text: New Orleans is considered a slow paced city with romance at its heart. It is called the "Big Easy.'' Within its city limits is the French Quarter, a location filled with shops, nightlife, and great restaurants. In 1718 Jean Baptiste LaMoyne created New Orleans streets and established it as the capital of Louisiana. Hotel Provincial was opened in 1961, but before it became a hotel its history dates almost as far back as the city itself. In 1725 the land the hotel sits on was granted to Lt. Louis Boucherde Granpre. In 1775 the land was sold to Chevalier Jean Lavillebeuvre. In the 1800's the land was developed by Laruans and Roque families. 1903 marked a sale to the French Market Ice Company. The company was destroyed by a fire, and that is when the Dupepe family bought the land in 1958. Buildings on the land were used and converted into the Hotel Provincial. Some of the buildings only date back to the 1800's.
  Hotel Provincial is located on Rue Chartres, a thirty minute ride from the airport. Since the buildings do date back in history many of them are brick with a French colonial look to the outside. Wood doors, wrought iron, and intricate woodwork are plentiful throughout the hotels buildings. There is a courtyard with a fountain, and alfresco dining. Inside the rooms remain French in style with a mixing of colors, wood furniture, and modern amenities. Fig Ivy espaliers and tropical plants welcome visitors. Much of the furniture used is reproductions of the 1700's southern era. The mattresses in the rooms are Sealy with feather pillows and down comforters. Guest room amenities are television, air conditioning, voicemail, hairdryers, irons and ironing boards, high speed wireless internet, and four poster beds. Room sizes vary from double beds to suites.
  Out of the hotel rooms there are other amenities such as business meeting rooms for up to 60 guests. Valet parking, safe deposit boxes, two swimming pools, and complimentary breakfast is also provided. The hotel has one restaurant called Stella. The restaurant has won awards and is staffed with Scott Boswell, the current owner. The menu provides Louisiana cuisine like French, Creole, and New Orleans style as well as some American dishes.
  Rates for the rooms start at $79 and go up. Depending on the season the rates can be much higher, especially around Mardi Gras. From the hotel many of the French Quarter attractions can be reached. Riverboats, casinos, antique shops, clothing shops, and children's activities are available. The Aquarium of the Americas is one of the places to visit while in New Orleans. The art district and warehouse district are other places for tourists to visit.
  Transportation around New Orleans includes taxis, rental cars, or horse drawn carriages. It is also possible to walk to many of the attractions. Hotel Provincial supplies valet parking for guests. They do not allow pets unless they are service oriented. Reservations can be made online through their website. There are also some deals available depending on the time of year.