Home » Special Features » The World’s Best
» Getaway Hotels New Orleans
Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
New Orleans
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS, 228-374-7625, $$ hardrockbiloxi.com
The Draw: Party for 24 hours nonstop at this casino with the glam of Vegas and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico outside its windows. The Scene: A 112-foot neon guitar marks the new casino and warns away any visitor who doesn't approve of loud music. Here the rock never stops. The beat keeps well-sculpted bodies swaying as they sip drinks in the saltwater pool. National acts such as Kid Rock play the theatre. At night, DJs continue the groove at The Ledge, the 12th-floor nightclub. Hot Tip: Up close, the many rockers' outfits displayed in cases around the casino can look like nothing more than old clothes. The quilt of Frank Zappa, however, deserves special attention. The late musician's portrait was sewn together with panties and bras his fans tossed on stage.
The Draw: This pristine Greek Revival plantation, decorated with period antiques on the Bayou Lafourche, lets guests experience the splendor of the ante bellum South. The Scene: Stroll amid the oaks and magnolias that surround the house built by Col. Thomas Pugh in 1846. Meet your fellow guests for a glass of wine in the library, then continue the conversation over an elaborate dinner of Louisiana dishes, followed by brandy in the parlor. Retire to your canopy bed (or a room in the more secluded 1820s cottage), and wake to a full plantation breakfast. Hot Tip: If owner Millie Ball stops by the plantation, ask about her world voyages. She is the longtime travel editor for the New Orleans daily newspaper.
The Draw: The South’s largest remaining antebellum mansion, circa 1859, is now a luxury bed-and-breakfast. The Scene: So authentic, you may be overcome by the temptation to pull down the curtains and make yourself a dress. Control yourself: This is a special place, and you’ll enjoy it all the more if you actually get to stay. A recent renovation restored the mansion to its original Southern glory and transformed it into a luxury resort with every modern amenity, from flat-screen TVs to WiFi. One of several plantations along Louisiana’s Great River Road, Nottoway’s historic significance is evident in every room, from its intricately carved furniture to its tufted fabrics to its rich architectural finishes. The beautiful manicured grounds have inspired their share of proposals and hosted copious weddings. Do give in the urge to forget all your troubles and just think about that tomorrow. Hot Tip: Every room reservation includes a guided tour of the mansion and grounds.
