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Huge and labryinthine, the swanky Ritz is somewhat difficult to navigate. See the earlier reviews for more details.
-2 stars for:
the crappy Internet service. If I'm paying $13, I should at least get decent DSL speeds. 300Kbps is soooo 1998. If I can get 10Mbps for FREEEEE at a Holiday Inn on the Westbank, I should at least get something comparable when paying at a 5 star luxury hotel.
the ridiculously expensive valet parking. $40? Honky, please.
Granted, the valets were super friendly and helpful and more importantly, super fast. None of the 30 minute wait bullshit that I've been getting at the Crowne Plaza.
+1 Star:
for the insanely comfortable bed. Seriously, the best. bed. ever. It's like sleeping in a 400 thread count marshmallow.
the awesome soap. Bvlgari soap. I smell like a big bucket 'o awesome.
Before writing this review, I was searching for vacation packages because I want to go on vacation -- again. I just came from one several days ago, and I'm still stressed. I was wondering why, when I realized, it's the Ritz, the EVIL staff at Ritz Carlton New Orleans and their cruddy rooms!!!
Let me backtrack a bit. I booked a 3 night, extended weekend stay at the Ritz. We paid for a package, and paid extra to stay at the Ritz because I have stayed at many, many a Ritz Carlton and the quality I was expecting, so I thought, is pretty much the same at all properties. Wrong, oh so wrong!
We were booked into a standard room. I really didn't care to see a view or anything out the window because the Ritz is located at Canal Street, and what am I really going to look at, street traffic? No thanks! If I was in Hawaii and staying at an oceanfront hotel, I would have opted for a completely category. Since this was New Orleans, I'm focusing my vacation time mostly on Bourbon, Royal and Magazine Streets. No time for looking at street traffic. Of course, the room category is where my living hell began.
We arrived at the hotel at night since we came from San Francisco. Even with a direct flight, it's 5 hours minimum. The room we were given reeked of smoke. Couldn't deal with that so my husband phoned the front desk for another room. We were told that a king bed is not available because we checked-in so late. Also, the room about 4 doors down from the elevator and extra hangers I requested when booking the hotel were completely forgotten too. The lady said they only had 2 doubles left if we wanted non-smoking. After more dickering, they upgraded us to a room with 2 kings, semantics, grr!!!
We thought everything was ok, until after we quickly unpacked and went out for dinner at 12 midnight (remember, we wasted 2 hours moving rooms already), it was time to sleep. Except I couldn't, all night long, because there was a weird noise coming from the ceiling. After wasting 1 sleepless night of my 3 night "relaxing" getaway, I called for maintenance to try and fix that noise. A couple of more hours wasted waiting for the guy, we were told that we'd have to move rooms because he'll pretty much have to rip open the ceiling before he could figure out what's wrong.
I called the front desk again and was told that no rooms were available at the time, but wait 2 more hours and they'll see what they could do. We go out for lunch and came back to the front desk, where we were shown another room in the same floor as their spa. This one now had the sound of running water. "Constantly" running water. And then another room, the 1 king bed as usual, nowhere near the elevator. After all the he-- we've been through so far and the sleepless night, they have the chutzpah to dump us onto the same room.
We promptly checked-out, because we have wasted 1-1/2 days of our very short vacation so far switching rooms thanks to the Ritz. While checking-out by the way, my husband overheard another person complaining at the front desk that there's a RAT in his room. Not a mouse, but a RAT!!!
This is the Ritz? Well, the price certainly reflected it (like $36 a day for valet service). That's not so bad if they delivered though, but didn't. It certainly didn't feel like a 5* property, not even 3* by a long shot.
Suzy and I used some miles from our credit card to stay here, so I can't tell you what a room costs. But I can tell you that the service was stellar, we felt like royality. And the room, with ceilings over 10 feet, air conditioner that let you pick your temp (so many hotels have controls that are placebos and don't really change the temp), in room wireless computer access, more free TV than you shake a stick at and the most comfortable beds in hotel ever.
Try the restaurant while you are there, the food and service is superb. Try the jazz lounge too. Everything is so nice. This is how a hotel should be run. Thanks team Ritz-Carlton!
Mega cheap after Katrina. Great bar and nice rooms. Parking rates are outrageous.
great central location and it just blows u away just from walking in the lobby. i mean of course it is the ritz.....very well done
The location is a little away from the hustle and bustle if the quarter, so you will need to walk a little to Bourbon street. Now, this hotel does not disappoint if you have stayed at any of the other properties. I stayed during a business conference so I did not spend much time in the room because of conferences and getting out to explore the great food and frivolity right outside your door.
Location and Service can't be beat!! Close enough to walk to all the action, but just far enough away (2 blocks) to allow yourself to feel rested. The architecture and interior design is of the highest quality and the service is very efficient without being in your face. Stay in Club Level if you can swing it...takes everthing to a whole new level and gives you access to amazing free drinks and food almost all day.
Professional Southern Hospitality at it's best!!
The staff was so helpful and pleasant to be around…
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I was excited to stay here. It's conveniently located 2 blocks away from Bourbon Street. It wasn't as nice as I expected it to be though. The ones I've been to here in Cali were much nicer in comparison.
The rooms were nice and were decorated New Orleans style (old), but were a little small. Staff of course was nice and very attentive. I loved the center courtyard where you can dine, hang-out, or have a smoke. I also expected them to have more amenities. They had no pool and a very small work-out area.
My only complaint is that they only have one restaurant inside and the menu was not too enticing. Thank goodness this place was surrounded by many good restaurants.
Would I stay here again? Probably. But I would probably want to check out the other nice hotels around.
This was my first time staying at a Ritz. I can see how the Ritz-Carlton brand sets the standard for luxxxury hotels.
The room was very nice, complete with NOLA-themed artwork.
The beds/bedding were super awesome, and the climate control was quiet. If it weren't for eating after 10pm, I probably would have gotten a good night's rest every night. Our room was on the 7th floor, facing some nondescript roof, but I think it made for a quieter night (I can't imagine how loud the rooms facing the quarter or Canal were).
They stock the bathroom with white tea scented Bulgari products, which is a nice touch along with the embroidered towels. The bathroom floor was a tad dingy compared to the Renaissance (where I had most recently stayed) -- it didn't bother me as so much I expected better.
The housekeeping was a little miss -- sometimes, they forgot to restock the caffeinated coffee, which is a necessity with the amount of work and play I did. They do nickel-and-dime you on phone calls and internetz, but what luxury hotel doesn't?
The gym is very nice. Probably the best-equipped hotel gym I have ever seen in NOLA (believe me, I've seen a lot of crappy ones). They were open in the wee hours in the morning so that I could sneak in a workout before trudging to work.
It's kind of a maze -- to get the the gym, you have to roll down an elevator, walk across the building, and roll down another elevator. And I never understood the two sets of elevators -- as someone travelling for work, I like to minimize the number of obstacles between the room and my destination (but maybe that's what Motel 6 is for).
The door people were more helpful than the reception people. The valet people were sometimes a little rude. For $36+tax/night, I expect people to be polite. I didn't understand why my seat and radio station had to be adjusted for the short trip to the parking spot.
No airline miles for this stay. Bummer.
Overall, it was a very nice hotel and a good experience... But I'm not sure that I'd stay at this hotel again given the availability of other hotels of this caliber in the area.
Hello New Orleans! When our family of five booked a trip to the Big Easy, we decided to go luxe with two rooms at the Ritz. The rates were bargainous for a Ritz, and the place was elegant and lovely. The location is excellent, walking distance from most of the places we ended up visiting. The hotel isn't brand-spanking-new, but I rather liked the old-fashioned feel. Decor is classic and luxurious in a charming old-lady sort of way - paintings in ornate frames boasting their own canopies, extension cords covered coyly in fabric, opulent armchairs. The rooms are spacious and the beds clean, comfy, and welcoming. At our request, the gracious lady at the registration desk put our family in two adjoining rooms. The concierge was also extremely helpful throughout our trip. My only complaint is that overnight parking and wireless internet were a bit pricier than we were expecting. Otherwise, bravo to the Ritz!
It's not the A-#1 hotel in the Ritz chain, but it's still a Ritz.
The complaints--difficult to use keycard readers in the elevators, maze-like configuration, friendly but dim-witted concierge, maid service that moves things arounds and hides your jewelry in drawers--I can pretty much overlook.
The concierge/club level is worth every extra penny if you're not staying in NO to PAAAAAAAAARTY, and you like having elegant snacks and cocktails in the afternoon (and in the evening, and in the morning, and before you take your midafternoon nap). I had a glass of champagne in my hand pretty much during my entire stay.
Room Service macaroni & cheese on the kid's menu? Order it. I command you. Oh good, it was soooooo good.
This hotel is WAY too perfumy -- from the air in the lobby to the pillows and sheets to the soap in your bathroom. I have been sneezing non-stop all night because of it! I suppose it's better than cigarette smoke...
Another thing that really bugs me about this hotel is the poor keycard readers in the elevators. While it's nice that they use this as a security measure, it's completely ridiculous that so many people get stuck in the elevators because they can't get their keycard read so as to push a button to go to their floor. I can't tell you how many times I've run into people in the elevator who had been in there for several minutes trying to get the keycard reader to work.
And I'm not sure if this was just my room, but you really have to push/pull your door shut -- it gets stuck at the end, and if you're not careful, you could be leaving your room unlocked. The keycard reader for my room also isn't that great.
I also find this hotel frustrating because it is like a maze -- to get from the street to my room, I have to take two different elevators in two different parts of the building. And there are so many different entrances/exits, which makes it even harder to find where you're going.
On the plus side, the staff is very friendly and helpful, the grounds are beautiful (including an outdoor terrace/garden with a romantic gazebo and lots of [perfumy] flowers), they have complimentary jasmine green tea (and English breakfast and earl grey) tea in the room, and it's pretty conveniently located just on the border of the French Quarter but not in it so you can avoid all the noise.
Wow, unbelievably friendly people, very few nickel and dime charges, and super helpful. Nice decor, everything was very posh.
I stayed here for two nights during Mardi Gras weekend 2008. All of the service was friendly, professional, and efficient just as I would expect it to be at this hotel. The Ritz was like an oasis of comfort and tranquility in the middle of all the Mardi Gras madness. The location is perfect, right on Canal near Bourbon Street.
The room (on level 6) was adequate in size and had very nice amenities. The bedding and bath products were top notch. I didn't eat in any of the restaurants, but breakfast from room service was very good.
I didn't give it 5 stars because some things were a bit off, especially for the Ritz. I ordered room service breakfast for 8:30 am with the tag on the door, but they showed up at 6:30am with an order for another room. That wasn't so fun! Also, the hallways are really noisy at night..the doors are very thin with little soundproofing. You will hear the room service carts or people talking in the hall all night long.
What an amazing display of 'southern hospitality'. This hotel continued to surprise me every minute I was there. First, the house car was sent to pick us up, no taxi for us! Upon arrival, Ben was warm, friendly, and accommodating. We asked him what 2 gals should do on a Sunday night, he went and asked some employees who were locals for suggestions. While he was asking, we were treated to free champagne cocktails in the lounge. Upon his return, armed with suggestions, he offered more champagne. Only this time it was a whole bottle! What a perfect note to start out our New Orleans vacation!
Throughout the week, any and all staff members we came across from the maid to the manager, greeted us with smiles and waves. When cream cheese was missing off our room service tray, the breakfast was free. When there was only one robe in the room, another was brought promptly.
The rooms were comfy and clean. The room service was yummy and fair priced. The hotel also has a life sized gingerbread room! Being that it was Christmas time, there was nothing better than walking up to you room and grabbing a handful of gumdrops on your way! Truly spectacular.
This was by far the best service I have ever received at a hotel. Period. If you are going to New Orleans, please stay here, you wont regret it.
The NOLA Ritz is beautiful, stunning architectural and decorating details, friendly service, super comfortable beds... its everything that you would expect from a Ritz-Carlton. Some of the rooms are on the smaller side, and if you're sharing a bed be aware that they are also quite petite.
But here's the thing... you go to New Orleans where you're probably going to spend, what, just an hour or so a day in your room or the hotel itself. Do you really want to spent $400-$500 a night? It was a nice experience, but next time I'll stay at one of the other three dozen nice hotels in the area which are also a stones throw from the French Quarter.
This property and very Nice. Many amenities and the rooms are a decent size. The beds are great, the toiletries are top quality.
When I checked in, they were very prompt and courteous. They even recognized me as a repeat visitor. No room upgrade though : (
The only thing I don't like are the towels. They are nice, but seem a bit rough. Just not really that soft. Also, since this is my third time staying here, I always noticed that the sink and tub drain slowly.
Other than that, everything is great. I don't spend a lot of time at the hotel it self, with all that NOLA has too offer, but I do think they make pretty good drinks at the bar.
If you are thinking about staying in NOLA, and if the price is not too high, this place is worth it. Most of the time, the hotel price is comparable to others.
The also have twice-a-day housekeeping service. It is always nice to come back after a night out to a clean and refreshed room.
Wow, that's all I can say. This hotel truly rolls out the red carpet for its guests. The rooms here are extremely nice, complete with extremely comfortable beds. If you're on the Concierge level, the staff will even unpack your bags for you! The fitness area is very nice, with each workout machine having its own individual LCD TV screen. The pool here is small, but it is indoors and very nice. I love the NOLA Ritz.
I had a fabulous stay here and would LOVE to go back. For me, it's all about the little details, from the fabulous scent of the lobby (not sure if it was the flowers or candles or what, but it was amazing) to staff members all knowing our names, but everything was spot-on. My fiance' and I visited the spa for massages, which were fabulous. The women's locker room was great- very spacious and fully stocked with soaps, shampoos, and any haircare products anyone might need, as well as hair dryers. I loved the lounge area and could have spent quite a while in there reading magazines, but didn't have time to spare to do so. Apparently the men's locker room was just as nice but totally different. The staff in all areas of the hotel were incredibly friendly and helpful. I look forward to another stay sometime in the future.
It's not the Ritz of every other major metro, but it's still the Ritz.
I've stayed here multiple times. Service is always what you would expect....consistent, pleasant, and prompt. This location is very close to the French Quarter, so it is very easy to walk to most of the prime locations in the city. My only real issue with this hotel (and many others like it) is that the Wifi was not free! I hate being 'nickel and dimed' at a nice establishment. It seems that if Days Inn can offer free Wifi, the Ritz should be able to do the same. Also, beware of navigating within the hotel. Clearly, the current configuration is a combination of two previously freestanding hotels/buildings. This makes for a very convoluted coming and going. Just to get to the backside of the hotel from my room I had to catch three separate elevators and walk through three distinct areas of the hotel. Overall, I enjoyed my stay.
[Update 2008] The Library is a private cigar club now but you can purchase a day pass.
This hotel is probably my favorite in New Orleans. It is elegant but not too gawdy. The rooms a very nice and they have a huge day spa too.
The library lounge was my favorite place to hang out and relax and it opens up to the beautiful courtyard. [see photos]
I only stayed here once pre-Katrina for the Bayou Classic event. Its only two seconds away from Bourbon Street and is, I think, one of the oldest buildings around.
It definately plays up the "old school" aspect, with big wooden chairs in every room and old world carpet and walls. The rooms weren't Huge but very spacious. As you would exspect with a Ritz-Carlton full service is for everyone and whatever you want they will find or make for you.
You could never tell how nice it is at just looking at the outside but It has got to be one of the nicest hotels in New Orleans.
Truly a five star experience all the way around. From check-in to departure we were treated like royalty. The gym was outstanding as well. It not only has a great cardio area but a well equiped weight room. The jacuzzi and pool with downstream current was fantastic as well. The room was extremely large, quiet, and well appointed. We stayed on the 14th floor. The staff was just fantastic and friendly. They went out of their way to make us feel home at every step of the way. I will be back for sure.
What can I say, I had a special event here and the staff was AMAZING. My crowd out grew our original space and after they had filled the room with chairs (they just kept moving them in every time someone new would come) they finally moved us to a great large room. No additional charge. Just great service. For only a $200 facility rental fee, I was treated like a princess which I can certainly appreciate. I didn't have to do anything but show up and point where I wanted things to be.
A little pricey but you may be able to get a better deal if you call the hotel directly. I paid $149 per night and it was a great deal. The bed was SO great, the furnishings were VERY nice, and the staff was very helpful. The location is top notch and much quieter than staying deeper in the French Quarter. I think I was in the elevator with Mick Jagger - or some other old guy with long hair - I'm not real sure. I would stay here again in a minute.
I plan on staying at this hotel everytime I visit the city. Now I have to admit that I am an employee of the Ritz Carlton so my expectations are extremely high. And they lived up to every one of them. The Ladies and Gentlemen were incredibly attentive, helpful, and friendly. Someone else said "Southern Hospitality at its best!" Completely true. I've now stayed here twice, and this will be my hotel from now on. In fact, I will plan my trips based on being able to get a room here, honestly. Aside from the truly wonderful staff, the room was great. The bed alone is worth staying here for. It's huge and comfy and make you feel right at home. The Bulgari bath products are my fav, so I always take some home with me. But the simple fact that this magnificent hotel is just TWO blocks from Bourbon St makes it the total package. We walked everywhere from the hotel and didn't really ever have to bother with the car. I love, love, love this hotel and hope that my hotel in Dallas is equally as wonderful to our guests.
This was a great place to stay for a conference. The rooms are big and really comfortable and quiet. Staff were quick on their feet. Courtyard bar was very nice to have drink. A little windy maybe. Will be back.
A beautiful old school look right in the heart of the action. It was very affordable for what we received. The club level, which we stayed on, has a buffet and all you can drink wine and champagne. I just wish that they had goodies when we got back from the bars. The bed was so amazing and the bath was huge. The day spa was such a nice pleasure at the end of the trip. Next time I will for sure spend at least a half day in it.
We thoroughly enjoyed our week long stay! Staff is wonderful and they go out of their way to please you. This is the best hotel in the city in my opinion. I highly recommend it!
Probably one of the most elegant hotel experiences that I have had. Prior to the Katrina disaster, I stayed here on business and it was undergoing a major renovation. Despite the construction goings on, the staff was amazingly attentive, the food was incredible (of course, our staff was treated to a private dinner prepared by the executive chef), and everyone called me by my name wherever I went. Felt a little too pampered...
Okay. Pretty amazing is all I can say. As one of those people who always thinks New Orleans reminds me of New Orleans Square at Disneyland, the Ritz Carlton made me fall in love with the real thing. Ride the elevator from the car park to the lobby and you'll find yourself in a small, welcoming and tranquil space that says you've arrived. The decor is understated yet stunning, the scent of verbena and jasmine fills the lobby and immediately you feel both relaxed and invigorated. Hard to believe the neon and noise of Bourbon Street is only a few blocks away! I still can't decide what was more spectacular, our room with two king beds and two televisions, (and a great view as well) or the courtyard with it's gas lamps and magnolias. I think I spent equal time in both. The staff was professional and courteous, but not particularly notable, except for the concierge who actually walked outside to give directions, and the maid who turned down our room at night.The service at the restaurant off the lobby was not so great as I had to three times ask for more of their great New Orleans coffee. One cup is not enough! But my friend loved the fitness center (always a plus in any stay) and the pool was great. Yes it was expensive, but definitely worth it!
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New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA
Category: Hotels
New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
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