Ace Hotel New Orleans

Crossing the threshold of the Ace Hotel, there’s an unmistakable energy in the property's cool lobby that’s a jubilant mix of old and new. The decor pays homage to the hotel's 1920s Art Deco building, with a mishmash of vintage furniture and rugs and an old bar tucked into one corner. Modern art from local artists is displayed all the way up the two-tone green walls, and the black ceiling gives it a quirky touch. But decor is only one part of the Ace's winning atmosphere -- it's also got a surging social scene. The 3 Keys nightclub has live music almost nightly, and the Alto rooftop pool and bar is wildly popular with guests and locals alike. Given the amazing views and tons of comfortable seats, it’s easy to see why it’s often packed.

The Ace Hotel is located downtown, where the Central Business District borders the trendy Warehouse District. It’s a busy and safe location that is less raucous than the French Quarter. A streetcar line runs nearby, and restaurants are as close as one minute away on foot. It’s approximately 15 minutes walking to the French Quarter. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a nine-minute walk, and its takes about 18 minutes walking (six via public transit) to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas on the river. New Orleans International Airport is about 25 minutes driving. 

Compared to the lobby, guest rooms are rather subdued. Their personality comes from distinctive furnishings versus loads of artwork and ornamentation. The decor is decidedly dark and moody, with subdued lighting, black ceilings and trim, and slate-gray accent walls and bedding. Tan cork floors lighten things up a bit. Only the hand-painted armoires and full-size, retro Smeg fridges in olive green give the spaces any color. The fridges are stocked with an impressive array of drinks -- both alcoholic and not. The refrigerated drinks are part of an extensive minibar lineup of snacks and top-shelf liquor that’s standard in each room. Bathrooms also run dark, with sliding doors separating white marble vanities from the jet-black toilets. Charcoal-colored tiles frame walk-in showers (or shower/tub combos) with rainfall showerheads. Even the entry-level Medium King and Double-Double Rooms offer lots of space, with small tables and two chairs. Larger Kings, Corner Kings, and Suites offer more room and features, such as black leathers sofas. Select rooms have playful details like turntables with vinyl LPs and/or Martin acoustic guitars. Free Wi-Fi, coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and soft robes are standard. City views from some rooms are quite nice, but ambient noise from the 3 Keys nightclub can be heard in some rooms (ear plugs are provided).

True to its Crescent City location, eating, drinking, and music are a true draw at the Ace Hotel. Several options exist, starting with the Josephine Estelle restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on Italian cuisine with an American Southern flair. Stumptown Coffee sells barista-made brews, and Seaworthy is an oyster bar that serves dinner nightly. Food is also available 24 hours a day via room service and at the lobby bar and Alto, the wildly popular rooftop bar with 200 seats surrounding the spacious outdoor pool that has amazing city views. The on-site venue 3 Keys features almost-nightly music in an intimate setting.Another highlight is the large, 24/7 fitness center with an excellent choice of Cybex cardio and weight-training equipment. While there's no business center, the hotel does offer over 10,000 square feet of event space that can accommodate up to 500 people, and Wi-Fi is free throughout. Other extras include valet dry cleaning and an on-site guest laundry room. The hotel's valet-only parking operates 24/7, but it’s expensive. Pets are welcome for a small fee