Description

The Ritz was occupied during the hurricane and its aftermath and as such took a serious beating, requiring a major renovation that kept it closed until December 2006. Given the standards of the brand name, we have no doubt that it will return as good as ever. The following describes the hotel as it was prestorm, but the high-quality chain does not tend to vary much in terms of style, so it will likely be an accurate description once it has reopened.Sentimentalists that we are, we were deeply sad to see the venerable Maison Blanche department store go the way of Woolworth's, D. H. Holmes, and other Canal Street shopping landmarks. But for the city's sake, we are pleased to have a Ritz-Carlton take its place, preserving the classic, glazed terra-cotta building and bringing a high-end luxury hotel to the Quarter. Again, being sentimentalists, we would rather find our luxury in a less -- how shall we say -- generic way, but we can't deny that with name-brand recognition comes a reliable standard. And so rooms have lovely beds (maybe not as nice as the W in the Central Business District), king rooms are nicer than doubles, and the whole effect is most gracious. Consider ponying up for the Club Level over at the Maison Orleans . There are a great many elevators and different levels, so getting around does require some zigzagging to and fro. The spa is by far the nicest in town, and though undeniably expensive, it's gorgeous, and the treatments are utter perfection. Look for fun site-specific events in the courtyard, like crawfish boils and voodoo ceremonies. The whole hotel is nonsmoking. Facilities:
2 restaurants; 2 bars; top-of-the-line spa (with brand-new treatment rooms) and health club (w/resistance pool, Jacuzzi, and personal trainers); concierge; shops; room service; Wi-Fi in public areas Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.