The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans

The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is located in the French Quarter. The building's design is one of French architecture akin to the 1800's style. The hotel is just a few minutes from the St. Louis Cathedral, Royal Street, and Jackson Square. The accommodations were opened in 1817 by John Davis. He opened the Orleans Ballroom as his first entrepreneurial endeavor. He also created the Orleans Theater and opened French Opera. Both locations remained open until 1881 when it was sold for a school and convent to the Sisters of the Holy Family. The convent and school remained open for the next 83 years. It was at this time the property was sold and converted to a hotel.

When the building was turned into a hotel it created something unlike most hotels. Each of the rooms are different in their design and decor. The amenities are the same in most rooms, though some guest rooms have balconies or two levels. There are 28 suites at the hotel designed with a two level townhouse look. The rooms are all non smoking offering hair dryers, iron and ironing board, coffee maker, Herman Miller chairs, internet, cable TV, and mini bar. Some of the rooms have elaborate beds with large headboards and canopy designs.

A gorgeous amenity is the outdoor pool surrounded by the hotels buildings making it a courtyard affair. Many of the balconies even look out over the gardens of the St. Louis Cathedral. Valet parking, ATM, concierge, safes, gym, and meeting space is provided at the hotel. The meeting space caters to any style conference and modern amenities. High speed internet, equipment rental, express mail, and other services are available for the business guest.

Dining is available at the hotel in their restaurant. There is also a bar for the casual drink and before dinner snack. Paillard's Restaurant presents southern cuisine typical of New Orleans. They serve breakfast only. There is also room service available. For all other meals the location of The Bourbon Orleans Hotel presents many restaurants within walking distance. For entertainment at the hotel there is the Bourbon Oh, a bar with live entertainment. There is also Napoleon's Itch, an after hour's lounge and quite the nightclub.

Visiting New Orleans presents guests with numerous options for entertainment outside of the Bourbon Orleans hotel. The largest festival in New Orleans is Mardi Gras. This festival lasts for a week providing carnival fun with many parades, festivities and music. Another top festival to visit is the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. It is the Jazz Fest where people from all over the world come to play and hear the music. At the same time there is a Voodoo Experience or Fest.

Events like this require booking in advance. In fact bookings occur in more than a year in advance at the Bourbon Orleans Hotel due to the business of the festivals. At other times of the year it is possible to book less in advance in order to see the sights of the French Quarter.