Maison Dupuy, New Orleans

New Orleans has a three hundred year old history. Streets were lined with gas lamps, brick buildings, and industrial locations- such as cotton presses. The Maison Dupuy is located on land which used to house a cotton press. Despite the old history of New Orleans and its French Quarter the hotel did not open until 1973. The building had to fit into the New Orleans style so it took two years just to get the plans approved. The hotel was opened by two brothers named Dupuy. The hotel was made by combining five townhouses with French doors, floor to ceiling windows, and wrought iron balconies. Facts in evidence suggest that Maison Dupuy has the largest courtyard in New Orleans. It is often a focal point for guests with the outdoor swimming pool and alfresco dining. The hotel changed hands over the last few decades until the Pyramid Group purchased the hotel.

The inside of the hotel is just as French as the exterior. The hotel rooms each havedistinctive design with four poster beds, elaborate doorways, and wood furniture for comfort. There are vanity mirrors, hairdryers, Kingsbridge bath amenities, and much more in the rooms. Color TV, personal safes, iron and ironing boards, as well as internet access are provided. The decor includes imported draperies, signature art, marble bathrooms, and wrought iron. There are several rooms to choose from with different sized beds for guests to choose what they need. There are also some suites like the Honeymoon suite.

Besides the swimming pool Maison Dupuy provides a fitness room, fountain courtyard, dining, concierge, valet parking, turndown, room service, complimentary newspaper, hot tub, and even video games. They do have a small amount of business meeting space and banquet facilities for events. They can serve up to 200 people for weddings and other occasions. The hotel is meant more for relaxing in the "Big Easy'' than business.

From the hotel other attractions can be reached such as the jazz clubs, Pat O'Brien's, antique shops, Bourbon Street, Jackson square, Preservation Hall, Steamboat Natchez, the Aquarium of the Americas, and even horse drawn carriage rides. Cruises, casinos, and night clubs are within walking distance of the hotel accommodations. It is possible to visit the shops, restaurants, and entertain children without renting a car.

The hotel has fine dining and casual dining places. The Meritage is their fine dining establishment. They host a variety of different cuisines with Chef Michael Farrell at the head of it all. Their meals are made from organic and locally grown ingredients making it very fresh. New Orleans cuisine is the theme of the restaurant.

For casual dining there is the French Quarter Bistro. The bistro is open for all three meals, supplying alcoholic beverages from 11am to midnight. The cuisine is based on Creole and Cajun with such dishes as Gumbo, Crab and Crawfish Cakes, Bar B Q Shrimp, Jambalaya, and fresh fish meals. The prices are reasonable for a hotel, with Entrees around $13.00 even for Shrimp.