Hotel Monteleone, New Orleans

Location

Sitting at the foot of Royal Street, you simply have to step out of the hotel’s front door to find yourself in the centre of the French Quarter. Cast-iron balconies look out over wooden porches as high-end antique stores proudly display their wares from around the world. Jackson Square’s historic greenery, Bourbon Street, the French Market and the Riverwalk – where you can watch period steamboats laze past – are all nearby.

Accommodation

All rooms have recently been refurbished meaning the hotel’s interior is a striking contrast to the tired beauty of the French Quarter; grandiose wooden wardrobes, crisp white linens and gold accents are framed by high ceilings and crown moulding. For a view of the Mississippi River or the French Quarter opt for a Preferred Room while the hotel also has 55 luxury suites. The suites feature overstuffed beds, garden tubs and upscale amenities, although their biggest draw are their panoramic views over New Orleans.

Dining

It’s no surprise that New Orleans, itself a meeting point of cultures, has given rise to a unique blend of international cuisines. The hotel’s Criollo restaurant expertly showcases this mix of European and African influences with fresh, home grown products from Louisiana and the Gulf South. Dishes such as char grilled oysters, stuffed creole redfish and dry aged black angus sirloin are sought after by hotel guests and locals alike.

Facilities

At the top of the hotel, you’ll find a heated, open-air pool where you can enjoy a selection of specialty cocktails and light snacks. Also on the rooftop, the hotel features a 24-hour fitness centre with weight and cardio equipment set against city vistas. Chilled water and complimentary fruit are a nice touch. After an evening’s spent drinking bourbon and enjoying all the foodie delicacies of New Orleans, you may well want to make use of the spa’s excellent range of treatments ranging from pedicures and manicures to massages and reflexology.