The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans

Even in a city like New Orleans, where hotels wear quirky like a badge of honor, the typicalness of this Ritz branch sits well with travelers. Sitting on the edge of the French Quarter, the Ritz keeps things distinctly local with decor that's reflective of the Garden District's antebellum mansions. Guests report that the rooms are pristine, boasting neoclassical furnishings, Italian marble baths, flat-screen TVs, iPod docking stations and floor-to-ceiling windows. Recent lodgers recommend booking a room in the front of the hotel if you want to avoid the Canal Street din. Staying true to its roots, the Ritz also offers two eateries with distinct NOLA flavors. And if you need a break from The Big Easy's rowdy atmosphere, unwind at the hotel's day spa. Yes, this Canal Street hotel is expensive, but many say it's more than worth shelling out the cash. And if you're a Marriott Bonvoy member, you can earn or score complimentary extras by choosing to stay here. Still, some recent guests note that this hotel doesn't live up to the Ritz-Carlton standards they are used to in terms of service.