New Orleans new hotels? Best Emeril restaurant? (warehouse, food)

[trz412]

1. My wife is attending a conference next week at the Royal Senesta and I am wondering if there are any new hotels in the city. We will have a car so we don't necessarily have to stay too close. (She's pretty particular about staying someplace new/or not too old.)

2. We are really excited about the food that the city has to offer! Any recommendations on which Emeril restaurant is the best? I love a good steak (boring!) and she loves seafood and pasta. Any advice that you might have would really help out. Thanks.

[rburnett]

I can only vouch for Emerils NOLA restaurant, cool warehouse style 3 story building with glass elevator and outstanding food.

[trz412]

Great. Thanks for the advice. Hopefully we have enough time to try them all.

[Pook77]

There aren't any "new" hotels in the Quarter and even though you'll have a car, I think hotels in the suburbs are pretty bad. Unless somehow you end up at a bed and breakfast or a boutique hotel, I think everything will be to your wife's liking. The Royal Sonesta would be perfect if you want to stay close to the action. It looks "old" on the outside but it has to stick with the architecture of the Quarter. It's DEFINITELY not old on the inside. Here are some you could check out. They don't follow the "old" looking architechture: Le Pavilion, Loews New Orleans, JW Marriott (not New Orleans Marriott - that place is not good), Westin New Orleans Canal Place, Doubletree... I think that can get you started. Your higher end hotels are going to be in older buildings - that's just how it works. That doesn't mean they're not amazing places to stay. Look at reviews and photos on Trip Advisor - that would be a good start.

[trz412]

Thanks for the info. We have tentatively booked at the Royal Sonesta for now and are still looking at other options. Harrah's looks pretty cool, but pricy. I appreciate the tip on the exterior of the hotels, not something I would have thought about myself. It makes sense that they would make them blend in.

[bgilly3]

Originally Posted by trz412

Thanks for the info. We have tentatively booked at the Royal Sonesta for now and are still looking at other options. Harrah's looks pretty cool, but pricy. I appreciate the tip on the exterior of the hotels, not something I would have thought about myself. It makes sense that they would make them blend in.

I stayed at the Sonesta back in April. The lobby is very fancy, the rooms are nice enough, and you are definitely right by the action. Something to consider: a room overlooking at Bourbon might make it difficult to sleep...it gets pretty loud. A room overlooking the pool and courtyard might be a better bet if it's a business trip.

[trz412]

I appreciate the help! Thanks.