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» Getaway Hotels New Orleans
Even the most devout urbanista needs some downtime. Here are
our top picks for weekend getaway hotels—all destinations in themselves, and within 100 miles or so of the world's greatest cities.
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels in....
Best Weekend Getaway Hotels
New Orleans
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MS, 877-877-6256, $$ hardrockbiloxi.com
The Draw: Party for 24 hours nonstop at this casino with the glam of Vegas and the waters of the Gulf of Mexico outside its windows. The Scene: A 112-foot neon guitar marks the new casino and warns away any visitor who doesn't approve of loud music. Here the rock never stops. The beat keeps well-sculpted bodies swaying as they sip drinks in the saltwater pool. National acts such as Kid Rock play the theatre. At night, DJs continue the groove at Rise, the 12th-floor nightclub. Hot Tip: Up close, the many rockers' outfits displayed in cases around the casino can look like nothing more than old clothes. The quilt of Frank Zappa's face, however, deserves special attention. The late musician's portrait was woven together with panties and bras his fans tossed on stage.
The Draw: This pristine Greek Revival plantation, decorated with period antiques on the Bayou Lafourche, lets guests experience the splendor of the ante bellum South. The Scene: Stroll amid the oaks and magnolias that surround the house built by Col. Thomas Pugh in 1848. Meet your fellow guests for a glass of wine in the library, then continue the conversation over an elaborate dinner of Louisiana dishes, followed by brandy in the parlor. Retire to your canopy bed (or a room in the more secluded 1820s cottage), and wake to a full plantation breakfast. Hot Tip: If owner Millie Ball stops by the plantation, ask about her world voyages. She is the longtime travel editor for the New Orleans daily newspaper.
Victoria Inn and Gardens
4707 Jean Lafitte Blvd., Lafitte, LA, 800-689-4797, $ victoriainn.com
The Draw: You can escape from the world at this tranquil retreat, yet still have the option of driving into New Orleans for dinner and returning in time for a nightcap on the patio. The Scene: After just 30 minutes in the car on an increasingly remote road, turn onto the lush grounds of this utterly isolated Cajun country inn. Paths wind through the tropical gardens, foot bridges cross mossy bayous, and a pool sits inside the entrance to the dock that juts into the bordering lake. Book a fishing trip to the Gulf of Mexico, just 30 miles away, and the boat will pick you up dockside. The inn's chef will cook your catch for dinner. Hot Tip: Request one of the second-floor rooms, all of which have direct access to the patio.
