New Orleans

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CHAPTER 3 . WHERE TO STAY
rooftop pool; health club; concierge; business center; gift shop; room service; laundry/dry-cleaning
service; Wi-Fi (free) in lobby. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi ($11/day), dataport,
minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, safe, robes.
JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans You can’t fault the location
on Canal right across from the Quarter (excellent for viewing Mardi
Gras parades). But ultimately it’s classy but boring—yes, we’re
spoiled—more for business travelers who don’t plan on spending
much time in their rooms. New NOLA-specific touches such as
local photos and drawings are appreciated, as are the thickly made
beds. The public areas are far more grand than the actual rooms.
Bathrooms are dinky, though amenities are good. Corner “deluxe”
king rooms have extra windows for an additional view, though
higher up is best. The fitness center is decent-size, and there is a
Don Shula Steakhouse on the property.
614 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70130. & 888/771-9067 or 504/525-6500. Fax 504/
586-1543. www.jwmarriottneworleans.com. 494 units. $189–$355 double; $750–
$1,000 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $28. Amenities: Restaurant; 2 bars;
heated outdoor pool; health club; concierge; business center; gift shop; salon; room
service; laundry; dry cleaning. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-Fi ($12/day), dataport, minibar, coffeemaker,
hair dryer, iron, safe, newspaper, turndown.
Loft 523 Located in an old carriage and dry-goods warehouse
in the Central Business District, each of the 18 lofts is a marvel of
modern design, sort of a Jetsons-futuristic-meets-NYC-minimalistfantasy.
They are sleek and handsome, but those wanting plushy and
overstuffed will be miserable as soon as they see the concrete floors.
Beds are platforms, surprisingly comfortable with Frette linens (but
just a chenille throw blanket over that; ask for the down comforters
if the night brings a chill). A Sony CD/DVD Surround Sound system
adds sonic warmth, and the bathrooms are big. But here’s where
they break from N.Y./L.A. detached cool: Throughout are
reminders of the building’s provenance—old wood planks form the
floor downstairs, turn-of-the-20th-century tin ceiling tiles outfit the
elevators, and columns from the old warehouse decorate the lounge.
523 Gravier St., New Orleans, LA 70130. & 800/633-5770 or 504/200-6523.
Fax 504/200-6522. www.loft523.com. 18 units (3 of them penthouses). $259–$359
double; $859–$1,100 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $30, SUVs $38.
Amenities: Lounge; health club; babysitting; laundry/dry cleaning; computer in
lobby. In room: A/C, TV, DVD, Wi-Fi, remote-control stereo system, coffeemaker, hair
dryer, iron, safe.
Windsor Court The Windsor Court is mighty fine—possibly
the finest in town. The unassuming, somewhat office-building
exterior is camouflage for the quiet but posh delights found within.