Hotel Monteleone New Orleans

Location. The Hotel Monteleone New Orleans, La., stands in the French Quarter within four blocks of Jackson Square, Canal Street Shops, Harrah's New Orleans Casino Café du Monde and lively Bourbon Street.

Hotel Features. Dating from 1886, the Hotel Monteleone New Orleans was a favorite haunt of Tennessee Williams, William Faulkner and Truman Capote. A family-owned property, Monteleone portraits add personal history to the lobby. Dining options include Le Café that prepares buffet-style breakfasts and cooked-to-order selections. The Carousel Lounge completes a 360-degree rotation every 15 minutes and is decorated in a circus motif. A 24-hour business center houses two computer stations. A total of 20,000 square feet of function space accommodates events. Wireless Internet access is available for a fee. The complimentary, 24-hour fitness facility contains weight-training equipment and free weights. Five treadmills and five elliptical machines are mounted with individual television screens. Floor-to-ceiling windows afford views of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River. An outdoor, rooftop pool is served by a seasonal poolside bar. The hotel's Spa Aria offers signature Pevonia products. The spa offers a range of massage therapies including The Monteleone Experience.

Guestrooms. The 16-story Hotel Monteleone New Orleans offers 570 guestrooms decorated in earth tones. Accommodations feature gilded mirrors, ornamental moldings and high ceilings. Select rooms overlook the Mississippi River or the French Quarter. Beds consist of pillowtop mattresses draped with 300-thread count sheets. Executive suites include parlor sofa beds and bedrooms separated from living areas by French doors. Minibars and coffeemakers are provided in all accommodations. Wireless Internet access is provided for a fee.

Expert Tip. Many guests enjoy their stay so much that they would like to stay longer. In fact, apparently some never leave. The Hotel Monteleone is known for its paranormal activity, and guests can sign up for an MP3 audio tour that showcases the hotel's history and hauntings.