BUDGET or BLOWOUT?

Three great New Orleans stays

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Aloft New Orleans Downtown

This hip brand for budgetconscious millennials has opened in the Central Business District, bringing a new generation of tech-enthused customers to the neighbourhood. You’ll find urban design without too many flourishes, and as much as the hotel tries to make the lobby the social area with its pool table and WXYZ bar hosting live music and DJs, it’s the rooftop pool that is the biggest draw. h Doubles from £84

(00 1 504 581 9225; marriot.com)

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Royal Sonesta New Orleans

This grande dame of Bourbon Street, right, is home to a wealth of quality New Orleans experiences, from a well-loved finedining restaurant and one of the best oyster bars in town (try some Creole classics, such as po' boys) to exciting musical showcases in the hotel’s jazz lounge. Art-deco sofas and colourful floral displays are combined with a 6,000-piece art collection, and there’s even a heated outdoor pool. h Doubles from £118 (001 504 586 0300; sonesta.com)

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Windsor Court hotel

A useful two-block distance from the French Quarter means tranquillity is achievable in the heart of downtown. Here you will find a surprising mix of English refinement and traditional surroundings. Expect a host of colourful hats and sartorial fanciness at the genteel afternoon tea service in the lobby bar, while the all-suite accommodation and heated saltwater rooftop pool offer lovely river and city views. A £16 million refurbishment has elevated the already high levels of elegance at the Windsor Court; the lobby and hallways are replete with a seriously impressive collection of original 17th- to 19thcentury paintings. h Doubles from £277

(001 504 523 6000; windsorcourthotel.com)