Celebrities, royals, and discerning travelers choose the Windsor Court for its classic style, attentive staff, and big rooms. While there’s plenty to do on the property -- including afternoon tea, a tour of the hotel’s impressive art collection, or a treatment at the lovely spa -- the Windsor Court is quietly located near all the French Quarter action. The rooms are sweet and cheerful, with classic English-style decor and upscale amenities that include free Wi-Fi, iPod docks, Molton Brown toiletries, and Keurig coffeemakers.

Trendsetters and celebs stay at the International House Hotel for its quietly sexy vibe, attentive staff, and posh rooms designed by a top L.A. designer. At night, the hotel’s Loa Bar (just off the rose-scented lobby) serves fancy libations by candlelight. The rates here are surprisingly fair, and the Central Business District location is within walking distance of the French Quarter.

The Omni Royal Orleans is an upscale business hotel housed in a historic building in the French Quarter. It offers 345 elegant (if small) rooms featuring solid amenities, including flat-screen TVs with LodgeNet system, iPod docks, and stocked minibars. Property highlights include a renowned restaurant, a heated saltwater rooftop pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. But there’s a fee for in-room Wi-Fi (free for Omni’s loyalty program guests) as well as for valet parking.

The Royal Sonesta is Bourbon Street’s swankiest hotel, and guests can customize it to their level of party pleasure. Low-key travelers should ask for a hushed interior room deep in the property, while those who want a certain New Orleans experience can take a balcony room and watch an eclectic parade of people go by at all hours. Live jazz and a hopping pool scene add appeal for weary business people who can’t wait to break out of their meetings.

The 600-room French Quarter hotel has made literary history and cocktail history, but it's no museum piece. Monteleone renovated guest rooms in 2010, completing its new look in 2012 with updates to its common areas and restaurant. On the upper floors, the hotel offers some of the city's most exhilarating views. If you'd rather get your kicks on the ground, ride the legendary Carousel Bar.

The W New Orleans is a hip upper-middle-range hotel located in the Central Business District, within walking distance of both the French Quarter and the Museum District. It offers 423 stylish rooms with dark accent walls, plush beds and great amenities -- including flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Tivoli Audios, and Bliss toiletries -- but they’re showing wear and tear, and bathrooms are in need of an update. The outdoor pool with cabanas; two lively bars; free car service; and well-equipped fitness center are all great features, but overall the hotel is not quite up to par with other W properties.

With a grand lobby, classic rooms, a rooftop pool, a historic restaurant, and wonderful service, The Roosevelt attracts a varied crowd of celebrities, well-heeled couples, and business travelers. The upscale spa, the large fitness center, and the hotel’s central location are all great features, but guests should note that there are fees for Wi-Fi and for valet parking.

With a gorgeous Tuscan-style courtyard complete with a heated saltwater pool; seven exclusive one- and two-bedroom cottages; top-notch services; and a central location in the French Quarter, the Audubon Cottages is a great pick for travelers looking to splurge. Just note that there are no amenities aside from the pool and that parking is available only at the hotel’s sister property a block away.

Loft 523 is the platinum standard of New Orleans’ boutique hotels, ushering in sleek, industrial decor (no fussy florals here) in spacious lofted rooms with large, luxurious baths. Because of its size (only 18 rooms), Loft 523 lacks some amenities -- guests will have to go around the corner to sister hotel International House for a restaurant or fitness room -- but room service is available through a popular nearby restaurant, and the property can often be a better overall bargain than a full-service luxury hotel. Partiers will appreciate that hip nightclub Le Phare is attached to the hotel, though room noise levels are louder during club hours.

This classic, 111-room New Orleans boutique hotel is a well-maintained historic property in the French Quarter, just a block from Bourbon Street. Rooms are elegant and charming; some have details such as exposed brick, whirlpool tubs, or balconies. Like most neighborhood hotels, the property surrounds a lovely private courtyard and has a nice on-site bar. It also has a pool, unlike the nearby Hotel Mazarin.