The majestic, block-long lobby harks back to the early 20th century, a golden age of opulent hotels and grand retreats. Swish rooms have classical details, but the spa, Domenica, storied Sazerac Bar and swanky jazz lounge are at least half the reason to stay. The rooftop pool is pretty swell too. It's an easy walk to the French Quarter.
Known originally as the Grunewald, the hotel was the city’s elite establishment when it opened in 1893. In the 1930s its bar was frequented by governor Huey Long. A meticulous $145 million renovation saw it reopen its doors in 2009 as part of the Waldorf-Astoria Collection. During December, the lobby of the Roosevelt is turned into a Christmas-light-bedecked holiday wonderland. The hotel becomes a major destination for families in the metropolitan region – it's pretty, but the lobby is always packed in the evenings.