On our whirlwind weekend roadtrip to New Orleans, we were lucky enough to score a room at The Saint Hotel. The Marriott Autograph property is brand new and a true hit among other worn out and beat-down NOLA properties.

From the moment you walk down Canal Street and see the beautiful dining room with oversized chandelier, you know you’re in for a treat. The lobby includes many white, flowing drapes, an electric blue pool table and a see-and-be-seen bar reminiscent of South Beach– and don’t forget to try the fresh cucumber water!

The staff at The Saint were overly friendly, offering fantastic local tips for dining, walking shortcuts and even a half-bottle of wine and cheese sent up to our room upon check-in.

While we weren’t allowed into our room immediately, The Saint was appologetic and very informative of the situation and timeline.

Expect to find dimly lit hallways, however it is more for ambiance than lack of illumination. The rooms were well appointed with white beds and walls, blue pattern carpet and a navy blue ceiling. The Saints’ designers did an impeccable job of incorporating color and vibrance without being fussy.

The bathroom was equally as beautiful, with pristine white subway tile– a welcome juxtaposition from the grimy New Orleans streets– and an exposed brick wall, reminding you that you are, in fact, in an urban and historic area.

My only complaint for the whole trip would be the valet service. We called down 15 minutes before our check-out, made our way down stairs and the car still was not there. After giving the valet our number again, we waited an additional 20 minutes for the car to be brought around. I realize these young men were working very hard, but it was a holiday weekend morning– the management had to know they were going to need more valet attendants!

All in all, I would not stay anywhere in New Orleans again except for The Saint. An easy walk to Bourbon Street and The French Quarter, The Saint is all you’ll ever need for a business or leisure trip to New Orleans.

Check in later this week for a post on our Swamp Tour and St. Patty’s Day-NOLA Style!