Experiencing The Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans

While the Big Easy often brings to mind images of Hurricane cocktails on Bourbon Street and vibrant Mardi Gras festivities, it also boasts a rapidly growing luxury hotel scene with newcomers like Four Seasons and the upcoming Nobu Hotel.

Curious about how some of New Orleans' established luxury hotels stack up against the new competition, I chose to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans this summer during a trip with my mother.

After spending two nights at this 24-year-old establishment, I observed how the hotel is embracing the motto 'laissez les bons temps rouler' (French for 'let the good times roll'), all while preparing for its milestone quarter-century anniversary next year.

Discover what it's like to stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.

What defines The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans?

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans boasts an impressive beaux arts façade that spans an entire block on the lively Canal Street. Once the site of the Maison Blanche department store, this building transitioned throughout the 20th century from a retail hub—housing the city’s first radio station—to an ultraluxury hotel.

Located just steps from Bourbon Street, the hotel offers a peaceful escape from the nearby nightlife. Embrace the luxury and choose your own adventure, we encourage you to indulge.

How to reserve your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

My stay was complimentary, but during my visit, cash rates for The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans began at $300 per night (it was late August, the slower, humid season). Marriott Bonvoy members should book directly through Marriott to accumulate elite-qualifying nights and enjoy all the benefits linked to their loyalty tier.

Alternatively, holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express can make reservations through the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts platform, which offers premium perks like noon check-in, upgrades based on availability, daily breakfast, guaranteed late checkout, and a $100 on-site food-and-beverage credit.

When planning your stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, consider using a credit card that maximizes points for Marriott stays and may offer automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status for additional benefits, including:

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; enjoy automatic Platinum Elite status; and receive 25 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; enjoy automatic Gold Elite status; and earn 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; receive automatic Gold Elite status; and earn 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; enjoy automatic Gold Elite status; and receive 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card: Earn 6 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; enjoy automatic Silver Elite status; and earn 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card: Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels; receive automatic Silver Elite status; and earn 15 elite night credits each year toward a higher tier.

The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful card has been independently compiled by Dinogo. The details on this page have not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

The location

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans is positioned on the southwestern edge of the French Quarter, just a block from Bourbon Street. If you're arriving at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), expect approximately a 20-minute drive to the hotel, depending on traffic conditions.

With the French Quarter right at the hotel's doorstep, guests can also embrace their inner Tennessee Williams by boarding a New Orleans Regional Transit Authority streetcar that runs along Canal Street. The historic St. Charles Streetcar, the oldest line, begins just a block south at Canal and Carondelet Streets, whisking you into the charming Garden District, popular among architecture lovers and savvy shoppers looking for unique boutiques.

The accommodations

My mother and I were graciously upgraded to a Studio Suite, which provided us with extra space to prepare for dinner each evening. While the Studio Suite felt slightly older compared to the club-level rooms and some of the hotel’s more lavish suites (more on those later), it was a well-kept area featuring two queen-size beds, a roomy living area, city views, and ample space to get ready.

The suite's blue and gray color scheme enhanced the feeling of spaciousness, and a partition between the sleeping area and the living room allowed me to join a work Zoom meeting while my mom enjoyed her book without disturbing one another.

A separate vanity area allowed one person to put on their finishing touches or check their outfit in the mirror by the closet, while another could prepare in the spacious bathroom. The studio suite's bathroom featured a double vanity, a soaking tub, and a walk-in shower. Guests will find Diptyque bath products available in larger dispensers designed to remain in the room, though you could also take one home for $70 per bottle.

The suite's entrance was slightly set apart from the hallway, accessed via a small vestibule shared with the neighboring suite. This thoughtful design detail contributed to additional soundproofing at night. Housekeeping services were provided twice daily, and turndown service was included with our stay. Each evening, we found bottles of water and robes laid out for us.

I truly appreciated the hotel's warm welcome, which included a chocolate replica of the property, dog treats to take home, and a printed photo of my dog, Pimm, so we wouldn’t forget the furry member of our family who couldn’t join us on this trip. (My husband, Parker, was quite curious as to why there weren’t any photos of him.)

The hotel has also recently renovated its club-level guest rooms and upscale suites. Guests staying in these rooms can enjoy access to The Ritz-Carlton Club throughout the day for light refreshments and cocktails. It’s important to note that while these are the finest accommodations at the property, accessing them requires a roundabout route. Guests must use a separate elevator from the lobby on the third floor to reach their room or suite, regardless of their accommodation type.

Club-level guests must make their way to the fourth floor, enter The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, and then take a second elevator from a separate lounge area within the club. This layout provides the club-level rooms at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans with a unique hotel-within-a-hotel ambiance.

Guests occupying these rooms can look forward to an upscale design featuring canopied beds, freestanding soaking tubs, and crystal chandeliers. The floral wallpaper, combination of hardwood floors, and mosaic tiles create a modern luxury retreat ambiance—one that feels like the Ritz-Carlton's answer to the Four Seasons, which opened nearby in 2021.

For those seeking an even grander experience (perhaps a professional athlete or an A-list celebrity?), the Residence Suite or Ritz-Carlton Suite awaits. Both options feature two bedrooms along with luxurious extras like private terraces, fireplaces, and ample space for entertaining and relaxation.

Dining and drinking options

At The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, guests can enjoy M Bistro (located just off the lobby) for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Right in front of M Bistro is The Davenport Lounge, a cocktail lounge named in honor of the hotel’s resident musician, Jeremy Davenport. Since we visited during a quieter time of year, M Bistro was closed for dinner, but we still savored its menu in the elegant ambiance of the Davenport Lounge.

Some highlights from the M Bistro menu included the smoked duck breast ($41) served atop a farro ratatouille, and the bone-in chicken accompanied by mushrooms and a marsala sauce ($37). As it was a mother-son getaway, we treated ourselves to a slice of carrot cake ($15) and an espresso martini ($19) to cap off our meal. The service was friendly and attentive, making it a wonderful spot for reconnecting with my mother in a relatively quiet setting. I can only imagine how lively it gets around Mardi Gras.

Our absolute favorite was The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, a private fourth-floor oasis that felt like stepping into a refined Garden District pied-à-terre, complete with a bright marble kitchen, a wood-paneled library, and a dining area adorned with crystal chandeliers.

Although the elegant decor might seem a bit intimidating, the Club Lounge staff were a highlight of our entire stay — my mother even asked for everyone’s Facebook details so she could connect with them as we made our farewell rounds before checking out.

The staff in the Club Lounge were incredibly friendly and clearly took pride in their workplace, highlighting special offerings like a grits bar at breakfast and etouffee sandwiches for light evening bites. Guests could enjoy wine, beer, and cocktails, all included in the higher nightly rate for Club Level accommodations (we retained our Club Level access even after being upgraded to the studio suite).

My mom even requested the recipe for a Mediterranean cracker served in the Club Lounge, and the chef graciously handwritten it for her. Now, that is what you call exceptional service, my friends!

Wellness amenities

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans offers an extensive health and wellness experience tucked away in a quiet corner of the expansive property. The fitness center features a variety of rooms filled with equipment including TRX bands, rowing machines, treadmills, and a range of strength training machines and free weights. Additionally, guests can enjoy a pool and a hot tub for a relaxing dip.

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, New Orleans is equally spacious, providing separate relaxation areas and changing rooms for men and women, complete with saunas, steam rooms, and showers for added comfort.

I indulged in an 80-minute "Voodoo Ritual" massage inspired by New Orleans, featuring soothing voodoo drumbeats in the background and more flickering candles than you'd typically find during a regular massage. This treatment costs $290. Don’t be put off by the drums; the massage was incredibly relaxing and added a unique local touch to easing my tension. After the ritual, I also enjoyed sipping Champagne while reading my book in the men's relaxation room for a little while.

The spa facilities also include a salon, boutique, and a café that offers healthy meal options, although the café didn’t seem to be open during my visit.

Reasons The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans May Not Suit Everyone

While I had a fantastic experience at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, some visitors might prefer a different type of Big Easy adventure. Here’s who might want to consider other options:

• The offseason rates at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans are quite reasonable, with some dates offering even better deals. However, as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels, there are definitely more affordable options available elsewhere.
• If you’re seeking a more cozy experience right in the midst of the excitement, boutique hotels nestled deeper in the French Quarter would be a better fit.
• This is a sophisticated venue, particularly if you’re opting for a club-level room. It likely won’t be the best pick for a lively bachelor or bachelorette party looking to spend the majority of their time on Bourbon Street.

Accessibility

This Ritz-Carlton location boasts a variety of accessible features and numerous guest rooms designed for accessibility. Valet parking is available for vehicles equipped for drivers who use wheelchairs. Wheelchair-friendly elevators are provided to reach the lobby, after which guests must use a separate set of elevators to access their rooms and suites.

Small ramps and wheelchair-accessible corridors offer easy routes from the entrance to the spa, fitness center, and meeting spaces on the ground floor. These pathways also connect to the lobby, the hotel’s bars and restaurants, as well as the guest rooms and suites.

Both the Residence Suite and the Executive Suite, along with select club-level, city-view, and deluxe guest rooms, are equipped for accessibility.

Inside accessible rooms and suites, guests will find adjustable hand-held showerheads, bathtub seats, grab bars, and accessible vanities. Additionally, guests can request lower bed heights. These rooms also feature lowered deadbolts, electrical outlets, night guards, and viewports on the doors. Some may include roll-in showers and toilets set at wheelchair height. Hearing-accessible rooms and kits are available upon request.

Checking out

From the moment we checked in to the time we checked out, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans impressed us with its cheerful and vibrant staff. Their upbeat attitude lifted the spirits of my mom and me throughout our entire stay.

I might come off as a picky hotel critic for mentioning little details like the outdated curtains, but I realized how exceptional the hotel team was when I heard my mom quietly say one evening, "Well, it doesn't get much better than this."

My recommendation? Indulge in club-level access to fully experience the luxury of The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans.