Man … I wish I was complaining about how warm it is instead of fussing over the number of layers I had to wear to leave my house this week. However, I am grateful I had the chance to experience a little bit of what beautiful New Orleans has to offer, and the city’s unseasonably warm December weather didn’t hurt! So, let’s get right to it.
I left a rainy Los Angeles and arrived to a hot and humid New Orleans on a mid-December Wednesday evening — does watching the sunset from an airplane ever get old? Getting to watch one as we departed our layover in Houston, Texas, made the layover almost worth it!
Once in NOLA, I easily navigated through Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, requested an Uber right outside of the terminal and headed to the hotel; luckily, Nathan got in earlier that day, and the check-in process was already taken care of. We stayed at Le Pavillon Hotel, a chic and historic property perfectly and conveniently located in the Central Business District. Large golden mirrors, fine marble and elegant chandeliers are predominant in the hotel’s main floor where the lobby, bar and restaurant are located. It was delicately decorated for the holidays during our stay which — to us — made it seem even dreamier. In his book, Built to Last: 100+ Year-Old Hotels East of the Mississippi, Stanley Turkel explains the Versailles-like accents weren’t added until a change in ownership in the 1970s. This and many other events contributed to the hotel’s placement on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S Department of the Interior.
As beautiful as the property was, there were a few restrictions and health and safety protocols in place, so not all amenities were available — sadly including the rooftop pool and patio and room service. Although that slightly limited our time spent there, we still wound up not wanting to leave the room on our last day. That first night — and this has become our tradition whenever we travel — we stayed in and ordered takeout to allow ourselves time to get acclimated and enjoy a good rest before diving into our destination. We ordered takeout from True Food Kitchen, a chic and all things eco-friendly restaurant with healthy and hearty options. We tried the charred cauliflower and the teriyaki quinoa bowl and were amazed how much flavor there was in something not drenched in oils and seasonings. We ordered again on our last night in town, and, overall, this place got a 9.5/10 from us.
After a fulfilling meal and a great night’s sleep, we ventured out for breakfast at the first must-try place on our itinerary: District Donuts. We took a lovely, leisurely stroll in the 75-degree weather and literally warmed up to the city. Though long and hot, the walk was worth it; stay tuned for more on what this place offers in my next blog …
— Yasser Ogando, advertising & production manager
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Mar 28, 2024New Adriatic Yacht Cruise and Tour Itineraries Unveiled for 2025
Set sail through crystal-clear waters and explore ports, islands and more on three new yacht cruise and tour itineraries in the Adriatic Sea from Riviera River Cruises. New 2025 itineraries combine yacht cruises with onboard accommodations and land extensions with hotel stays in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Itineraries also include tours of charming coastal towns and stops in national parks and swimming hole locations.
Sponsored Content
Reconnecting the World: GBTA Convention 2023 Spotlights the Vital Role of Business Travel and In-Person Connection
In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) Convention remains an indispensable platform for business travel industry professionals seeking to make the most of the power of face-to-face connections. Taking place August 13–15 in Dallas, the 2023 GBTA Convention provides the unique opportunity for professionals and companies to join visionaries, thought leaders and industry experts for meaningful networking, cutting-edge insights and inspiring innovation.
March 2024
Mar 28, 2024Cruise Lines Elevate the Onboard Fine-Dining Experience
It’s been a long time since the food on cruise ships resembled the bland, uninspired fare that gave onboard dining a bad name. These days, cruise passengers can look forward to menus created by Michelin-starred chefs made with top-quality ingredients served in stunning spaces. Choices abound as well. In addition to elegant main dining rooms, cruise ships have created a huge array of specialty restaurants that focus not only on perfectly executed traditional European and North American dishes but flavors and experiences from around the globe as well. In fact, meals served aboard cruise vessels have gotten so good, they’re drawing passengers onto ships: According to a recent report by luxury travel planning network Virtuoso, advisors report after Europe (specifically Italy and France), the No. 2 dining destination for travelers is aboard an ocean or river cruise. “This shows how cruise lines have really stepped up their culinary game, with consulting chefs and new restaurants and making that a focal point,” said Misty Belles, vice president, Global Public Relations, Virtuoso.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024Athens’ National Museum of Contemporary Art Opens What if Women Ruled the World? Exhibition
National Museum of Contemporary Art Athens was founded in 1997 and is supervised and subsidized by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports. The museum began its operation in 2000, when it acquired the first artwork of its collection and the first temporary exhibition took place.
Sponsored Content
Briggs & Riley: Elevate Your Journey with Quality Luggage
Embracing a life well lived often means embracing a life well-traveled. Every journey becomes a canvas for experiences that shape our lives and at the heart of every adventure lies the indispensable companion: quality luggage.
Daily
Mar 28, 2024AmaWaterways Debuts Specialty Summer Cruises in Europe
AmaWaterways recently unveiled its lineup of experiences and exclusive offers for its 2024 Summer European river cruise season, and the list includes 20 Celebration of Wine Cruises, with two hosted by Samantha Brown and Chef Joanne Weir; and three Loyalty Appreciation Cruises.
Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortés Review
eFlyer Reviews
Mar 27, 2024Japan Airlines Purchases 32 Airbus, 10 Boeing
eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024eFlyer News
Mar 27, 2024China Airlines Expands North American Network with Non-Stop Flights to Seattle
China Airlines will begin offering non-stop flights to Seattle (SEA) from Taipei (TPE) starting July 14. The new route expands the carrier’s passenger services to the northwestern United States by offering five weekly flights via the Airbus A350-900.
Sponsored Content
Fill Your Heart with Ireland
Whether it's the people, the craic (fun) or the coasts, travelers always find something to love about the island of Ireland. What fills your heart?
eFlyer Deals
Mar 27, 2024Sleep Sanctuary at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort
In West Florida, indulge in a stay at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort. This season, the hotel’s Sleep Sanctuary offer promises premium, beachfront accommodations; and sleep-enhancing amenities. Amenities include two aroma bracelets, a handmade soap, a bath bomb and foaming sugar scrub from Artful Soap Co.
ShareThis