alice

I haven't found any first hand info on Maison Orleans on this board and we're trying to make a decision for a trip in about 2 weeks. Has anyone seen both of these New Orleans hotels? It's a big anniversary trip. Thanks to anyone with information!

barbara

ttt

susan

Isn't Maison Orleans part of the Ritz Carlton? I could be badly mistaken but I thought it was the more upscale part of the RC. I stayed at the Windsor Court and thought it was nice, but absolutely not representative of New Orleans...a town I really love

Jess

Owned and operated by the Ritz Carlton branch of the Marriott corporation.
In an old converted department store, open for only a couple years...hence few reviews.
I stayed in the RC there recently.
Wasn't even aware of the MO at all.
(The old department store was very large though).

OliveOyl

Isn't the RC part of the old converted department store too? I can't imagine what it looks like as a hotel. When we lived there, it was the "old department store"...actually one of the better ones in town, Maison Blanche.

alice

ttt

alice

Can't anyone give me first hand info?? I'll report back when I return but I'd love imput from someone who has seen the property now!

JJ

Alice, many people avoid these two hotels because they are such generic, "might as well be in Detroit" hotels. Nice, but generic. Try the Omni Royal Orleans, Royal Sonesta or Bourbon Orleans for a nice hotel with local flavor.

tk

I liked Windsor Court alot. Close to French Quarter, next to Casino and W which is a great place to check out and have a martini.

Janice

JJ is TOTALLY clueless.
Why would you make such a ridiculously incorrect comment?
The interiors at the Maison Orleans are nothing like any hotel in Detroit, or Cleveland or whatever godforsaken burg he or she probably lives in. It is designed with boutique style unique to hotels from decades ago.

alice

Still no one who has seenthe place?? Architectural Digest did a spread on Maison Orleans in September and it most definitely is not an "average" hotel..I just want to know which is preferable!

Downthe

Alice:

Type in Maison Orleans under text search above with Louisiana as your state. You will find plenty of info.

Also someone is confusing Maison Balche which was converted into the Fairmont Hotel.

roxanne

No, the Maison Blanche is NOT the Fairmont. Fairmont is the old Roosevelt Hotel, and the MB bldg is the Ritz-Carlton. I've never been there, heard it's beautiful. I've been in the Windsor Court and it's very nice, but never been in the rooms. Sorry

Barry

I just stayed at the Ritz NO.
It is in the former Maison Blanche department store.

The Fairmont is a rather worn looking place about 3 blocks away.

The Fairmont is NOT in the former Maison Blanche building.

Vicki

Alice, we were upgraded to the Maison Orleans part of the ritz Carlton last weekend. Nice room with wood floors--noisy but beautiful--and definitely a first class hotel. It IS, however, similar to the new Omni Riverplace (think that's the name) I recently visited in Detroit. So, JJ 1, Janice 0. The Maison does not seem to have a lot of New Orleans flair IF that is important to you.

Dan

Two department stores have been converted into upscale hotels. The old DH Holmes is now the Chateau Sonesta. I really miss the Maison Blanche store, which is now the Ritz Carlton, Iberville Suites and Maison Orleans. The Fairmont has nothing to do with any old department stores!

As for the Maison Orleans, it's beautiful but really expensive. Windsor is also nice and also expensive. Did you get a good rate at either? If money is no object, I'd choose Windsor but would also be happy with either.

Sue

stay in biloxi and drive in and it will be very cheap

Andy

Biloxi?
Biloxi?!?

Are you kidding?

Drive 70 minutes each way, all to be able to stay in a one dimensional little Gulf town?
And stay where, at a casino?
Don't even try to claim that the Beau Rivage is worth the drive. It's still a stinky casino on a crummy little beach.

That's one of the strangest recommendations I've ever seen.

Dawn

I definitely would recommend the Maison Orleans, but only if you prefer a quieter more intimate, upscale hotel. Winsor is nice..but seems more touristy and less elite.

Richard

I'm in agreement about JJ, he probably got hit by a flying oyster shell at Acme's.

The Ritz is a great hotel (I'm sorry I don't know About MB) but even better is Windsor Court one of the only 5 star hotels in N. America.

The artwork alone is worth staying there, and the beautiful flower arrangements!

Also the lounge on the 2nd floor, some of the best martinis in the city served with warm cashew nut mixtures...sighhh...gota go this weekend!