A bit too "laid back"
Previously the Maison Blanche Department Store, $250 million in restoration and renovation has resulted in New Orleans' only AAA Five Diamond Award. So you'd expect nothing but the best. However....
Upon arriving in our room, I was surprised to find it so dirty. And I'm not pompous - I've stayed in many a dive in my day, but you get what you pay for. I noted little gray fuzzballs all over the bed cover, then glanced up at the ceiling fan to find about three inches of filth on the fan blades. An inspection of the bathroom revealed a dirty bathtub and broken floor tiles. The tabletops were sticky with .... something. Back to the front desk I went.
We were given a room upgrade, which revealed a satisfactorily clean room, although we didn't turn on the filthy ceiling fan above the beds.
I'd recommend a room above the fourth floor on the courtyard side - definitely away from Canal Street, which can be quite loud at night.
The desk staff were kind and accommodating. I think it's the laid back atmosphere of New Orleans that lends to it's downfall in services. No one seems to care about the details - and details are what you pay for at the Ritz Carlton. My next trip to N.O. will find me at a quaint B&B.
Unique Quality: The courtyard wass very peaceful, but very dirty. It seems that it was no one's job to pick up after people had left. My friend and I attempted to clean off our own table - no big deal - but then noted there were no trash cans anywhere to be found. So we moved the rubbish to an empty table, cleaned off a place to sit, and kicked back to relax.
High tea is served Sundays at 1:00 - reservations are necessary, although the concierge will tell you otherwise. We showed up without a reservation and were turned away. After again checking with the concierge, we were told high tea would be provided to us in the abovementioned, dirty courtyard. I asked to have it delivered to our room, and it was....three hours later. On the plus side, it was complimentary due to our "trouble". On the minus side, it was now dinnertime.
The Ritz-Carlton Spa was absolutely wonderful. Although it carries the Ritz name, they claim to be a separate entity and services cannot be put on your hotel bill. Sauna, steam room, and resistence pool are complimentary with your stay at the hotel. A morning massage is a great way to start the day.
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