"Housed in the historic World Trade Center on Canal Street, this 341-room luxury property overlooks the Mississippi and offers an outdoor pool and restaurants by Alon Shaya and Donald Link. A Mardi Gras–themed lobby installation of colorful papier-mâché flowers by local float artists sets a festive tone; guests can enjoy a special milk punch at the Chandelier Bar and a limited run of king cakes from the pastry kitchen. For elevated parade viewing, the hotel sells a balcony package at Herbsaint, Donald Link’s St. Charles Avenue restaurant." - Lyndsey Matthews