The Windsor Court

"The always elegant Windsor Court is making a splash with its newly renovated pool, cabanas, and pool bar. A $60 (weekdays) to $100 (weekends) day pass gets access to the 65-foot saltwater escape, a rooftop sanctuary now equipped with its own restrooms, poolside food and drinks, free WIFI, towels, and sunscreen. For a luxe treat, $1000 gets a cabana, with a daybed or a lounge and TV, and a dedicated server. That includes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, $100 food and beverage credit, non-alcoholic drinks, and parking for two cars, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m." - Beth D'Addono

"Enjoy a special Mardi Gras-themed tea on January 27 and 28 at Le Salon in The Windsor Court. Carnival happenings include Mardi Gras Indians showcasing their culture and a book signing by Matt Haines, author of The Big Book of King Cake and The Little Book of King Cake, written for kids. Besides fancy loose-leaf variety brews and savory English tea sandwiches, there are scones served with toppings from Devonshire crème to lemon curd and vanilla bean whipped cream. Priced at $65 for adults and $45 for kiddos 12 and under, including tax and gratuity. Reserve on Open Table." - Beth D'Addono

"The monthly Bubbles & Caviar pop-up experience at Le Salon in the Windsor Court features a rotating menu of musical acts and seafood-centric light bites (check their website for the dates). Prices are $190, $210, and $245 for imported osetra, California white sturgeon, and hybrid, a cross between kaluga and amur sturgeon. There’s even caviar with dessert!" - Beth D'Addono

"There’s an immediate sense of exclusivity as you step into the hotel forecourt, secluded away as it is from the surrounding downtown. Stepping into the lobby, the huge oil paintings and floral arrangements deliver an elegant, almost regal ambience that stands out in this otherwise casual city. 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 hotel is a singular experience in New Orleans, British high society brought to the Big Easy." - Paul Oswell

"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