Check in: Waldorf Astoria The Roosevelt Hotel
Contributed by our correspondent and influencer Jens Hoffmann
First of all, it was joy to be in New Orleans.
I am in love with music this city.
Nearly two decades after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans remains smaller in population, but richer than ever in cultural treasures.
Forced to justify its very existence, the city doubled down on venerating its charming customs and neighborhood gems.
Today, there are new ways to engage with the city’s history, arts scene and natural beauty, including the Lafitte Greenway, a biking and pedestrian path linking the French Quarter to the lovely and less-touristed area around City Park.
Mardi Gras season is underway, with its street-level carnival traditions ranging from satirical to cheeky to strange and sublime.
As usual we checked in at the Waldorf Astoria.
Start with the history, the luxury hotel was opened in 1893.
Later the hotel was purchased by a group of investors and renamed in The Roosevelt Hotel.
It was a honor for former president Theodore Roosevelt.
In 1965 it was bought by Fairmont Hotels.
The Grand Hotel, has over 500 rooms, of which 125 are luxury suites, some named for celebrities who visited the hotel live Frank Sinatra and Madame Monroe.
It offers signature fine-dining and state-of-the-art meetings.
Furthermore a lovely spa and fitness center.
Eggs Bendecit, typical american food and chandeliers in style gave us joy.
For generations, New Orleanians and visitors from around the world liked The Roosevelt because of its glamour, excitement and comfort.
Wow.
The Roosevelt is exciting and we enjoyed.
Its fun to stroll around in the city and enjoy food, music and bars.
Try the legendary Sazerac Bar.
In the golden era of supper clubs from the 1930s to the 1960s, the Blue Room played host to some of the best-known names in entertainment and big bands – including Tony Bennett, Louis Armstrong and Cher – as well as to elaborate floor shows.
With gleaming chandeliers and polished architectural details, the Blue Room once again hosts live entertainment that appeals to all ages.
As an indication of the hotel’s beloved role in community life, the hotel reprises the extrava- gant lobby holiday decorations and experiences that enchanted children and adults for decades and served as a destination for families.
The Sazerac Bar, a Roosevelt landmark for decades, again serves its signature Sazerac cocktail and Ramos Gin Fizz – both invented in New Orleans and made populaworldwide by The Roosevelt – The Roosevelt also is known to hotel aficionados the world over as having inspired Arthur Haley’s best-selling 1965 novel »Hotel.«
Its worth to check in.
Restaurant tipp in New Orleans:
Dragos Osyters
The chef de cuisine Drago served them »raw« or »charbroiled«. The Charbroiled version was the best one we ever had, first the oysters are filled with butter and garlic. Then it’s time for the next step, the grilling of the oysters, later on Parme- san and Romano Cheese. Yummy. Mother Nature made the oysters.
Wow, wow …Drago just perfected them. The best bite of food in New Orleans.
Stay tuned.
