The Bar/Lounge at Le Meridien New Orleans

"The ultrachic bar was designed by hip bar/club owner Rande Gerber"

"The lobby is a popular meeting spot for beautiful 20- somethings who love the Whiskey Blue bar"

"Whiskey Blue and Zoe's--a cerulean wonder of a bar and a tapas place, respectively--are both popular with locals and visitors of certain Eurocentric stripes"

"Attracting the "younger set", these "cutting-edge" digs "close to the French Quarter" provide "luxurious" "fun" with "chic" public spaces and "typical W bars and crowds" plus "ultramodern" quarters, which though "a touch on the small side" are still "comfortable"; naysayers gripe it's "over-decorated" in "an attempt to be artsy", but service is "accommodating", the spa is "excellent" and enthusiasts exclaim that though it's a bit "pricey", you get your "money's worth"

"The outdoor rooftop pool is a guest favorite, with a large sundeck, padded loungers, and cabanas"

"Accommodations include 410 rooms and 22 suites offering attractive features like soothing earth-toned décor, luxury beds and linens, chaise lounges, 55-inch televisions, refrigerators and sweeping Mississippi River or city views"

"At Tchoupitoulas Street (pronounce it chop-a-too-lus) four short blocks south of Canal Street and across from Harrah's Casino, in an area dominated by the chain hotel Goliaths (Loews, the two Hiltons, the InterContinental) this 23-story tower of reflecting glass is the trendiest of the bunch, thanks to its uber-contemporary decor and club scene courtesy of Rande Gerber's Whiskey Blue lounge"

"An outdoor swimming pool on the rooftop ringed with lounge chairs and a fitness center are popular amenities on especially humid days"

"Rooftop views, roomy cabanas, and potted palm trees bring glamour to this small pool and lounge area"