New Orleans is one of those cities that you can visit over and over again and still discover something new. The food, the music, the architecture, the cocktails, the history… honestly, what’s not to love? So when Pete and I were ready for a quick weekend getaway, New Orleans was an easy choice.
For this trip, we stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, and it turned out to be the perfect home base for exploring the city while still giving us a beautiful place to retreat to at the end of the day. The luxury propertyis located ideally on the beautiful Mississippi River Walk and the foot of Canal Street, close to everything!
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
The hotel is steps from the French Quarter, the Warehouse/Arts District and the Central Business District, and there is even direct access to the streetcar line. The airport is approximately 20 minutes away, making this a very easy weekend escape.The Four Seasons occupies the riverfront tower that has become a major part of the New Orleans skyline. The overall design feels polished and sophisticated while still embracing the personality of New Orleans. This is definitely a luxury hotel, but it doesn’t feel stuffy. There are beautiful social spaces, a lively lobby, gorgeous dining, a fabulous bar and plenty of places to simply sit and enjoy the atmosphere.
The Rooms
The guest rooms and suites are spacious and contemporary, with a residential feel that makes it easy to settle in for a few days. One of my favorite things about staying at a luxury hotel in a city is having a place to escape to after a full day of sightseeing. New Orleans is a sensory overload in the very best way — music everywhere, people everywhere, amazing food and lots of activity — so coming back to a calm, comfortable room is a definite plus. And yes, the Mississippi River views are pretty spectacular! The hotel also offers 24-hour in-room dining, which is exactly what you want when you’ve had a long day or simply want a quiet night in.
Cabana and Pool Time at Four Seasons New Orleans
If you’re visiting New Orleans when the weather is warm, be sure to make time for the pool. The fifth-floor pool deck overlooks the Mississippi River and features a 75-foot crescent-shaped pool, a spa tub and private cabanas. It is the largest hotel pool in New Orleans and has both shallow-water sun shelves and plenty of loungers for relaxing.I love building a little downtime into a city getaway. You don’t have to see absolutely everything. Give yourself an afternoon to enjoy the pool, order something poolside and soak up the New Orleans sunshine. This is where we enjoyed a beautiful afternoon in a Cabana, complete with champaign, snacks, TV and much more. The perfect spot to unwind!
The Spa
The Spa at Four Seasons is designed around the New Orleans bon vivant lifestyle, combining French beauty techniques with modern technology. The spa has eight treatment rooms as well as steam and relaxation lounges.If you’re planning a girls’ trip, anniversary weekend or just a much-needed escape with your husband, I would absolutely add a spa treatment to the itinerary. Because vacation should include a little pampering! We enjoyed a 60 minute couples massage and then spent a little time relaxing in the steam sauna.
Restaurants on property
You really don’t have to leave the hotel to have an amazing meal. Four Seasons New Orleans has two signature restaurants plus the glamorous Chandelier Bar.
Miss River is the hotel’s signature Creole restaurant, and this is where you can really lean into New Orleans flavors. The restaurant serves elevated versions of Louisiana favorites, with bold Cajun flavors and local ingredients. Menu highlights include duck and andouille gumbo, clay pot dirty rice and the famous whole buttermilk-fried chicken.
For a special dinner, head to Chemin à la Mer, the Four Seasons steakhouse overlooking the Mississippi River. The restaurant is led by Chef Donald Link and combines a classic steakhouse experience with Louisiana and Gulf Coast influences. There is an impressive oyster bar, Gulf seafood and premium steaks, including A5 Japanese Wagyu.
Then there’s the Chandelier Bar, which is reason enough to stop by the lobby. The bar sits beneath a custom chandelier made with 15,000 crystals and celebrates the history of New Orleans cocktail culture. You’ll find classic cocktails like the Sazerac, French 75 and Brandy Crusta alongside creative modern versions. Pop in for a drink before you head out to enjoy Nola.
Things to Do in New Orleans for a Weekend Getaway
French Quarter
Of course, you can’t come to New Orleans and not explore the French Quarter. Spend a few hours simply wandering. Look at the beautiful iron balconies, colorful buildings and courtyards. Walk along Royal Street for antiques, art galleries and shopping, and make your way to Jackson Square. Jackson Square is one of those quintessential New Orleans photo spots, with artists, performers and the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral creating the classic New Orleans backdrop. Shop and stroll Magazine Street, Bourbon Street and more. Be sure to pop in to two of my favorite stores in New Orleans - Sue Sarot and Leontine Linens. Both are exquisite!
Café Du Monde
Head to Café du Monde for the classic combination of powdered-sugar-covered beignets and café au lait made with coffee and chicory.Yes, it is touristy. Yes, you should still do it. Go early if you want a more relaxed experience, and prepare to get powdered sugar everywhere. That’s part of the experience!
Live Jazz at Preservation Hall
New Orleans and jazz are inseparable, so carve out at least one evening for live music. Preservation Hall in the French Quarter is one of the most iconic places to experience traditional New Orleans jazz. It is intimate, historic and focused on the music. And don’t stop with just one song or one venue. Music is everywhere in New Orleans!
The National WWII Museum
If you love history, put the National WWII Museum on your itinerary. Located in the Warehouse District, the museum tells the story of the American experience during World War II through immersive exhibits, artifacts and personal stories. It has expanded into a seven-acre campus with multiple pavilions.This is not a museum you can casually breeze through in 30 minutes. Plan several hours if you want to really experience it. The current New Orleans tourism guide recommends allowing four to six hours.Even if you’re not a huge history buff, I think it’s worth making the time. We LOVED the museum and could have spent all day there!
Ride the Streetcar
One of my favorite ways to see a city is by using its public transportation — especially when the transportation is part of the experience. New Orleans’ historic streetcars are a fun way to get around and see neighborhoods beyond the French Quarter. The official New Orleans tourism guide also recommends a streetcar ride as one of the classic first-time experiences. For a weekend trip, this can be an easy way to add another neighborhood to your itinerary without spending the entire afternoon in a car.
Suggestions from my followers/subscribers
A long weekend is simply not enough time to get it all in and we will certainly be back. Here are some great suggestions from my #TanyaTribe that I want to include. We had time to have lunch at La Boulangerie which was fabulous and dinner at Brennan's. Pete will always make this a stop due to the Turtle Soup. Might we also suggest Ralph's, La Petite Grocery, Audubon Park, Commander's Palace, Carousel Bar, Lafitte's, Parkway Tavern, Court of Two Sisters and visit the cemetaries.
Walk the French Quarter. Eat the beignets. Listen to jazz. Take a streetcar. Order the cocktail. Have the second dessert. That’s what a New Orleans weekend is all about. If you’re looking for a quick luxury getaway that feels like a real vacation without requiring a long flight, put New Orleans on your list. I think you’ll love it as much as we did.
Have you been to New Orleans? What are your favorite things to do, eat and see? Let me know in the comments!
xoxo – Tanya
P.S. Be sure to check out our post about our stay at the Four Seasons Orlando.
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