The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Just wrapped up a two-night stay at the RC New Orleans. It was such an amazing stay from the moment we got out of the car until the bellman put us into our car to the airport. Every staff member we encountered was gracious and offered the ultimate in Southern Hospitality. The Club level is truly as they advertise as a hotel within the hotel. Entering though the secret blue door dispatches you into another world where the design, decor and the all day offerings delighted us at every turn. There were many standouts in the club but I have to call out that they changed out some breakfast menu items each day which gave it variety. It is rare you find tha in a Marriott club. The working fireplaces and warm spaces made this such an enjoyable spot. The room was newly reimagined and the huge soaking tub was a real treat. Housekeeping was impeccable — organizing our things and braiding our charging cables into perfection. We are already planning our next stay here. What a gem!

Do not stay if you expect 5-star service and atmosphere. As a Marriott Gold Elite member and a frequent guest of Ritz-Carlton properties worldwide—most recently experiencing the impeccable five-star standards of the Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain—my recent stay in New Orleans was profoundly disappointing. The experience was inconsistent with the brand’s "Gold Standard" and felt more akin to a mid-tier lifestyle hotel than a premier luxury destination. My concerns are rooted in four specific areas: • Pre-Arrival & Front Desk: My experience began with a Friday inquiry call regarding parking. The staff member who answered was visibly annoyed and dismissive, setting a poor tone before I even stepped foot on the property. Upon arrival, the check-in process was hampered by long lines and a lack of Elite recognition. • Security & Atmosphere: The lobby and third-floor areas were crowded with non-guests wandering in from the French Quarter. While I understand the hotel’s location, the Ritz-Carlton should maintain an exclusive environment. Allowing "lobby hoppers" to congregate detracts from the safety and prestige of the guest experience. Access should be more strictly monitored for residents and those with legitimate business on-site. • Substandard Dining Service: We dined at the hotel restaurant and waited 30 minutes before a server even acknowledged our table. The delay was so significant that I had to physically go to the bar to purchase our own drinks. This level of neglect is unacceptable in a fine-dining environment. • Loss of Personal Property: I inadvertently left my portable phone charger at the table. When I inquired the following morning, the item was not in Lost and Found, and staff were indifferent to the loss. In a true five-star environment, an item left at a table should be logged and secured immediately. The fact that it vanished suggests either a lack of internal protocol or a lack of integrity regarding guest property. The "Ladies and Gentlemen" of the Ritz-Carlton are known for anticipating guest needs, yet this stay was defined by apathy.

From the minute we walked into the beautiful lobby, we knew we would be treated royally. The lobby was decorated for Christmas, and smelled delicious too with a beautiful gingerbread display and candles throughout. Mario Mills, the manager on duty, went out of his way to welcome me, and get me checked in. My room was not ready yet, but Mario checked my luggage, and offered to help me find something to do while I wait for my friend. He asked what we planned to do, and I said it was a girls weekend with a friend I have not seen in a few years. A while later, Mario approached me in the lobby and addressed me by my surname - he remembered, love that, and said he had something to send to my room. We found a beautifully chilled bottle of Rose bubbly waiting for us on ice with glasses and a hand written note by Mario welcoming us and wishing us a good girls weekend. It is personal touches like that that made us feel so special and welcome. The rooms are clean, spacious and bedding was comfortable. It was a great experience and stay. Fifa at the front desk was also very kind and professional. Only cons - the rooms slippers make a sticking noise when you walk on floor, and the bathroom by the pool was unclean.

Just arrived home after a four night stay at Ritz Carlton New Orleans and what a wonderful stay it was! The hotel is stunning, blending historical charm with modern amenities. Our room was very spacious and comfortable, and the housekeeping each day was top tier! But the standout of this hotel is the wonderful staff that give new meaning to the term "hospitality". Everyone with whom we came into contact - from the engaging and friendly bell staff that greeted us and gave us insider advice on exploring the city, to the staff in the food and beverage outlets—was amazing. Loved the hostesses and servers at M Bistro in the mornings, the female bartender working earlier in the day, and the kind male server who found my sister had left her glasses at the table and had them delivered to our room before we even made it back up there. I am sorry I didn't get their names! My only regret is that we didn't get to see the finished Christmas decor that they were working on every day. It was absolutely gorgeous! I have never seen a hotel put so much effort into a Christmas display, but the entire hotel was activated and very photoworthy! Definitely a place to visit during the holidays if even just for a drink or dinner.

This property is on Canal Street which is a sketchy area. Although it is close to the Quarter, there are homeless people on the street and some of them sleeping or asking for money. It is convenient to the street car and to downtown but the neighborhood leaves a lot to be desired. The hotel is very nice with the common areas a hub of activity. Great people watching on a weekend. The lounge has jazz music at night and the lounge turns into a restaurant during the day. The rooms are spacious but could use some updating and some deep cleaning. However it was clean.