Location. Located next to the French Quarter and occupying the Maison Blanche and Kress buildings, the Ritz- Carlton New Orleans (La.) is open for the first time since Hurricane Katrina. A $100 million refurbishment was completed at the end of 2006. The stately hotel stands eight blocks from Jackson Square and within one mile of the Louisiana State Museum and Bourbon Street. Hotel Features. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans features a French courtyard with scenic gardens, gas- lit lamp posts and cushioned, wrought-iron seating. Lion and serpent gargoyles, glazed terra cotta exteriors, Greek key moldings, ionic columns and prismatic glass illustrate the hotel's Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau architecture and style. The new signature restaurant, Melange, celebrates local cuisine with loan recipes from top local restaurants amidst a backdrop of live jazz music. On Trois lobby lounge displays antiques and original artworks, offers daily afternoon tea service, and serves sandwiches, salads, and fine wines. Chris McMillan, the hotel's premier mixologist, offers unique cocktails at the Library Lounge. The Spa offers extravagant treatments under sparkling chandeliers, including Prada facials and the luxurious Napoleon's Royal Massage, a hydrotherapy bath and lemon verbena- infused Swedish massage. Elegant meeting and event spaces are available, including two ballrooms. The hotel offers conference concierge and business center service. Wireless Internet access is complimentary. Guestrooms. Guestrooms offer feather beds dressed wtih duvets, 500-thread count Frette linens and extra pillows. Marble bathrooms boast Bvlgari toiletries, terrycloth bathrobes, lighted makeup mirrors and a weight scale. Club Level accommodations include daily appetizers, complimentary breakfasts in the Club Lounge and guestrooms with fireplace facades, canopy beds with Egyptian cotton linens and hardwood floors. Club level is accessed through a private entrance on the Maison Orleans side.

Expert Tip. As part of the multimillion-dollar post-Katrina renovation, the hotel celebrates all things New Orleans by offering a crawfish concierge, a snowball sommelier in the summer and the famed Marie Laveau Voodoo Love Massage by candlelight in the spa. This property is smoke-free. Reconnect Package Promotion: Book a stay in the Reconnect Package rate plan and receive complimentary full breakfasts for two guest daily and one $25 resort credit valid at on-site facilities. Breakfast offer does not include room service. No refund or credit for unused portions. Other restrictions may apply.

Room Types:

Executive Suite:   One king bed with feather mattress topper and 500-thread-count linens. Desk. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). TV with premium cable channels and video games. CD player. Clock radio. Minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Complimentary newspaper. Nonsmoking.

City View King Room:   One king bed with feather mattress topper and 500-thread-count linens. Desk. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). TV with premium cable channels and video games. CD player. Clock radio. Minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Complimentary newspaper. Nonsmoking.

The Ritz-Carlton Club Level Room:   One king bed with feather mattress topper and 500-thread-count linens. Desk. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). TV with premium cable channels and video games. Complimentary newspaper. CD player. MP3-compatible Clock radio. Minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Large marble bathroom. Includes access to Club Level Lounge with daily complimentary breakfast, snacks, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts plus tea service on Fridays and Saturdays. Complimentary bar service. 24-hour private concierge service. Nonsmoking.

Limited View Room:   One king bed with feather mattress topper and 500-thread-count linens. Desk. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). TV with premium cable channels and video games. CD player. Clock radio. Minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Complimentary newspaper. Nonsmoking.

City View - Two Double Beds:   Two double beds with feather mattress topper and 500-thread-count linens. Desk. High-speed Internet access (surcharge). TV with premium cable channels and video games. CD player. Clock radio. Minibar. Hair dryer. Iron/ironing board. Complimentary newspaper. Nonsmoking.

Driving Directions: From Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport: Approximate distance to the hotel is 17 miles.

Follow signs to I-10/East Slidell. Take Exit 235-A for Orleans Avenue/Vieux Carre. Follow the ramp and keep to the right for eight blocks. Continue on Orleans Avenue, which becomes Basin Street. Turn left on Conti Street. Drive three blocks to Dauphine Street and turn right. Turn right on Canal Street. The hotel is located on the right.