A colorful and truly original city, New Orleans embodies some of the best of America. Hurricane Katrina may have devastated this cultural landmark in 2005, but the ever-resilient city has rebuilt and managed, for the most part, to get back to its roots as the jazz-playing, gumbo-cooking spot that's loved the world over. And while fabulous zydeco music and the bustle of Mardi Gras are some of the city's defining attributes, there's a whole lot more to New Orleans than these pillars of its culture. From the many different festivals throughout the year to the Art District to scrumptious seafood and jambalaya, travelers find tons to see, experience, and taste in a revitalized New Orleans. The French Quarter is at the heart of much of the action, and all of these hotels are right there, just steps from great jazz and lively bars and restaurants.
Following a $22 Million renovation, the Windsor Court has been returned to (and even exceeds) its pre-Katrina glory. From the dazzling display of fresh roses adorning the lobby to pralines at turndown and superb service by the heated outdoor pool (and for that matter, throughout the hotel) you may not even want to leave the hotel. If you do, though, the French Quarter is just a 10-15 minute walk, and Riverwalk, with its many shops and restaurants, is just a block away, with Lafayette Square, the World War II Museum and other sights also within walking distance. Most of the hotel is given over to suites, but even the few Deluxe Rooms are spacious, at 400 square feet, and include wonderfully comfortable beds, marble baths, free WiFi, and, from high floors, lovely views of either the city skyline or the Mississippi River. For extra pampering, book a Club Deluxe Room or Suite, where you'll have access to the expansive Club Lounge and outdoor terraces. Complimentary breakfast, traditional English tea with scones, and delicious hors d'oeuvres and cocktails are served in the Club Lounge. Don't miss live jazz in the Polo Club Lounge.
It doesn't get much classier than the Ritz-Carlton, and this elegant hotel, with its lovely courtyard and antebellum styled rooms, is the perfect peaceful oasis to retreat to, even though it's only 1 block to Bourbon Street. Get a great night's sleep on luxurious feather beds swathed in 400 thread count sheets, plush bathrobes and rain showers in the marble bathrooms. The spa is a destination in its own right, offering over 100 therapies, including couples' massages and a Royal 4-Hands Massage. Jazz lovers shouldn't miss sipping a cocktail while enjoying jazz by Jeremy Davenport at Davenport Lounge on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Just a couple minutes from Bourbon Street, Hotel Le Marais is close to all the partying, but just enough removed so that you don't have to hear it all, especially if you stay in a courtyard room rather than one with views of the French Quarter. Rooms, which are pleasingly modern, come with free WiFi, iPod dock, a 42 inch flat screen TV, and a comfortable pillowtop bed to ensure a perfect night's sleep. Also included in the rate is a complimentary continental breakfast, with ample fruit, cereal, yogurt, bread, pastries and even grits and bacon to get your day off to an energetic start. Enjoy the heated outdoor saltwater pool or relax poolside with a cold drink and a good book, when you're looking for a respite from sightseeing.
A sister hotel to Hotel Le Marais, Hotel Mazarin is more lively, since it's on Bienville, between Bourbon Street and Royal Street. While not the best choice for light sleepers, it would be hard to be more central. The European-style courtyard is the perfect setting for an al fresco continental breakfast, which is complimentary. Rooms are more classic than at Hotel Le Marais, but still feature pillowtop beds, free WiFi, iPod dock, and rain shower. While there's no spa, spa services from nearby Le Jardin Day Spa may be enjoyed in your room. Patrick's Bar Vin is a gem, and draws locals as well as hotel guests for its well curated selection of wines (and even beers, since Patrick, the owner, is from Belgium). You'll feel welcome and at home in no time, and not just like another tourist as you may at some of the other bars in the area.
Flying to New Orleans with Miles and Points
United flies nonstop to New Orleans from NYC, LAX, IAH, ORD, PHX, DEN, HOU and IAD, among other cities. Since some of these nonstops, even in economy, would be pretty expensive if purchased, it can make sense to use United miles or Ultimate Rewards points (which transfer 1:1 to United) to book award flights to New Orleans.
American flies nonstop to New Orleans from MIA, DFW, and ORD, among others. It's usually cheaper to get an award on nonstop American Airlines using British Airways Avios points, than with American AAdvantage miles. Until July 18, British Airways is offering up to 100,000 Avios, with 50,000 after first purchase.
While I don't fly Delta, it has nonstops to New Orleans out of ATL, MSP, DTW, SLC and other cities.
Of course, if you're flying from a city such as Boston, your best bet will be to simply buy a ticket on JetBlue, especially if you can plan ahead or purchase during a fare sale to get it even more cheaply.
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