A friend once told me during the frenzy of music around the clock that’s characteristic of the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, “You’ll sleep when you’re dead.”
Sure, that worked for me then, because I felt that going to bed early or taking a nap between events on my New Orleans vacation would cause me to miss something special. Nowadays, I do like my sleep, especially at some of the wonderful New Orleans hotels and B&Bs. And I know that in many cases if I miss some fun, I can always go back tomorrow.
Stay at the luxe chain hotels, such as Loews, Ritz-Carlton and W, and you can’t go wrong—they’re included in many lists of New Orleans’ best hotels. The famed Roosevelt Hotel closed after Hurricane Katrina, but will reopen in late spring 2009 as a Waldorf-Astoria Collection hotel. But my favorite New Orleans accommodations have always been the uniquely local places to lay your head.
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The Hotel Monteleone, which has been located on Royal Street for more than a century, is a historic landmark.
Courtesy of the Hotel Monteleone
Hot New Orleans Hotels
Hotel Monteleone
This elegant hotel in the French Quarter has been run by the Monteleone family since 1886 and is well known for its excellent customer service. One of just three hotels in the United States that’s been designated a literary landmark, the Hotel Monteleone is featured in the works of Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams and Eudora Welty. As with many New Orleans French Quarter hotels, the Monteleone claims a handful of “permanent residents” in the form of ghosts. Get a libation at the Carousel Piano Bar & Lounge, and enjoy the musical entertainment while the carousel bar slowly revolves. And if you’re in town during a hot spell, don’t miss the rooftop pool, with views of the city. Deluxe rooms start at $129 per night. 214 Royal St., tel. 800-535-9595. www.hotelmonteleone.com
Soniat House
Tucked away in a quieter area of the French Quarter, the Soniat House is a romantic retreat from modern New Orleans. This non-smoking boutique hotel, located in three Creole townhouses, is studded with antique furnishings and features pretty little courtyards where you can relax among the magnolia and sweet olive trees. Bring your honey to this lovely little hideaway, but no children under 10 years old. Romance has some requirements. Doubles start at $240 per night. 1133 Chartres St., tel. 504-522-0570. www.soniathouse.com
Should You Rent a Car?
Unless you’re going outside the Greater New Orleans area, there’s really no need to rent a car. Between walking, streetcars and reasonably-priced taxis, you can get anywhere. And if you’re taking a swamp tour or River Road plantation tour, transportation is usually provided. For ultimate convenience, do what I do: Program the United Cab telephone number (504-522-9771) into your cell phone, and call them whenever you need a lift.
Windsor Court Hotel
Don’t let this hotel’s unassuming exterior in the Central Business District (CBD) fool you—the Windsor Court Hotel is one of the swankiest hotels in New Orleans and a meeting place for city society. The hotel is within walking distance from the French Quarter, and you can take afternoon tea in Le Salon, wander the halls to view the museum-quality art collection, or retreat to your spacious guestroom (almost all are suites). The hotel’s top four floors are dedicated to the Club Level, with breathtaking views, upgraded amenities, a dedicated concierge and access to the Club Lounge. Deluxe guest rooms start at $370 per night; Club guest rooms start at $525 per night. 300 Gravier St., tel. 888-596-0955. www.windsorcourthotel.com
International House
Another hotel in the CBD, just a short walk from the Quarter, is the International House. Set in a Beaux Arts building, the hotel’s décor is more contemporary luxury than Old New Orleans. Rooms include books about the city and black-and-white photos of local musicians. Spa-style bathrooms feature large tubs and glassed-in showers. Swing by the Loa Bar (named after Voodoo’s divine spirits) for a beverage or nosh at La Rambla, with its French and Spanish menu. Deluxe rooms start at $99 per night. 221 Camp St., tel. 504-553-9550. www.ihhotel.com
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Enjoy the contemporary luxury of the International House.
Courtesy of International House
Columns Hotel
Leave downtown New Orleans behind and venture to the Italianate, Greek Revival and Queen Anne Victorian mansions of the Upper Garden District along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line. The Columns Hotel was designed by Thomas Sully, one of New Orleans’ celebrated architects, and built in 1883. Enjoy a cocktail in the Victorian Lounge, or walk outside to the grand front gallery and watch the world go by. Even if you don’t stay here, stop by for the hotel’s popular Sunday Jazz Brunch (reservations recommended). Rooms range from cozy to spacious, with Victorian furnishings. Some rooms feature St. Charles Avenue views and private balconies. Double rooms start at $120 per night. 3811 St. Charles Ave., tel. 800-445-9308. www.thecolumns.com
Next: Beautiful New Orleans Bed and Breakfasts
Comments
1 Comments on this article | read all commentsby DC on February 17, 2009
New Orleans Hotels Nice description of the hotels and B&Bs. Now I want to stay at all of them.