The splendor of New Orleans’ French Quarter emanates from ornate balconies to brass bands to sugar-dusted beignets. One hotel in New Orleans that captures the Big Easy spirit is the Ritz Carlton Hotel on Canal Street. Named one of the top hotels in New Orleans by Travel and Leisure’s 2022 World’s Best Awards and set in the historic Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, this luxury locale offers the intimacy of a boutique hotel with the amenities of a grand resort.
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The location
Set at the edge of the French Quarter and near the Garden District, the Ritz Carlton hotel in New Orleans is in the ideal spot to explore the city’s most notable – and under the radar — sites and a top choice on where to stay in New Orleans. Walk to iconic Jackson Square and the legendary Café du Monde. Should you like to delve into the city’s history and culture, several museums are just a stroll away, from the colorful Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture, the unique New Orleans Pharmacy Museum and New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum to the macabre yet fascinating Museum of Death New Orleans.
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The architecture
Gazing upon the Ritz Carlton’s detailed façade and oversized columns of glazed white terracotta, you’ll sense the hotel’s rich history. The Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building was originally the thriving Maison Blanche’s flagship department store. After a storied run, its 15 floors and the neighboring Kress Building five-and-dime store were turned into the Ritz Carlton in 2000 and completed a second renovation in 2006. Soak in its splendor as you are welcomed inside by seersucker-clad bellmen and step through the lush courtyard.
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The rooms
Decadence extends from the front door to your spacious room featuring commissioned artwork inspired by New Orleans’s heritage, and balconies overlooking the French Quarter. Each room presents its own style. The Executive suites are decorated in tones of sky blue and orchid. The Deluxe Rooms in shades of ruby and slate. Sit back in your plush bed topped with Frette Italian sheets and down comforters and take in the surroundings, or enjoy your smart TV with streaming apps and premium channels. For the ultimate in relaxation, your bathroom features bathroom phones, bathrobes, slippers, designer toiletries and a deep Italian marble tub for a relaxing soak after a full day exploring.
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The restaurant
M Bistro is the hotel’s farm-to-table restaurant where the finest meats, seafood and organic, seasonal, produce from farmers in Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Alabama is translated into inspiring Louisiana cuisine. Start your meal with fresh oysters or fried green tomatoes with crab and a rémoulade sauce. Tuck into favorite main dishes such as Atlantic Salmon with charred corn and Creole crab cream or braised short rib with truffle grits and kale chimichurri. Or, savor classics such as shrimp and grits and bouillabaisse.
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The Lounge
Named for one of New Orleans’ best-known musicians, Jeremy Davenport, the Davenport Lounge invites you to enjoy its festive cocktails and light fare paired with live jazz performances four days a week. Sip on a Stormy Weather shaken with rum, lemon, pineapple, El Guapo Orgeat, and a rum float. Or, try the inventive Purple Haze Monkey 47 made with gin, lemon, blackberry sage syrup, Fee Foam and club soda.
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Afternoon Tea at Davenport Lounge
Should your stay fall on a Saturday, find a respite from the city buzz with the lounge’s afternoon tea service. Savor delicate cucumber tea and mousse chicken terrine sandwiches. Nibble petite pastries including freshly baked scones with house-made lemon curd, jam, and Devonshire cream. Sip on freshly infused tea by Palais des Thés and perhaps a glass of house champagne. For a sweet finish, the chocolate duo, lemon blueberry tart and mango passion cake are almost too pretty to eat.
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The spa
At this top hotel in New Orleans, the 25,000 square-foot spa is the largest in the city offering over 100 treatments, a café and boutique. Treat yourself to a classic revitalizing stress relief massage or therapeutic hot river stone massage. Or, capture the essence of the city with a New Orleans-inspired 80-minute Voodoo Ritual in a Voodoo-inspired setting. For an enhanced massage, two massage tables have a base of either warm quartz sand or heated water. There’s a treatment for every indulgence including a Custom Facial, Body Nourished Glow, Mississippi Mud Detox Treatment and Southern Ceremony.
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A favorite hotel in New Orleans
When your exploration of New Orleans distinctive architecture, beautiful above-ground cemeteries, compelling museums and revered cuisine finds you ready to slow down and take it easy in the Big Easy, your luxurious stay at The Ritz Carlton awaits. Our Southern Grace tour includes three nights at this elegant property that celebrates the best of the city and is one of best hotels in New Orleans.
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