On a recent trip to New Orleans, spent half my time here and half at the Windsor Court. This one came out on top for me. It's less than a five-minute walk to the heart of the French Quarter, but far-enough removed that it's out of the chaos.

This is actually a separate building adjoining the primary Ritz-Carlton, so the entrance is on Iberville St. The lobby is on the 4th floor, where there's just a simple writing desk for check-in. All very smooth, comfortable, and efficient. The club lounge is on the same floor, and it's terrific. There's a larger main room with lots of seating at tables, chairs, sofas, and other groupings. Across the hall, there's a smaller library room for a more intimate feel. The food presentations were as good as you would expect, and there was always nice-quality wine and champage out.

The rooms are fantastic. Everything looks spanking-new and is spotless. The decor is classic New Orleans--almost over-the-top, but not quite. There's a half-canopy, a fireplace facade, wooden library shelves lining the wall, a tea-service credenza, and a rolling bar cart with drop-down leaves. The mattress and linens are ultra-comfortable. The room is also wonderfully colorful--no boring hotel beige here. Floors are hardwood with area rugs.

The bathrooms are sensational--typical RC layout with wide marble counter, large separate shower, and impossibly deep tub. They're done in tones of rust and charcoal marble.

Lounges and dining in the main Ritz building are easily accessible and all plush.

Service was slick and friendly. As with much of New Orleans, it seemed like they were possibly just a little under-staffed, but the Maison Orleans only has 75 rooms, so there was never any real wait for anything.

The personal service and the complimentary food and coctails make this the place to stay in New Orleans. The rooms are classic and the toiletries are Bulgari. We were upgraded to a beautiful suite and did not want to leave the hotel.

We spent four nights at the Ritz-Carlton's Club level. It's a block off of Bourbon on Iberville and is known as the Maison Orleans. The price was the same as a suite in the Ritz and the location was perfect from our perspective. Reception is at an actual table in a room with sofas and oriental rugs and the concierges were helpful. The room included a large tub and separate shower, cherry floors, comfy bed (my fiance wants to buy some of the linens) and appeared almost new. There were 4-5 snacks a day, which could replace meals and were far above the average continental breakfast and lunch on included wines and champagne. We went for a long weekend and I can see escaping again and again in the future.

The only thing that was not quite as expected was the spa. The first massage I had was delayed and no one advised me of the problem. As a result, my fiance was done early and they hounded her about whether I'd used the gym (apparently $25/day). The second day, I waited for about 20 minutes before finding the valet, which put me in a state of mind you don't go to a spa for; that massage was comp'd.

Extremely nice facility nestled inside the Ritz-Carlton. Lounge areas comfy and quiet. Food and beverages available almost 24/7 at no additional cost. Super quite. Room is elegant in dark green and oak shades. Bathroom large and elegant. Bed very comfortable. Staff tries very hard and usually succeeds, but still not at pre-Katrina levels.

Rate is extremely reasonable ($269).