Hotel Review: The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans encapsulates modern luxury and southern hospitality for an extravagant stay in one of America's most vibrant cities, perfect for those looking to treat themselves after long days exploring all that the city has to offer. As part of Marriott hospitality, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans captures the legendary service synonymous with its brand name. I stayed at Le Méridien New Orleans during the first half of my trip, and for the remaining itinerary, I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans. I had high expectations from my visit here and was not disappointed: resetting both body and mind, thanks to much-needed indulgence at every turn. Here is my review of The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans:
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is located at 921 Canal St. New Orleans, Louisiana, 70112.
What Card(s) Should You Use to Book?
I earn tons of Marriott Bonvoy points by using my American Express Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 150,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on dining and flights booked directly with airlines, and 2X on all other purchases. Paired with Marriott’s promotions and AMEX offers, it opens doors to endless points-earning opportunities.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card comes with great benefits that can substantially offset its annual fee.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card does come with a hefty $650 annual fee but offers tons of perks to significantly offset its costs. The card features the following benefits:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status
$25 monthly dining credit—$300 total in a year
$100 property credit when booked directly with Marriott and staying a minimum of two nights at Ritz-Carlton or St. Regis properties
An 85,000-point Free Night Award
Access to Priority Pass lounges
25 Elite Night Credits for chasing Marriott Bonvoy status
Even if you don’t stay at Marriott properties often, this card is still a must-have, in my opinion. It’s a true example of a keeper card that offers benefits that outweigh the annual fee.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
If you are looking for a Marriott Bonvoy credit card with a low annual fee, consider the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of three Free Night Awards after spending $1,000 in three months, each covering up to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points. I personally value Marriott Bonvoy points at 0.8 cents each, making the 105,000 points offer worth $840. The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card earns 6X points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 3X points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases every year on dining, grocery stores, and gas stations, and 2X points on all other purchases.
Be aware that 15 elite night credits from the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card can’t be combined with 15 elite night credits from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card.
The Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card’s annual fee is $95, and it offers useful perks to offset the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits that will help you achieve a higher Marriott Bonvoy status
Please note that you can’t combine Elite Night Credits from two Marriott Bonvoy personal credit cards, but you can stack Elite Night Credits from one personal and one Marriott Bonvoy business card. Thus, if you own both AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless, you would only earn 25 elite night credits.
If you’d like to apply for the Chase Marriott Bonvoy Boundless card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you!
The last Marriott Bonvoy credit card you could use would be the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card. It currently offers a sign-up bonus of 125,000 Marriott Bonvoy points when you spend $5,000 within your first 3 months of card membership. Considering that the annual membership costs $125, you get paid to have the card! The card earns 6X Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar when you book directly with Marriott, 4X points on dining, U.S. shipping purchases, U.S. wireless telephone services, and at U.S. gas stations. All other purchases earn 2X points.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card is the only Marriott business card on the market.
The AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card’s annual fee is $125, and it offers valuable benefits to justify the cost:
Automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status, the low-tier status offered in Marriott’s member ecosystem
A 35,000-point Free Night Award
15 Elite Night Credits, which can be combined with 15 Elite Night Credits from other personal Marriott Bonvoy credit cards
As you can see, the card’s benefits are less substantial than the ones from the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant card, but it is a great long-term keeper card due to its annual Free Night Award perk. Furthermore, it is absolutely necessary if you want to chase a higher Marriott Bonvoy status because it is the only Marriott business card that is on the market and will grant you an additional 15 Elite Night Credits. Lastly, even though it is a business credit card, it is very likely that you could get it approved. Check out my article on how to apply for a business credit card as a sole proprietor.
If you’d like to apply for the AMEX Marriott Bonvoy Business card, please consider using my referral link. It will continue to help fund my blog operations and help visitors make informed decisions to maximize their rewards. Thank you! Click HERE to access my referral link!
Location
Situated on Canal Street just one block from Bourbon Street, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans occupies a whole city block for maximum privacy and seclusion. Explore the renowned French Quarter with its historical sights before retreating back to your room for some restful pampering. Don’t forget to check out the art scene in Jackson Square, and if your itinerary allows, take a quick day trip to Oak Alley Plantation.
Lobby & Check-In Review
Upon arriving at the hotel, I was met with a slight conundrum—the check-in desk had been tucked away on the third floor without any signs to guide me. Thankfully, another guest came to my rescue and pointed out its whereabouts.
Guests need to take an elevator up to the third floor to check in.
Once there, it became clear why this place held such a luxurious ambiance. Resplendent marble accents complemented an abundance of Renaissance artifacts for an undeniably Ritz-Carlton experience, though some may find its traditional atmosphere too old-fashioned for their taste.
The Ritz-Carlton brand is known for its classic opulence, and The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans was no exception.
Next to the Ritz-Carlton giftshop, I found a speakeasy-style lounge with wood, leather, and velvet interiors, presenting a sophisticated and mature vibe. The lounge had a few TVs where people watched NFL games. Besides the noise from the TVs, the space was quiet and was a nice area to relax and grab tea or coffee.
The lounge boasted a distinguished atmosphere, further reinforcing the brand's maturity and sophistication through its tasteful wood details.
If you’re after something more natural, I recommend heading to the courtyard, where you can find lush greenery with plenty of outdoor seating options.
The courtyard provided a refreshing change of scenery with lush greenery.
The fountain feature made it serene, and my favorite part was the gazebo with columns.
The gazebo in the courtyard created a picturesque backdrop.
The courtyard was the perfect area to escape busy New Orleans streets without ever leaving the hotel. After soaking up some Vitamin D in the courtyard, I returned to the front desk to check in. Thanks to my Titanium Elite status, I was upgraded to an executive suite. The front desk representative provided a comprehensive run-down of all amenities and facilities available at the hotel, ensuring that we were well-informed about what we could expect from their stay. I grabbed our luggage and complimentary water bottles and went up to the ninth floor, where our suite was located.
Living Room Review
As soon as I entered the living room, a distinctly baby-blue hue evocative of The Ritz-Carlton brand enveloped me.
As with most Ritz-Carlton rooms, a marble foyer greeted us when we entered the suite.
At first, carpeting and outdated furnishings initially left something to be desired, and the abstract painting above the couch amplified an archaic ambiance.
The living room felt outdated in my opinion, but mature audiences may appreciate its classic décor.
However, it quickly became apparent that they were perfect for attracting an older demographic who value classic interior design elements. My doubts vanished once I realized this hotel was doing everything right— just like all other hotels in the iconic Ritz-Carlton family. The living room was awash with elegance and modern convenience; a petite chandelier illuminated the space while a smart wall-mounted TV provided interactive entertainment.
The smart TV in the living room offered a wide array of entertainment options.
The minibar was stocked with sumptuous snacks and liquors, and a mini-fridge was also full of mixers and demi bottles of wine.
Pre-made cocktails like old fashioned were readily available, but they came with high price tags.
A Nespresso machine was hidden inside a cabinet, offering three varieties of coffee capsules.
A Nespresso machine in a hotel room always wins my heart.
In the corner of the living room was a work desk equipped with outlets and USB ports useful for staying devices charged while working during the day.
The work desk offered an ideal environment for productivity during the daytime hours.
Despite my initial concern about the suite being outdated, the digital thermometer in the suite ensured comfortable temperature control through New Orleans' heat and humidity. A few minutes after being settled in our room, the hotel delivered a festive trio of king cake-flavored cupcakes decorated with gold, green and blue beads, celebrating my birthday in the classic Southern charm of New Orleans.
The king cake-flavored cupcakes delighted my taste buds and captured the festive spirit with their decorative beads.
As if that wasn't enough to make me feel welcomed on my birthday celebration, the hotel manager's kind message further enhanced this already pleasant lodging experience. Overall, though I was initially skeptical of the suite’s conservative design language, the general tone and color scheme of the furniture grew on me, and the classic Southern charm radiating from New Orleans’ culture complemented an inviting balance.
Bedroom Review
A set of double doors separated the bedroom, but unfortunately, they did not close well. The same carpet from the living space continued, and the centerpiece of the bedroom was a superbly comfortable king bed boasting a leather accent wall for the headboard and nightstands.
The bedroom followed the similar conservative design language from the living room.
With the mattress being extremely comfortable, we struggled to get out of bed the following day. Our exceptional sleep experience confirmed why The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is worth the extra expense, and without a doubt, we would stay here again for the bed alone.
The mattress was superbly comfortable, and I will return to the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans for the bed alone.
Each nightstand had USB-Cs and outlets built in for fast-charging devices. One of the nightstands had a digital alarm clock with a wireless charging pad, but sadly it kept making a clicking noise while being charged.
The wireless charging pad was an excellent idea but didn’t operate as intended.
Another smart TV was wall-mounted in the corner of the room, directly above a dresser. The rest of the space was occupied by a lounge chaise—perfect for afternoon naps.
With the addition of a second smart TV, we were able to catch up on some shows before bedtime.
The bedroom overlooked the courtyard, beautifully bathed in natural sunlight that poured through its tall windows.
My hotel suite had a birds-eye view of the courtyard, offering peace and serenity away from loud streets in NOLA.
Drawing inspiration from the living room's style and themes, the overall decor was slightly mature for my taste, but elegant furniture adorned by sophisticated patterns and extra crown moldings eloquently added a classic Southern allure to the bedroom.
Bathroom Review
The suite had two bathrooms, and the half bathroom was next to the marble foyer, making it convenient and accessible for guests. It was finished with white-gray marble flooring and a single sink vanity with the sample marble material. In addition to an extra countertop space, the vanity had a ledge where you could put personal toiletries.
The guest bathroom was conveniently located by the entrance.
The master bathroom was connected to the bedroom and was a lavish experience that made use of the chic white and grey marble flooring found in the half bath. It had a double sink vanity, and an expansive back-lit mirror illuminated the space, making it warm and inviting.
Getting ready each morning was made easy with the double sink vanity.
More marble finishes in the walk-in shower and bathtub further reinforced its grand atmosphere. Unfortunately, the walk-in shower didn’t have a rainfall showerhead, and its square footage was limited.
The tub had a marble ledge where I set a glass of wine as I relaxed at night.
However, the water pressure was good, and the toiletries were by Geneva Guild; the products were moisturizing and had neutral scents that everyone could enjoy.
Geneva Guild products moisturized my body well and featured pleasant neutral scents that could be enjoyed by all.
The bathtub seemed big enough to fit two young adults at once, but due to its shallow profile, it was ideal for one person’s enjoyment. I wish the hotel could replace the tub with a deeper one because that would certainly elevate the bathing experience.
The master bathroom was a statement of luxury, showcasing the marble finish synonymous with the esteemed Ritz-Carlton brand.
Complimentary bathrobes were thin and not quite up to par compared to those found at other hotels like The St. Regis Toronto, which offered thick and plush material. Although there was a separate water closet featuring the same marbled flooring, ventilation seemed inadequate due to a lack of proper airflow through its slender door slats alone without any actual fan set on top.
The water closet was severely lacking in ventilation, with no fans present to circulate the air.
One of the amenities I relished was a blow dryer by Harry Josh. Since I use a hair dryer daily, the blow dryer dried my hair effortlessly without overheating. Overall, both bathrooms weren’t the most updated luxury bathrooms I had encountered, but they were spacious and featured exquisite finishes synonymous with the iconic Ritz-Carlton hotel brand.
Breakfast Review—M Bistro
Breakfast was served daily from 7 AM to 11 AM at M Bistro on the third floor. Because of The Ritz-Carlton’s exclusive nature, even with my Titanium Elite status, breakfast wasn’t complimentary. However, since we value convenience, we opted for breakfast at M Bistro. As we passed by the front desk, we were welcomed to a complimentary coffee stand. The coffee tasted smooth, and it remained warm for a long time because it was piping hot.
The complimentary coffee stand offered freshly brewed morning coffee to guests.
In order to get to M Bistro, we had to pass by Davenport Lounge. It was beautifully decorated with modern fine china and luxurious velvet furniture, surrounded by renaissance paintings and elaborate crystal chandeliers.
Davenport Lounge's decor exuded opulence, with lustrous modern fine china complementing lush velvet furnishings.
Moreover, a grand piano was set up for special evening jazz nights so that visitors could enjoy cocktails while listening to soothing jazz tunes in the background.
You could order bites and sip on drinks at Davenport Lounge while listening to jazz music at night.
A bar was adjacent to the Lounge, offering guests another level of sophisticated drinking experience rather than feeling like they’re at a typical sports pub.
Davenport Lounge was abuzz with customers quenching their thirst in the afternoon hours.
M Bistro’s dining room was a sight to behold. Each table featured a real flower as well as neatly arranged condiments for guests' convenience.
The walls exuded a calming baby blue hue, the signature color of Ritz-Carlton hotels.
The high ceilings were illuminated by the skylight, and twinkling chandeliers added an air of sophistication matched only by the mirrored wall that reflected its grandeur.
The space took on a luxurious feel, with gleaming walls reflecting the sparkle of chandeliers.
Breakfast guests had a choice between two options: an à la carte menu or a buffet selection that included fresh omelets cooked on-demand.
The buffet seemed substantial, yet you may be equally satisfied with the à la carte selection.
We ended up going with à la carte option, so I’m not sure what kinds of proteins you could choose for the omelet, but the buffet had a decent selection of food for domestic property.
I was surprised to find an expansive and eclectic buffet selections that included an omelet station freshly made to order.
We ordered Tasso Hash and Biscuits & Sausage Gravy. The dishes came out promptly, and I must say I was quite surprised by the quality of the food.
The gravy hugged fluffy biscuits, and the seasoning was on point.
Both items were delicious; The sausage gravy wasn’t overly seasoned, and the biscuits were fluffy and buttery. The holy trinity in the hash accentuated the dish’s complex flavor profiles.
The holy trinity in the hash—onion, celery, and carrot—was the highlight of the dish.
Also, the portion size was more generous than I expected, as the hash was probably big enough to share by two people. Undoubtedly, the price at M Bistro is steeper than more affordable local restaurants in the surrounding area. Nevertheless, it is well worth grabbing breakfast at M Bistro if you value convenience, attentive service, and high-quality ingredients.
Gym & Pool Review
After you pass a hallway full of conference rooms on the first floor, you arrive at the gym adjacent to the spa.
The gym entrance is right behind the fountain on the first floor.
The fitness center was effectively spread out over four areas. The first area by the gym entrance was a multi-purpose room with mirrored walls. The space was equipped with two Peloton bikes and the latest exercise machines from TechnoGym, including cycling bikes and a rowing machine.
If you are not a fan of Peloton, you can also try out TechnoGym cycling bikes.
Because the multi-purpose room had open space, it would be a great place for yoga or total body workout routines.
These high-tech gym machines may be daunting at first, but you'll quickly discover their worth as soon as you gain familiarity.
The room had low-weight dumbbells—perfect for adding extra ponds for full-body workouts. The second room was a cardio room, and it was decked out with TechnoGym treadmills, ellipticals, staircase machines, and stationary bikes.
The gym was equipped with the newest cardio equipment from TechnoGym.
The cardio machines were brand new, and you could watch Netflix or YouTube while running or cycling.
Combining two activities into one, I could make the most of my time by simultaneously enjoying a Netflix show and working out.
Because the cardio room was the central area for the entire gym, a refreshment station with towels and cool bottled water was available so that guests could stay hydrated.
To stay hydrated throughout the night, I grabbed a few extra water bottles from the gym after a workout.
The third room was the water facility with a jacuzzi and a resistance pool.
After an intense workout, a warm soak in the whirlpool was just what muscles needed to relax and reenergize.
It was the smallest room among the four workout areas, and the decor was a little antiquated. However, having a resistance pool was probably the best solution the hotel could provide without sacrificing more real estate.
The resistance pool was an ideal solution to occupy minimal space while still affording what guests need for an enjoyable workout experience.
The final room was the weight room, which was my favorite of the four. The weight room was phenomenal; it had every type of lifting equipment, including a Smith machine as well as an all-in-one workout machine with various attachments.
Admittedly, some of the machines were slightly older, but they were all maintained very well. Sometimes I actually prefer older gym equipment since it is often more straightforward to use them than learning how to use newer machines.
With so many dumbbells available, you wouldn’t need to wait for your turn.
Perhaps it was because of the general age group of the guests at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, but the gym was almost always empty during my stay, so I could enjoy it all to myself without waiting or sharing it with others.
The strength machines at the fitness center were old-school but well-maintained.
The fitness center was a true haven for every type of sweat seeker. Modern equipment from Peloton and TechnoGym led a technology-driven workout environment for cardio and full-body exercises. With various lifting machines at my disposal, I could engage in almost every type of lifting exercise routine imaginable. Though it may be slightly tricky to find the gym, you will not want to leave once you arrive.
Positives & Negatives
Positives
The breakfast at M Bistro was delicious. Though I went with the à la carte option, the portion size was generous, and dishes like Tasso Hash represented robust flavors of New Orleans cuisine. If you are hungry, try the buffet; however, be ready to pay for the premium since your Marriott Bonvoy status does make breakfast complimentary.
The massive gym was effectively divided into four functional areas depending on the type of exercise that each room offered. You could stream Netflix or YouTube while working out using the latest TechnoGym cardio machines or level up your endurance by using the resistance pool.
The location of the hotel is perfect for anyone visiting New Orleans. The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is situated on Canal Street and only one block from Bourbon Street. If you are worried about the noise from outside, ask for a room facing the courtyard.
Negatives
The layout of the hotel was slightly confusing on two occasions. When I first arrived at the hotel, I didn’t know the front desk was on the first floor until another guest informed me. The fitness center was on the first floor, and even though there were signs, they could’ve been clearer.
Summary
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans was the perfect getaway in NOLA. Although they may feel a bit mature for a younger audience, if you want to escape from party scenes on Bourbon Street, The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the perfect hotel to heal and recharge your mind and body. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel was a lavish mix of elegance and classic sophistication, with marble accents and renaissance artifacts that gave the hotel an exquisite look. My upgraded suite was classically charming, featuring modern amenities comparable to most luxury hotels. From the details of the crown moldings and a petite chandelier in the living room to extremely comfortable bedding and glossy marble finishes in the bathrooms, the hotel wasn’t shy at nudging you that you are at the Ritz-Carlton property. Unwind at the gym with state-of-the-art equipment before settling down for a delicious breakfast at M Bistro. You could absolutely stay inside the hotel for a whole day and not leave the property, and whether you celebrate a special occasion or want to indulge in one of the most luxurious Marriott brands, I highly recommend staying at The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans.
