• New Orleans hotels may feature the city's signature wrought-iron balconies.new orleans balconies image by Elly from Fotolia.com
  
  Fodor's Travel Guide says New Orleans is "a city of mesmerizing tranquility." The city began in 1718, when French settlers arrived in what is now known as the French Quarter, which Fodor's calls "the spiritual and cultural heart" of the city. The neighborhood and surrounding areas are famous for a festive atmosphere as well as antique gaslights, cobblestone streets, European architecture and some of the country's finest restaurants. Travelers will also find all sorts of lodging in and around the French Quarter, including some of the city's finest and most expensive hotels.
  
  

W New Orleans--French Quarter

• Fodor's notes New Orleans has a small-town feel. The area around the French Quarter is very walkable, and the W New Orleans--French Quarter hotel is within walking distance of well-known attractions such as St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square and the Mississippi Riverwalk. It's also just a short walk from the Decatur St. Cafe du Monde, a 24-hour coffee shop world-famous for its beignets.
  
  The hotel itself has 98 guest rooms and suites, including four carriage houses. The W New Orleans--French Quarter features amenities such as an outdoor courtyard lounge dubbed the Living Room and an outdoor swimming pool enclosed by a cast-iron gate. Rooms are equipped with featherbeds and 350-thread count sheets, as well as DVD players, minibars and gumball machines.
  
  Local restaurateur Ralph Brennan owns and operates the hotel restaurant Bacco, which serves Italian fare. The W New Orleans--French Quarter also offers Whatever/Whenever service, a 24-hour concierge who is on call to assist guests with all of their needs. Pets are welcome at the hotel.
  
  W New Orleans--French Quarter
  
  316 Chartres St.
  
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  
  504-581-1200
  
  starwoodhotels.com
  
  

Windsor Court Hotel

• According to its website, the Windsor Court Hotel is the sole Louisiana recipient of the Forbes Four Star hotel award; it also received the Four Diamonds Award from AAA. The Forbes Travel Guide says the hotel is family friendly and features one of the city's most popular restaurants, the Grill Room, as well as the Polo Club Lounge for drinks.
  
  The Windsor Court Hotel is located in the city's business district, which is within walking distance of the French Quarter. The Forbes Travel Guide notes the hotel has the feel of the English countryside thanks to its traditional British decor and furniture. Amenities include a heated outdoor swimming pool, gym and 24-hour business center. In-room spa services are available and room service runs 24 hours a day. The hotel has 324 guest rooms, some of which offer views of the Mississippi River.
  
  Windsor Court Hotel
  
  300 Gravier St.
  
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  
  888-596-0955
  
  windsorcourthotel.com
  
  

JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans

• The JW Marriott Hotel New Orleans is situated in the French Quarter, and is within walking distance of area attractions such as Bourbon Street and the Aquarium of the Americas.
  
  The hotel has 494 guest rooms and suites, each of which features terry cloth robes and sumptuous bed linens. The hotel spa offers relaxation treatments such as massage, facials and manicures and there is also a gym and an outdoor swimming pool.
  
  Guests can enjoy Shula's, the hotel's on-site steakhouse named for football coach Don Shula or nearby restaurants including Continental, which serves American fare and seafood and the French restaurant Melange.
  
  JW Marriott New Orleans
  
  614 Canal St.
  
  New Orleans, LA 70130
  
  504-525-6500
  
  marriott.com