The Saint Hotel Autograph Collection In New Orleans

Hi Guys!

If you’ve decided to go to the Big Easy and you’re not sure where to stay, The Saint Hotel is where it’s at.   Located in the heart of New Orleans on Canal Street you’re close to all the action.

I had a one night stay at The Saint the day after Mardi Gras.   My flight was changed and my original hotel was booked for Wednesday so I picked this hotel to start my adventure on the fly.

From the second the doorman opened the doors, I knew this hotel would provide a visual experience.   The theme is good versus evil, play naughty, sleep saintly and there are photo opportunities everywhere in the lobby.   Chairs with white and black wings, fainting couches, Gothic chairs and one very large giant chair, that the bellman insisted I have my picture in.   Fun!

The front desk was classy and elegant.  Adorned with angels and the top and surrounded by ceiling to floor, billowy hanging drapes, flowing as people walked by.  Giant columns give structure and balance to the open spaces.

The lobby and dining area were outstanding.   There was even a billiard table to pass the time if you wanted to do a little Canal Street people watching.

On the way to my room, I didn’t want to get off the elevator.   The TV’s in the elevators play old black and white movies and when I saw Roger Moore, well…. I wanted to see what would play next.

The hotel was very quiet and there were a lot of Do Not Disturb signs hanging from all the door handles.   LOL

My room was adorable!   I’ve always loved the combination of brick walls in interior design.   There is something about the different textures in the walls that adds interest and comfort in a room.

The bathroom is pure luxury.   I absolutely love bergamot, so these toiletries were right up my alley.   And I would be doing you an injustice if I didn’t tell you this was the best shower I’ve had on the road all year!   The water pressure was out of this world and the hot water never let up.    If you have long hair like I do, you know how important this is!

After I settled in and put together the swag bags for our girls trip I headed back down to the lobby.   Partly to check out the blue lit halls and the elevator again.

But my end goal was the Burgundy Bar.   Look there’s another Do Not Disturb sign!   Seriously, Mardi Gras was yesterday people!

When I got back to the lobby I asked if any of the famous suites would be vacant for a tour in the morning.    Unfortunately, they were all booked, so no pictures of those yet to share.   Maybe next time?

So onto the Burgundy bar I went.   The Burgundy Bar, is just that, a burgundy bar.    With a cocktail list to entice even the most reluctant Instagram drink posters.   Below is the list of the custom and creative 7 Deadly Sins Cocktails available at the bar.  They were too cool to not share with you guys!

Lust – Champagne, rose water, wild hibiscus syrup, mint

Gluttony – Sugar Island Coconut rum, Don Q Cristal Rum, coconut puree, fresh beet and orange juice

Greed – Absolut Mango Vodka, fresh jalapeno peppers, lime, mango juice, orange bitters, agave nectar

Sloth – Avion repasado tequila, DiSaronno amaretto, Solerno blood orange liqueuer, citrus sour

Wrath – Jameson Irish Whiskey, cherry heering, sweet vermouth and fresh orange juice

Envy – Pilar Blonde Rum, maraschino liqueuer, fresh grapefruit juice and lime

Pride – Maestro Dobel Diamante tequila, agave nectar, fresh jalapeno, cilantro, and lime juice

The bar was absolutely deserted, bar one fella talking to the bartender.   I don’t know why I was surprised since everyone had their Do Not Disturb signs on the door.   I guess this struck me as funny and strange since I just arrived in New Orleans.   Mine would probably be on the door too if I had been there a few days already.

Regardless of the lack of audience, the performers were still playing as if there were a crowd in the audience.

So after a quick shuffle around Canal Street and few cocktails later I decided to get some sleep and rest up for my big girls weekend ahead.  And I got some seriously needed rest after working and flying all day!  These beds and pillows are better than I have at home.

The Story of Special K and Marlon

When I checked out I had six large swag bags full of girl’s weekend goodies and the massive suitcase it took to get pack it all to New Orleans.   There was a super sweet employee named Special K who saw my struggles and helped me to the door, insisting to carry almost all of my loot.

Do not stop reading now!   This is the best story!

Canal Street was busy and I had ordered my Lyft to take me, my massive suitcase and six large bags to the next hotel.   Special K stayed with me, holding all these bags waiting for my Lyft driver who, according to my Lyft App, name was Marlon.

Special K and I watched as Marlon’s little car went up and down Canal Street on the app for almost 10 minutes before he drove up.   But it was worth the wait.   When Marlon drove up, that’s when the magic happened.

Marlon and Special K knew each other!   They had gone to school together before Hurricane Katrina and had not seen each other since their families were displaced to neighboring states.

Seeing the look on both of these young men’s faces as they realized who each other was so special.    They knew each other’s families, Mother’s and Brother’s.

After a quick reunion and exchange of phone numbers they both got back to work with a promise to meet up later that evening and catch up.    Marlon and I talked about how special the moment was on the entire ride to my next hotel.   These guys had been best friends and had not seen each other in 14 years.    They did not know what happened to the other after the devastation of Katrina.

Talk about being in the right place at the right time.    The entire exchange warmed my heart and I couldn’t stop emailing after seeing their faces light up when they realized they knew each other.   Magical!

Now back to The Saint Hotel

There is a sister property in Key West with another opening soon in Charleston, South Carolina, both named The Saint as well!   They appear to be decorated in the same fashion and same theme as The Saint in New Orleans as well.   Despite any architectural differences they may have, you can be assured of the highest level of service that Marriott provides to their Autograph Collection!

I will definitely be coming back to The Saint!   As part of the famous Marriott Group, this is the perfect place to use your points and rewards.    The nightly cost is very reasonable, especially considering this is part of the Autograph Collection.   And most importantly, this is a seriously cool themed place to stay.

Happy Travels!