Page 165 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - New Orleans

WHERE T O ST A Y  163

Recommended Hotels
The accommodations featured
on pages 164–7 represent
a wide variety of lodgings found
in the region, ranging from
basic standard hotels and cheap
hostels to unique and historical
converted residential buildings
and even antebellum plantation
homes. The various themes
include luxury hotels that
demand high rates for exemplary
and thoughtful service as well as
grand amenities, modern hotels
that are mid-range accommod-
A perfect welcome at the Hotel Monteleone (see p166) ations favored by business
travelers offering clean lines and
modestly priced. Many motels standard 15 per cent tip. If the latest gadgets, guesthouses
on the outskirts of the city are staying more than one night, that offer more privacy in a
also fairly inexpensive. guests should leave $1–$2 a day historical setting or budget rates,
for the housekeeping staff. and traditional B&Bs with live-in
owners host their guests.
Facilities Unique to this region is
Traveling with Children
Most establishments offer full a heavy concentration of large
facilities, such as comfortable Most hotels welcome children, historic mansions with
rooms, cable TV, phone, Wi-Fi, although many historic beautiful and individual rooms
mini-bars, and full bathrooms. guesthouses and B&Bs prohibit to rent that are more luxurious
Often the larger hotels have one children under 12. Children aged than a guesthouse or B&B.
or two fine restaurants, several up to 12, 16, or 18 (depending Some are located in the city
bars, a fitness room, a swimming on the place) can usually stay while others are centered on
pool, spa, and a business center. for free in their parents’ room. large former plantations
At virtually every hotel, you will dotting the surrounding rural
find complimentary toiletries, areas. In selecting these
newspapers, room service, and accommodations, factors such as
wake-up and reservation services. convenient location, reasonable
Because the weather in rates, exemplary service,
New Orleans is semi-tropical, historical notoriety, and unique
all accommodations are air- atmosphere were used to
conditioned. B&Bs generally provide a broad range of popular
do not offer all these amenities, options. Listings labeled “DK
but the ambience in these Choice” are given prominence
homes makes up for any lack due to unique qualities such
of facilities. as value, luxury, historical
significance, or a superlative
guest experience.
Hidden Extras
Hotels will add 13 per cent DIRECTORY
hotel tax and 9.75 per cent sales
tax to the bill plus an additional How to Book
$1–$3 for “room night tax.” Valet A four-poster bed in one of the upscale bed
parking can cost from $12 to and breakfasts New Orleans Convention
$25 a day. Some hotels and Disabled Travelers and Visitors Bureau
B&Bs have free parking, so 2020 St. Charles Ave,
always ask ahead. Hotel All hotels in the United States New Orleans, LA 70130.
telephone charges are often are required by law to provide Tel (504) 566-5011.
very high. It is cheaper to use a wheelchair-accessible
pay phone in the lobby or a cell accommodations, however, ∑ neworleanscvb.com/hotels
phone, partic ularly when designated historic properties
calling overseas. Guests may be are exempt from this provision. Bed and Breakfasts
required to pay a premium on They may have at least one
products in the mini-bar. A tip room equipped for disabled Bed and Breakfast
of $1–$2 per bag is usually paid guests. If a traveler has special Reservation Service
to the bellman for carrying bags. needs, it is wise to call the ∑ neworleansbandbs.com
Room-service waiters expect the hotel in advance to confirm.

162-163_EW_New_Orl.indd 163 05/08/16 3:56 pm