on having any gluten in our kitchen or pantries."

That means the on-site Heirloom Restaurant , which serves elevated Louisiana staples like fried green tomatoes, catfish atchafalaya, and beignets, the full-service bar, and event spaces are all gluten-free, as are all of the snacks in the gift shop. There are some bottled beers available that aren't gluten-free, but Echols says these are contained and that they'll never have any beers on tap that contain gluten. However, Echols said getting the official certification took some time and effort.

"It was a process for the GFFP folks to see our pantry and understand that there was no opportunity for cross-contamination," she says. "They really inspect your ingredients and your practices."

But for Echols, all the hard work has been more than worth it—especially when she sees how relieved guests are when they find out that the entire property is gluten-free. Some, she says, have even broken down in tears. It's an experience that she and her husband cherish being able to give.

"It's really very special what we're able to provide for people whose every single day is a challenge," she says. "We make it safe so they don't have to think about gluten and can just enjoy our atmosphere, community, and beautiful natural surroundings."

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