Best Hotel Bars

Description:

Opened in 1886, the Monteleone is the largest hotel in the French Quarter (and was home to Truman Capote's parents when he was born!), and it seems to keep getting bigger without losing a trace of its trademark charm. Because of its size, you can almost always get a reservation here, even when other places are booked. Everyone who stays here loves it, probably because it's a family hotel whose approach to business is reflected by the staff, among the most helpful in town. One guest who stayed here with a child with disabilities raved about the facilities.

Until recently, the big problem was the inconsistency among the rooms. But all have been freshly renovated (Katrina winds broke windows) and look blandly pretty as a result, though there is still some difference in terms of size and style. Rooms in the nos. 60s are near the ice machine; rooms from nos. 56 to 59 are slightly bigger with old high ceilings; rooms in the nos. 27s have no windows. Executive suites are just big rooms but have the nicest new furniture, including four-poster beds and Jacuzzis. The glass fitness room overlooking the city got nailed by the storm, as you can imagine, but to its benefit, it's now well stocked with the latest elliptical machines.

One of the city's best-kept secrets is the renovated rooftop pool; on a recent visit, we were among a handful of folks lounging on the deck high above the street noise, with unencumbered views of the city and beyond. It's quite a scene, with snacks served there in the evening.

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.

Description:

New Orleans made a mistake when it tore down its famous bordellos. If somebody had turned one of the grander ones into a hotel, imagine how many people would stay there! The next best thing is The Columns, whose interior was used by Louis Malle for his film about Storyville, Pretty Baby. Built in 1883, the building is one of the city's greatest examples of a late-19th-century Louisiana residence. The grand, columned porch is a highly popular evening scene thanks to the bar inside. The immediate interior is utterly smashing; we challenge any other hotel to match the grand staircase and stained-glass-window combination.

The Columns is another hotel that benefited from Katrina. The building lost part of its roof during the storm, creating a waterfall effect inside. The resulting new carpets, drapes, paint, and bedspreads have freshened up a musty place that sorely needed it. We wish still more had been done to make the upstairs match that smashing downstairs; it's still a bit too dark and the color schemes not that great. The totally renovated third floor looks more modern, mostly to good and comfortable effect. The Pretty Baby room has no discernable nods to its ostensible theme (nor does the Bellocq), but it does have a nice garret sitting area. We particularly like room no. 16, with its grand furniture and floor-to-ceiling shutters that lead out to a private, second-story porch. The Columns is worth the money if you can get a low rate, but otherwise, come by for a drink. Smoking is not permitted in the rooms.

Description:

While we have strong feelings indeed about staying in more New Orleans-appropriate, site-specific accommodations, we cheerfully admit that this is one fun hotel, and what is New Orleans about if not fun? There are certainly no more-playful rooms in town, done up as they are in black, plum and white -- frosty chic, to be sure, but oh, so comfortable, thanks to feather everything (pillows, comforters, beds -- and yes, allergy sufferers, they have foam alternatives). There are nifty amenities and gewgaws galore; suites offer little different from the rooms except more space and, indeed, more of everything (two TVs, two DVD players, two bathrooms, one Ouija board). Not all rooms have views, but the ones that do, especially those of the river, are outstanding. The ultrachic bar was designed by hip bar/club owner Rande "Mr. Cindy Crawford" Gerber. We do wish this whole experience wasn't so, well, New York, but then again, we find ourselves having so much fun, it's kinda hard to get all that worked up about it.

Our Local Expert Says:

Just a few blocks from the French Quarter but a world away from the madding crowds of Bourbon Street, this sleek, laid-back boutique hotel is an oasis of contemporary white and khaki with its roots in the colorful history and festive traditions of New Orleans. Stop in and soothe your overstimulated senses at cream-toned and candle-lit Loa, the luxe lounge (named for a voodoo deity) at this classy/hip home away from home for a chic but casual jet set.

Description:

This hotel lies only a few blocks from energetic Bourbon Street and the many antique shops of Royal Street. Each of the 50 large suites is filled with elegant and classically designed furniture and all the amenities of any good luxury hotel. The suites have large living rooms, dining areas, private baths and spacious bedrooms. This hotel is the place to stay for those looking for spacious and luxurious accommodations without the price.

Description:

Established in 1907 in a prime CBD location, Le Pavillion was the first hotel in New Orleans to have elevators. It's now a member of Historic Hotels of America, and it feels like elegant old New Orleans in a way that so few places sadly now do. The building is a long, slender rectangle with a prominent columned motor entrance. The lobby is stunning, just what you want in a big, grand hotel, with giant columns and chandeliers. The standard guest rooms are all rather pretty and have similar furnishings, but they differ in size. Deluxe rooms have ceiling fans, detailed ceiling painting, and black marble baths. "Bay Rooms" are standard with two double beds and bay windows. Suites are actually hit-or-miss in terms of decor, with the nadir being the mind-bogglingly ugly Art Deco Suite. Much better is the Plantation Suite, decorated in -- you guessed it -- antiques including pieces by Mallard, C. Lee (who, as a slave, studied under Mallard), Mitchell Rammelsberg, Belter, Badouine, and Marcotte. The Honeymoon Suite has "Napoleon's" marble bathtub and is a riot of fantasy hilarity. Note the statues by the pool. Late-night peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches, one of New Orleans's sweetest traditions, are offered in the lobby. Tip: Covet those suites? If you are staying during a slow period, ask at check-in about upgrades -- they may offer you some incredible deal.