The 5 most Instagrammable holiday hotel lobbies in New Orleans
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The Ritz-Carlton has a large light display and a gingerbread streetcar. Photo: Courtesy of The Ritz-Carlton
The Roosevelt has its ceremonial lobby lighting ceremony on Tuesday, kicking off a month-long photo op for people taking festive selfies.
Why it matters: Hotel lobbies are some of the best places to be in New Orleans for the holidays. Bonus: They are free to visit.
Zoom in: Many of the hotels and their restaurants are offering discounted Papa Noel rates, réveillon dinners and holiday cocktails.
Here are some of the city's best hotel lobbies that are decked out for the season.
The Roosevelt
Jazz trumpeter Kermit Ruffins will flip the switch at 5pm Tuesday for the more than 112,000 white lights, which go from one end of the block to the other in the CBD hotel.
- The event, which is open to the public, includes a free Champagne toast.
- Swing by the Sazerac Bar for a Candy Cane cocktail or Teddy's Cafe for hot chocolate. Plus, the hotel now sells ornaments that look like its lobby. (Details)
The Ritz-Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton is known for its giant gingerbread creations.
- This year's decorations include an elaborate light installation and a gingerbread streetcar with paintings of New Orleanians in the windows.
- Musician Lainey Wilson and author Truman Capote are new additions to the streetcar, says hotel spokesperson Annie Jones. Returning riders are Jeremy Davenport, John Goodman, Gayle Benson, Richard Simmons, Robin Roberts, Jon Batiste, Derek Carr, Marie Laveau, Rex, Allen Toussant, Irma Thomas and Emeril Lagasse.
- The hotel also is doing holidays drinks in go cups at the Bingle Bar on the third floor from 4pm to 6pm through Christmas Eve. (Other events)
Royal Sonesta
The hotel converted over the weekend to the Royal Snownesta, with a long hall of decorated trees and garlands.
- Restaurant R'evolution hosts the annual Santa's Pajama Party, plus there are holiday high tea options.
Hotel Monteleone
Check out the decorations on your way to the Carousel Bar for a Vieux Carré, a classic cocktail invented at the bar.
Windsor Court
This lobby goes classic and elegant for the holidays, with a 19.5-foot-tall tree covered in white lights with a toy train circling it.
- Ten more trees fill the lobby. You can write your holiday wishes on the free paper ornaments and hang them on the Windsor Wishes tree. (Details)
- Plus, there are 6-foot-tall magnolia wreaths and more than 1,500 feet of gold magnolia garland.
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