Le Pavillon Hotel

"Why book?This hotel opened, and has been operational since 1907, and along with the Roosevelt and the Monteleone, is one of the grande dames of the New Orleans hotel scene. Its storied history is apparent in the period art that adorns the public spaces, but the hotel is also enjoying a welcome renovation that has brought the public spaces right into the 21st century. Set the scene:The hotel dominates its block on Poydras Street, and its location almost bridges the space between the historic French Quarter and the Central Business District (CBD). The huge marble pillars that have stood at the entrance since its opening make it a regal, stand-out sight, a beautiful contrast to the surrounding glass and steel commercial buildings. Guests are a real cross-section, with more mature couples who enjoy the history mixing with younger couples looking for a hint of romance to their stay. The backstory:As noted, the hotel opened in 1907 as the New Hotel Denechaud, revolutionary at the time for being a completely fireproof hotel with modern plumbing and the grandest of interior designs. Since then, some of the superficial aspects of the interior have changed, but many of the huge artworks and period antiques from that time have remained, and speak to its grand historic legacy. A succession of owners and a name change have ensued, with the current iteration finally updating the lobby area, which was edging into shabbiness. The rooms:The guest rooms were looking tired as the hotel entered the 21st century, but a thoughtful modernization means that even the entry-level rooms compete with any of Le Pavillon’s peers. Golds and grays provide a classy color palette, the creaking period furniture replaced with shiny new fixtures that still retain a traditional style. Floor-to-ceiling windows allow for generous levels of daylight, and modernist chandeliers mix with brocade wall hangings to produce an eclectic but cohesive look. The white marble bathrooms have been retained, and they provide an elevated experience. If you splash out on the honeymoon suite you can bathe in a marble bathtub that was once owned by Napoleon Bonepart, which is as impressive as it gets in this city. The hotel’s suites are decorated around various local themes, the Dauphine Suite with its library is among the best. Food and drink:The lobby bar, Cachette 1907, serves hand-crafted cocktails, local beers, bar bites and dinner. It’s a relatively casual affair, with plates such as truffle fries, charcuterie and crab cakes. The physical bar itself is original, so it’s well worth stopping by for a mint julep even if you’re heading into the Quarter to dine out. The neighborhood:The French Quarter is a couple of minutes on foot, and so all of the city’s nightlife and entertainment is easily accessible. The galleries and boutiques of the CBD are also very close, as are world-class attractions such as the National World War II Museum. The service:Although the hotel has an upper-crust reputation, the service is less stuffy than it has been historically, and the front desk staff radiate a casual friendliness. Accessibility:The hotel’s historic status means that accessibility is not as, well, accessible, as more modern hotels, but roll-in showers and accessible bathrooms can be offered if requested in advance. Anything left to mention?The hotel has a great rooftop pool that is less noisy and less prone to the party crowd than some of its younger peers. There’s also a lovely tradition that isn’t widely advertised. Since the 1970s, every night at 10pm, the lobby serves complimentary peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and glasses of milk, which you can enjoy even if you’re not a hotel guest." - Paul Oswell