Where To Stay in New Orleans

921 Canal St., ritzcarlton.com. Rooms start at $239.

Who's it for? Believe it or not, savvy travelers looking for a deal. Rates in summer can dip into the $150 range. The grande dame on Canal is just blocks from the French Quarter.

Why stay here? To experience reinvention at a classic hotel. Try the restaurant redo, M Bistro, by Dublin-born chef Matt Murphy. What doesn't change? The same aah-worthy beds.

The drawbacks. Added fees: $36/day for parking, $12.95/day for Internet. For a true hotel pool, guests must walk two blocks to the JW Marriott or Marriott International.

1133 Chartres St., soniathouse.com. Rooms start at $245.

Who's it for? Couples on a romantic getaway. This tiny inn permits no kids under age 10. It's as Southern as this city gets, with hot biscuits delivered to rooms in the morning.

Why stay here? The 30 rooms feel like a stately home. With balconies, a spacious garden courtyard, and elegant antiques, Soniat House makes guests feel like NOLA royalty.

The drawbacks. Rates can be high. Plus, the property is located in a quiet residential section of the French Quarter—a plus or a minus, depending on your point of view.

123 Baronne St., therooseveltneworleans.com. Rooms start at $199.

Who's it for? Those who want to step into the most sophisticated scene in New Orleans—or history buffs. The block-long, ornate gilded lobby is breathtaking.

Why stay here? Having just undergone a $170-million restoration, this 1920s masterpiece blends old-school touches with modern comfort (bathroom TVs, five-head massaging showers).

The drawbacks. The lobby can feel a bit like a tourist destination at times. Added fees include: $38 for daily valet parking (which we recommend), $12.95/day for Internet.

320 Decatur St., bienvillehouse.com. Rooms start at $109.

Who's it for? Visitors looking for an inn near Jackson Square and those who like to explore: Walk to the free ferry across the Mississippi River to the Algiers Point neighborhood.

Why stay here? Location, location, location. This inn sits in the heart of the French Quarter, so you can forget taxis. An idyllic courtyard and saltwater pool don't hurt either.

The drawbacks. This 83-room hotel sits right across the street from the House of Blues, a late-night challenge for light sleepers. Plus, there's no fitness center, and parking is $20/day.