When a hotel is hailed as a grande dame, you know you’re in for something special. Welcome to the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in New Orleans (NOLA), which occupies an entire city block on the buzzing Canal Street in the heart of the city. There was a regal air as we approached the palatial 1900s-built Maison Blanche building, which was an elegant department store for most of its life. In the 1980s, it transformed into the NOLA outpost of the global luxury chain of Ritz-Carlton. So, it wasn’t surprising when we came to know that everyone from professional sports teams to politicians had stayed at this hotel, which we were about to stay at now. And let us be the one to tell you that it was every bit a luxurious stay as we’d imagined and hoped, with generous dollops of hospitality and the brand’s signature quality.
The hotel certainly impressed us with a stunning Beaux Arts exterior, swish interiors, a boatload of bespoke amenities, and top-notch southern hospitality. Here’s a detailed guide to staying at the grande dame of NOLA’s famed French Quarter.
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The Perfect Perch
If there were an award for the best-located hotel in New Orleans, it would go to the Ritz-Carlton. This Canal Street outpost of the global luxury brand occupies an entire city block. At the same time, it sits right on the southern edge of the French Quarter. This perfect spot placed us in walking proximity to the old-world and cultural delights of the historic French Quarter. At the same time, we could also walk down to the amazing dining experiences, attractions, and sights of the Central Business District and Downtown. The best bit was that the streetcar lines sat right outside the hotel, so even the farther districts and neighborhoods were easily accessible.
“We were thrilled that not only were we staying at one of the best five-stars in the city, but we were within walking distance to practically everything!”
WOW Travel
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A Destination Spa
One of the main reasons we chose to stay at the Ritz was its decadent destination spa, the Ritz-Carlton Spa, which was a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling French Quarter. Sitting on the hotel’s lower level, the vast spa opens to a bubbling fountain evoking antebellum Southern charm. It measured a whopping 25,000 sq ft and had 22 rooms, a sauna, eucalyptus-infused steam rooms, and lemon-scented showers. The best bit? It provided more than 100 indulgent services!
Its treatments are a nod to NOLA and borrow from local practices; cue the Voodoo Massage with notes of bourbon and absinthe, along with vetiver, moss, cypress, and incense. While the Satsuma Sugar Scrub and the Café au Lait Detox Slimming Wrap are popular, we went with the Enveloping Balinese Ritual. It borrowed tropical nuts and ancestral massage tips from Bali, leaving us refreshed and rejuvenated like never before.
Even our pre- and post-treatment experiences were luxurious as we lazed on the daybeds in the posh relaxation rooms while nibbling on healthy snacks, complimentary mimosas, wine, and champagne. Finally, we even shopped at the spa shop and boutique, which had everything from curated products from world-famous facial brands to scented candles, lingerie, and even Lululemon workout wear. That’s why it’s one of the best spa hotels in New Orleans.
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A Fantastic Dining Scene
Imagine checking into a hotel and the chef cheerfully handing out New Orleans favorites like delicious gumbo, beignets, and jambalaya. That was our first—and lasting—impression of the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. With just one restaurant and one bar, this Ritz outpost impresses and how.
We loved dining at the flagship M Bistro, which sat off the lobby and served Cajun/Creole cuisine and all meals. This semi-casual dining spot was studded with paintings, which we admired while digging into Louisiana-inspired dishes such as Cajun pork chop and flash-fried oysters for dinner. Breakfast was an impressive affair with a la carte and a buffet spread. Think French toasts, coffee, tea, OJs, and even local dishes like muffuletta frittatas and boudin sausages — now, that’s hard to resist, right? They even had mimosas at breakfast, so what’s not to like?
When it came to tipples, the classy Davenport Lounge was the place, and one of the most popular spots in town, judging by how many locals also frequented it. It also sat right off the lobby and featured live jazz in the evenings. It was the perfect place to begin an evening in NOLA, and end it with a nightcap too.
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Something special
Canal Street is clamor, cacophony, and commotion, and stepping inside the Ritz didn’t feel any different. However, the cleverly designed third-floor lobby made our arrival feel exclusive and discreet, and we immediately felt like we were being taken care of. Even though we arrived prior to the Ritz Carlton New Orleans check-in time, not only were our bags whisked away immediately, but we also didn’t have to wait on the plush sofas for long before we were shown to our rooms.
No matter where we went, we’d be addressed by our names, and the service levels were as high as we had expected. However, the most unexpected delight came in the form of the in-house resident jazz musician, trumpeter Jeremy Davenport. He plays his way through the classic American songbook every weekend, and we were lucky enough to watch and hear him play.
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A Traditionally Luxurious Stay
All rooms and suites conform to the global Ritz-Carlton standards and radiate a traditional sense of quiet and serene luxury. The décor beautifully blended contemporary design and period touches, with the plush blue velvet armchairs, embroidered headboards, and opulent curtains exuding antebellum charm. What’s more, the marble bathrooms elevate even the standard and entry-level rooms. That being said, the standard rooms on the Club Level are even more characterful, with fleur-de-lis motifs and canopies over the beds. The best bit? These Club Level rooms even come with access to a plush lounge with complimentary drinks and food and their own concierge, who attends to your every whim and fancy.
Our City View King Room was similarly traditionally luxurious. The period-inspired décor took us back to the glory days, and the mod cons made our stay as comfortable as it could be. The marble bathrooms only reinforced the five-star experience, and the huge windows offered us wonderful views of the French Quarter and Canal Street.
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Pros
- It sits perfectly on the fringes of the French Quarter, with everything from Downtown to the Central Business District.
- The hospitality and level of service are excellent.
- The spa is one of the region’s best destination spas.
Cons
- It’s one of the most expensive hotels around, but it’s worth the experience and the southern hospitality they dole out.
Conclusion
Overall, the Ritz Carlton Hotel, New Orleans, is perfect for an indulgent and splurge-worthy vacation in the city. Not only does it sit right in the heart of the cultural action, but it doesn’t isolate itself from its surroundings. Rather, it blended the brand’s five-star glamor and service with the local amenities and elements to remind us constantly that we were in Big Easy.
Read Also
- 11 Best 5-Star Hotels in the French Quarter New Orleans
- 11 Best Marriott Hotels in New Orleans
- 11 Best Hotels In New Orleans With a Pool
- 11 Best Business Hotels in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans have a gym?
A: Yes, the Ritz-Carlton has a swanky and state-of-the-art fitness center, which guests can use at no charge.
Q: How old is the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans?
A: While the hotel opened in 2000, the building’s origins go back to the early 1900s when it was a department store. It’s one of NOLA’s greatest Beaux-Arts structures.
Q: What are the check-in and check-out times at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans?
A: The check-in time at Ritz-Carlton NOLA is 4 pm, and check-out is 12 noon.
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