New Orleans is known for its rich hospitality scene - new hotels are constantly opening across the city. But one stands out, especially after a multi-million dollar renovation. Even years after it opened, the Windsor Court is by far the most elegant hotel in the city.
Windsor Court has always been a favorite for musicians visiting, whether they’re playing Jazz Fest or simply soaking in the city, as well as celebrities who are shooting in the city. It’s said to be Oprah Winfrey’s favorite New Orleans hotel, which is really all you need to know.
After a $15 million renovation in 2018, the Hollywood favorite hotel became more luxurious than ever. It helps that almost all of the rooms are spacious suites with a touch of New Orleans style.
Even driving into the Preferred Hotels property feels elegant, as you pull up at the roundabout with an Instagram-ready fountain and then walk into the lobby where guests enjoy an entirely European afternoon tea.
Here’s what to know if you’re considering a New Orleans vacation - whether for the upcoming Mardi Gras or just a long weekend - and want the ultimate escape while you’re visiting the Southern city.
The lowdown
The classic hotel is famous for its celebrity clientele, spacious hotel rooms and their elegant afternoon tea, which is which is particularly popular during the holiday season. During the holidays, they offer tea time three times a day.
The spa was recently redone and reopened this fall. They also added a 65-foot saltwater pool on the rooftop, which is the longest pool in the city. Of course, as it is New Orleans, there’s a bar nearby. But to use the pool - or the bar - you have to be staying at the hotel or come in for a spa treatment.
The food and drinks
The Grill Room is a New Orleans institution that looks largely the same post-renovation - and that’s a good thing. It’s classic New Orleans, with dark wood paneling and decadent meals.
The Polo Club lounge is equally iconic. Stop by for a martini before you begin your evening and mingle with locals as well as people visiting - just make sure to dress to impress - only in New Orleans, that just means wearing your best sundress.
Windsor Court once offered up on of the most luxurious meals of all time to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s 90th birthday back in 2016. They made a $90,000 edible 24-karat gold cake with Cristal champagne and gold-covered strawberries. Of course, that alone isn’t what made up the price tag - it boasted a 3.95-carat ruby ring with 1.95 carats of diamonds.
The location
Because of the prime location, close to the French Quarter, the Central Business District and the Lower Garden District, it’s easy to make reservations at a nearby restaurant with many within walking distance.
The hotel is walking distance from many of the city’s major tourist attractions, including Bourbon Street, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (they have a famous white alligator), the World War II museum which recently received a major renovation, and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. It’s also walking distance from the Mercedes-Benz Superdome if you’d like to see the New Orleans Saints win a game.
The rooms
The majority of the 316 hotel rooms are suites. The upper-level floors have access to the Club Lounge, where cocktails are served and there’s food aplenty. Have a vegetable or fruit snack if you need to detox, or some New Orleans specialties if you’re still going strong in the eating department. It’s a nice place to unwind and it has epic views of the Mississippi River.
The rooms have floral curtains, glassed-in showers or tubs and sofa beds in case you’re having a few people over for a Champagne pre-game before hitting the nearby French Quarter. They’re incredibly spacious, with a full living room, a large bedroom with a balcony, and a separate bathroom and dressing room. The rooms have Frette linens, iHome docking stations and robes you’ll want to take home. Post-renovation, the rooms, and hotel itself, feels light and airy.
If you feel like splurging, consider the Presidential Suite on the 22nd floor, which has seen plenty of A-listers during its day as well as politicians - you never know who you'll run into inside the Club Lounge.
