During our stay in New Orleans for what’s purportedly the world’s largest cocktail convention, we had the opportunity to stay at the Audubon Cottages, a recently renovated set of seven unique one and two bedroom private entrance suites that offer guests privacy, luxurious accommodations, and a ‘French Quarter Butler’ that can attend to your every business or vacation need.
The central courtyard is dominated by a small, shallow saltwater pool, reported to be the oldest pool in New Orleans. Surrounded by aged brick pavers, the pool is a refreshing break from business meetings or the hubbub of social activities that New Orleans has to offer.
We freshened up quickly, and scurried out to our first meeting within the hour, and returned just before dinner time to a cold bucket of ice and champagne, compliments of Roderick.
As part of the New Orleans Hotel Collection, Audubon Cottages’ interpretation of a butler does not involved someone to shop for you, drive you about town, or take you to the beauty parlor, but he is fully capable of making reservations, suggestions on where to eat and drink in town, and for the one night that we decided to stay in for a team meeting, he chose a great pizza restaurant for an in room delivery.
The Accommodations
The suite that we stayed in had it’s own private courtyard, with a latched gate, high walls covered in creeping fig, and a gargoyle wall fountain with water lilies that bloomed each morning.
Hair dryers and irons were in each side of the unit, and each side also had their own temperature control – highly important when you’re sharing a space. We had a bit of a challenge the first few nights with ceiling fans and hot water, but given the recency of renovations (the cottages have only been open for 3 mos), and the fact that the buildings were historical, we let it pass.
Furnishings in the main area are beautiful, if not rather petite. Thankfully the majority of our team was female, so comfort did not present too much a problem.
We were able to take a dip in the salt water pool one afternoon and one evening during our stay. It was refreshing and clean, and beautiful-looking – it’s certainly going to be a few years before they need to think about pool deck resurfacing. The only thing missing would have been poolside snowballs or a champagne/gin cocktail and fruit service.
The Service
Roderick was also incredibly helpful with sourcing materials and shipments for us at the end of our stay. As media attending a highly product heavy conference, it can be a real challenge getting shipments back in one piece. He, and the team over at the Dauphine Orleans Hotel, were able to accomplish all of our shipping coordination quite brilliantly.
At a regular rate of $950/night and up, this ultra-luxury destination may not be in the budget for the typical traveler. However, if you are in New Orleans, want your privacy, and need a space away from the noise and chaos that the French Quarter presents, the premium you’ll pay for convenience, luxury, and seclusion is well worth it at the Audubon Cottages.
You can make reservations for your stay Audubon Cottages at www.auduboncottages.com, or by phone at 504-586-1516.
Audubon Cottages
509 Dauphine St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-586-1516