Recently in New Orleans Category

Jaime Gottlieb is Manager of Online Communications for the Luxury Brands Group and the lobby.com's expert on all things W.

Where will you be on World AIDS Day? I don't know about you, but mix up exclusive music tracks, cocktail mingling and a meaningful cause, and I'm already in the waiting line. On December 1st in recognition of World AIDS Day, music-loving jetsetters and W loyalists will be mixing it up at W Hotels nationwide for the launch of (RED)s latest project called (RED)WIRE. This digital music magazine subscription service gives members VIP access to exclusive tracks by the hottest musicians and artists around including the likes of U2, John Legend and Sheryl Crow.

In support of the Global Fund, which provides medicine to people who need it in Africa, all are welcome to this one-time W Happening to sip the coolest cocktails and feast their eyes and ears at this online music viewing party in hotels across America. As just one of many ways W Hotels is getting involved with this global cause and exciting new music project, event-goers, including myself, are sure to end the year 2008 with a bang... and a few other beats.

Jaime Gottlieb is the Manager of Online Communications for the Luxury Brands Group and thelobby.com's source on all happenings at W Hotels.

Introducing the latest in Whatever/Whenever® services, W Hotels and Acura have announced an exclusive partnership for W Hotels guests. The 300-horsepower Acura MDX, the preferred vehicle of W Hotels Worldwide, is ready to show you the town from a whole new perspective.

Starting in 2008, W guests can request their ride in select W Hotels. Whether it’s shopping on 5th Avenue, a ride down Rodeo Drive or a swift lift to Bourbon Street, bring your sensory experience along. Just dial the Acura Ambassador or Whatever/Whenever, reserve a complimentary ride and enjoy an SUV stocked with W essentials like Tidy Towels, Wish magazines and signature W music. To help guide you along your way, the MDX is filled with technologically advanced amenities like the Acura Navigation System with on-demand Zagat® reviews. Find where you’re going and the perfect entrée to order once you get there. The Acura Experience is ready to whisk you away at all W Hotels in the U.S., starting April 1, 2008.

New Orleans is an excellent destination for a late-winter getaway, with mild weather, friendly people, and plenty of great food and music. It's also closer than you might think, thanks to Starpicks. The W New Orleans is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. At the W New Orleans, you get the best of both worlds. It's located on Poydras Street, just steps from the notorious French Quarter, but in a quieter location, so you can get some quality rest after the revelry is over. It's also convenient to Harrah's Casino, the Riverwalk Marketplace, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, so whether you feel like trying your luck at the slots, trying on a new outfit, or getting some face time with a colony of African black-footed penguins, your options are covered. But then, you might not want to leave the hotel at all, because it provides a home to Randy Gerber's chic Whisky Blue bar, where you can feel the beat of New Orleans while sipping a premium cocktail. Laissez les bons temps rouler! New Starpicks come out every Tuesday, so check the list often for the latest deals.

If you've been meaning to get down to New Orleans for a visit this summer, here's a great opportunity. The W New Orleans - French Quarter (pictured) is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays this upcoming weekend. There's nothing like a few days in the Big Easy, and the people in New Orleans look forward to reminding you what great Southern hospitality is all about. So go ahead and cool off during the Louisiana afternoon with a signature hurricane cocktail in the courtyard of Pat O'Brien's New Orleans as you watch their famous flaming fountain. Feast on grilled duck breast with pepper jelly glaze, or Gulf Coast bouillabaisse with snapper, shrimp, and mussels at Bayona restaurant. Listen to some classic New Orleans jazz at Preservation Hall. Of course, you don't really need a plan at all, because the French Quarter is often best experienced by wandering in whichever direction the music takes you. Check out this week's list of Starpicks properties and plan a mini-vacation today.