A Trip to the Past

The gorgeous view of the New Orleans skyline from Rosie's on the Roof

I was in New Orleans on business this week for a conference, and I had a wonderful experience at the Higgins Hotel. The property is a fairly new addition to the NOLA tourist scene. It's the official hotel of the World War II Museum, which sits just across the street, and it's a triumph. 

Art deco style throughout the property reinforces the
hotel's connection to the WWII Museum.

The hotel is richly appointed in 1940s art-deco style, with dominant colors of navy, burgundy and cream. In addition to what you'd expect (comfy beds, delicious food, a fitness center, etc.), the Higgins Hotel will give you a generous ration of meaning and story that other hotels would be challenged to match. 

The details lean heavily in to the hotel's relationship with the museum, and it makes for a cohesive and utterly satisfying experience. Many of the guest rooms are dedicated to specific service members, with plaques both inside and outside the room that provide information about their lives and service in the armed forces. A powerful manifestation of the property's mission. Historical memorabilia and photos decorate the hotel's public and private spaces. (If you ask nicely, you can even ogle General George Patton's baby grand piano in a first-floor VIP room.)

On the ninth floor, Rosie's on the Roof offers fun cocktails and expansive views of the New Orleans skyline. Featuring both indoor and outdoor seating (warmers are available outside to heat up chilly nights), the bar also boasts a larger-than-life sized Rosie the Riveter photo booth where guests pose and snap selfies. ("We can do it!")

My room was dedicated to Sam Sudler, who, like my
grandfather, served in the South Pacific during WWII.

Lastly, the veterans. You will see them everywhere - in the lobby, at the hotel's restaurants and bars, in the adjacent museum, etc. I urge you to stop and take a moment to speak to them. After staying at the hotel and visiting the museum itself, these exchanges are that much more meaningful. I chatted with several veterans, thanked them for their service, and remembered some of my own family members who protected our freedoms at great personal sacrifice. 

In short, I'll be staying at this property again. A fantastic and unique experience.