Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Description:

• The Ritz was occupied during the hurricane and its aftermath and as such took a serious beating, requiring a major renovation that kept it closed until December 2006. Given the standards of the brand name, it was no surprise it returned as good, if not better than ever.

  Sentimentalists that we are, we were deeply sad to see the venerable Maison Blanche department store go the way of Woolworth's, D. H. Holmes, and other Canal Street shopping landmarks. But for the city's sake, we are pleased to have the Ritz-Carlton take its place, preserving the classic, glazed terra-cotta building and bringing a high-end luxury hotel to the Quarter. Service is sterling, and there may be some surprises along the way that will tickle you. Room color scheme varies according to the size (double rooms are light blue, queen purple, and so on) and have lovely beds. King rooms are nicer than doubles, while rooms on the 12th, 14th and 15th floors the largest (some ridiculously large). The toiletries are by Bulgari, and they've added a fancy coffee and tea service that comes in a cleverly designed wooden box. The whole effect is most gracious. Consider ponying up for the Club Level over at the Maison Orleans . There are a great many elevators and different levels, so getting around does require some zigzagging to and fro. The spa is by far the nicest and largest in town, and though undeniably expensive, it's gorgeous, and the treatments are utter perfection. Look for fun site-specific events in the courtyard, like crawfish boils and voodoo ceremonies. Be sure to sip something special in the Library Lounge, reviewed in Chapter 11. The whole hotel is nonsmoking.

  Facilities: 2 restaurants; 2 bars; top-of-the-line spa (w/brand-new treatment rooms) and health club (w/resistance pool, Jacuzzi, and personal trainers); concierge; shops; room service; pets welcome; babysitting; laundry/dry cleaning; Wi-Fi in public areas.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Hotel Staff 2007

Frommer's

•  Very Highly Recommended 2009
•  Very Highly Recommended 2010