New Orleans:
Accommodations 
By Kimberly Toms
Spring 2007

New Orleans has always offered so many choices of hotels for even the most discriminating traveler. Finding one that is luxurious and convenient to most attractions is not difficult, beyond the initial decision of whether to stay in a grand property with resort amenities, a boutique historic inn or a romantic bed and breakfast with courtyard views, wherein you may be awakened in the morning by the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestone streets. After deciding which type of lodging you prefer, a good starting place for recommendations is the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation’s website, at www.neworleansonline.com. Magazine BLU recommends time-honored favorites where we have received the most honorable service over the past decades, as well as after Katrina:

Grand Hotels

Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone has been a French Quarter Legend. Classically elegant and recently freshened through a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Monteleone has preserved its history and grandeur that originally attracted such renowned individuals as Liberace, Louis Prima, Elvis Presley and even James Gandolfini. The hotel is one of only three in the United States to be honored with the distinguished Friends of Libraries, USA Literary Landmark designation, as the Monteleone has hosted William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and others. Three of the city’s finest dining establishments are within the hotel, including the Aft Deck Oyster Bar, The Hunt Room Grill and Le Café. Spa Aria, also within the 600-room property, offers a complete menu of luxury spa services, not far from the rooftop pool and workout facility with sweeping views of both the Mississippi River and the Vieux Carre. Beyond the obvious, the regal property offers some legendary surprises, such as a host of purported resident “ghosts” attributed to varied guests who remain loyal and attached to the property after many years (we personally did not experience any such activity). Hotel Monteleone is a AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, only steps from Bourbon Street. 214 Rue Royale; 800.535.9595; www.hotelmonteleone.com.

The Royal Sonesta, also an AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, occupies an entire city block amidst all of the excitement of the French Quarter. It consists of over 500 rooms housed around the perimeter of the block, with the courtyard and pool in the middle, where one can find quiet in the private, tropical surroundings. Four-Diamond Restaurant Beque’s offers Creole and French specialties with Friday seafood buffet and Sunday champagne brunch. Also renowned, the Desire Oyster Bar offers fresh Louisiana Seafood and Creole delicacies in a streetside bistro. Two cocktail lounges, the Coffee & Champagne bar and the Daiquiri Delight Shop are other well-known stops within the property, for both locals and visitors. 300 Bourbon Street; 800.766.3782; www.royalsonestano.com.

Le Pavillon is a third AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, with a 100 year history of elegance, luxury and romance just adjacent to the French Quarter. The hotel’s lobby of chandeliers, marble and even bronze cherubs evokes the utmost of historic sumptuousness, while a personal touch of peanut butter and jelly sandwich snacks served each evening on silver platters adds a warm, genteel touch. An especially nice aspect of their offerings is the year-round rooftop pool (heated in cooler weather), hot tub, sun deck and private cabanas, with pool service menus and views of the Crescent City at your feet. 833 Poydras Street; 800.535.9095; www.lepavillon.com.

 

Boutique Hotels

Chateau Sonesta is a unique, 251-room luxury hotel, located in a formerly nationally-renowned retail establishment opened in 1849 and closed in 1989. The pre-Civil War era building was then gently renovated into an upscale hotel in 1995, while preserving many unique architectural elements the original owner, D.H. Holmes, reigned over within his highly fashionable department store. The hotel now occupies a grouping of eighteen historic buildings and houses just under fifty original works of art within its structure. Three courtyards, an outdoor heated pool, sundeck and fitness center offer the balance one often needs when engaging in the ever-present culinary indulgences that make New Orleans famous. A breakfast café, cocktail bar and reputable Ralph Brennan’s Red Fish Grill are conveniently located within the property. 800 Iberville Street; 800.766.3782; www.chateausonesta.com.

Originally a grain warehouse, the Bienville House Hotel is derived of its predecessor, the North American Hotel, which had converted the grain facility for overnight stays by 1835. The Monteleone family (also of the grand Hotel Monteleone) purchased the property in 1972 and ensured its continuance as a charming, intimate boutique hotel of 83 rooms and suites. A flagstone courtyard surrounds the private pool and distinctively New Orleanian elements such as wrought iron balconies and four sundecks add warmly romantic touches. The Louisiana Heritage Café and School of Cooking is part of the hotel’s offerings, with culinary lessons offered on Fridays and Saturdays by Chef Joseph Faroldi for guests and other visitors to learn about Cajun and Creole creations…or to simply enjoy a sumptuous meal of Crawfish Etouffee, Rajun Cajun Omelets, Seafood Beignets, Blackened Catfish or other distinctive culinary presentation. 320 Decatur Street; 800.535.9603; www.bienvillehouse.com.

Maison DuPuy is conveniently and spectacularly positioned within the heart of the true Vieux Carre, in the section originally established as the French Quarter in 1722, along the Mississippi River. The first-class boutique hotel is built on the original site of the nation’s first cotton press of 1602 and carries a certain aura of history and authenticity that is becoming evermore unique in American hotels. In passing through the lush courtyards with fountains (particularly during the evening), through the Maison’s rooms or while enjoying a sumptuous meal at renowned Dominique’s Restaurant, one can easily sense the European flair, unique history of the city and whispered notes of authentic New Orleans jazz in the air. 1001 Rue Toulouse; 504.586.8000; www.maisondupuy.com.

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