Review: The Roosevelt New Orleans

When folks consider New Orleans, they normally think about wild events, a lot of consuming, and loads of music. For individuals who wish to have a unique form of expertise in New Orleans (or at the least keep in a quiet location after they’re completed partying), I invite them to order a room at The Roosevelt New Orleans. A luxurious resort underneath the Waldorf Astoria umbrella, it opened in 1893 as “The Grunewald” and has deep roots within the Huge Straightforward’s historical past.

The resort has hosted legendary friends corresponding to Sonny and Cher, Frank Sinatra, and a number of United States presidents—however not, as chances are you’ll (logically) assume, Theodore Roosevelt. In 1923, the property was renamed “The Roosevelt” in honor of the twenty sixth president for his efforts in constructing the Panama Canal, which considerably boosted the native New Orleans economic system. However, irrespective of how New Orleans has advanced over the a long time, The Roosevelt has served as a memento of its illustrious previous.

From the second the resort’s uniformed doorman opened my automotive, I felt as if I had been transported into one other time. The primary entryway, particularly, took my breath away. The extraordinarily excessive ceilings have been embellished with giant crystal chandeliers, whereas the flooring and floral preparations gave the resort a European really feel and aptitude. Staff greeted me warmly, and though the primary foyer space was big, I by no means heard noise or felt distracted. It was as for those who have been the one visitor within the resort, though we have been there the week earlier than Mardi Gras.

The Roosevelt is not any petite Southern belle. It has 504 visitor rooms (together with an astonishing 125 suites), a world-class spa, an outside pool, the Sazerac Bar (which is credited with popularizing one of many metropolis’s signature drinks), 5 eating venues, and 60,000 sq. ft of assembly house. The resort encompasses a whole metropolis block and ensures that friends have each amenity they will consider.

Positioned in downtown New Orleans and solely one block from the French Quarter, the resort is a simple stroll from the guts of the town. Having the ability to simply stroll to the Canal Road streetcar line, parades, leisure, and bars implies that it by no means takes lengthy to get to the place the motion is—and it is by no means too far to get to that subsequent New Orleans celebration.

This is what it is like to remain at The Roosevelt New Orleans.

The Rooms

There are 4 room varieties that friends can choose from at The Roosevelt New Orleans, starting from deluxe rooms to luxurious suites. All rooms on the resort are characterised by their luxurious design.

I stayed in a superior room, which felt giant and spacious due to the excessive ceilings which can be topped with crown molding. The bedding felt comfy and opulent, however my favourite function of the room needed to have been the toilet—it was giant and there was greater than sufficient room to alter garments with out bumping into partitions.

Whereas there are a minimum of 5 on-site eating places, the in-room mini-bar was stocked with all of the requirements (together with a Nespresso espresso maker), for those who get up wanting a nosh after an evening of too many brandy milk punches. All rooms even have facilities like flat-screen televisions and high-speed web.

Meals and Drink

The Roosevelt New Orleans has 5 on-site eating places in addition to a seasonal rooftop bar.

The Fountain Lounge has a laid-back ambiance and a menu filled with basic New Orleans dishes, small plates, and craft cocktails. I ate breakfast right here my first morning, and there have been loads of wholesome selections along with yummy choices like crawfish and Tasso ham omelets or pecan waffles.

At Domenica Restaurant, friends can take pleasure in housemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, antipasti dishes, and scrumptious desserts. The restaurant’s rustic really feel makes it a favourite amongst locals and guests (I extremely counsel making reservations—my good friend and I attempted to stroll in early one night and could not even get a spot to take a seat on the bar to seize a chew).

If you would like a quiet place to work or learn guide, head to Teddy’s Cafe. It is the proper place to seize a espresso, beignets, and lightweight bites.

On the lookout for a historic and iconic place to seize a drink? The Sazerac Bar suits the invoice. Initially situated within the French Quarter, it moved to The Roosevelt in 1949. With its artwork deco décor and low lighting, it is an intimate place to take pleasure in a predinner drink or nightcap. And naturally, take into account ordering a Sazerac whilst you’re right here. Created on the unique location, the mix of rye whiskey, absinthe, bitters, and sugar is a basic New Orleans libation.

The Spa

After you are completed making your means via Bourbon Road, chances are you’ll really feel prepared for some relaxation and rest—fortunately, the Waldorf Astoria Spa can have you coated. There are 10 therapy rooms right here and an expansive menu of providers to select from, together with deep tissue massages, cupping remedy, and reflexology.

Along with physique therapies, the spa additionally does facials, manicures, pedicures, bridal make-up, and hair styling for locals and friends. Spa customers can even take pleasure in entry to the steam room, sauna, and rest lounge.

Actions and Experiences

There is a rooftop pool at The Roosevelt New Orleans, and it has beautiful views of the town. However, given its handy location to the French Quarter, you are prone to spend most of your time off-property throughout your time right here.

Nonetheless, this resort presents one of the vital distinctive annual occasions in (arguably) the nation: the Stormin’ of the Sazerac. This hyperlocal vacation celebrates the day that ladies, who have been as soon as restricted from being within the Sazerac Bar, to take it over in protest. Shortly afterwards, the Sazerac grew to become the primary bar in New Orleans to open to open to ladies outdoors of Mardi Gras.

Now celebrated yearly, Stormin’ of the Sazerac usually sees actions corresponding to a vogue present, lunch, and reside leisure.

Household-friendly Choices

The Roosevelt does not explicitly provide family-friendly facilities, however it is a great spot to take the entire gang. Sure rooms and suites are linked or adjoined, whereas different items have rollaway beds. You can discover kid-friendly menu objects on the on-site eating places, and the rooftop pool is certain to be successful with the little ones as nicely.

Accessibility and Sustainability

There are 4 accessible room varieties at The Roosevelt, together with commonplace rooms with queen or king mattress preparations or superior rooms with queen or king beds. Be sure to double-check what sort of accessible room you are reserving—some come are greatest fitted to these with mobility points and have roll-in showers, whereas others have listening to accessibility lodging.

Since The Roosevelt is part of Waldorf Astoria (which is a Hilton model), it follows Hilton’s sustainability rules. The resort goals to maximise water effectivity with trendy fixtures, cut back waste in on a regular basis operations, use extra environmentally pleasant lighting, and supply meals and produce regionally when potential.

Location

Positioned in downtown New Orleans, The Roosevelt is 15 miles from Louis Armstrong New Orleans Worldwide Airport (MSY), or a 30-minute drive. The French Quarter is walkable from the resort, whereas the Garden District is pretty simply accessible by the St. Charles Line streetcar, and the closest cease is only a few blocks from the resort.

Should you’re solely planning on exploring downtown and the encompassing neighborhoods, the world is fairly walkable. Nonetheless, for those who’re fascinated by exploring the areas surrounding New Orleans, chances are you’ll wish to hire a automotive. Trip-hailing providers corresponding to Uber and Lyft can be found inside the metropolis.

E book Now

The Roosevelt New Orleans is a Waldorf Astoria property, so Hilton Honors members can earn factors for every evening’s keep or use gathered factors to pay for rooms. The property can also be part of American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts program. Should you guide your stick with a qualifying journey card on Amex’s web site, you will get entry to perks like late checkout, early check-in, and every day breakfast for 2.

Each T+L resort overview is written by an editor or reporter who has stayed on the property, and every resort chosen aligns with our core values.