The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

The 1908 Beaux-Arts bank building at 921 Canal Street, converted into the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, retains its coffered ceilings and marble banking hall — now the backdrop for the M Bistro restaurant and a cocktail bar pouring Louisiana-focused spirits.

Above the lobby, rooms and suites are fitted with full air conditioning and in-room safes; a mobile app handles room service orders without a phone call. The full spa runs a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and an indoor pool alongside a hair and beauty salon offering cuts, coloring, and waxing under one roof.

Canal Street divides the French Quarter from the Central Business District; the hotel's front door places guests two blocks from Bourbon Street and a short walk from the Saenger Theatre.