There are a handful of cities that if dropped into without prior knowledge of where you were going, you would be able to tell where you are based on their character: San Francisco, Boston, San Antonio and New Orleans. New Orleans, otherwise known as NOLA or “The Big Easy”, has a ton of history and fun. Whether you have been to NOLA many times or never, there is something for you.

When visiting the Crescent City (look at an aerial view of the city), the place to stay is the Windsor Court Hotel. Located in the heart of the Central Business District in downtown New Orleans and within two blocks walking distance of the French Quarter, Mississippi River and Warehouse/Arts District, you will not find a finer location to experience what NOLA is all about.  Texans can easily be in New Orleans via car or air and the hotel is just 15 miles from New Orleans International Airport (MSY).

As one can imagine, you have many places to choose from when visiting this fine city in the South, but if you want to know where you are from the moment you check in until the moment you leave, choose this beautiful property that was developed in 1984 and renovated in 2018. It is a 23-story landmark hotel with a $10 million collection of art displayed throughout. A self-guided tour of the collection is recommended during your stay. The Windsor Court has earned the AAA Four Diamond recognition for 21 consecutive years as well as boasting Four-Star accreditation from Forbes Travel Guide (since 2007).

Be sure to book a Club Level room which provides access to The Club Lounge with a stunning skyline view, a dedicated concierge, continental breakfast, afternoon tea service and cocktails/Hors d’oeuvres daily. Finish the day off with cordials & desserts nightly.

You are here, now what?

Upon arrival if you are driving, you will turn your car over to the valet, where it will be tucked away safely in their private parking garage. Guests are greeted at check-in as though you are the VIP that you are. A room key that looks to be made of wood will be your access to elegance.  In The Club Lounge guests have access to unlimited food and drink, to include beer, mixed drinks, wine and glass bottles of Coca-Cola. The Club Level Premium Suites are found on the top four floors with easy key-only access to the Club. The hotel is a popular place for families of Saints fans to congregate on game weekends.

Dining on site

Be sure to make a meal in The Grill Room part of your itinerary. A fine dining destination with the most extensive wine collection in the city, to include a bottle of 2018 Chateau Petrus (look it up), you will not be disappointed. The most exquisite item on the menu is Chateau Uenae Wagyu Hokkaido, Japan ($65/oz with a 4 oz minimum). If this is outside your price range, the Linz Heritage Filet Mignon and Ribeye are excellent choices. For the non-meat eaters in the group items such as the Eggplant & Squash Cassoulet is an option. Sides of sauteed mushrooms and pomme puree (fancy name for mashed potatoes) can be ordered to share.   

For those not selecting a club level room, you have the option to book an experience at Le Salon for their traditional afternoon tea. Offering a selection of 14 of the finest loose-leaf variety brews, decadent English tea sandwiches, house-made seasonal scones served with raspberry preserves, Devonshire crème, Lemon Curd & Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream, the stand’s top tier holds the coveted sweet treats, Chocolate Covered Strawberry & Truffle, Miniature Cake and Tartlet while a harpist or pianist sets the ambiance. This is a wonderful way to slow down and relax in a town known for its energy and nonstop fun.

The extras

> Transportation – Chauffeur services and EV charging stations are for added convenience. A house car is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The complimentary house car is available for short rides within a three-mile range.

>  Pampered Pets Program – Windsor Court welcomes four-legged friends who are 40 lbs. and under with special perks such as a plush dog bed, a placemat with a food and water bowl, and an area walking map. The pet fee is $150. The Windsor Court team requests the pet’s name and breed prior to arrival for a proper welcome while also offering complimentary dog walking service.

> As a child friendly hotel, The Windsor Court, presents Knights in Training. Upon arrival, children receive a map of the immediate area that highlights landmarks along with a local coloring book. Once children visit the destinations on the map, they may turn the map in for a Windsor Court doubloon, which may be redeemed for a treat at Café Anglais.

Other activities to entertain you during your stay are The Polo Club, The Pool Bar, Café Anglais, the Windsor Court Spa, rooftop pool (reopens March 14, 2023) and fitness center.

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Photo courtesy The Windsor Court Hotel

Selena Swartzfager is a travel writer, nonprofit president, an amateur athlete, lover of adventures and life. Her favorite type of travel allows her to learn about history while enjoying things for the first time. Follow her on Instagram.