The Roosevelt in New Orleans – One of America’s “Grandest Destinations”

What can you say about New Orleans that hasn’t already been said? It’s definitely a fun place, no matter who you go with or what your “vacation style” is.

Love jazz music? Head out to the vibrant city where a local musician or two will undoubtedly pop up on any street corner and play the blues for a few bucks. Love a night of indulgent drinking? Bourbon Street is one of the best options across any US town. Love seeing history and tradition during your travels? Again, New Orleans, a city so rich in tradition and fun history, is one of your best options.

Don’t take my word for it, take the word of Travel + Leisure (T+L) Mag and their 2012 America’s Favorite Cities Survey, which placed New Orleans in the top spot. The survey also ranked New Orleans #1 in subcategories including, live music/concerts and bands, wild weekends, cocktail hour, singles/bar scene, off-beat personalities, cafes, antique stores, flea markets and girlfriend getaways.

So it’s decided – you’re going to New Orleans.

The easy part’s done, time to party! But wait, now comes the planning, and that’s surely the hard part. There are hundreds of hotels in the immediate New Orleans area (French Quarter specifically), which is where all the action is, and none more sophisticated and luxurious than The Roosevelt, which has recently become part of the prestigious Waldorf Astoria brand of hotels and resorts (after a $145 million restoration).

Their tag, “We bring the world to our doors,” is about as fitting as Cinderella’s shoe. Whether or not you and the girls decide to book a room at The Roosevelt, checking it out is a must for any visitor. The ambiance, the hustle and bustle vibe, the elegance, the people watching (!!) and so much more can be offered by spending just a few minutes inside the massive and ornate lobby on either end. Grab a latte at Teddy’s Café, just off the end of the Grand Lobby and take it all in. That lobby is New Orleans.

Happy Hour at Domenica is the place to be during the early evening and their happy hour is better than any we witnessed while in New Orleans. The Restaurant + Bar offers half-priced pizzas, half-priced wines (and champagne!) by the glass, some beers and cocktails everyday from 3-6 (weekends too!). Domenica was also named by Travel + Leisure Magazine this past summer as one of the best Italian Restaurants in the US and chef Alon Shaya was recently nominated for a James Beard Award, and was also named People’s Best New Chef (Gulf Coast) by Food & Wine Magazine. With all those prestigious foodie decrees, one would think the place would be overpriced and impossible to get a table. Luckily, that’s not the case, especially if you and your girls partake in the amazing happy hour.

If you’re like me, after a few days spent drinking hand grenades, gorging on beignets and yearning for a plethora of beads, some form of detox and relaxation is surely needed. The best spot for that: the Rooftop at The Roosevelt. Complete with an intense selection of martinis, a food menu and a beautiful color-lit pool, The Rooftop Bar at The Roosevelt is another great place to partake in the festivities, or simply unwind in the hot tub after a long weekend.

Considered one of America’s “grandest destinations,” the city of New Orleans and The Roosevelt Hotel should most definitely be on your list of places to visit.

Jayme Lamm is a freelance writer and marketing consultant based in Houston focusing on travel writing and is in a full-court press writing her hugely opinionated sports column, The Blonde Side. Be sure to follow Jayme’s travel and sports adventures on Twitter @jaymelamm.