New Orleans 2

10/27/2012 - United States, New Orleans

New Orleans 2

We actually started this trip with the intention of staying at a different hotel, but when I saw there was Autograph Collection Hotel, I made Stephen change us to this one. 

The Saint, built in 1909, was originally the historic Audubon building, a landmark in New Orleans.  It has now gone through a $45 million dollar purchase and transformation to be part of the Marriott Autograph Collection.

Located on Canal St, The Saint is just a block’s walk to the French Quarter and conveniently located close to the Riverwalk and Harrah’s Casino. 

You walk in and immediately feel the modern chic jazzy vibe, like you’re in a more upscale New Orleans. 

The Burgundy Bar to the left is done all in shades of red and is a live jazz venue. 

TEMPT, the restaurant to the right, is headed by Chef Marcus Woodham and does just that.

The elevators in the back take the guest up to spacious rooms.  Ours was perfect: super comfortable bed, robes, big bathroom, and cool artwork. 

One of the most endearing art pieces was the statue above the toilet called the Man Climbing Rope.  Google it. It’s really cool. 

We will definitely be back to this hotel. Great rooms, great service, uber chic!

I was particularly stoked to score a reservation at the famous Commander’s Palace on this New Orleans trip.

Situated in the middle of the Garden District, this famous restaurant usually has a waiting list of a couple of months. 

Having been established in the 1880s, it is rich in New Orleans history. 

Emeril Lagasse gained his fame here as Executive Chef before he opened Emeril’s New Orleans in 1990.

We called just on a whim, and a table of 2 had just cancelled.  We grabbed their spot!

Completely upscale, quite pricey, but utterly worth it. 

If you have a special occasion or just want a night out with your significant other in New Orleans, Commander’s Palace is the place to go.

We ended this particular trip on the balcony of a bar on Bourbon Street watching the chaos of Halloween weekend happening on the street beneath us.

Between the beads and the beers, we definitely felt like we were back in college.  What a fun weekend to be in the Big Easy!