My Trip

Our Local Expert Says:

Magazine Street is where the Uptown locals go to shop and hang out. There are so many fun things to see and do on Magazine Street!

Description:

Magazine Street is a six mile stretch of shops and eateries, beginning at the edge of the French Quarter and ending at Audubon Park. The fun, trendy street is loaded with specialty stores, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Between Canal Boulevard and Jackson Avenue visitors will find many antique stores and art galleries, including the Glassworks and Printmaking Studio. Closer to Jackson Avenue are funky stores, along with great, cheap restaurants such as Juan's Flying Burrito for Mexican fare and J'anita's for breakfast and BBQ. Between Washington and Louisiana are no less than twelve restaurants, three bars and two coffee shops, as well as tons of clothing boutiques, including retro and "recycled" fashions at Funky Monkey and Buffalo Exchange. Past Louisiana, the shopping continues down Magazine Street – antiques, art, books, apparel, and plenty of restaurants and bars along the way for when you need a break. Have a roast beef po-boy at Ignatius, near Napoleon Avenue, or sip a blueberry mojito on the back patio at St. Joe's, near Jefferson Avenue.

Description:

Swanky. Ooo-la-la. These are the words that spring to mind as you enter the stylish Loews hotel. It's a sharp-dressed combo of modern and moderne, with judiciously applied sprinkles of New Orleans flavor. Maybe it's the relative newness of the place or that the front desk has a photo-tile collage featuring black-and-white shots of iconic local images. Maybe it's the fact that Loews was willing to renovate the adjoining Piazza D'Italia (a local landmark that had gone to seed; be sure to wander amid its fountain and neon-lit glory one evening). Whatever it is, we are quite smitten. The rooms are all spacious, starting with the "Luxury" rooms, at 346 square feet -- bright and decorated with art by a local photographer, with goose-down comforters and pillows. Bathrooms are small, but granite and wood vanities make up for the lack of space. "Grand Luxury" rooms and bathrooms are bigger (and more costly, naturally). Views vary from river to partial river plus piazza to New Orleans city skyline, which get better the higher up you go. Note that the hotel's lowest floor is the 11th, so this is not the choice for those with vertigo or other high-floor issues. There is also a steamy indoor pool and a good-size workout room that could use more machines, plus the excellent restaurant Café Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick bar. Possibly best of all: Loews has a company-wide "Loews Loves Pets" policy, which practically encourages Fido to come join in the fun.

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:

Despite being part of a chain, this is an elegant hotel that escapes feeling sterile and generic. This is only proper given that it is on the former site of the venerable 1836 St. Louis Exchange Hotel, one of the country's premier hostelries and a center of New Orleans social life until the final years of the Civil War. The original building was finally destroyed by a 1915 hurricane (it suffered no damage from Katrina), but the Omni, built in 1960, is a worthy successor, enjoying a prime location smack in the center of the Quarter. Truman Capote and William Styron have stayed here, and there is a Tennessee Williams suite. Furnishings in the guest rooms (which are quietly getting paint-and-wallpaper overhauls) have grave good taste, full of muted tones and plush furniture, with windows that let you look dreamily out over the Quarter. Suites are vast, making this a good choice for families despite the fancy appearance. Service is swift and conscientious and there are more amenities available here than in comparable properties. Altogether, an especially worthwhile choice.

Facilities: Restaurant; 2 bars; heated outdoor pool; health club; concierge; business center; salon; barbershops; room service; massage; babysitting; emergency mending and pressing; florist; sundries shop and newsstand; complimentary shoeshine.

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.

Description:

This renovated Victorian cottage is owned and operated by Marna Brigsten, who has created a Victorian era atmosphere modernized to meet the dining needs of today's patrons. This quaint cottage is home to award-winning meals that set the tone for a dining experience to remember. The menu, which changes daily, offers only freshest ingredients. Try the seared tuna, Shrimp Remoulade or the fantastic prok tenderlion. An evening special Tuesday through Thursday features a three course meal. Make reservations well in advance, as this place is popular.

Description:

This family owned and operated establishment is nationally known for its version of oysters on the half shell. Louisiana seafood is served in a casual, friendly atmosphere. Oysters are not all that is tasty here. Fresh Louisiana seafood along with traditional New Orleans dishes with Cajun and Creole specialties are also served. Reservations are accepted for large parties.

Description:

Cochon captures the true essence of Cajun and Southern cooking. Chef Donald Link brings his love for southern Louisiana foods to every plate at Cochon. His lifetime of experience cooking with his family at their homes in Crowley and Rayne, allow guests to share in his passion for real country and home cooking. The food is focused and simple, featuring roasted meats with natural sauces, homemade sausages, and fresh local seafood. The menu compliments the rustic, yet contemporary setting of the dining room. The Bar at Cochon features signature cocktails as well as the classic libations of New Orleans. A diverse beer selection with an emphasis on local micro-brews offers a cool contrast with the sometimes spicy cuisine. Happy Hour daily from 4-6PM.