My wife and I just returned from a two night stay our daughter gave us (with her Marriott Points) as a Christmas present. From arrival to departure the staff was welcoming, helpful and professional. Our comfortable, well appointed room looked out over the courtyard which was colorful and inviting. Morning coffee and croissants on the courtyard was very pleasant. Some reviews complain about noise, housekeeping, etc. but we would love to go back again and again.

Who requires booking by fax theese days?
Who replies in sloppy, unreadable hand scribbling on the said fax?
What kind of hotel requires the full time effort of one person for one month in advance for booking a weeks reservation in connection with a seminar?
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans Hotel.
You just do not want to stay there, no matter who pays the bill.
OK, the rooms were fine, and always clean. But do you really appretiate being disturbed 10.30 at night for someone to take the covers off your bed?
Do you really find it worthwhile having to argue with the reception staff over absolutely everything?
But what really makes this hotel stand out in a negative way is the breakfast procedures.
In this hotel you are not a guest. You are something they must handle, a raw material in some way that they need to shape.
Honestly, they think it is OK to ask you to queue up for 20 mins. while your companions wait for you. They will charge you a full cost for two breakfasts if two friends sit down to chat with you without eating. They will, as my assosiates thougth, spill juice on your chair on purpose to punish you.
This hotel nearly made us downrate Louisiana and the whole south east US.
No, be advised. You do not want to stay there, no matter who pays.
There are so many better options in this great city.

I have stayed in many hotels (see my reviews on tripadvisor), and this ranks up there as perhaps on of the most luxurious hotel experiences I have had. Keep in mind that I was in a suite, so if you have a regular room, it may not be the same, but overall, this hotel was fantastic. The bed and bathroom were luxurious. The lobby and bar area are typical Ritz--very classic design and furniture. The food in this hotel is some of the best I have had in New Orleans--better than that of many famous New Orlean's restaurants (except probably Commander's Palace, but certainly many of the Brennan's restaurants). The staff was fine, but nothing super exceptional. But the overall "hotel experience" here is just great. I wish all my hotel stays were like this. It's a great place, that I would highly recommend.

I tagged along on my husband's work trip (not expensed) and had a great time. I think we made the perfect choice.

PROS:
1. Location is fantastic. If you head out the back entrance you are a block from Bourbon street, yet when you return home you feel a world away, which is fantastic when you see how seedy some elements along Bourbon street are (FYI I felt safe the entire trip and walked around on my own).

2. Rooms, I thought they were great. Our bed was comfy, our room was well decorated. The bathroom, though not huge, was tasteful, and separate door for comode from the rest of the bathroom, which I liked.

3. Service, the conceirge was helpful, when I asked for guidance on two occasions I got knowledgeable, professional advice, without the condescending air some concierges have. Bellhop was friendly and helpful. I like turn down service, bring me little chocolates and bedside slippers and I'm a happy camper. Check in & check out were a breeze.

4. Crowd, pretty upscale people (I know, snobby, but New Orleans is a mixed bag my friends--part of the charm but nice to have a break from the "charming"). I saw a few NBA players from Houston in the lobby...funny how they stand out.

5. Cost, we found the rates for our dates more than affordable, given the caliber of the hotel

6. Gym, it's pretty darn nice for a hotel, they have the cardio room with individual TVs on the machines, a weight room, and a Yoga stretch room with weights, medicine balls and cool yoga mats. I spent like an hour doing yoga by myself, uninterrupted. fun.

CONS:
1. Noise, our room faced Canal street and I didn't hear regular traffic but the first night I heard several sets of sirens from emergency vehicles. My husband never woke, and I didn't hear it subsequent nights. Perhaps a courtyard room would be quiter.

2. Pool, only indoor lap pool and jacuzzi. For such a hot climate, a nice pool scene could be fun.

Tips
1. We traveled in January. I'm from San Diego and packed for San Diego winter. It was 75 degrees and 97% humidity. I made use of the Shops at Canal (Athropologie, Saks 5th Avenue, Banana Republic, Ann Taylor...I missed you JCREW coming FEb 2012). I wish I had brought one warm weather outfit "Just in case"...learn from my mistake.
2. Men bring sports coats, for restaurants like Galatoire's and Commander's Palace, where you'll stick out without one. (By the way, we enjoyed Galatoire's, Commander's Palace was disappointing to us).
3. St Charles Streetcar $1.25 one way, or $3 all day pass, need exact change, the pick up stop at Lady Footlocker on Canal about a block away. I had a Garden District walking tour in the travel book from the library and it gave history on homes in the area (ie Ann Rice's former home, Jefferson Davis' home, etc).

Great city to visit. Happy Travels