Despite living in Florida for over 25 years, I’d never visited New Orleans. Since it’s less than a two-hour flight from Orlando, I thought it was time I explored The Big Easy.

New Orleans draws travelers from around the world, thanks to its intoxicating blend of vibrating music, rich history, globally influenced cuisine and buzzing energy. From the lively French Quarter and serene Garden District to the bustling Central Business District and the artsy Warehouse District, NOLA beckons visitors to explore its unique neighborhoods.

My home base for this adventure? The Eliza Jane Hotel. Sitting at the crossroads of the French Quarter, the Central Business District and the Warehouse District, this AAA Diamond-designated hotel offers easy access to the city's signature attractions.

The Magic of New Orleans

The birthplace of jazz music, New Orleans serves as a mecca for music lovers. The city’s rich musical heritage intertwines threads of blues, funk soul and brass bands, creating an eclectic and vibrant tapestry. As the mother of a trumpet player, I couldn’t wait to pop into a few of NOLA’s iconic venues for authentic live-jazz experiences.

At Preservation Hall on St. Peter Street, I settled onto a wooden bench and immersed myself in the rich acoustics of The Preservation Brass. This intimate venue, which feels like a cozy living room, hosts jazz concerts over 360 nights a year. During the 45-minute set, the jazz ensemble performed both timeless classics and original pieces, consistently provoking toe-tapping from the crowd of about 50 people.

*Note: You can’t buy tickets at the door—purchase them in advance on the venue’s website.

Another night, I went to Mahogany Jazz Hall, a moody jazz club on Chartres Street. In a vintage-style setting, guests gathered around the small stage for an engaging jazz performance with catchy rhythms and crowd-pleasing tunes.

*Note: Though there’s no cover charge, the venue does require a one drink per person minimum for each set.

New Orleans Culinary Treats

With culinary influences from France, Africa, Germany and the Caribbean, The Big Easy serves up a tempting array of restaurants and bars for every palate.

I started one morning with powdered sugar-dusted beignets and aromatic coffee from Café Du Monde, “the original French market coffee stand.” For lunch one day, I stopped in Justine—a brasserie launched in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Justin and Mia Devillier. I relished my creamy shrimp and grits at this sophisticated eatery with a Southern twist. Dinner was reserved for the fabulous options at The Eliza Jane, detailed later.

For cocktails, I had to visit The Carousel Bar, a whimsical bar tucked inside the historic Hotel Monteleone. Opened in 1886, this lobby bar became the city's first and only rotating bar in 1949, offering guests a subtle spin every 15 minutes. I couldn't resist visiting the iconic Sazerac House, a historic three-story building at the corner of Canal and Magazine Streets. With complimentary tours, interactive spirit-themed exhibits and tastings, Sazerac House provided an immersive experience into New Orleans’s rich cocktail history.

Simply walking through the city can be its own adventure, thanks to the distinct vibes of its neighborhoods. I spent most of my time around the French Quarter, noticing colorful blooms dripping over wrought-iron balconies and pastel-painted facades lining narrow streets.  But I also wanted to experience the beautiful architecture in the Garden District.

To do it justice, I booked a terrific small group walking tour through Two Chicks Walking Tour. Karen, our guide, was full of historical facts, engaging stories, celebrity gossip and southern hospitality. She led us along brick streets with flickering gas lights as Northern mockingbirds chirped in towering oaks. I admired the Southern grandeur of antebellum mansions, colorful Victorian gingerbread houses and narrow “shotgun” houses scattered throughout the neighborhoods.

Discovering The Eliza Jane Hotel

The Eliza Jane Hotel, a AAA Diamond designated property, is rich in history. Occupying several historic warehouses, this 196-room boutique hotel, which opened in 2018, beautifully encapsulates the essence of the city. Drawing from its rich history as a gunpowder company, a bitters distillery and the printing house for the renowned Daily Picayune newspaper, The Eliza Jane stands out as a unique gem among New Orleans hotels.

Part of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, this upscale hotel blends old and new, thanks to Stonehill Taylor's brilliant design. A 2,000-square-foot open-air courtyard is perfect for reading, dining or meeting friends, with a fountain and Venus-inspired sculpture as focal points. Exposed brick walls, masonry archways, cozy couches and sleek lighting honor the hotel’s storied past.

The signature French-Southern fusion restaurant, Couvant, won my heart with its deeply flavorful boeuf bourguignon—the best I’ve ever tasted. Led by Executive Chef Ryan Pearson, the sustainably focused restaurant offers a dynamic menu that highlights the city’s eclectic influences and locally sourced ingredients.

After a long day, I grabbed a drink at The Press Room, the hotel's lively social hub and lobby bar with a library-inspired setting. With intriguing drinks and tasty small plates in chic surroundings—a nod to the city's literary heritage—I cozied up on the plush couch to relax and sip a sweet Harlen’s Apple cocktail. The Eliza Jane offered the perfect blend of old New Orleans charm and modern convenience, making it a fantastic place to relax and recharge after a day of exploring. 

The AAA Diamond Difference

When planning your trip to The Big Easy, consider AAA hotels for accommodation. The trusted AAA Diamond designation vetting process uses anonymous inspectors to evaluate properties based on cleanliness, comfort, service and amenities. Hotels receive a rating from one to five diamonds, with more diamonds indicating higher service, amenities and overall quality.

The Eliza Jane earned its AAA Three Diamond status by offering stylish accommodations, excellent service and a blend of historic charm and modern amenities. This rating assures guests of a memorable stay with exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to quality.

Exclusive AAA Member Benefits

AAA members can enjoy a range of exclusive discounts and benefits when booking a stay at AAA Diamond-rated hotels. Members have access to special AAA rates, complimentary amenities and added perks designed to enhance the stay. To leverage these benefits and search other AAA Diamond-designated properties, visit online. Staying at AAA Diamond-designated properties helps ensure a memorable experience and exceptional value at notable hotels.

Personal Experiences and Highlights

One night, true to New Orleans fashion, I enjoyed an authentic crawfish boil with potatoes, sausage and corn in the charming brick courtyard. The Eliza Jane hosts this weekly event during crawfish season from February to mid-May.

Though I ran out of time, next visit, I plan to rent one of the guest bikes available for a small fee, which I saw in the reception area.

 The Eliza Jane’s prime location—where the French Quarter meets the Central Business District and the Historic Warehouse District—puts the best of New Orleans just steps away.

Navigating New Orleans with AAA Discounts

During your trip to New Orleans, AAA Members will find numerous opportunities to utilize their discounts, making their stay even more enjoyable and budget-friendly. Besides the substantial savings on hotel stays at AAA Diamond-designated properties like The Eliza Jane, members can benefit from reduced rates at various dining locations, enhancing their culinary journey through the city. Delight in a sumptuous meal at renowned spots like The Court of Two Sisters, where you can savor traditional Creole cuisine at a special AAA discount.

Beyond dining, AAA Members can secure savings on Hertz rental cars, easing the cost of travel and granting more flexibility to explore the vibrant surroundings. Additionally, Members can take advantage of exclusive member benefits for guided tours, museum admissions and even special events, making it easier to dive into the rich culture and history New Orleans has to offer.