A Pre-Thanksgiving Stay at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans π°
This time, I was invited to New Orleans to attend courtside games for the Pelicans and Saints, and had the pleasure of staying at "The Ritz" β sharing my experience for those planning a Thanksgiving visit! ππ I stayed for four days, and the location is truly unbeatable. The hotel sits right on Canal Street, basically at the edge of the French Quarter π«π· β just a few steps and youβre immersed in the lively streets. Food and drinks are never a worry; choices are everywhere once you step out π΄. We had breakfast at the hotel on the first morning, and after that, we walked straight into the French Quarter and nearby spots almost every day π§βπ³. So many highly-rated, unique local eateries are within walking distance β the food density here is insane π£. Iβll be sharing more about the restaurants I tried over these days! My stay happened right before Thanksgiving π¦. These days, Thanksgiving feels quieter, so once Halloween ends, the city smoothly transitions into Christmas spirit π. What struck me most was stepping out of the elevator on the third floor β it felt like walking right onto a holiday movie set π. Hanging in the center were enormous clusters of lights, glowing in warm gold and soft white, surrounded by carefully hand-placed ornaments. The team spends weeks each year hanging these decorations with such care. That kind of heartfelt festive atmosphere really draws you in β it has even more charm than the St. Louis Ritz. The rooms have a classic hotel style β not the newest, but cozy and reassuring. Since I spent my days out watching games, exploring, dining, and attending events, coming back to a peaceful sleep was all I needed π. The open courtyard just outside the third-floor lobby is also lovely. The Southern autumn air carries a gentle warmth, and holiday decor extends into the courtyard, creating a perfect slow-down corner π¬οΈ. The pool on the first floor is on the smaller side β more like a cozy spot to unwind π β but the gym is spacious with plenty of equipment, great for those who keep up their workouts while traveling ποΈ. Breakfast is served on the third floor too, with a wide buffet selection. You can customize your omelet with fillings, and the chef prepares it fresh in just minutes. #NewOrleans #RitzCarlton #FrenchQuarter