International House Hotel

The International House Hotel is a favorite of celebrities such as Uma Thurman, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Bacon, Gwen Stefani, and Eminem, all of whom probably stayed in its over-the-top penthouses.But even standard rooms provide a taste of that luxury, thanks to the work of Los Angeles-based designer LM Pagano, who refreshed the hotel design in 2008. Decor is now understated and sophisticated, with clean lines and lush fabrics. (LM Pagano counts Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp as former clients.)That sleek style starts in the lobby, with its plush seating and spare oil paintings, and continues into Loa Ba, with its rich reds and dramatic chandeliers. Even the elevator has a door-length “Venus and Adonis” mosaic. The color scheme of creams, dusky greens, grays, and occasionally, rich reds, feels decidedly posh. Occasionally, style trumps function (big beds can make some guest rooms feel tight).Standard rooms are on the smaller side, and the Central Business District location is quieter, both of which could help keep this chic spot’s rates competitive.

The International House Hotel is within easy walking distance of the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, the Insectarium, Jackson Square, Preservation Hall, and dozens of world-class restaurants. It's in the Central Business District (CBD), which is essentially across the street from the freewheeling French Quarter. Many corporations, foreign consulates and the city’s convention center are located here, as is the Superdome.The CBD is a mellower counterpart to the French Quarter. There’s plenty of foot traffic, especially closer to the river and around the St. Charles streetcar line. At night, visitors should be safe on main thoroughfares like Poydras Street, and anywhere there’s a major restaurant or hotel. A wealth of parking garages makes the CBD fairly easy to drive into, except during the week of Mardi Gras.- 25-minute drive to Louis Armstrong International Airport

• 5-minute walk to Canal Street, to pick up streetcars to St. Charles Avenue or the New Orleans Museum of Art
• 5-minute walk to Lafayette Square
• 10-minute walk to the French Quarter
• 15-minute walk to Jackson Square and Café du Monde
• 15-minute walk to the Southern Food and Beverage Museum
• 5-minute drive to the Superdome
• 5-minute drive to the National World War II Museum

The property's 117 rooms have clean lines, high-end design features (marble-topped tables, sleek chandeliers, large, pale mirrors), and lush fabrics (washed velvet curtains, pleated lampshades, and tufted headboards).The colors and materials add depth and richness to the rooms, while plush mattresses enhance comfort. The big beds can make some standard rooms feel cramped, however. Higher-level rooms get less street noise.Bathrooms are modern, but the ones in lower-level room categories are much less impressive than the rooms themselves.- Chic rooms

• Gorgeous original artwork
• iHome alarm and sound system with iPod docks
• Free Wi-Fi
• Aveda bath products
• Waffle cloth robes
• Custom-woven towels
• No coffeemakers
• No in-room safes
• Minibars
• Ceiling fans

• Full-service day spa
• Smallish fitness room includes a rowing machine, spinning bikes, leather punching bag
• Daily fee for parking
• No business center, but free use of iMac in the lobby
• Free daily newspapers in the lobby
• No pool
• Lively bar
• View full list of amenities

• Loa serves sexy drinks with clever ingredients, such as bamboo or cucumber skin bitters
• Room service is available
• More restaurants about two blocks from hotel