There is really nothing like spending time in New Orleans—a cultural hub renowned for delicious food, world-class music and unmatched nightlife. Since opening in 2021, the Four Seasons Hotel and Residences New Orleans have provided visitors with a luxurious experience set on the banks of the Mississippi River. Nestled in the Central Business District, the Four Seasons New Orleans towers over the riverfront in the former World Trade Center building, which was once the city’s tallest building. Today, rising up 34 stories, the historic landmark tower features a rooftop observation deck with panoramic views, one of the city’s largest hotel pools, and dining options from James Beard-awarded chefs.
During our recent stay, we were delighted by the hotel’s urban resort feel—it was a place to relax and unwind but we still felt like we were in the middle of all the action. Upon arrival, we were quickly checked in and shown to our executive suite on the 16th floor with a city view. The 700-square-foot room featured a living area, a large separate bedroom, a walk-in closet, and a huge marble bathroom. Before we knew it our floor-to-ceiling windows allowed the buzzing streets of New Orleans to call us out for a pre-dinner stroll. New Orleans, as Bob Dylan wrote, is a “great place to live vicariously.”
Known as the birthplace of American jazz, New Orleans is a great destination for music fans of any genre. While tourists are frequently lured by the art and architecture of the well-known French Quarter or in trendy Marigny, where revelers who want to hear jazz late into the night make themselves at home on Frenchman Street. We liked our address on Canal Street, where we felt close enough to our favorite cafes and shops, while happy to explore the redeveloping riverfront area.
Our first stop was a late dinner at Miss River, featuring chef Alon Shaya’s inspired menu of beloved local-inspired dishes. The bold flavors were enhanced by the restaurant’s sleek design and lively atmosphere. We were tired, but we couldn’t pass up a chance to follow our meal with a nightcap at the Chandelier Bar with its enormous namesake chandelier made up of 15,000 crystals. The drink menu celebrates the classic New Orleans cocktails, but do yourself a favor and order their signature martini, which is enhanced with homemade bitters and your choice of garnish, and was named one of Food and Wine magazine’s “favorite martinis of 2022.”
The options continue at the Four Seasons. Relax poolside or treat yourself to some well-earned pampering with a visit to The Spa—a tranquil space to erase the effects of any late nights out with a signature facial treatment from Biologique Recherche or opt for a therapeutic facial or body treatment from the Spa’s new organic product line Seed to Skin.
We received attentive and hospitable service while dining one evening at Chemin à la Mer, led by Chef Donald Link. The exquisitely curated dinner menu is Link’s way of honoring the flavors of his native Louisiana and is expertly prepared with French technique.
For those who can’t get enough of live music while hanging out in the Crescent City, the concierge team will be happy to arrange exclusive experiences such as a private concert or music lessons with a jazz legend at the historic Preservation Hall. Or tuck into a stool at the Chandelier Bar or the nearby tables and enjoy Grammy-nominated trumpet player Branden Lewis of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band performing sets on Sunday afternoons.
Whether you are taking in everything New Orleans has to offer or looking to relax and unwind, the Four Seasons offers a luxurious option at the center of it all.
FourSeasons.com/NewOrleans
