New Orleans

62
CHAPTER 3 . WHERE TO STAY
furniture. The handsome, somewhat masculine rooms are each
meticulously decorated, using clever touches such as vintage (at least
appearing) oil paintings, Bali puppets, and European art to set specific
moods. Second-floor rooms are larger, and most have Jacuzzi
tubs. The third floor is a clever use of design and space, with formerly
dull wood walls turned most striking by pickling the wood to
a lighter color (ask to see the photos of the mysterious science equations
found scrawled on one wall). These rooms are smaller and
more garretlike, though they pale in desirability only if you really,
really want that classic high-ceilinged look. There is an expanded
breakfast with eggs, waffles, hot cinnamon rolls, and other fun
items. Although it’s located on a dull stretch of street and in a neighborhood
gradually returning post-flood, the B&B is also mere minutes
from a nice section of Canal and a streetcar ride to the Quarter.
120 S. Pierce St., New Orleans, LA 70119. & 866/226-1896 or 504/488-5896. www.
1896omalleyhouse.com. 9 units. $99–$155 double; $200 special events such as Mardi
Gras and Jazz Fest. Rates include breakfast. AE, MC, V. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi, dataport,
hair dryer and iron on request.
4 Central Business District
For hotels in this section, please see the “Where to Stay in New
Orleans” map on p. 40.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Harrah’s New Orleans doesn’t lack for impressive, grand
hotels, but there is something so . . . big . . . about the Harrah’s lobby
that it passes right through grand and into something almost too
immense to be truly elegant. Which isn’t to knock the place; everyone
did a good job. The rooms are sharp, if a touch generic, though
photos by local artist Richard Sexton and splashes of Mardi Gras
purple and gold help. Rooms are all pretty much the same size,
except for the larger corner suites. Those don’t offer enough extra to
justify the price, however. Rooms ending in nos. 1 to 10 have
romantic river views, while city views aren’t anything special. There
is an airy gym with a tall ceiling and windows, well stocked with a
good mix of aerobic and weight machines.
228 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70130 & 800/VIP-JAZZ or 504/533-6000. www.
harrahs.com. 450 units. $149–$449 double. $30 additional person.AE, DC, DISC, MC,
V. Valet and self-parking $30. Amenities: Restaurant (Riche, p. 110); 2 bars; gym;
concierge; car service (w/fee); business center; room service; massage. In room: A/C,
TV, Web TV, Wi-Fi ($12/day), CD player, fridge, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe,
robes, umbrellas, newspaper, turndown.