And New Orleans – although not my hometown – is my second home. I go at least once a year for food, music and culture.
Next time, for the record, I stayed at the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter (739 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70130).
It is very well placed! 160 rooms and suites Midsize hotel, so kind of medium-sized. Completely renovated in 2019, everything new.
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Arriving at The Lobby
I walked into the lobby and let out my breath in a sigh as I was enveloped in a faint scent of fresh flowers and coffee, and heard soft jazz coming from speakers. I signed in at the counter.
A perky staff member handed over the card upon my arrival, key in hand. I sprinted to the rooms for my supposed adored overnight stay at this hotel — one of the freshly renovated 160 rooms.
The room was particularly comforting that night. The furnishings and décor were all in soft earth tones. The bed was unbelievably plush. I could definitely rest here, I thought. I was in Toronto to teach a writing workshop. My husband and I had an entire day to ourselves before the class began. You know what that means.
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The only thing to do was check in to our downtown hotel and prepare to sleep off jetlag. We’d ridden in a high-flying aircraft for nine hours, taking off south from Florida. We would fly off west to Montreal afterwards, followed by a rental car. Four days of work later, we would fly back east to Boston for a family reunion. It was an ambitious itinerary, but this was how we travelled.
Having settled in, I relished the opportunity to be on my own with the trappings: the plush terry cloth robes, luxury toiletries, fruit and nut basket. Perfection itself, a hotel, down to the last detail.
Wandering Through the French Quarter
But the main reason I’d booked was that it was on Canal Street, which meant I could walk to everything. After a quick breakfast in the lobby café each morning, I’d be off.
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And it was only a block away to the French Quarter, where I would spend my days roaming the narrow cobblestone streets, something new to see every street corner!
My second home was Jackson Square – where artists, street musicians and tourists sprawled under the shade of the grass in front of the grand St. Louis Cathedral.
Bouligny Street had been a serious party road, with a mandatory quick hit at Café Du Monde for the mighty, sugar-coated beignets, the taste of which I still smile thinking of, and some of the best street people-watching New Orleans has to offer.
In the evening, I’d join throngs on Bourbon Street, never returning to my hotel until I’d heard the raucous jazz emanating from the bars and restaurants.
Enjoying Amenities
Recharging my cellphone was almost the least of it. Even after stomping through that rain-blasted recreation of the Industrial Revolution that is the French Quarter for ten hours anyway, the Crowne Plaza was eminently relaxing. It was a place that you enjoy passing through on your way out,icing your sore feet and regaining a sense of place with all that distracts an American accustomed to sitting.
After our sightseeing, I always went to the outdoor pool to read or just rest. I stayed fit in the huge, modern fitness center.
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And the capable concierge had plenty of suggestions for activities that would make me feel like I really lived in New Orleans.
Sleeping Soundly
So long as I was comfortable and fed, I slept well. The big, comfortable beds at the Crowne Plaza made it easy to nod off.
It was the slats of the blinds, the blackout curtains and the superb mattresses that allowed me to sleep some of the best on the road.
Having the chance to retreat to this soft fluffy cave at night, I could no longer stay awake making bigger and bigger existential questions.
Final Thoughts
In my final morning in New Orleans, I took a last walk down memory lane in the French Quarter, tuning into the native sights, sounds and smells.
Everything was integrated. Not a single thing interfered with the flow of convenience, comfort, ambience (bright indoor sunrises, the last ice bucket taken away): my traveler self was mindful, and I appreciated the careful attention paid to all my needs.
I would recommend staying at the Crowne Plaza French Quarter in New Orleans to everyone who is visiting or moving there; I’m taking a little bit of Hotel Crowne Plaza French Quarter with me wherever I go (and I’m sure I’ll be back soon!).
FAQs
What’s security like at the Crowne Plaza French Quarter?
Security is important and every entrance and exit monitored by the high resolution video cameras which operate 24/7.There is a night staff line up walking the floors daily and front desk personnel also providing 24/7 lobby assistance. Since hotel is located at the middle of a commeral and residential center, foot traffic and police force is high in the neighborhood.
What COVID safety measures has the hotel implemented?
Today, as it takes its first steps into rentals and permanent homes, the Crowne Plaza French Quarter is following strict COVID-19 procedures, using hospital-grade disinfectants according to IHG’s Green Engage system. Plexiglas enclosures protect check-in desks, and security staff enforce social distancing and mask compliance (a temporary activity, apparently). Room service deliveries can be left at the door, and there are sanitizer stations every few feet or meters.
How environmentally sustainable is this hotel?
The eco-friendly features at Crowne Plaza Quarter in French Quarter include low-flow toilets plumbing, in-room recycling bins and non-toxic cleaning supplies, and, thanks to the presence of sustainable menus in its restaurants, featuring local and seasonal ingredients, and the installation of energy-efficient lighting throughout the Facility.
The Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter takes part in IHG Green Engage – a system that measures its environmental impact.
What’s the best room to book at the hotel for Mardi Gras?
If you’re planning to attend Mardi Gras, book a balcony on Bourbon Street.
Does the Crowne Plaza French Quarter have any rare amenities?
The hotel features balconies looking onto Bourbon Street, a saltwater pool, and a Creole restaurant on site.
What’s the best restaurant at the Crowne Plaza New Orleans?
Bourbon House:
- On Bourbon St and Orleans Ave, 144 Bourbon St to be exact, there is Bourbon House, New Orleans’ best oyster bar and seafood restaurant.
- Enjoy classic Creole food, or modern favourites, or fresh Gulf oysters at the oyster bar.
- Bourbon House features one of the US small batch and single barrel bourbon lists.)
Dooky Chase Restaurant:
- Established in 1941, Dooky Chase’s Restaurant offers Cajun cuisine.
- The lunch buffet menu changes daily, featuring a diverse range of food items.
- On Friday nights, the head chef prepares a special menu that changes weekly.
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
JACK ROSE:
JACK ROSE is at the edge of the historic Garden District in New Orleans pays tribute to the diverse culinary and cultural heritage of the city.
- Savor classic Creole and New Orleans-style dishes reimagined with a modern twist.
- Let your lips feel the full spectrum of drinks over scenes that move between the everyday and the marvels of nature.42 Sip your way through a rainbow of coloured cocktails.
The Franklin:
- The Franklin is a sleek cocktail bar and farm-to-table restaurant.
- Their seasonal menu is modern and innovative, pleasing to both taste and sight.
- Crafted cocktails and wine are served in this stylish establishment