Pontchartrain Hotel

"What were your first impressions?There's a timeless elegance to the exterior, a style that hadn’t changed since the 1940s. This carries through to the lobby, with its crimson and emerald overtones, defiantly analogue elevators, and gilded mirrors with gold leaf accents. What’s the crowd like?It's a more refined New Orleans experience. Expect a well-attired crowd rather than the casual party crowd. How are the rooms?My Clio King room had a feeling of post-war luxury: swathes of classy mint, peony pinks and ivy greens color the space, with velvet headboards and chairs. Tiki-style artworks and imitation antique cabinets add to the esoteric but well-curated feel. The bed was defiantly modern, and as comfortable as any of its downtown contemporaries. The bathroom tiling was reassuringly good quality, and the glass cabinet with fake medicines and potions inside was a nice quirky touch. I was happy to see they stocked (real) La Labo products in the bath. How about the little things?The minibar definitely treated you like an adult, with ingredients and barware for Mad Men-era cocktails. The chunky crystal rocks glasses made my Old Fashioned taste even better. Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Wi-Fi was fast, reliable and complimentary. Room service: What's on the menu?The hotel’s more casual dining option, Bayou Bar, serves elevated bar food—mac and cheese; crispy oysters with bacon jam—to your room. Anything else stand out?The hotel's lively restaurant, The Jack Rose, serves exciting but unpretentious New Orleans cuisine with European influences, and has a wonderfully opulent lounge area. The rooftop bar, Hot Tin, is as busy with locals as guests, which is always a good sign, and its city views are unparalleled. Bottom line.It's a unique hotel experience in New Orleans—the absolute attention to design details and value for money make it a must-stay for anyone unafraid to explore outside of the French Quarter." - Paul Oswell