THERE are many ways to get to the Big Easy. I chose to do it the classic way – on four wheels. So on a bright January afternoon, still technically winter, but warm enough not to notice, I jumped into a rented Ford Mustang and roared south to what is, in my opinion, the finest city in all the South.
The exterior of the AC Marriott Bourbon, New Orleans
My road trip took me along the banks of the Mississippi Delta, a drive that many might consider dull, but this landscape, albeit flat and at times featureless, is crowned by the most magnificent sky, cobalt at this time of year. That sky lends to the landscape a timelessness that echoes the voices of its chequered past, and the Delta blues howling from the radio make it all the more haunting, beautifully so.
The bar at the AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans
As I near the coast, the scenery changes from the tall stands of oaks, firs and hawthorns to the more scattered dogwoods of the flooded bottomlands, where the mighty Mississippi finally meets the Gulf of Mexico. Here, in this land of swamps, sits New Orleans and its hardy citizens. By the time I hit the I-55, the main artery into New Orleans from the North, bound on each side by lakes and stilted houses, it is dusk and lights start to twinkle on the horizon. I swap the blues for some jazz as it seems more appropriate somehow.
Once Downtown I check into the AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel, a stone’s throw from the famed Bourbon Street and French Quarter. Reinvented from a historic cotton exchange building in New Orleans’s Central Business District, the hotel is a grand old place, fully refurbished in 2014, and commands its space on the sidewalk with flair. Once inside, it’s modern swank all the way. Every surface is embellished with Italian marble, 3D art and hardwood floors. This is the obvious touch of renowned Spanish hotelier, Antonio Catalan, who, after AC Hotel success in Europe, started collaborating with Marriott International in 2011.
The lounge at AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans , New Orleans
This particular establishment is part of that result. The AC Lounge to the right of the hotel’s bar would not look out of place in a funky central London night club. But the mood here is much less hectic at the moment. There’s a pony-tailed guitarist strumming some mellow classics from his acoustic in one corner while a knot of guests tap feet and toast their martinis.
Bedroom at the AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans
In my room, Catalan’s flair continues. It swallows me whole. While not dimensionally expansive by any means, I am cleverly tricked by high ceilings and tall, plush curtains. The room is a palette of taupe, grey and purple. I feel more sophisticated just by standing in it. I drop my bags onto one of the room’s leather chairs and waste no more time – it’s time for a drink.
At the bar downstairs tapas are being served, pretty things that are begging to be tried, but I’m saving myself for a grilled shrimp po’ boy – a classic Southern sandwich I’m told. I order a hand-crafted cocktail from the bartender, who’s showing off his skills, his effort certainly producing stellar results. Looking around, I further appreciate the buzz that the hotel seems to be generating.
I soon realise that this is a spot enjoyed not only by guests; it seems to also be a popular hangout for locals – which is always a good sign. I could easily spend the rest of the evening cavorting in the hotel but manage to drag myself outdoors. Less than 10 minutes later I’m in the heart of the action and the rest of the night is a happy blur of food, drink, laughter and, of course, music from every corner. New Orleans is a non-stop carnival.
New Orleans food, AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans
The next morning, bright Louisiana sunshine comes streaming through the high-arched windows of my room (did I really forget to draw those curtains?). The thought of a beignet (a French-style doughnut of choux pastry piled high with icing sugar) and strong coffee breakfast at the city’s famous Café du Monde gets me up, though, but once downstairs I don’t get past the hotel’s very own AC Kitchen. The spread of fresh fruit, oven-baked croissants and artisanal meats is too tempting to resist. There are some business types at a table nearby and I’ve been informed that the hotel has fantastic business and conference facilities but my business for today is a tour around the Garden District followed by a gumbo lunch. There’s also a cigar box guitar festival in town that I might pop into afterwards. Can you beat it?
They call New Orleans the Big Easy for a reason. It refers to the easy-going, laid back attitude to life that jazz musicians and local residents indulge in here. But it’s also soulful, architecturally beautiful, historically rich, wonderfully gritty and alive. It’s a jewel of the South and there really is no other place in the USA like it. Come for a visit, but do so in style. The AC Marriott Bourbon Hotel can help you with that.
by Takisha Stringfellow
AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon/French Quarter Area
221 Carondelet Street New Orleans Louisiana 70130 US
Tel: +1-504-962-0700
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