The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is officially open and I couldn’t wait to share my review. I celebrated another birthday during the Covid-19 pandemic in addition to post Hurricane Ida. This was definitely not part of the plan, but I was determined to make the best of it. I booked the Premier City View King room, with the bed and breakfast package. A relaxing staycation with a large bathtub, a glass of champagne, and black-out curtains was exactly what I needed. To be more specific, I needed a good night’s sleep in a bed without a 6 year- old in it.
I arrived at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans with open doors…after showing proof of vaccination of course. The Chandelier Bar, named for its 15,000-piece light and glass installation, immediately caught my eye. When I walked over to check-in, the front desk receptionist informed me that I had two complimentary drinks. Cheers! After checking in, the receptionist escorted me to my room on the 14th floor and I noticed the art on the walls of the lobby and in the halls. The hotel décor features a curated art collection which features local artists such as L. Kasimu Harris, Dawn Dedeaux and Horton Humble. Believe it or not, there is also a state-of-the-art cultural exhibit on the 33rd and 34th floors.
Bill Rooney Studio designed the hotel rooms, which are spacious and include a comfortable sitting area by the window. A light and airy feel greeted me when I opened the room door. To my surprise, was a dining table for two adorned with my birthday amenities, a bottle of Moet and small birthday cake.
My Staycation
After a change of clothes, I went down to the lobby for those two cocktails! In true New Orleans fashion, I spotted a group of friends at the bar. A French 75, was my beverage of choice and the bar snack was pork rinds! The evening was filled with laughter and great conversation…just what my soul needed.
Dinner reservations at Miss River were hard to come by, so I dined away from the hotel. Unfortunately, my actual birthday reservation was canceled due to Hurricane Ida. After I returned, I grabbed an empty seat at the bar. The bar was a little noisy, to be expected on a Saturday night in New Orleans. I ordered a glass of Moet ($24) before the bar closed at 10pm.
After my drink, I headed back to the room for that long relaxing bath. I grabbed my bottle of Moet, glass and filled the large oval tub with lavender bath salts. Soon after, I indulged in the L’Occitane Body Soap and Body Milk. AMAZING.
My bedtime routine began with Satin pajamas, a comfy terry robe and slippers, followed by my nighttime skin routine.
Of course I needed a nighttime snack, so I picked up the cake from the table. I hopped on the bed and ATE EVERY BITE.
After a great night’s sleep, I woke up refreshed. I ate breakfast at Miss River despite having the Bed & Breakfast package accommodation. A familiar face escorted me to my seat. I ordered a mimosa, avocado toast and coffee. The restaurant was very bright and airy, not too busy. It was game day and I looked like a die-hard Saints fan in my husband’s Manning jersey.
I requested a late checkout to savor the last moments and the culmination of my birthday festivities. Sometimes, all you really need is alone time. Time to sit with your thoughts. Time to grieve. Staycations are a form of self-care.
FLY Review
Overall, I was happy to celebrate my birthday at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans. When it comes down to the service, I was very pleased. The front desk receptionist even let me borrow an iPhone charger. The bathroom was the highlight for me. I love big bathtubs. Using my FLY Review Card, the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans scored 8 out 10, because the spa and pool were not open. I couldn’t book the spa day that I would normally have on my birthday at the property. One of my favorite pastimes is sipping champagne poolside, so that was disappointing. If these two amenities are on your list of must-haves, I recommend waiting so that you can have the FULL experience. I plan on returning to update this review then.
