Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

travel SWEET DREAMS PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON Although the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the height of grandeur, it is surpassed by Maison Orleans, its own Club Level. Grand Hotel back down to the fourth floor lounge; four times a day food and beverages are assembled in a welcoming presentation—at no extra charge—for guests. Yes, there is a continental breakfast and it is nothing like those at some chain hotels—no boxes of Sugar Pops among a pile of juice boxes. You can have your fill of yogurt, fresh fruit, muffins, smoked salmon, and more on the carefully placed serving platters atop white linen table cloths and surrounded by gorgeous floral arrangements. There’s also a mid-day snack, evening hors d’oeuvres, and late night cordials and sweets. On weekends there’s also afternoon tea fit for royalty. Elegantly appointed rooms with furnishings reminiscent of Louis the XVI are dressed in the city’s French heritage hues of purple, green, and gold. But don’t be fooled by the traditional furnishings—all rooms have high-speed Internet access and past meets the present with an iPod dock. Don’t enjoy your luscious room too long or you’ll miss the action downstairs in the new Melange restaurant. French for “mixture,” the aptly named eatery combines the best of what New Orleans has to offer—the menu features top dishes from favorite T story by MARK A. NEWMAN The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans towers over downtown (above), and offers plush Maison Orleans Club Level rooms (center) and lounges (far right). RITZ-CARLTON NEW ORLEANS 921 Canal St. 504-524-1331 www.ritzcarlton.com he very name Ritz-Carlton conjures up luxury, pampering, class…why it’s the Cadillac of hotels. Or is Cadillac the Ritz-Carlton of sedans? Whatever the case, the Ritz has finally been trumped in pure extravagance. But don’t fret; this new bastion of elegance is located within the Ritz as part of its Maison Orleans Club Level. Prior to the hotel’s reopening in 2006, the Club Level was on the 12th, 14th, and 15th floors of the Ritz. All those amenities were moved to the Maison Orleans wing of the Ritz along with the staff and, voila, the Club Level was reinvented. From the moment you’re escorted to the private concierge on the fourth floor until your turn down service at night, you would be hard pressed to find a more resplendent hospitality experience on the Gulf Coast, and it’s all neatly tucked away in this Crescent City crown jewel. Located on Canal Street just a block away from the madding crowds on Rue Bourbon, the Ritz is a true escape from the mundane. Your first hint that the Club Level will be an unforgettable experience occurs when you happen 18 s o u t h e r n b re e z e . c o m http://www.ritzcarlton.com http://southernbreeze.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Southern Breeze 2008 Spring Issue

Editor's Letter Contributor Gumbo Seen & Heard Coastal Calendar Storefronts - Keepin' it Reel Sweet Dreams - Grand Hotel Art of Living - Marking Time Fixtures - A Fitting End Our Backyard - Reasonable Drought Make Yourself at Home - Light up Your Life The Southern Breeze Hot List Unexpected Destin-ation Visual Zydeco We're an American Band The Good Life From Halter Tops to Maternity Tops Reader Services Cheers - Lazy Libations Dish - Mississippi Yearning Chef's Table - Welcome to The Doll House Let's Eat - Sunrise Sensations Last Bite

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