"The French Quarter does historic aesthetics well, but some more modern buildings also stand out in an appealing way, including Hotel Mazarin, which has a Mediterranean feel that complements the centuries-old Spanish architecture around it. The location, just one all-important block back from Bourbon Street, is as central as it gets, and so it’s perfect for exploring dining and nightlife as well as all the major downtown New Orleans attractions. It feels like a European-style oasis right in the thick of it." - Paul Oswell