My girlfriends (10 to 12)and I are going to NO in January for a 40 bday celebration weekend and want to have a spa morning. Do you know which one is the best? Also any other tips on where to eat,play, shop? We are staying at Hotel Monteleone. Thanks!

The Monteleone has a very unique bar that is usually a fun place to start out the night. As for spas, I haven't had much success finding a place that could serve more than 2 people at a time or had many services, except the Ritz. That was a little too rich for our blood at this point, but they do have a nice website. I would recommend Commander's Palace for Sunday Jazz Brunch, and I would try to schedule Afternoon Tea at the Windsor Court Hotel. Royal St. is known for unique shopping, as is Magazine St. You can play anywhere--that's what NO is known for!! Enjoy.

dfinley:

Sweetheart ya only turn 40 once! Even though I have not reached that significant date yet I can testify to the luxury at the Ritz Spa.

I went down to NO for the July 4th Weekend. Being a New Yorker I was expecting the spa at the Ritz to be okay but nothing outstanding. Boy was I suprised! I had the bath & seaweed wrap combo. Best experience ever! Room with bath was full of rose petals, warm water, aromic oils & ice bucket and body contoured bathtub. Nice. I was then taken to another room for massage, wrap and hydrotherapy (massaging water removing the wrap). Whew! Thick robes, ice tea and fruit. Nice hideaway from the hustle & bustle of Bourbon 2 blocks away.

Spend the money!! Ya only live once. Enjoy.

You may also want to check out Bella Donna on Magazine. I took my teenage daughter with 4 friends for her birthday in July and they could not have been more accomodating. It is centrally located on Magazine, right around the corner from Commander's on Washington. I think they have a website that you could use to check-out services. I did notice a large wedding party while we were there.

Thanks so much for your input!! I myself turned 40 several years ago but we are going for my friends b'day. It sounds like we are going to have a great time and all your comments will help make it special!!

I love the Hotel Monteleone. Stayed there a year ago and I have to say, any hotel that gives you a glass of sparkling wine while waiting to check in gets high marks from me.

The Carousel bar in the lobby is a local landmark. That is the bar rotating, not you! Great martinis are served here. Room service was excellent but we ate no other meals there.

A friend recently returned from NO and stayed at the Ritz. She loved the spa there. You had better call quick as you are a big group to descent on a spa and may provide a challenge to the person booking the treatments. You might see if the Concierge at your hotel could come up with something special for you all. LMF