Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans

History has a funny way of weaving its way in and out of our lives. Some of us are lured to it, others perplexed as to how to reconcile the past with our high tech lives we maintain. Even if you could care less about the Louisiana Purchase and the power of the Mississippi River throughout history, make no mistake. Once you step foot in New Orleans you’ll be entranced by its spellbinding history and how it has shaped a city that at times seems locked in time.

In the View Carre (the French Quarter) timelessness is a good thing, especially when it comes to a hotel. The Bourbon Orleans is a landmark dating from the 1800’s sitting smack in the heart of the Quarter on the city’s most desirable corner, Rue Bourbon and Rue Orleans. Once part of a complex of structures that included the Orleans Theater and the Orleans Ballroom, the latter the setting for the city’s select affairs and acknowledged to be “the pride of New Orleans,” these buildings were once home to the Sisters of the Holy Family, an order of African-American nuns who occupied them for 80 years. They’ve held up well. A sense of refinement and grandeur attends the lobby, resplendent with antique furnishings, sprays of fresh flowers and the tinkling of a baby grand piano. And fittingly, the look and feeling of the past presides. A stairway out of Gone With the Wind winds its way up to the Ballroom and the banquet rooms. No doubt the Hotel Bourbon Orleans is quite the swanky setting for a catered affair.

If you’re smart you’ll opt for of one of the duplex suites, especially #331, a wraparound corner with a massive terrace with views of wild Bourbon St. and Rue St. Ann, and perfect for an alfresco breakfast or for watching the action after dark. A large foyer with a nice sized wet bar and sitting area leads to a spacious suite sequestered from NOLA’s infamous heat by louvered French doors and furnished with comfortable period reproduction pieces. Masonry walls are painted a cool yellow and hand-painted gessoed lamps with linen shades cast a nice glow after dark. Original black and white photographs of familiar city landmarks framed in silver leaf demand a closer look.

Upstairs a cozy artist’s garret bedroom awaits, painted a vivid red, an intimate and romantic space. You’ll be tempted to sleep a bit longer in that bed in the morning. When you do finally hear the famous street coming to life below, you’ll have no problem facing the black granite and marble bath with its roomy European shower and gilt framed mirrors. Signature amenities help with the transition to the outside world and another nice perk here is the dual entrances so no need to even think about heading downstairs to tidy up; the housekeeping staff here is on it.

The hotel not only has an impressive pedigree and is living up to it; it also has a fabulous pool in the courtyard for cooling off. And when you’re not resting up after a long night of partying, you will want to be in that pool, trust me. That is unless you’re in the mood for a little ghostbusting. Because of its varied past lives the hotel is said to be one of New Orleans’ top haunted hotels.

*The Bourbon Orleans Hotel is part of the prestigious New Orleans Collection, a splendidly original group of unique properties. Its location in the French Quarter, the city’s most historic neighborhood, is within easy reach of more than 100 restaurants and is perfect for discovering the fascinating area.