The lobby and front desk areas of imported marble retain many features of the original 1917 building, including high ceilings, large windows, ornamental staircase and Waterford crystal chandeliers. What's more, guests find that the lobby resembles a private club, with a fireplace, cushy couches and a player grand piano. The Drury's rooftop pool overlooks the city's major business and entertainment districts.

Guests can start their mornings with complimentary Hot Quikstart breakfasts and then wind down the evenings with complimentary beverages and snacks. One of the city's best Japanese restaurants, Horinoya, which specializes in Kobe beef, stands three blocks away, while guests can take in free concerts in Lafayette Park a block from the hotel. This being New Orleans, the culinary capital of Creole and Cajun cuisine, vacationers can find nearly everything here to satisfy their taste buds.

Back at the Drury, meanwhile, the 156 guest rooms mix old and new, from the lofty 14-foot ceilings to high- speed Internet access, microwave ovens, refrigerators and other amenities vacationers expect in a major hotel in this kind of a city.

The Drury Inn and Suites caters to business travelers with appointments downtown and leisure guests who appreciate the half-mile proximity to the Superdome, New Orleans Arena and French Quarter.