W French Quarter

Description:

• Since Hurricane Katrina, the commitment of major hoteliers (thus far, anyway) to the city has been laudable. The most public example has been the W, which reopened both locations with a second line featuring the ReBirth Brass Band and the "adoption" of local musician Troy "Trombone Shorty" Andrews, who lost his home to the flood. Consequently, we are inclined to like this place more than ever. The groovy hip vibe of the W never seemed to fit New Orleans all that well -- it's a New York thing, isn't it? -- but it was okay if it was safely in the CBD with the rest of the businesspeople hotels. But a rethink of this location post-Katrina cleanup (lots of windows blown out here) has neatly melded a more subdued version of the brand into a very New Orleans space, and it doesn't feel jarring at all. What it does feel like is the luxury one would want from a more modern hotel, plus the sultry lassitude decadence that comes when hanging out in a courtyard by a (small) pool, or lounging, inside or out, on the W's plush furniture. Rooms (which are grouped around said courtyard and seem to be larger upstairs than down) are done in a more New Orleans-appropriate series of neutrals, and there are the usual winking details plus fancy amenities. If you can get the lower end of the price range, hop on it.

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010