The Best Hotels in New Orleans

New Orleans has long been regarded for it's world-class dining, cultural diversity, and antebellum charm. Though the "Big Easy" boasts some of the most highly-rated digs that our nation has to offer. As a New Orleanian, I've had the personal pleasure of staying at, and seeing, many of these establishments as only a native can.

Windsor Court Hotel
300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: (888) 596-0955/Fax: (504) 596-4513

An exceptional award-winner and one of the "Top 10 Hotels in the Nation", Windsor is where local politicians, foreign dignitaries, and modern pop stars all come to unwind. When you arrive you emerge from the hotel's picturesque courtyard entrance in the cool and sophisticated lobby. The hotel itself could be a indoctrinated as a museum because it houses over $20 million in priceless art and antiques. Many of which can be seen throughout their lobby.

And if you think the wall-to-wall, emerald green marble floors in the lobby are a marvel, wait till you glimpse one of their "all-suite" hotel rooms! (Be kind to your neighbors and don't play with the private doorbells non-stop, like I did.) Each room comes complete with a kitchenette fit for a private chef, an expansive living area, plush bedding, marble encrusted bathrooms with deep tubs, and a view of New Orleans' skyline that's "priceless". Situated less than 5 minutes walk from the French Quarter, at the foot of Canal St, Windsor Court is like a secluded dream admits the hustle and bustle of downtown New Orleans.

La Pavilion Hotel
833 Poydras St
New Orleans, LA 70112

In middle of drab Poydras St. lurks this unsuspecting gem who's demure splendor ensnares you at it's doors. It's luxurious lobby encompasses your senses and bids you to surrender to old-world charm. The soft sounds of a harp waft through the entryway of this historic masterpiece who's AAA 4-diamond status is beyond obvious.

For those who's pocketbooks are more heavy in nature, I recommend Suite 730, the European Palace Suite. In it, you'll find one of Napoleon Bonaparte's brass bathing tubs--only 3 are currently in existence. The Louvre, in France, has a copy, but here you can bathe in the real thing!

A short stroll from the infamous Bourbon St and the French Quarter's antique shop mecca, Royal St. This hotel is a delight to behold for the discerning traveler who wishes to take in a fine piece of New Orleans.

Omni Royal Orleans Hotel

621 St. Louis Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70140
Phone: (504) 529-5333, Fax: (504) 529-7089

Located in the heart of the French Quarter on the corner of Royal and Louis St, the Omni Royal Orleans is not like any other chain hotel. Currently sitting on the former site of the venerable St Louis Exchange Hotel that was the center of New Orleans social life until the rise of the Civil War. The original building was destroyed in a hurricane in 1915. The existing hotel was built in 1960, and has managed to maintain the elegance of it's sites previous occupant. The main lobby has played host to numerous politicians and movie stars over the years, and in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, a triage center, the 82^nd Airborne, and the Vieux Carre Police Dept.

If you'd like to grab a bite to eat, you can also look no further than the hotel's lobby. The world-famous, "Rib Room", specially prepares delicates daily made by Master Chef Anthony Spizale. (Though I have it on good authority that his tastes run more towards boxed macaroni and cheese than the fine fare that's served by his staff.)

While recent history hasn't been so kind to it, I high suggest venturing to the hotel's roof for a dip in the pool and a breath taking view of the French Quarter. Even if you have to make it your last!

Hurricane Katrina has closed many gilded doors in it's torrential wake, but these pantheons of luxury have inevitably stood the test of time, and the hands of fate. Though I wouldn't be so naive to assume that they would have any rooms open a week before Mardi Gras, so if you'd like to witness one of these immaculate palaces in person, call your travel agent asap!