Roosevelt Hotel: a mix of New Orleans history and luxury

The Roosevelt Hotel

123 Baronne Street (drive-up entrance on the other side, at University Place, it changes from O’Keefe at Canal)

New Orleans, Louisiana 70112

504-648-1200

http://www.therooseveltneworleans.com/

By Jane Feehan

Walk into the newly renovated Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans and you’ll think you’ve entered the Gilded Age of late 19th-century America. Shimmering chandeliers, golden columns and dramatically tiled floors frame this entrance into its opulent past.

Opened in the 1890s as the Grunewald Hotel, the name was changed to the Roosevelt thirty years later in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt who stayed there an evening or two. The hotel’s storied past comes to us primarily in the context of Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long’s escapades. The Roosevelt served as his home away from home and unofficial headquarters while he visited New Orleans in the 1930s. This is, as history has it, where Long reigned over his court, doling out and receiving political favors.

The hotel operated as the Fairmont when Hurricane Katrina hit in 2005. Hilton Corporation bought the property a few years after the storm; it is now part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection.

The rooms, beautifully appointed in furnishings with colors that may remind one of its past, are comfortable and quiet. The bathrooms are not large but completely updated and modernized. Roosevelt's décor does not stray far from its history –a welcome ambience in this world of stainless steel and glass.

Filled with visitors and local business types at cocktail hour, the Sazerac Bar is a warm, lively place to visit before dining at any number of places within walking distance. John Besh's Domenica, inside the Roosevelt, offers a terrific lunch or dinner experience.

Excellent service is provided by an efficient, accessible staff. A billing issue was settled within an hour of my query by an employee who gave me her email address to resolve it – something rarely seen at other hotels. The French Quarter is a walk away. Visit the Roosevelt Hotel and experience New Orleans history. Hilton Rewards Points. Parking - $38 per day. © 2010 All rights reserved. New Orleans, Louisiana.

Tags: New Orleans restaurants, dining reviews New Orleans

Marriott New Orleans at French Quarter

Marriott New Orleans
555 Canal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-581-1000
888-364-1200
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msyla-new-orleans-marriott/

By Jane Feehan

Marriott New Orleans, located on the edge of the French Quarter, is a hub of activity. And, many rooms in its 41 stories offer spectacular views of the Mississippi River. But if you’re looking for luxury, it’s not in standard accommodations.

We stayed on the 21st floor, concierge level. The rooms were tired looking and on the small side, which I can deal with, but the bathroom was outdated and, sorry to say – moldy in spots. It’s time for a good cleaning – and a renovation. Also only one bar of soap was left for two of us; I had to call for more soap and towels.

That said, the food in the concierge level was good and the staff, though short in number during the busy breakfast hours, was outstanding.

The best part about this hotel is its proximity to restaurants, night spots, street entertainers and the trolley line to other parts of the city. If driving to the Marriott New Orleans, plan on spending about $30 a day for parking (par with other cities) with valet service.

I didn’t try their restaurants – too many to sample in the Quarter. I did order coffee through room service and it was delivered fast. ©Jane Feehan. All rights reserved.

Christmas at the Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans

Roosevelt Hotel at Christmas
123 Baronne Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
504-648-1200
www.therooseveltneworleans.com

By Jane Feehan

If you’re in New Orleans in December, stop by for the eye feast at the Roosevelt Hotel. Re-opened this summer after many years under different ownership and name, the Roosevelt dressed up their lobby in magnificent lights for their first Christmas holiday season.

The Roosevelt Hotel encourages visitors to stop by to have a look and take photos, to visit their gift shop or to sip on one of their signature Sazerac cocktails from a mini bar set up for the holidays in the lobby. If you have time, visit the lively (even in mid-afternoon) Sazerac Bar, or dine at Domenica, which is open for lunch and dinner (fabulous).

For those with children, a stop at Teddy’s Café is a must to view the model trains display replete with a beautiful gingerbread and candy village. While there, sample one of their wonderful sweets or coffees.

If nothing else will get you in the holiday mood, a visit to the Roosevelt will. TIP: park in one of the two public garages nearby rather than using the valet service at the hotel if you’re not going to be there more than two hours. The Roosevelt charges $15 for the day, nothing less, while the public garages charge $4 for the first hour. © 2009 All rights reserved.

Tags: New Orleans hotels, Roosevelt Hotel, Waldorf Hotels

New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway

New Orleans Marriott Metairie at Lakeway
3838 N. Causeway Boulevard
Metairie, LA 70002
504-836-5253
866-882-4377

By Jane Feehan

This Marriott property, best for business travel, lies at the foot of the causeway over Lake Pontchartrain. It’s located within a business center and is pretty quiet over the weekend. If you’re a traveler with Platinum Marriott Reward status expecting access to the concierge room on a Sunday night, it may not be open because few guests are registered at that time. They’ll compensate with a coupon good for a choice of appetizers from the bar.

That said, accommodations and facilities such as the fitness center are excellent; rooms and the lobby seem to be recently updated and are very attractive. Bar 38 is busy on week nights with business travelers. This hotel is close to a good shopping center, a Whole Foods and a great restaurant, Andrea’s (see my review), just a few blocks away. I had a room on the 16th floor with a fairly good vista of the lake, which is impressive. My photo isn’t great, but it gives an idea of the view. This is a pleasant hotel with an excellent staff extending New Orleans hospitality. Parking: $10 self parking daily, $15 for valet daily. About six miles from the French Quarter.