The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

This was my first stay at a Ritz. My first experience was very impressive. This location is perfect to everything. Its a couple of blocks away from the French Quarters and an easy walk to restaurants and many “tourist” areas. There is a seafood boil behind the Ritz on Dauphin St that was affordable and amazing. Few few doors down is a Michelin restaurant that sells poboys. This was a luxury location that was convenient. Our checkin process was very smooth and fast. The layout of the hotel is slightly confusing but once you learn it, it gets easier. The reception desk is on the second floor and when you enter it, the lobby smells of fresh flowers. The smell is so inviting and lovely. The receptionist was so friendly and she walked us to the elevators. She explained coffee was serviced in the morning (not all day) and a beignet per person were given out for an hour in the evening. Our room was spacious and overall comfortable. Well except for the bed and pillows. I have a chronic back injury and I used 5 pillows but could not find any comfort with them because they were marshmallow soft. I didn’t know I if I could have requested firmer pillows but oh well. The bed was so hard I did not sleep unless I took a sleeping pill. Our room on the fourth floor was near Canal Street so at night we could hear every horn, car, yelling and siren. Do not stay anywhere near 4th floor (or that side); you will not sleep. Besides that, the room was perfect. There was a coffee machine (espresso) and tea pot with bags in the cabinet. Our bathroom was so pretty and came with all the bits and bobs you need. I did not care for the lotion, gel, or shampoo smell. The shower was powerful and hot. The shower wand was very powerful and be careful if you drop it. It will jump around like a cartoon. The slippers are so soft and plush. The robes were not every soft but nice and thick overall. There is turn down service at night was was nice and we used it once. The staff was always friendly in person and over the phone. We were greeted coming and going. Calling for room service was a nice experience and they were very quick with responding with our requests. I food always came with a flower and the food hot and yummy. The pool was nice. There were towels available. The pool room was warm and the jacuzzi was nice. It has a timer for the jets. Very private but we aware there are steps to get to the pool area and if you have a disability with movement, this might prove challenging. The gym had a variety of equipment (I did to use gym but saw the equipment). There were cooled towels, protein snacks, and water available too. In the evenings, there is a jazzy band from 5-8pm at the restaurant. We got a drink and sat on the couches and listen. It was nice. We ordered food in the restaurant and the food was good. The service was very slow though. I loved the atmosphere! So warm and cozy. The outside courtyard was romantic during sundown. Pictures are so pretty out there. My check out process was also smooth and fast. We left out in the middle of the night (well early am) and was able to get a email and printed receipt. The receptionist was very kind. I will definitely come back here or another Ritz for the experience. I love the experience and it was a wonderful luxury hotel for the area.

The room itself was perfectly fine, but the check-in experience was concerning. Maleya confirmed both my current stay and a future reservation, yet I received a cancellation email for the latter shortly after arriving, without having requested any change. A quick call to the front desk led to conflicting information (I was told she was “busy,” then that she had “gone for the day”), which proved inaccurate when I returned moments later and saw her still on site. While the issue was ultimately resolved, the lack of clear communication and accountability left a lot to be desired. Location: close to everything, valet parking available and ample security onsite.

I have stayed at this hotel numerous times but after this most recent stay, I feel compelled to provide a review. Let me just say, I have always loved the Ritz. It is my favorite hotel in New Orleans but this last visit was extremely disappointing. The food and bar staff are severely lacking. Receiving your food and drink orders takes a ridiculous amount of time. Something as simple as coffee refills during breakfast should be expected and not have to be requested. The servers all stand around chatting or on their phones and are not attentive to the customers. The specific issues I experienced were in the Davenport lounge on two separate occasions and at breakfast. It is clearly not the standard of this brand to deliver this type of service. Very disappointing.

This is a very elegant hotel with top notch amenities. Located in the French Quarter, this hotel offers ultimate convenience, with restaurants and cafes just a few minute walk, not to mention its proximity to Bourbon street where the action is. The fresh flowers at the lobby looked fabulous. The room looked elegant and clean. The toiletries are, of course, my all time favorite. The view of the courtyard was amazing. The grounds were very much well kept. The staff that stood out was Corayma Castillo. She was very kind, professional and helpful. Everyone else were otherwise great. I loved that they had tea and beignets available at the lobby in the afternoon. Overall, it was a very pleasant experience.

Not sure how anyone could give this hotel anything less than 5 stars. I read some of those negative reviews, and I honestly did not share the same experience. My husband and I stayed here 3 nights and primarily stayed at the hotel, so we got to experience a lot of their amenities. We both got a facial and massages. I wish I could remember all their names, but the ones I can were Trish or Tish, Tiffany, and Star. They were all phenomenal and worth every penny. Additionally, we paid extra for our room, so we were able to take advantage of their club lounge. They have delicious snacks, drinks, breakfast, light lunch items, desserts, and drinks/cocktails of any kind. We looked at the type of liquor they used for our drinks, and it was only the best. We really enjoyed talking to a woman by the name of Sunday, she was very kind and helpful. We also were met with kindness by two other men at the lounge as well, but unfortunately, we did not catch their names. Valeria at the front counter was more than kind. She helped me out and has no idea how much that meant to me. The room was impeccable; very clean and roomy. They also came in at night for turndown service. We had dinner at MBistro, and we actually found the food and service better than GW Fins down the street, and we enjoyed the wonderful jazz band there as well. The location couldn't have been better. It's an easy walk to Bourbon Street. We visit New Orleans often as we have family in the area, and will no longer stay anywhere else.