"What will we see on arrival? There’s an immediate sense of exclusivity as you step into the hotel forecourt, secluded away as it is from the surrounding downtown. Entering into the lobby, the huge oil paintings and floral arrangements deliver an elegant, almost regal ambience that stands out in this otherwise casual city. What’s the crowd like?Local doyens of society in colorful hats and seersucker suits brush past you as they meet for the afternoon tea service at Le Salon just off the main lobby. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.There were some wonderfully scenic riverside views from the small balcony of our 17th floor Deluxe Suite (suites make up 80 percent of the offerings). The interiors have ivory, gold, and blue overtones and bold floral fabrics. It sounds fusty, but it's done tastefully. The king size bed came with what must have been exceedingly high thread count linens. The bathrooms are marble, of course, and stocked with Molton Brown products. How about the little things?It’s the addition of extra spaces that really makes the rooms memorable here, from the balconies to the separate dressing areas with mirrored vanities and wet bar. Wi-Fi: What’s the word?The complimentary high-speed internet worked perfectly well in all of the living areas. Anything else a stand out?The hotel’s Grill Room restaurant is one of the city’s most prestigious, framed as it is with evocative 17-foot murals and leather-backed chairs. The Polo Club Bar also has the feel of an exclusive country club and the afternoon tea service at Le Salon continues to delight locals and visitors. The beautiful outdoor pool is heated to decadently enjoyable levels, and rooftop bar The Waterman is on hand with hand-crafted cocktails and bar snacks, so you don’t have to leave your lounger. Bottom line: worth it, and why?It’s not the cheapest place in town, but the service is extraordinary. The hotel is a singular experience in New Orleans, British high society brought to the Big Easy." - Paul Oswell
