With its multiple levels, intimate sitting areas, soaring ceilings, a long crosswalk, and entrances in several different lobbies, the Hilton New Orleans Riverside lives up to its own moniker: “a city within a city.” This is not a quaint, cozy hotel. A feeling of excitement and high energy prevails from check-in, past the “main street” of shops and dining venues and up to the guest rooms. Although this sophisticated hotel can’t be summed up by any one particular style, the rooms can be termed either “traditional” or French Provinçial, the latter perhaps fitting with the hotel’s location on the banks of the Mississippi. Privileges to a nearby racquet and health club are available to guests for a small fee.

Hilton New Orleans Riverside Amenities:

• 1,616 rooms, 29 story. Check-in 3 pm, check-out noon. Restaurant. Fitness room. Two outdoor pools, whirlpool. Tennis. Business center.