WINDSOR COURT

The Windsor Court hotel in the central business district is only two blocks from the French Quarter and deliciously decadent Bourbon Street and across the street from Harrah's Casino. Guests also will stay close to the tony Warehouse Arts District and the mighty Mississippi's Riverwalk, a half mile stretch of 140 shops and restaurants. The Windsor's English heritage is echoed in original works by Gainsborough, Reynolds and other masters, as well as Le Salon's daily afternoon tea service, complete with Wedgwood china, petit sandwiches, truffles, scones, lemon curd and Devonshire cream. A harpist or a string quartet provide background music, but the setting changes at night when guests sample champagne, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and jazz. For more options, the hotel's New Orleans Grill specializes in local and traditional favs, such as roasted filet of angus beef and sautéed red snapper, and 10,000 vintages in its wine cellar. At the Terrace, guests can eat Creole and Cajun spiced chow while overlooking the courtyard with its fountain and statue of St. George. Then, drinks and conversation can follow in the Polo Club Lounge, which offers wide selections of wines, martinis, Cognacs and cigars. The 324 guest rooms feature large windows, hardwood accents and earth tones, as well as walk on balconies in some rooms that overlook the action in the street. The rooms also include Italian Fili D'Oro brand linens of 285 thread count Egyptian cotton, fancy English Penhaligon toiletries, comp high speed Internet access, and turndown service with imported chocolates or pralines. The hotel also provides 24 hour room service, a video library, business center, and health club with sauna, massage services and steam room. Did we mention the 75 foot outdoor pool? Vacationers and business travelers appreciate the Windsor Court's close proximity to the French Quarter but still far enough away to allow for peaceful sleeps. &nbsp