The Perfect Itinerary For A Luxurious New Orleans Weekend Getaway
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“There are a lot of places I like, but I like New Orleans better.”
Bob Dylan
There’s no denying the endless possibilities for how to have the best New Orleans weekend getaway on any budget; however, I felt the need to dedicate a blog post solely to experiencing some of the finer things that NOLA has to offer.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just wanting to treat yourself, the Crescent City is one of the best cities to do so in! From the incredible fare at numerous extravagant restaurants, lavish craft cocktails and wine bars (after all, this is the birthplace of the cocktail) to plenty of spa treatments and shopping galore, there is no shortage of luxurious amenities to splurge on.
While this list most certainly does not include all of the luxuries The Big Easy has to offer, I’ve put together a perfect three-day weekend itinerary to help you get a (magnificent) taste of that lavish, laissez-faire, New Orleans lifestyle.
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Where To Stay
The first step, of course, to planning your luxury weekend getaway in New Olreans (whether you’re from out of town or in need of a staycation) is choosing where to stay.
The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
If you want to stay in one of the most luxurious hotels in the French Quarter, with the most lavish of amenities right at your fingertips, the historic Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the place to be!
Recently having completed their $40 million “redeux” in 2019, the transformation took the already top notch hotel to a whole new level.
The renovations aimed to capture the vibrant and colorful characteristics of New Orleans in the rooms, all while maintaining that historic charm and elegance throughout the hotel that I’ve always been in love with (if you’re new here, I’m 100% an old soul)!
Rooms At The Ritz
Our room at the Ritz was huge and very spacious, with an extremely luxurious bathroom and a window view of the cityscape overlooking the hustle and bustle on the streets below.
They left such a sweet welcome gift of Sugarfina Champagne and rosé gummy treats for us to enjoy (the Sugarfina Champagne Gummy bears are made with Dom Pérignon vintage Champagne and the rosé gummy treats are made with wine from Provence), a token to use for the Champagne vending machine (yes–you heard that right) and even a hand-written note! (And, yes, those gummy treats were as amazing as they sound!)
Mini Moët & Chandon Champagne from the Champagne vending machine 
The Davenport Lounge
One of my favorite places in The Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is the Davenport Lounge. You don’t even have to leave the hotel for live, soulful New Orleans jazz music!
This jazz and cocktail lounge was named after the incredible singer and trumpet player, Jeremy Davenport, who is a huge name in the New Orleans music scene! He toured around the world with Harry Connick, Jr.’s Big Band for 6 years and, now, he serenades NOLA natives and tourists alike with original music, plus all of your favorite covers, every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights in the lounge!
Whether you’re staying in the hotel, a local, or just a passerby, the Davenport Lounge welcomes everyone!
Please excuse my lack of quality photos from the Davenport Lounge! I’m always having too much fun jazzing and boozing (I mean, that’s what we’re there for, right?!), so the photos I have aren’t blog quality! I promise I will take some professional looking ones with my Nikon DSLR on my next visit to the lounge!
Make sure you stop and soak up the magic of the courtyard garden, adjacent to the Davenport Lounge, during the day and night! I could seriously stay in this courtyard all day!
The Spa At The Ritz
One of the other best things about staying at The Ritz is that you also don’t even have to leave the property to enjoy one of the most luxurious spas in the city!
Did you know that spas at The Ritz-Carlton dedicated almost half of their treatment services to local experiences? Check out some of their signature experiences, included a Voodoo Ritual and a couple’s treatment utilizing coffee and praline.
This spa is the largest in New Orleans, covering 25,000 square feet, and includes 22 treatment rooms, a café and even a boutique!
Other Notable Luxury Hotel Options:
Maison de la Luz
Another fantastic option for your luxurious New Orleans weekend getaway. Located in the Central Business & Arts District, just a short walk to the French Quarter. You will not be disappointed staying at Maison de la Luz!
Hotel Peter and Paul
Hotel Peter and Paul came to be after a four year restoration of the buildings that formerly housed St. Peter and Paul Catholic church and school. The former school house, rectory, church and convent are dripping in history, and each building has its own inspiration and design.
This kind of historic luxury, designed by none other than Henry Howard (another favorite of mine), just oozes that quintessential New Orleans charm!
The Eliza Jane New Orleans
Elegant, eclectic, classy and just the right bit of NOLA funk, the Eliza Jane Hotel is another great option for your luxurious New Orleans weekend getaway.
Make sure to check out the French-style brasserie, Couvant, attached to the hotel, and have a glass of wine (or a bottle) in the lovely courtyard terrace. The ambiance is really something!
Other Hotel Options:
Hotel Monteleone
The Roosevelt Hotel
New Orleans Luxurious Weekend Itinerary – Day 1 (Friday)
Even if you are arriving after work and don’t have the full day, there’s still time for a little exploring, an amazing dinner and a night cap to end the night!
If you do have the full day, I’d start it off in the Quarter!
Breakfast/Brunch
There’s no shortage of options for luxurious brunch spots in the Quarter, but here are a few that won’t disappoint!
- Broussard’s Restaurant & Courtyard – Brunch served Friday – Sunday, 10am – 4pm (Definitely eat in the courtyard if the weather is nice! It’s the largest courtyard in the French Quarter!)
- Brennan’s – Brunch served Friday-Sunday, 10am – 4pm (again, sit in the courtyard if you can!)
- Tableau – Brunch served all week
- Court of Two Sisters – Brunch served Thursday-Monday, 9am – 2pm
Stroll The Quarter
One of my favorite things to do in New Orleans is play tourist in French Quarter! No matter how long I’ve lived there, I never get tired of it!
The music, the culture, the people, the food, the beautiful Spanish architecture–yep, you read that right! Even though the early European residents were French, the architecture is actually Spanish since several fires destroyed the original French architecture–the French Quarter will captivate you with it’s charm and soul.
Venture down Royal Street and browse the beautiful antique shops and art galleries. Peruse the charming gift shops strewn about every corner.
Grab a beautiful coffee to-go from Spitfire Coffee. Pictured below is their “Tres Flores,” which is a latte with orange blossom syrup, lavender extract and rose petals (served hot or iced)!
Spitfire Coffee
627 St. Peter
New Orleans, LA 70116
If you want a more structured look into the history of the quarter, consider taking a guided tour.
Grab some pre-dinner drinks
Cane & Table
New Orleans French Quarter vibes meets Old Havana in this enchanting little restaurant hidden in the Quarter. Cane & Table is also a great option for dinner one night as well! The seasonally-driven menus are coastally inspired and marry Caribbean flavors with Cuban and southern influences.
Dinner: Café Amelie or Restaurant R’evolution
Café Amelie
Possibly my favorite courtyard in the French Quarter, and known by other’s, as well, for being one of the most beautiful and romantic courtyards!
Situated in the historic 150 year-old Princess of Monaco Courtyard and Carriage House on Royal Street, Café Amelie is a favorite of locals and tourists alike, thanks to the incredible Louisiana fare and the enchanting courtyard setting.
For a sophisticated, yet laissez-faire, relaxed vibe, look no further than this perfect place.
The refreshing cocktails, lush, magical garden setting (as well as air-conditioned, indoor seating in the beautiful Carriage House), and delicious New Orleans cuisine make this place a little slice of heaven, and the perfect spot to soak in the true ambiance of the French Quarter.
Restaurant R’evolution
For a luxuriously upscale, New Orleans fine dining experience on your first night in town, Restaurant R’evolution is sure to leave a lasting impression.
This divine setting is a cross-cultural fusion of food and flavors thanks to two world-famous chefs, chefs John Folse and Rick Tramonto, offering a new approach to Cajun & Creole cuisine.
One of my favorite things about Restaurant R’evolution is the [complimentary] dessert “treasure chest” box they bring table at the end of their meal! Each drawer of the box if filled with various assortments of decadent, delicious gourmet treats made right in house!
Trust me, nothing at this restaurant will disappoint!
Hidden Speakeasy
After that full day and those delicious meals, if you’re still up for a night out, head to Double Dealer–a one-of-a-kind speakeasy hidden under New Orleans’ famed Orpheus Theater!
Original cocktails and live entertainment in a swanky setting…the perfect combination to end your first night in The Big Easy!
New Orleans Luxurious Weekend Itinerary – Day 2 (Saturday)
Jazz Brunch at Commander’s Palace
Start Day 1 of your luxurious weekend getaway with a bang by experiencing a true New Orleans-style Jazz Brunch at THE restaurant that is considered by many to be the #1 restaurant in the city!
It was hard for me to decided whether to recommend Commander’s for brunch or dinner, as either is a highly commendable choice, but the Jazz Brunch experience at this fine establishment is my absolute favorite this city has to offer (and there is a long list of amazing Jazz Brunch options in The Big Easy) and is an experience that should not be missed!
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Pecan Crusted Gulf Fish -
Cochon de Lait Eggs Benedict -
Creole Bread Pudding Soufflé -
Orange Peel & Spiced Sugarcane Painted Quail
Jazz Brunch wouldn’t be Jazz Brunch without some fun live New Orleans jazz music, now would it?
The wonderful Joe Simon’s Jazz Trio (who are now a personal favorite of mine) serenade each table, taking requests of all their favorite songs , and even get the crowd to join in on the fun of a 2nd line throughout the restaurant!
Oh, and they also serve up some of the best coffee I’ve ever had, so make sure to grab a cup of this incredible caffeine pick-me-up after your meal. Trust me–you’ll want your mind to not listen to your full tummy telling you to take a nap!
Commander’s Palace
1403 Washington Avenue; New Orleans, LA 70130
504.899.8221
Weekend Jazz Brunch Hours:
Saturday 11:30-2:30
Sunday 10:30-2:30
Strolling & Shopping
There are so many places in NOLA to stroll and shop around, but one of my absolute favorite spots is Magazine Street! Uptown is the best for boutique shopping, whether you’re browsing for art galleries, antiques, clothing shops, luxurious furniture or any kind of home goods or decor!
Some of my favorite clothing boutiques on Magazine are Hemline, Lucy Rose, The Elizabeth Chronicles, Monomin, Shake Your Bon Bon & Angelique Boutique!
If you’re looking for luxurious furniture or home decor, be sure and check out Villa Vici, Shaun Smith Home, Sutton House by Kelly Sutton, Malachite Home, Perch, Sunday Shop, & Home Malone!
Art connoisseur? Check make sure to stop by some of these art galleries:
Ashley Longshore Art, Alexis Walter Art, Elise Allen Art, Casey Langteau Art, 1920 Magazine & Kako Gallery, Esom Gallery by Tony Mose, & Cole Pratt Gallery!
Grab a beignet snack at The Vintage Nola
You can never have too many beignets when in NOLA, right?! And this cute “vintage” Parisian-style cafe on Magazine St. is a favorite of mine!
Grab a coffee, cocktail, or glass of wine along with your beignets, or choose from an item off their regular food menu if you prefer!
The Vintage
3121 Magazine St.
New Orleans, LA
Afternoon Drinks at The Columns Hotel
The Columns Hotel is one of my favorite places in New Orleans to visit and grab a drink when I go home.
This stately hotel built in 1883 was once a private residence and still features original architecture and interior design throughout.
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it’s no wonder it feels like you are transported back in time to the Old-South the second you walk through those grand doors!
If the weather is nice, have a drink on the front patio that faces St. Charles, or soak in the elegant ambiance at the award-winning Victorian Bar.
Go and see for yourself (if you haven’t already) why The Columns is listed on Esquire’s Guide to the 100 Best Bars in America!
The Columns Hotel
3811 Saint Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA
Pre- or Post-Dinner Drinks at Effervescence
Effervescence is a chic and sophisticated sparkling wine lounge on the edge of the Quarter on the historic Rampart Street.
Stop by for some top-notch bubbles and bites in this fun and luxurious setting! Don’t worry, if you aren’t a sparkling wine lover, there’s also regular wine and cocktails for you to choose from as well!
Although, I’d bet this incredible wine list could turn anyone into a lover of bubbles, if they aren’t already!
Dinner at Justine
This bold and sophisticated French brasserie, situated in the historic French Quarter, combines the elegance of Parisian brasseries with the vibrancy of the South’s most lively district.
Justine is true to the heart and style of traditional brasserie culture, and the incredible French fare, vivacious ambiance and charming façade are sure to captivate you!
Head to Frenchmen Street for Live Jazz
No trip to New Orleans would be complete without a little (or a lot of) live Jazz music!
Although you may be more familiar with the famous Bourbon Street, my recommendation is to skip the overly crowded tourist destination (unless you’re wanting to have another incredible meal at Galatoire’s – which is a different story!) and head straight to Frenchmen Street!
Just a short walk from the Quarter, Frenchmen Street (known as “The Local’s Bourbon Street) is where the locals go for the best concentration of live music!
One of my favorite things about Frenchmen Street, also, is that you don’t even have to go inside the Jazz Clubs for some incredible entertainment and live music! Fantastic performers are always out playing live music right on the street corners that are sure to captivate you!
Some great spots to catch some tunes are The Maison, Three Muses, the Spotted Cat, The Apple Barrel, d.b.a., 30°/-90° and Blue Nile.
Be sure and check out offbeat.com for music listings!
New Orleans Luxurious Weekend Itinerary – Day 3 (Sunday)
Cafe Beignet
For a quick and delicious breakfast, and to get a taste of those some famous New Orleans beignets, walk on over to Café Beignet!
Yes, you read that right! Café du Monde definitely won’t steer you wrong, but for a more locally known spot with French café vibes, Cafe Beignet has always been my favorite!
Atchafalaya
If you’re a fan of those long, drawn out Southern-style brunches and want one more luxurious and delicious meal before leaving The Big Easy, head straight to Atchafalaya for another one of the best Jazz Brunches in the city!
Located in one of the cutest creole cottages in the Irish Channel, this rustic, yet refined establishment serves up some incredible creole dishes that will leave you longing for more!
Make sure not to miss their famous Bloody Mary Bar for a very “NOLA-style” way to start your morning!
Catch a Broadway Show At The Saenger Theatre
Built in 1927 and then restored after it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, this stunning, historic venue (that is on the National Register of Historic Places) is New Orleans’ premier performing arts facility.
Featuring Broadway plays, live music performances, comedians and events, visiting The Saenger Theatre during your New Orleans weekend getaway would be such a treat!
Some of my favorite memories growing up in New Orleans include getting the opportunity to see some incredible Broadway shows at The Saenger!
Take a Tour
There’s no shortage of tours to take around The Big Easy. Whether you’re wanting Plantation Tours, River Cruises, Cemetery and Voodoo Tours, Haunted Tours, Food Tours, Swamp Tours or plain old walking tours, there’s something for everyone!
Dinner at Annunciation
For your last meal, head over to the Warehouse district to dine at Annunciation Restaurant and treat yourself to some modern Creole and Southern cuisine. This cozy spot is located in a restored, turn of the century warehouse, and the food and vibes will for sure leave a lasting impression!
Laissez les bons temps rouler!
“Let the good times roll!”
Stay tuned for more upcoming New Orleans-related blog posts!
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