“Laissez les bon temps rouler” is a Cajun expression meaning “let the good times roll”, and roll we will as our five-star travel continues to New Orleans, Louisiana, a city whose spirit and energy is sure to captivate you on your first or fortieth. People come here from all over the world for the history, the French and Spanish influenced architecture, to indulge in the Creole, Cajun, Southern fusion cuisine, and to experience the live music in the streets in a language all its own. Join us on a luxury vacation to the Big Easy, where hospitality is the beating heart of the city and where these Luxury Travel Consultants will let the good times roll in fun and feisty New Orleans.
The History.
The Roosevelt New Orleans
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria hotel, stands in the same place it has for more than 100 years. Just past the hotel’s magnificent brass doors are charming streets of the legendary French Quarter. A $175 million restoration of the art deco building in 2009 returned The Roosevelt to its former luxe status and in 2019, another renovation of the guest rooms, meeting spaces, and rooftop pool has launched the hotel into a class of its own. When you stay in one of the 514 rooms and suites you are literally steps away from the shop-lined sidewalks of Royal Street, a shopper’s paradise. Peruse the eclectic mix of shops while discovering hidden courtyards and historic city landmarks. As you explore, take in the cadence of the street buskers and enjoy the music that street musicians play every day and night. And because Royal Street is also where New Orleanians have lived and thrived for generations, strollers will pass by beautiful private homes, small grocery stores, banks and other landmarks to a neighborhood buzzing with life. When at The Roosevelt, you must visit The Sazerac Bar, named after what many consider to be the world’s first mixed drink. While sitting in this landmark bar you will be entranced by the famous Paul Nina’s murals flanking the walnut bar recently named the #1 Hotel Bar in the U.S. by thousands of voters in the 2019 USA Today 10 Best poll. New Orleans is a city of rich culture and fascinating traditions. WIT has curated a variety of full and half day tours for the historically curious, from a Haunted History Tour, an African Heritage Tour or a Garden District Tour. Let us take care of all the details so you can fully embrace the past with private guides, round trip transportation and one-of-a-kind dining.
The Architecture.
Maison de la Luz
Hospitality newcomer, Maison de la Luz, bills itself as a “distinctive new guest house from Atelier Ace. A place for reverie and proper Southern swoon, for prophetic visions or quiet inspiration, Maison de la Luz finds beauty in the curious”. We could not agree more, this visually stunning yet quirky property is ornate with unconventional details, bold color choices and bespoke furnishings. The 67 room and suite property opened this spring, and was the former annex for New Orleans’s City Hall, a renovated 1908 building in the city’s Warehouse District. Here you can gaze upon the original City Hall Annex banister while relaxing in totally custom interiors from the same group that created the innovative Ace Hotels. The Ace Hotel New Orleans, which centers the social aspect the brand is known for, is located just across the street where la Luz guests have access to the pool and fitness center. At Maison de la Luz , you will have breakfast in the spacious, sunlit Breakfast Room, a beautiful space evoking outdoor tents and French parlors. The private, guest-only Living Room at Maison de la Luz is an eclectic parlor where guests can enjoy nightly wine and cheese or visit the honor bar where expertly crafted cocktails can be poured over ice or taken up to your room. We love the “secret” Salon, a private guest-only lounge between Bar Marilou next door and Maison de la Luz, where only hotel guests can find the ultimate privacy.
The Food.
Windsor Court
A special place for the discriminating traveler, Windsor Court offers a touch of old-world charm in the heart of New Orleans. This classic property recently underwent a $15 million renovation to its 316 room and suites, all of which offer private balconies or bay windows while overlooking the Mississippi River or the city skyline. In addition, there are 60 exclusive club level accommodations that include access to a private club lounge with personal concierge and light food and beverage offerings throughout the day. Conveniently located just two blocks from the historic French Quarter, Mississippi River, and Warehouse/Arts District, this central locale allows visitors to enjoy amazing food. New Orleans serves up some of the most delicious food on the planet and WIT is able to create a bespoke food tour hitting all your favorites. Start with fluffy Beignets and coffee at the venerable Cafe du Monde, move to Barbecue Shrimp at Pascal’s Manale, a must have Turtle Soup at Commander’s Palace and the most delicious Muffalettas from Central Grocery. While you’re at it, savor the Oysters Rockefeller at Antoine’s Restaurant, Sno-balls at Hansen’s Sno-Bliz, Bananas Fosters invented at Brennan's, and of course crawfish etouffee or Gumbo! The food in New Orleans is truly unmatched.
The Jazz.
Loews New Orleans Hotel
Located in the New Orleans Art District, Loews New Orleans Hotel is in the heart of downtown. The 21-story hotel boasts 273 spacious guest rooms and 12 suites all with a laid-back vibe yet chic décor. You’ll be walking distance to the Riverfront, the French Quarter, Magazine Street, Audubon Aquarium, the WWII Museum and so much more. Known as the birthplace of Jazz, always and forever, music is the soul of New Orleans. Walk down Frenchmen Street, the main artery of the Marigny neighborhood adjacent to the French Quarter and take in the blocks of cafes, music clubs and restaurants. And you’d be mistaken if you thought you’d have to venture into the country to find an authentic Cajun dance party called a fais do do (fey doh doh). This signature dance can be found all over town, and the best part is the locals love nothing better than to show you how it’s done. Before you know it, you’ll be gliding your way around the dance floor to songs with French lyrics, laughing and hollering with the crowd!
WIT has very close relationships with these properties, so we can extend exclusive perks and special amenities to our clients. Typically, you will receive complimentary breakfast for two daily, $100 or more resort credit to be utilized during your stay, room upgrade, either at the time of booking or arrival, and early check-in/late checkout, both subject to availability.
At Well Inspired Travels, we love being luxury travel consultants and creating the ultimate experiences for you. So, pack your digital bags and follow us as we uncover exceptional luxury and wellness focused vacations. Check-in regularly for our top five-star travel ideas and tips, and as always, we continue to stay strong WIT you
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