New Orleans isn't a city where you look for "perfect." You look for soul. You look for that specific, slightly humid magic that smells like jasmine and expensive bourbon. If you’ve spent any time walking the transition line between the French Quarter and the Central Business District, you’ve seen it: the massive, historic Maison Blanche building. It’s white. It’s imposing. It’s the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, and honestly, it’s one of the few places left that doesn’t feel like a cookie-cutter luxury box.
Most people get it wrong. They think the Ritz is just a place for people with too much money and stiff collars. That’s not it. In this city, the hotel acts more like a living room for the local elite and a sanctuary for travelers who realized the hard way that Bourbon Street is actually pretty gross after 10:00 PM.
The History Is Actually Real
The building itself dates back to 1908. It was originally a department store—the Maison Blanche—which explains why the ceilings are so impossibly high and the windows are so huge. When you walk in today, you aren't on the ground floor. You have to take the elevator up to the third floor to even check in. That’s a deliberate design choice that separates the chaos of Canal Street from the serenity of the lobby. It works.
You’ve got the Beaux-Arts architecture, which is a fancy way of saying it looks like a European palace decided to take a vacation in the South. But it’s not just about the stone and the crown molding. This building survived Katrina. It survived the decline of the American department store. It’s a survivor.
Jeremy DeWitt, a long-time hospitality observer in the South, often points out that the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans managed to preserve the "grand dame" energy of the 20th century while most other hotels were stripping away character to look "modern" and "minimalist." Minimalist doesn't work in New Orleans. This is a maximalist city.
Why the Club Level Isn't a Gimmick
If you’re going to stay at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, and you’ve got the budget, the Club Level is basically a hotel within a hotel. Usually, these "exclusive" lounges at other chains are just a place for free sodas and some stale pretzels. Here, it’s different. They do five food presentations a day.
I’m talking about actual local food. Gumbo that tastes like someone’s grandmother made it. Pralines. A candy bar that makes grown adults act like children. The "Concierge" staff on the Club Level aren't just booking dinner reservations; they’re basically fixers. They know which jazz clubs are actually playing good music and which ones are just tourist traps charging $20 for a lukewarm beer.
The Davenport Lounge: More Than Just a Bar
You can't talk about this hotel without talking about Jeremy Davenport. He’s the resident jazz headliner. He plays trumpet, he sings, and he looks like he stepped out of a 1950s film set.
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The Davenport Lounge is where the vibe of the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans really clicks. It’s located right off the lobby. On Wednesday through Saturday nights, the place is packed. You’ll see locals in formal wear sitting next to tourists in cargo shorts. Nobody cares. The music is the equalizer.
- The cocktails are stiff.
- The seating is plush velvet.
- The acoustics are surprisingly good for a hotel lobby.
- There is no cover charge, which is wild considering the caliber of the musicians.
One thing to note: if you want a table, show up early. Like, 45 minutes early. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city for a reason, and they don't exactly "hold" seats for people who aren't staying in the building unless you have some serious pull.
The Spa Is a Literal Maze
New Orleans is a city of excess. You eat too much, you drink too much, and you walk about ten miles on uneven cobblestones. Your body eventually breaks. That’s where the spa comes in.
It is the largest spa in the city. 25,000 square feet. It has 22 treatment rooms. But the headline act is the "Voodoo Ritual." Yes, it sounds like a tourist gimmick. No, it actually isn't. It’s a 80-minute treatment that involves incense, local herbs, and a massage that focuses on clearing "blocked energy." Whether you believe in the mystical side of NOLA or not, it’s a hell of a way to spend two hours.
The fitness center is also there, but let’s be real. Nobody comes to New Orleans to run on a treadmill. You’re here for the steam room and the cafe au lait.
Room Specs and Reality Checks
The rooms are classic. Don't expect "industrial chic" or "scandinavian mid-century." Expect heavy drapes, fine linens, and marble bathrooms that are bigger than most New York City apartments.
- Deluxe Rooms: These are the base level. They’re around 400-450 square feet. Plenty of room, but the view can be hit or miss depending on which side of the building you’re on.
- Executive Suites: These give you a separate living area. Highly recommended if you’re traveling with someone and you don't want to be on top of each other the whole time.
- The Ritz-Carlton Suite: This is the "celebrity" suite. It has a wrap-around balcony that looks over the French Quarter. It’s expensive. It’s also where you want to be if you’re watching a parade on Canal Street.
A quick reality check: The building is old. That means occasionally you’ll hear the hum of an old elevator or the muffled sound of a streetcar on Canal Street. To me, that’s part of the charm. If you want a soundproof vacuum, go stay at a Hilton by the airport.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Location
People see "Canal Street" and they worry about the noise or the crowds. Canal Street is the main artery of the city. Yes, it’s busy. Yes, there are people selling glowing toys and street performers everywhere.
But the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans sits on the "good" side of Canal. Cross the street and you’re in the French Quarter. Walk three blocks the other way and you’re at the Saenger Theatre or the Roosevelt. You are essentially at the pivot point of the entire city. You don't need a car. You barely need an Uber.
The M Bistro Situation
The signature restaurant is M Bistro. It’s fine. It’s good. The farm-to-table concept is executed well, and they source a lot of stuff from Louisiana and Mississippi.
Honestly though? New Orleans is one of the best food cities on the planet. While the breakfast at M Bistro is top-tier (get the lemon ricotta pancakes), you should be eating your dinners at places like GW Fins, Arnaud's, or Peche, which are all within walking distance. Use the hotel as your home base, but don't eat every meal there. The city is too delicious to stay inside.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s be honest. This isn't a cheap stay. During Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, the rates at the Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans can climb into the thousands.
Is it worth it?
If you value service, yes. There is a level of "Southern Hospitality" here that isn't fake. The bellmen have been there for decades. They remember names. They know which bars are currently "hot" and which ones are currently "trash." That kind of institutional knowledge is rare in an era where most hotel staff are seasonal hires.
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If you just want a bed to crash in after a bender, go somewhere else. You’ll be wasting your money. But if you want the feeling of being "taken care of" in a city that can sometimes feel overwhelming, this is the spot.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you’re planning to book, keep these three things in mind to actually get your money's worth:
- Book the Club Level if you can. If you factor in the cost of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and cocktails for two people in New Orleans (which is easily $200+ a day), the price jump for the Club Level often pays for itself.
- Request a room facing the interior courtyard. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid the Canal Street side. The courtyard rooms are pin-drop quiet and look over the beautiful French-inspired gardens.
- Check the Saenger Theatre schedule. It’s right across the street. If a big Broadway tour is in town, the hotel will be buzzing, but the traffic will be a nightmare. Plan your arrival time accordingly.
- Talk to the Concierge about "The Garden District." Everyone goes to the French Quarter. The Ritz staff can set up a private tour of the Garden District cemeteries and mansions that avoids the big bus tours. Do it.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans represents a version of the city that is polished but not sterilized. It’s still got the ghosts of the Maison Blanche department store in the walls, and it still smells like expensive perfume and old wood. It’s a classic for a reason.
How to Book for the Best Rates
Check the Marriott Bonvoy portal directly. Because this is a Ritz property, you can use points, but the redemption rates are often high. Look for "Member Rates" which usually shave 5-10% off the public price. Also, if you’re a AAA member, the discount here is actually substantial—sometimes up to $50 a night.
Final Pro Tip
Walk into the Davenport Lounge around 5:00 PM on a Friday. Order a French 75. Watch the room fill up. It’s the best people-watching in the South, hands down. You’ll see the "Old Money" of New Orleans clinking glasses with tech founders and jazz musicians. It’s the soul of the city in a single room.
Next Steps for Your Trip
- Verify your travel dates against the New Orleans convention calendar; prices spike during "city-wide" events.
- If staying during a festival, book your spa treatments at least three weeks in advance.
- Download the Marriott Bonvoy app to use the mobile check-in feature, which allows you to bypass the lobby queue during peak hours.