We're going to NO in March. Which hotel would you recommend, the Ritz Carlton or the Windsor Court Hotel?

Suzanne,
We have stayed at Windsor Court the last several times we have been to NO. It has always been a wonderful experience. The rooms are large and the service is great. When we were in NO this fall the Ritz wasn't yet open so we couldn't stop in. The location is not much different than Windsor and any other Ritz (with the exception of Laguna) that we have stayed in has always been great...so I guess I would have to say that you can't go wrong with either hotel. Have fun NO is one of our favorite places to visit.
jwg

We've done both. The Ritz is, well, the Ritz. Windsor Court is more...New Orleans. Just MHO.

The Windsor Court is always great. I haven't stayed at the Ritz, but I did spend a day in their spa - and it was incredible!

We have stayed at the Windsor Court many times over the years. I also like the Westin with a room overlooking the river, it is attched to a shopping center and it can be rainy and cold in March. The Ritz was not open when we were last there, but every Ritz we have stayed in is always wonderful. I understand the location is not as close to the French Quarter and that might be a factor if you plan on walking around. Make your dinner reservations now because there are always lots of conventions and tourist in town.

The Westin that Sharon mentioned is now at Wyndham and is located in Canal Place.

The Ritz is in the Quarter - on Canal Street at Dauphine. The Windsor Court is a few blocks out of Quarter.

I'm not sure how you can say the Windsor Court is "more New Orleans" as the hotel is VERY British and not remotely "local." And the Ritz Carlton has the preferred French Quarter location (Canal/Dauphine, IN the Qtr), compared to the Windsor's downtown/casino address. I think you should give the Ritz a shot.

I've hesistated to respond to this post since my husband and I are probably the only two people in the world who weren't real impressed with the Windsor Court. Yes, the room was wonderful and beautifully decorated. And the staff seemed perfectly competent, too. But gosh, it's New Orleans!!! And this hotel has absolutely NO trace of the city whatsoever. You may as well be in Phoenix, or San Francisco or Boston. If you want a generic hotel - perfectly lovely in all respects, though - the Windsor Court is perfect. If you want a New Orleans hotel, choose something else.

JAN -- What didn't you like about the Ritz in Laguna? Thanks!

Yea, I'm wondering the same thing as Jack. Of the fairly large number of Ritz's I've stayed in, Laguna was definitely the tops!

Sorry, that Laguna thing so threw me I forgot my original intention to post. Have stayed at the Windsor Court and although a very nice hotel, I agree with Susan and others -- it could be anywhere. Actually I loved our stay at the busy Royal Sonesta on Bourbon (is it still called that?) a whole lot more than the Windsor Court due to its location and its "atmosphere".

I didn't get that Jan didn't like Laguna. She mentioned it in reference to location - that the Ritz in N.O. is not much different from any other Ritz location OTHER than Laguna - which, of course, is absolutely incredible whereas most Ritz Carltons are in an urban, business type area. Am I right, Jan?

Suzanne,

I originally had booked a stay with the Ritz for late April. However, after doing some research I decided to change my plans and stay at the Soniat House. There have been many favorable post regarding this hotel, and the location seems better situated in the quarter than the Ritz. I am still planning to visit the Ritz spa, but I would rather stay at a place that not only has all of the luxury of the Ritz but also some local flavor. I believe that the web site is www.soniathouse.com. Anyway, have fun.

Pam

These are both very good hotels, but - the Wyndham is just as nice - better view -