The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Vibe
Southern magnolia scents the marble lobby, where towering flowers and rosy upholstered furniture set a decidedly traditional tone.
“Maison Blanche jazz parlour”
Former Maison Blanche department store preserves white glazed terra-cotta, ornamental garlands and lions’ heads.
A 25,000-square-foot spa combines 22 treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms and Voodoo Ritual massages.
Courtyard crawfish boils teach seasonal cooking and peeling, while Davenport Lounge sustains evenings of local jazz.
On Canal Street at the French Quarter’s edge, a block from Bourbon Street.
“High ceilings, fresh bouquets, and rosy-hued overstuffed furniture characterize the lobby and ballrooms.”
Rooms
Suites open through marble foyers into separate living spaces, with jewel-toned furnishings and Italian marble baths continuing the mansion mood.
“Bellmen wear seersucker, the bistro serves po’ boys, and there’s live jazz in the lounge (which also serves a mean Vesper).”
Wellness
A heated indoor resistance pool adds movement to the spa circuit of whirlpool, saunas and eucalyptus steam rooms.
Backstory
Maison Orleans began as a separate boutique hotel before becoming the club level, whose guestrooms and lounge were renovated in 2024.
Eat & drink
M bistro serves seasonal regional seafood and meats, while Davenport Lounge pairs cocktails and light fare with live jazz Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
The neighborhood
Canal Street puts you at the French Quarter’s edge, a block from Bourbon Street and a streetcar ride from the Garden District.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.