The Windsor Court

A short walk from the historic French Quarter, you’ll find The Windsor Court. The building itself appears nondescript from the outside—just another tower dotting the skyline of downtown New Orlans. Pull into the leafy courtyard, however, and you’re met with a surprising sight: a statue of St George, the patron saint of England, slaying the dragon.

In fact, the fingerprints of James Coleman, the self-proclaimed anglophile who developed the hotel back in the 1980s, are all over The Windsor Court, from the famed afternoon tea served in Le Salon to The Polo Club (which could easily be mistaken for a London members’ club) and the extensive art collection, which has a particular emphasis on British painting from the 17th to 20th centuries. If you think this sounds a bit twee, you’d be right, but The Windsor Court is spotless, the staff unfailingly polite and friendly and guests here clearly love the excuse to don their Sunday best no matter the occasion. Somehow, it works.

Why should you stay at The Windsor Court?

Art lovers will enjoy perusing the hotel’s impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, tapestries and furnishings valued at over $12 million, with works by William Powell Frith, Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough and Jacob Huntsman. Meanwhile, dog owners will appreciate the hotel’s pet-friendly offering. For $150 per stay, your pet will receive a dog bed, water and food bowl in your room, as well as pet treats and fun extras throughout the stay. 

What are the rooms like at The Windsor Court?

Decorated in soft hues and benefiting from large picture windows (many of which offer a view of the Mississippi River), rooms are spacious and relaxing, with nice extras like a Lavazza espresso machine, Diptyque toiletries and USB charging points on the bedside tables. Upgrade to a deluxe suite for an additional seating area, wet bar, writing desk and balcony, or book the James J. Coleman, Jr. Presidential Suite (complete with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, two half bathrooms and three balconies) for the most luxurious stay. 

What are the dining options at The Windsor Court like?

The Grill Room offers all-day dining and guests can expect an eclectic yet considered range of dishes, from tempura frog legs to Chinese lacquered duck and dry-aged ribeye with maître d’hôtel butter. Over in The Polo Club, pub classics like burgers, chicken wings and a Caesar salad are all on offer, as are classic New Orleans cocktails including the Sazerac and an extensive selection of cognacs. 

Located in the lobby, Le Salon’s afternoon teas are priced at $80 per adult and $50 per child, including a cocktail or sparkling wine to start, followed by tea, sandwiches, scones and desserts. The space also does themed teas to celebrate special occasions, including Easter and Halloween, as well as some adult only events, like the LGBTea and Bingos and Bubbles. 

What’s the service like at The Windsor Court?

Despite the English-inspired surroundings, the service here is all Southern charm. Staff are immaculately turned out, bright and knowledgeable about the hotel (including its art collection) and quick to offer tips for the local area. The turndown service includes a sweet, local touch, with pralines (a New Orleans specialty) left on your pillow nightly. 

When venturing out into the city, guests can make use of a complimentary house car for drop offs within a three mile radius of the hotel, operating on a first come, first served basis.

What are the facilities at The Windsor Court?

When New Orleans’ humidity gets too much, cool off in the rooftop saltwater pool, and for maximum relaxation, nab one of the poolside cabanas and sip on a drink from the poolside bar. The well-appointed fitness center is next to the pool and one-on-one fitness experiences are available through the spa, which also offers facials, massages, manicures and pedicures. 

Club Level guests benefit from access to the Club Lounge. Here, you’ll find a dedicated concierge, full-service bar, large-screen TVs and outdoor terraces—it’s a great spot for a pre-dinner martini, best enjoyed while looking out at the city as night falls. 

What’s the area like around The Windsor Court?

It’s a short walk from The Windsor Court to the French Quarter, New Orleans’ most iconic neighborhood where you’ll find bars, restaurants and—most importantly—jazz. For intimate performances by some of New Orleans’ most beloved musicians, head to Preservation Hall, which hosts four shows a day. From there, head to Jewel of the South, one of the most celebrated cocktail bars in the U.S., where the offering runs from classics like the French 75 to unexpected concoctions like the Curried Banana Colada. 

Why you should book a stay at The Windsor Court?

New Orleans does hospitality exceptionally well; even still, The Windsor Court sticks out as a cut above the rest. Cynics (particularly those visiting from the UK) may roll their eyes at the hotel’s kitschier elements, but guests who embrace The Windsor Court in all its idiosyncratic glory will discover a uniquely welcoming and enjoyable stay. 

DETAILS

Address: 300 Gravier Street New Orleans, LA 70130. 

Price: From $300 per night. 

Closest transport: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a 25-minute drive from The Windsor Court. 

Book now: via Booking.com. 

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