Boutique hotels have at last come to New Orleans. The trend was established in 1999 by the voodoo-infused International House and two sleek W Hotels. The Monaco's grey, neoclassical façade is in amusing contrast to its exuberant interior. In the reception area, gauzy curtains set off two plush seating areas of big, overstuffed sofas and chairs. It's a popular gathering place for early-evening drinks, when a masseuse works on guests' tight shoulders. For the more retiring, there is the almost-secret lobby-ette. Heavily curtained, the room resembles a sheikh's tent. Cobalt, the Susan Spicer restaurant, is adjacent to the hotel and serves rich, imaginative food while the big, curving bar has become a magnet for New Orleans' hip professionals, business trippers and tourists. There are 250 rooms (22 of them suites) where the techie amenities are excellent (high-speed Internet access, two-line phone, voicemail).
WHEN TO GO
February for Mardi Gras. Avoid the deadly hot summer months at all costs
WHICH ROOM TO BOOK
For Mardi Gras, a St Charles-facing, second-floor room for a bird's-eye parade view
CONTACT
Hotel Monaco, 333 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 (00 1 504 561 0010; fax: 561 0036; www.monaco-neworleans.com). Doubles £125-£300 |
