New Orleans

The six-year-old Chateau Sonesta Hotel is known for having the most spacious guest rooms in the French Quarter. The historic property - formerly a 150-year-old department store - features 251 guest rooms and suites with grand 12-foot ceilings, three courtyards, and an outdoor swimming pool. www.sonesta.com/neworleans_chateau

Located in the French Quarter, Le Richelieu is made up of two historic buildings and has 86 deluxe, air-conditioned guest rooms, including 17 suites. All are decorated with fine furnishings, artwork and brass ceiling fans. Amenities include hairdryers, irons and boards, refrigerators, and remote control color TV with a selection of satellite channels. www.lerichelieuhotel.com

The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans includes interior design, furnishings and decorator accents that reflect the graciousness of the antebellum mansions of the Garden District. The first five-star caliber property to open in New Orleans since 1985, The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans features the city’s first hotel day spa, elegantly spanning two floors with 12 luxurious treatment rooms. Amenities include lighted makeup mirror, hair dryer and scale and suit, skirt and padded hangers. www.ritzcarlton.com

The 500-room Royal Sonesta is within steps of world- famous restaurants, antique shops, jazz clubs and premier tourist attractions. Its atmosphere reflects a strong European influence and Southern charm. The hotel surrounds a tropical courtyard, just off an elegant marble lobby. The guestrooms offer views of the beautifully landscaped pool, secluded patios or French Quarter life. http://royalsonestano.com