Best Luxury Hotels in Downtown New Orleans

The Roosevelt has an old-school, glamorous feel. Walnut panelling, dark wood furnishings, leather armchairs, chandeliers, gilt columns and low-level lighting create a Presidential atmosphere befitting its title. Rooms come with Waldorf Serenity beds, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, Ferragamo toiletries, and minibars. Built in 1893, it underwent major reconstruction in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, reopening in 2009. The Mississippi River is within strolling distance, and its featured restaurant, Sazerac, is a destination dining venue. There’s also an Italian eatery, a rooftop poolside bar, and Teddy’s cafe for coffee and fresh pastries.

Stay at the Ritz-Carlton where in-house live jazz comes as standard. This used to be an upmarket department store until the grand Beaux-Arts building was transformed into an elegant hotel. It’s on the fringes of the French Quarter, offering easy access to all areas of the city. Guests can dine in the M Bistro and wine in the Davenport Lounge, while those residing in higher grade rooms also have access to a Club Level lounge. The spa encompasses the ground floor of the hotel and includes a swimming pool.

Located on Canal Street, within the reimagined Caesars Tower, the hotel offers guests convenient access to New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter as well as spectacular riverfront views. Occupying two floors, the hotel features 54 exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites that combine contemporary luxury with understated Japanese elegance. In addition to a great range of dining options, guests can also enjoy the distinctive flavours of Nobu New Orleans where Japanese culinary artistry comes together with local ingredients and a New Orleans twist. A casino, live events, cocktail lounge and lively bars are also available onsite for guests’ leisure. The hotel brings the world-renowned Nobu experience to the already vibrant cultural hub of New Orleans.

While NOPSI is found smack bang in the centre of the Business District, it’s as popular with leisure travellers as those visiting for work. The art deco era building was originally intended as a public services office, and while there are nods to this heritage among the hotel’s artefacts, these days it’s an undeniably glamorous spot. From a minimal modern rooftop pool terrace to an opulent vaulted lobby, NOPSI provides lashings of luxe. The hotel’s dining room, Public Service, pays homage to the property’s former life, while its casual eatery, Above the Grid, is beside the small pool. And there’s a super gin bar, Undercurrent.

With 196 rooms and suites, Q&C Hotel and Bar occupies a former headquarters of the Queen & Crescent Railroad in downtown New Orleans. Today, it blends industrial heritage with Autograph Collection’s flair for individuality, creating stylish interiors of exposed brick, dark wood and contemporary touches. Its central location allows easy exploration of the French Quarter and Superdome.

The hotel’s Q&C Bar has become a lively gathering point, serving cocktails, local beers and small plates. A gym is available for workouts, and concierge services ensure guests can access the best of the city. With a strong sense of place and a nod to New Orleans’ history, Q&C is both distinctive and convenient.

Housed in a skyscraper (the hotel begins on the 11th floor), this is the place for views. At Loews, you can work out while looking at the Mississippi. The hotel also boasts a superb spa with an indoor saltwater pool. Its interior design moves between arty/funky and traditional elegance, while its food offering comes from the esteemed Brennan family restauranteurs, at Cafe Adelaide, serving New Orlean classic dishes. And if you fancy experiencing private dining, book a place at the Chef’s Table with wine pairings. Weekends bring live jazz in the bar, or guests fancying a flutter can pop across the road to Harrah’s Casino.

Go downtown to what was once a W property. Le Meridien now caters for a more mature market, with rooms modelled on mid-century Parisian style. Indeed this ‘grown-up’ arty feel extends throughout the building, with rooms dressed in calming, moody tones, accompanied by hints of retro design. Grab a book and order a whisky as you recline in the sophisticated lounge, or swim a few laps in the chic rooftop pool. Breakfast is served in Marche, with coffee brewed in Longitude 90. There are no options on-site for dinner, but with a plethora of restaurants close by, you needn’t stray far to find some excellent local food.