Built in 1817 and renovated in 2004, this hotel exudes classic New Orleans style, with a trompe l'oeil lobby, columns painstakingly hand-painted to mimic marble, walls a mix of faux stucco and brick, and ceilings resembling a Renaissance blue sky with darting angels. Guests can get away from the maddening crowds in a secluded courtyard pool surrounded by tables and potted palms and enjoy a full New Orleans-style breakfast buffet in the hotel's Café Rue Orleans. This being New Orleans, naturally, guests will find plenty of dining options in the French Quarter and surrounding area. They also can use a fitness center six blocks away at the Wyndham New Orleans.

The Bourbon Orleans' 216 guestrooms are decorated in Victorian Queen Anne style with two-poster beds with pillow-top mattresses, and modern touches like high-speed Internet access, cordless phones, ergonomic chairs, fancy Bath & Body Works products, and coffee makers with complimentary coffee.

Given its location to everything New Orleans and amenities, the Bourbon Orleans caters mostly to vacationers, who enjoy the activity desk, concierges and other services, but the hotel rates as a fave of business types and conventioneers.