Royal Treatment, Regal Hotels New Orleans has always offered so many choices of hotels for even the most discriminating traveler. Finding one that is luxurious and convenient to most attractions is not difficult, beyond the initial decision of whether to stay in a grand property with resort amenities, a boutique historic inn or a romantic bed and breakfast with courtyard views, wherein you may be awakened in the morning by the sound of horses’ hooves on the cobblestone streets. After deciding which type of lodging you prefer, a good starting place for recommendations is the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation’s website, at www.neworleansonline.com. Magazine BLU recommends time-honored favorites where we have received the most honorable service over the past decades, as well as after Katrina: Grand Hotels
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Since 1886, the Hotel Monteleone has been a French Quarter Legend. Classically elegant and recently freshened through a multimillion-dollar renovation, the Monteleone has preserved its history and grandeur that originally attracted such renowned individuals as Liberace, Louis Prima, Elvis Presley and even James Gandolfini. The hotel is one of only three in the United States to be honored with the distinguished Friends of Libraries, USA Literary Landmark designation, as the Monteleone has hosted William Faulkner, Tennessee Williams, Truman Capote and others. Three of the city’s finest dining establishments are within the hotel, including the Aft Deck Oyster Bar, The Hunt Room Grill and Le Café. Spa Aria, also within the 600-room property, offers a complete menu of luxury spa services, not far from the rooftop pool and workout facility with sweeping views of both the Mississippi River and the Vieux Carre. Beyond the obvious, the regal property offers some legendary surprises, such as a host of purported resident “ghosts” attributed to varied guests who remain loyal and attached to the property after many years (we personally did not experience any such activity). Hotel Monteleone is a AAA FourDiamond Hotel, only steps from Bourbon Street. 214 Rue Royale; 800.535.9595; www.hotelmonteleone.com.
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The Royal Sonesta, also an AAA Four-Diamond Hotel, occupies an entire city block amidst all of the excitement of the French Quarter. It consists of over 500 rooms housed around the perimeter of the block, with the courtyard and pool in the middle, where one can find quiet in the private, tropical surroundings. Four-Diamond Restaurant Beque’s offers Creole and French specialties with Friday seafood buffet and Sunday champagne brunch. Also renowned, the Desire Oyster Bar offers fresh Louisiana Seafood and Creole delicacies in a streetside bistro. Two cocktail lounges, the Coffee & Champagne bar and the Daiquiri Delight Shop are other well-known stops within the property, for both locals and visitors. 300 Bourbon Street; 800.766.3782; www.royalsonestano.com.
Top Right: Hotel Monteleone Lobby. Middle Right: Hotel Monteleone Rooftop Pool (Both photos courtesy Hotel Monteleone); Bottom Right: Royal Sonesta Lobby. Bottom Left: Royal Sonesta Courtyard Pool. Bottom Center: Royal Sonesta Courtyard Fountain (Sonesta photos courtesy Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans). 27
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