Presenting the second edition of the Curbed NOLA Hotel 18 Map, tackling the question "Where should I stay in New Orleans?" From glitzy high-dollar luxury digs to a few historical spots you won't find anywhere else in the world to hotels geared toward the convention crowd— have a look at what hotels made the cut (presented in no particular order, by the way). Later in the week we'll take a closer look at the bevy of bed-and-breakfast joints around town, so do hit up the tipline and share your experiences. Before we know it, this map will get another makeover, so holler in the comments section below or shoot us an email if we overlooked your favorite spot.
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The 18 Essential New Orleans Hotels, March 2014 Edition

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Historical and glamorous – the stunning block-long lobby and the original art-deco Sazerac Bar are must-sees – with a dash of infamy (this was Gov. Huey P. Long’s old New Orleans headquarters) make this possibly the most essential hotel in the city. Guests will pay the price to stay here, but this Waldorf-Astoria property is known for its A+ service, concierges, suites, and celeb sightings.
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
Ritz accommodations vary from the standard 350-square-foot room to the ultra-luxe “hotel within a hotel” Maison Orleans, which has a dedicated concierge, "continuous culinary options throughout the day," and a key to the private Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. If one must leave their room there's a 25,000-sq.ft. spa and jazz trumpeter Jeremy Davenport’s lounge is on site.
The Saint Hotel, Autograph Collection®
is, of course, drenched in red velvet with low lighting, a private stage, music, dance pole, and a “few surprises only revealed to those who stay there.”
Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans
The iron lace wrap-around balconies at this 500-room hotel offer views of bead-begging tourists and general Bourbon Street malarkey, but guests can still class it up by ducking into the marble lobby or lush courtyard. Other on-site escapes include the restaurant R’evolution, Irvin Mayfield's Jazz Playhouse, and a super-VIP experience on the R Club level.
Hotel Maison de Ville
Re-opened in 2012, the 16-unit hotel is a townhouse from 1783, four former slave quarters, and a carriage house. Tennessee Williams was a regular in room 9 and the original Sazerac maker, Antoine Peychoud, used to live here back in the day.
Soniat House
Built in the 1830s, this lower Quarter spot has rooms ranging from a 225-sq.ft.space to a two-bdrm suite with private elevator. There's an honor bar (yes, really!), a wine cellar, and those looking for a break from the kids will appreciate the "no children under 10" rule.
Omni Royal Orleans
Last year's renovation made some of the smaller sleeping quarters roomier in this centrally located 345-room Quarter hotel. For those not lucky enough to nab a room with a balcony overlooking Royal or St. Louis Streets, there's always the 360-degree view at the observation deck by the rooftop pool.
Hotel Monteleone
This allegedly haunted literary landmark with 600 rooms, 55 suites, and a rooftop pool has been in the hotel biz since 1886. Some of the rooms are small but take a few spins around the must-see revolving Carousel Bar and everything will be a-okay.
JW Marriott Hotel
It's not the swankiest or even the most affordable option, but the JW does offer edge-of-the-Quarter accessibility for the post-convention crowd. The 30-floor hotel has 18 meeting rooms and 19,000-sq.ft. of meeting space.
International House Hotel
Partiers will appreciate the 11th floor “rockstar” windowless rooms and the hipper-than-thou crowd will enjoy the name-dropping design choices by LM Pagano, “designer of choice for Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp.” The former Canal Louisiana Bank & Trust Co. building from 1906 is now a 117-room art-filled boutique hotel owned by real estate developer Sean Cummings.
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Queen & Crescent Hotel
With 196 "European-style rooms," this CBD spot is an affordable, no-frills option just a couple blocks outside of the Quarter.
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Windsor Court Hotel
It's tough not to feel fancy in this elegant, luxurious space and what makes it even better, the service is not stuffy. The majority of the rooms are suites (ask for a river view) and the rooftop salt water pool is open year round. The Grill Room, Polo Club Lounge, and Cocktail Bar are all on site.
W New Orleans
Hip, sleek, and appealing to the cool kids, this is what one would expect from the W brand. Rooms range from the basic “Wonderful Room” to the “WOW suite,” where guests can "soak in the oval Jacuzzi and watch the 42" plasma TV or keep the party going with the marble-topped wet bar."
Loews Hotel
This versatile CBD hotel with a striking lobby and local artwork throughout has 285 spacious rooms and 12 suites. Good for the business traveler, those vacationing with kids (there's a "Loews Loves Kids" program), and it's pet-friendly.
Harrah's Hotel
Those in search of the full casino experience will appreciate Harrah's 450-room hotel, right across the street from the casino. Gamble all night (or day...or both) and crash on the Beautyrest mattresses.
Hyatt Regency New Orleans
This place is massive. Clearly aimed at the convention crowd, there are 1,193 rooms, 95 suites, 200,000-sq.ft. of event space, 70 meeting rooms, and a variety of restaurants, including John Besh's Borgne.
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Hotel Modern
Rooms options vary from "small" to "large" and go all the way up to 2-bdrm suites. Overlooking Lee Circle and on the streetcar line, all of the 135 rooms include “thoughtfully curated books" and Keurig brewers. Cocktail enthusiasts will appreciate Bellocq, located in the hotel.
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Hotel Indigo
One of the few Uptown hotels and the only luxury boutique hotel in the Garden District, this pet-friendly 132-room property opened last year after a $16.9M reno. Located on the St. Charles Ave., Mardi Gras revelers lodging here get a front row spot.
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