The Ritz Carlton, New Orleans

This hotel is at the fringe of the French Quarter in New Orleans. The white building with the cornices and wrought iron balconies reach high into the skyline. The Ritz Carlton is located at 921 Canal Street. There is more than 35,000 square feet of meeting rooms and it is close to many of the area's attractions. They have recently remodeled the spa, with twenty two rooms designated for treatments and a cafy. The area around the hotel features galleries, museums and many fine restaurants.

The decorative style of the hotel is of the Garden District mansions. There are enormous 10 foot ceilings with matching floor to ceiling windows. The many amenities that are in the guest rooms include cotton, 400 thread count sheets, feather beds and goose down or foam pillows.

Bathrooms at the hotel feature Italian marble, with rainforest showerheads. Lighted makeup mirrors, Bulgari White Tea bath products and a hair dryer are installed in the baths. Over sized terry cloth bath towels and a choice of terry cloth or light weight bathrobes are included in the stay.

Guests that are on business will find multi-line telephones, computer access, high speed internet and shipping services. Electrical services for meetings or exhibitions can also be set up.

A clock radio, some with CD players and a mini bar come in the room. The room will be attended to twice a day and there is twenty four hour room service. Shoes can be shined overnight and an overnight laundry service is available. Turndown happens every evening.

For guests arriving by car there is valet parking. Limousine service or shuttle service to the airport can be handled by the concierge. A free newspaper and express check in and out is part of the amenities at the Ritz Carlton. Pets that weight forty pounds or less are allowed in the lobby, hallways and rooms. There is a non refundable pet deposit of $150.00 and a waiver must be signed at arrival. The pet must be on a leash at all times.

There are two establishments at the Ritz Carlton where food and drinks are served. The first is the On Trois Lounge where guests can indulge in a glass of champagne or wine. They offer many of the famous cocktails that New Orleans is known for such as the Sazerac. The On Trois serves appetizers and Afternoon Tea on the weekends.

The Melange is at the lobby level and offers New Orleans cuisine. They serve all three meals per day seven days a week. They have live jazz Thursday through Saturday. Gumbos, Creole bisques and salads can begin a meal at the Melange. Sea Scallops, pan seared shrimp, blackened redfish and Ahi tuna are part of the cuisine. Lamb, beef and chicken or a vegetable tempura complete the selections. Desserts feature New Orleans beignets or bread pudding as well as New Orleans coffee. They also have a children's menu.

Reservations can be made online or by phone. There are packages available and a hotel representative can provide the details.