By: Lincoln McElwee
Where might a fun-filled weekend getaway with friends meet the seductive French flare for enjoyable living? I’ll give you a hint: at the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans, a luxury hotel located in the legendary French Quarter!
So just because Mardi Gras may have passed you by, the savings surely don’t have to! With the best rates in New Orleans from May 28 – August 30, 2013 and prices as low as $89, prepare to be pampered while experiencing southern charm and hospitality at its very best and brightest.
Arriving at the hotel, you will immediately see why the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans has been designated as a AAA Four Star Hotel for its upscale accommodations and sophisticated hospitality. The commanding Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans stands as a veritable gateway at the corner of Canal and Bourbon Street. When standing on Canal and looking up at this Crowne Plaza premium brand hotel’s marquee, “The Astor” both literally and figuratively stares down at you with undeniable pride. Why? The brand is one of only two properties in the world that are allowed to use its name in front of the Crowne Plaza name, a prestige that should give you some indication as to the level of care and sophistication you’ll soon be experiencing!
“The Astor” opened its doors in April 2002 and boasts 693 rooms including 28 spacious suites. Guest rooms feature satellite/cable TVs, coffeemakers, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, in-room movies, in-room safes, irons, dual-line telephones, and Crowne Plaza’s Sleep Advantage bedding with sleep amenities. For a superior experience, make sure to try the hotel’s Executive Floor, where you’ll be amazed by the sheer opulence which “The Astor” affords its guests here, such as nightly turn down services, plush robes and the newly renovated and entirely unique Executive Club. Situated like a living room with couches, chairs and individual seating areas, as well as a large screen television for your viewing pleasure, the Executive Club also features a complimentary continental breakfast, computer and printer access as well as complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverages in the evening.
In addition, be sure to make use of the hotel’s tour assistance. There is also laundry/valet service as well as room service for a late breakfast or night cap. Don’t forget that a fitness center and an outdoor pool – on the rooftop – are also on-site. For complete information, visit www.astorneworleans.com
And speaking of making use of the hotel’s tour assistance, local attractions include the Audubon Zoo, Superdome, New Sports Arena, Harrah’s Casino, Saint Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square and the wonderful Riverwalk shopping area. And being that your hotel is located where it is, you’ll certainly need to explore the legendary Bourbon Street!
Besides the elegance and inviting cream tones of the marble lobby and the full service concierge, you can try any number of appetizers or even a signature cocktail – such as the traditional Bourbon Milk Punch – at Dickie Brennan’s Lobby Lounge, a full service bar and lounge also found right in the spacious hotel lobby.
If Dickie Brennan’s Lobby Lounge is the place to go for appetizers and aperitifs, then Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House Restaurant & Seafood Bar, also housed in “The Astor,” is the place to both be and be seen for a bit of New Orleans fine dining. The ambience is charged with pure southern charm, and the uniquely memorable moments to be shared with friends are the very epitome of carefree and enjoyable living.
As this is a weekend getaway, you should call ahead and book one of the opera-style balcony tables on the second-floor which must be booked by special request. Otherwise, dine like the locals and find a table along the walls of the Bourbon House dining rooms. This way, you can start with a selection of fresh shucked oysters on the half-shell with local caviar, boiled Gulf shrimp, mussels and marinated crab fingers, or the Louisiana oysters on the half-shell – with or without caviar – and people watch with good friends and great food!
The libations, should you choose to indulge, are top-shelf. So whether someone in your group chooses, say, the Shrimp Creole or the Crab Crusted Fish, Bourbon House has a wide array of both new and old world wines to complement each and every dinner selection. And with a name like the Bourbon House, you can be sure that the restaurant has a plethora of Bourbon’s to delight the palette.
Particularly admirable, the Bourbon House has a gluten-free menu for those in your group who may have food allergies. Also, if your group is planning on an evening show over at Broadway Across America, or even if you prefer one of their matinee performances, the Bourbon House offers pre-fixe menus so that your afternoon or evening is set from start to finish!
Lastly, the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans offers both free valet parking packages as well as airport pickup. For more information, go to: http://www.astorneworleans.com/specials
For reservations, call 888-696-4806 and ask for the Summer Sizzler rate!
So go ahead, plan your unforgettable weekend getaway in the heart of Creole country! It’s not every day you can be pampered by the charm of New Orleans, Louisiana – NOLA, for short – and indulge in the luxury of southern hospitality all in a single, upscale location such as the Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans!
