Hotel Mazarin

Hotel Mazarin is a charming boutique that provides a great value with its prime location straddling the bars of Bourbon Street and the hushed art galleries on Royal, elegant decor, and affordable rates. Rooms wrap around a gorgeous brick-lined courtyard with a central fountain, wrought-iron dining sets, and calm atmosphere that provides a respite from the buzzing French Quarter. Be aware that many events are often held in the courtyard, limiting access to guests and creating additional noise -- but all outdoor events must end by 8 p.m., so visitors don’t have to worry about being kept up by late-night celebrations. The only other real common areas are a simple breakfast room and small lobby with a concierge desk in the corner, a jar of madeleines, and silver and gold decor. Expect to see mostly middle-aged and older couples, plus the occasional business traveler attending area conferences. 

The Mazarin sits in the liveliest heart of the French Quarter, just a half-block from Bourbon and Royal Streets. Chic boutiques, art galleries, and fine street musicians can be found on Royal, while adults who enjoy free-flowing cocktails and buzzing sidewalks should head for Bourbon. The hotel is also within walking distance of streetcars, the Mississippi River and its riverboats, Harrah’s Casino, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Insectarium, Jackson Square, Preservation Hall, and dozens of world-class restaurants.The French Quarter, or the Vieux Carré, is a historic neighborhood that stretches 12 blocks to the Mississippi River. Originally settled by the Spanish, and then the French, the Quarter features a variety of architecture, including colorful Creole cottages, gorgeous antebellum mansions, intricate ironwork and some buildings that date to the late 1700s. Today, the Quarter is a mix of private homes, museums, commercial shops, restaurants and hotels, as well as wide open public spaces. Property values in the Quarter have gone up since the 1984 World Fair, driving more tourist-related development but also creating a residential demand among elites and celebrities.Keep in mind that the heavily tourist parts of Bourbon Street are closed to vehicles (except for delivery trucks, taxis, and airport shuttles) every night after 6 p.m. Likewise, parts of Royal Street close in the afternoon to all vehicles.- 20-minute taxi or shuttle ride from Louis Armstrong International Airport

• Five-minute walk to Canal Street, where streetcars are available to St. Charles Avenue and the New Orleans Museum of Art
• Five-minute walk to Preservation Hall
• 10-minute walk to the Mississippi River
• 10-minute walk to Jackson Square and Cafe du Monde
• 15-minute drive to Mardi Gras World

The Mazarin offers several room types, all decorated in a classically elegant style consisting of dark marble floors topped by traditional rugs, heavy wood furniture with gold detailing, gold accent walls, crystal light fixtures, plantation shutters, and gilded artwork. Most rooms are spacious, aside from the snug Petit Rooms. Unfortunately, poor noise insulation is a problem for both street- and courtyard-facing rooms, though it's worse for the former. Up-to-date technologies include iPod docks, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi, plus there are coffeemakers, mini-fridges with free bottled water, safes, leather armchairs, and desks. Closets have bathrobes and slippers, ironing facilities, and hairdryers. Sleek bathrooms have black-porcelain tile, walk-in rainfall showers and toiletries, but some guests have complained of limited hooks for towels and counter space. Upgrades include separate living rooms, furnished balconies, or kitchenettes. 

As expected for a boutique property, amenities are limited here, with Hotel Mazarin lacking a full restaurant, pool, and spa. However, the hotel does offer free breakfasts daily in a window-filled room overlooking the tranquil courtyard, where guests can also dine. The tasty spread includes hot items such as eggs, sausage, grits, and pancakes, plus continental fare consisting of yogurt, fresh fruit, cereal, coffee, and tea. Guests receive a coupon for a free welcome drink at nearby 21st Amendment Bar at La Louisiane. An upscale wine bar run by legendary New Orleans maitre d’ Patrick van Hoorebeek is on the property. Appropriately named, Patrick’s Bar Vin features a staggering wine list, original cocktails, and indulgent little plates with local touches. Living room-like seating is available indoors, plus there's a small terrace facing Bienville Street.A compact gym has just a handful of cardio machines and free weights, and a business center has a couple of computers and a printer. An attractive event space and meeting room are on-site, and both catering and wedding planning services are available. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, while parking requires a fee.