After receiving a wedding invitation in the mail, we booked The Whitney Hotel in New Orleans, located in the Central Business District, an easy walk to major attractions and only a few blocks from the Mercedes-Benz Louisiana Superdome.

A former bank building, The Whitney’s grand Beaux Arts architecture dates back to 1890. Massive arched windows framed in wood, soaring ceilings with chandeliers and 30-foot columns are some of the original features that remain on the ground floor. The reception desk sits in front of a teller’s station adorned in brass molding. The vault door lies open and the space, featuring pictures of expensive pieces of jewelry on the walls, can host small meetings.

The boutique property features 93 guestrooms. Our seventh-floor queen room was a cozy space with high ceilings and a frosted window. The bathroom was a comfortable size. In-room amenities included free WiFi, a flat-screen television, complimentary bottled water and a coffee station. Guests can work out in the small fitness center, and valet parking is available. Another perk is receiving loyalty points with STASH, a program designed for independent hotels.

Before heading to the wedding, we enjoyed a glass of wine at the Bistreaux at the Bank. The restaurant/bar opens for dinner at 5 p.m. and serves a hearty breakfast each morning. The intimate space boasts abundant natural light, marble columns and a large mural wrapping around the room.

On Saturday morning, we took an early stroll to the Crescent City Farmer’s Market and popped into an art gallery on Royal Street. The St. Charles streetcar is a block from the hotel and makes for a delightful ride past the city’s majestic mansions.

We loved the historic elements of the Whitney. Management told us the hotel will be getting a facelift scheduled for completion in early 2016.

The Whitney Hotel

610 Poydras St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
tel 504 581 4222