NEW ORLEANS: WHERE TO Stay

When we were researching our trip to New Orleans, I reached out to a few people I knew who had spent considerable time there, and the same hotels came up over and over again. I list them here with the caveat that we did not stay in any of them. In fact I went against my gut (never a good thing), and chose a place recommended by a travel agent and it was a total disaster, so I will leave it off my list. 

THE RITZ CARLTON
921 Canal Street
+1 504 524 1331
Definitely on the higher end, but the location on Canal Street can't be beat - a block off of Bourbon Street - so in the heart of the action without lying on top of it. They also have a cool lounge (the Davenport, named for its headliner, Jeremy Davenport) that will transport you back to the 50s.

THE ROOSEVELT
130 Roosevelt Way
 +1 504 648 1200
Yes, it's a Waldorf Astoria property, but it has a pool. On the roof. And it's HOT in New Orleans. Oh, and did I mention that it's also home to one of the very best restaurants in all of New Orleans? That's right, you can dine at John Besh's Italian fantasy, Domenica, in your pajamas if you want.

THE MONTELEONE
214 Royal Street
+1 504 523 3341
Another well located historic hotel, the one with a bit more pomp and circumstance (think Pimm's Cups and Southern grace). 

THE W NEW ORLEANS - FRENCH QUARTER
316 Chartres Street
+1 504 581 1200
As I mentioned, we were pretty unhappy with our New Orleans accommodations, and this hotel was the one that really stood out to me as the place we SHOULD have stayed. The location is perfect, and it's the perfect blend of old world luxe and W hotel modernity. Plus, the gardens are gorgeous and the pool can't be beat. It's also perfect for traveling with kids.