Windsor Court

Description:

• Pre-Katrina, Condé Nast Traveler voted the Windsor Court the Best Hotel in North America (and probably did it a disservice -- who, after all, could ever live up to such hype?). And post-? It's still mighty fine -- possibly the finest in town. The unassuming, somewhat office-building exterior (which got a bit Katrina battered) is camouflage for the quiet but posh delights found within. There's a reason this remains the center of high New Orleans society, from traditional afternoon tea to fancy dinners before or after some significant society function. It's that kind of place. Two corridors downstairs are mini-galleries that display original 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century art, and a plush reading area with an international newspaper rack is on the second floor. Everything here is very, very traditional and serene, though not unwarm. It's not too stiff for restless children, though it still feels more like a grown-up hotel. The level of service is extraordinarily high; we doubt it could be much better were this Windsor Castle rather than Windsor Court.

  The accommodations are exceptionally spacious, with classy, not flashy, decor. Almost all are suites (either really big or downright huge) featuring large bay windows or a private balcony overlooking the river (get a river view if at all possible) or the city, a private foyer, a large living room, a bedroom with French doors, a large marble bathroom with particularly luxe amenities (plush robes, high-quality personal-care items, thick towels, a hamper, extra hair dryers), two dressing rooms, and a "petite kitchen." You aren't going to get better traditional hotel accommodations anywhere else in New Orleans, though some of the aged furnishings will benefit from on-going gradual renovations. The top four floors have already received same, with new or refurbished interiors, and conversion to "club level." The latter provides continental breakfast, plus access to a stylish lounge with beverage service during the day, and cocktails and snacks in the evening.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Travel + Leisure 500

•  Best Hotel 2008
•  Best Hotel 2009

CitySearch

•  Pet-Friendly Hotel 2006 – Audience Winner
•  Romantic Hotel 2006 – Editorial Winner

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010
•  Very Highly Recommended 2009

ForbesTraveler

•  Forbes Traveler 400 2008

Other features:

The Polo Club Lounge, The Grill Room Restaurant and Le Salon are all available for your dining and beverage needs.