Rooms with Views: Chateau LeMoyne New Orleans

Photo: Chateau LeMoyne is strategically located in the heart of the French Quarter

It’s often said that America has no culture. People who make this ill-informed claim have probably never visited the US and have certainly never been to New Orleans. A pulsating city, The Big Easy is an eclectic mix of European, Latin American and African-American cultures that have played a profound role in developing the cuisine, music and personality that makes New Orleans what it is today.

In 2006 the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina saw the city of nearly half a million drop to just over 200,000. Although the recovery has been slow, the essence of what makes New Orleans unique remains, and if there is one time of the year when the innate joie de vivre the city has in spades is more evident than the rest of the year (aside from when the Saints win the Super Bowl) is at Mardi Gras. The party gets going a few weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday, with dozens of parades, events and soirees on every corner.

Mardi Gras is a kind of all or nothing event, and being in the thick of it is the only way to go. Even if you have never been to New Orleans, you will probably know that the Vieux Carré (French Quarter) is that place. Finding a hotel here is a must if you want to be within stumbling distance (and after several Hurricanes you will stumble) of the festivities. One hotel that ticks all of our boxes and affords great views of the action below is Chateau LeMoyne. Situated on the corner of Dauphine and Bienville Street, it is only one block from Bourbon Street. Designed by James Gallier in the mid-19th century, the hotel is comprised of three Creole townhouses which were built between 1847 and 1857. The hotel was named after Jean Babtiste LeMoyne, the founder of New Orleans.

You get a taste of the famous Southern hospitality from the friendly and charming staff when you check in, and the knowledgeable concierge on hand to fill you in on the best bars and restaurants (and by best we mean places frequented by New Orleanians) that you likely won’t find in a guidebook.

There are 171 rooms at Chateau LeMoyne, but the Bienville Parlor Suite is the pick of the bunch. With a king-size bed, separate lounge area, and - best of all - an

enclosed wrought-iron balcony with views of the lush courtyard and nearby Bourbon Street. Chateau LeMoyne has spiral staircases (which we love at Ladybird of Leisure), exposed beams and unfinished brick walls which stay true to its 19th century roots. The rooms are carpeted in burgundy which could perhaps use an upgrade (after one too many frozen daiquiris you’re bound not to notice) but the rest of the furnishings are tasteful.

Photo: Enjoy an evening cocktail in the courtyard

Located in the hotel is Richard Fiske’s Martini Bar & Restaurant. Offering a particularly good deal on Mardi Gras (details here) it is also a great place to enjoy a midnight tipple before retiring to your room. If you’re looking to get out of the hotel to sample some New Orleans classics, you can’t go wrong with a po’ boy from Mothers; muffalettas from the central grocery; and of course beignets from the one and only Cafe du Monde which is as old as the building that houses the hotel (the cafe opened its doors in 1852). When it comes to beignets, do as the locals do, which according to Chateau LeMoyne guest services manager Todd Theriot is to ask for a light dusting of powdered sugar (you’ll realize why when you get there and see how much powdered sugar constitutes a normal dusting).

Photo: The pool offers a respite from the stifling New Orleans summer heat

If you’re lucky (or unlucky, it depends if you're a sucker for tropical humidity and temperatures) to stay during the warmer months in New Orleans, you can cool off in Chateau LeMoyne’s beautiful courtyard pool. After lounging around for a few hours, hop on the street car to take a ride up the Garden District to admire the Greek Revival, Colonial, and Victorian-styled mansions dotted along St. Charles Avenue. Finish up with a snoball (we recommend nectar with cream) as you soak up the atmosphere, jazz and heavy summer air in Jackson Square.

If you plan on visiting New Orleans for Mardi Gras, get ready to shout yourself hoarse asking for beads from passing floats, bring plenty of painkillers for your sore “beadneck” (and hangover) and be prepared to drink and eat your body weight in frozen cocktails and king cake. And remember, the most coveted Mardi Gras keepsake is a coconut from the Zulu Krewe; get one of those and consider your NOLA Mardi Gras experience complete.

For reservations call 1 (504) 581 1303

www.hiclneworleanshotelsite.com

#ladybirdtravels