Place d'Armes Hotel

For those tourists wishing to take a journey to the past, the Place D'Armes offers up just the right amount of old world charm. The property is comprised of eight adjoined town homes situated around a shaded courtyard with a pool and fountain, a common gathering place for guests. This hotel is definitely more suited to visitors wishing to enjoy New Orleans culture at its best than for the average business traveler. The facade reads classic NOLA, with its red brick exterior, hanging plants, and wrought-iron balconies. The lobby is small but has a warm feel with heavy drapes, oil paintings, marble accents, and richly colored carpeting. Though there is an elevator, there are also hallways and stairways that admittedly have a slightly spooky feel (area ghost tours frequently mention this property as a place for paranormal sightings --if you believe in that sort of thing). Otherworldly friends aside, relaxed-but-happening best describes the overall vibe.

The hotel is just under two blocks from Bourbon Street and 100 feet or so from historic Jackson Square, which is frequented by buskers, artists, and Tarot card readers. With its laid-back yet bustling surroundings, the Place D'Armes is a terrific branching out point for tourists wishing to take in the history of the area without quite being in party central. It's also one block from the French Market and the famed Cafe du Monde, where visitors can sample beignets and cafe au lait. The road leading up to the hotel is bumpy and narrow (travelers should park their car and leave it), and there is a frequent flow of pedestrians in the area thanks to the nearby restaurants and shops.

Nothing about the decor in these rooms reads chain hotel. Of the 84 guest rooms, there is a marked variability in decor, which adds to the authentic feel of the place -- as does the slightly musty smell, though rooms are perfectly clean. Most rooms have poster-bed headboards, but some are wooden, some wrought iron, some brass … you get the idea. Watch out for Interior Rooms, they're the cheapest options because they don't include windows. The furnishings are primarily replicated antiques -- with a lot of metal and wooden accents -- and all the beds offer comfy pillows and mattresses. The bathrooms have marble counters and are actually quite spacious with shower/tub combos. Modern conveniences such as flat-screen TVs, unreliable Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers set off the more classic decor. Rooms are climate controlled with AC, and sometimes-noisy ceiling fans. Several of the exterior rooms have private or shared balconies overlooking Jackson Square, but regardless of room location, there is a chance of hearing live music from the square.

There is one computer near the front desk which guests may use to print boarding passes, but this hotel lacks a dedicated business center -- making it less than ideal for people in town for work. There is no fitness center nor restaurant and bar, either. However, there are 24-hour concierge and bell services, as well as valet parking (which is pricey, like pretty much every hotel in downtown NOLA). The simple, daily continental breakfast is free for guests, and may be enjoyed in rooms, the breakfast room, or the lush courtyard. The courtyard also has a lovely saltwater pool and a few loungers, as well as a pretty fountain, adding to the classic appeal. Children under the age of 12 stay with their parents for free. All of the rooms are non-smoking, but the various outdoor balconies and courtyard offer plenty of space for smokers to partake in a cigarette.