Soniat House

"A trio of 1830s townhouses, Soniat House exudes an Old World elegance, from its wrought iron balconies to its white-jacketed porters. Rooms and suites have just the right amount of character so that they feel of an era without being precious or overly frilly.The hotel renovated all of its bathrooms and some guest rooms, and there are flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and other modern conveniences—but the point here is really to take a step back, put your gadgets away, and enjoy the leafy courtyard. It’s the kind of place where you feel you ought to be wearing a frock and a fascinator (for ladies) or seersucker (for the gents), where time slows and an afternoon cocktail feels very appropriate. Luckily, there’s an honor bar on the first floor next to reception. Pour yourself a stiff drink and take it up to the veranda, where you might catch a ghost tour in progress or just take in the street scene."

"All of the 31 rooms at this small, luxury boutique hotel are furnished with New Orleans antiques, which is just one of the many ways that the owners, Rodney and Frances Smith, make it clear that they care. In the 80s, they bought a handful of adjacent historic homes, and strung them together into Soniat, preserving them all in the process. There are two things to remember: 1. The hotel isn't haunted; 2. They serve homemade biscuits in bed every morning. "

"How did it strike you on arrival?From the outside, it doesn't look like a hotel. It looks more like a mansion, one of those old French Quarter homes with pretty green shutters and intricate ironwork that oozes charm. Once you pass through the wooden doors, and follow the cobbelstone path into the lush 19th-century courtyard, you know you're in for a treat. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Most people here seem to value their privacy (there's really no shared public spaces aside from the courtyard). Guests mature, genteel, well-dressed, and polite. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.My Superior Single was set amid a gallery of similar rooms opening up onto a shared walkway a story above the magnolia-scented courtyard. It could be a century old, with wooden canopy beds and creaking floorboards but it’s as charming a step back in time as you can imagine, with period antiques and plush floral fabrics. We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The bed may have some years in it but the quality still shone through and the utter tranquillity means a wonderful night’s sleep. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The presumably original antique artwork and ornaments are perfectly curated, and the old-school tradition is a nice contrast to the high-thread-count Egyptian linens and high-speed Wi-Fi (which works well even in the courtyard). Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.The plumbing acted up on our visit, but for the most part, the showers are perfectly serviceable (and come with Molton Brown bath products). Room service: Worth it?The hotel doesn’t have a kitchen but it does deliver the most wonderful breakfast to your door, a tray of still-warm, home-made biscuits, sweet preserves and freshly-squeezed orange juice. Staff: If you could award one a trophy, who gets it, and why?The gentleman delivering breakfast is the last word in Southern charm and politeness. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.The hotel’s honor bar is a delightful idea in a beautiful, bijoux lounge. The perfect spot for an aperitif before heading out to dine. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Waking up and walking out to look over a sun-filled courtyard in what feels like a private villa. Bottom line: worth it, and why?The sense of escape is unparalleled in the city." - Paul Oswell

"lingering over hot biscuits and strawberry preserves in an antiques-filled suite at the Soniat House hotel" - Julia Reed