HotelChatter

Vitascope Hall: As soon as we saw this sports and media bar, and its alcoves with their own flatscreens, we knew it would be the perfect place to watch the game on Sunday. We wound up going to the Superdome (yay!) to watch the Saints stomp all over the Colts but hit up Vitascope for some pre-game snacks and beer. We also sampled its batch cocktails, a fantastic deal at $50 for a tower that serves at least six. We recommend the Champagne Garden Punch, a refreshingly zesty blend of Absolut vodka, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lime, sparkling wine and your choice of 'selections from the garden' (ie: leaves of basil and baby cucumbers—which are adorable). Also: Vitascope has its own app which lets you choose the music that's playing in the bar and participate in polls with other patrons.

Lagniappe Exchange: It means 'a little something extra,' and this 24-hour fresh market and convenience store certainly delivers. You can buy cookbooks, magazines, toiletries, souvenirs, sushi, beer, liquor, hoodies and almost anything else you can think of. We scooped up some gumbo and jambalaya mixes to take home but you can also grab fresh paninis, pastries and salads. We'll have more on the concept of Lagniappe from the hotel's GM Michael Smith soon...

And then there's... Other food & beverage options include room service (which you can order from your TV); Pizza Consegna, which delivers to your room; a huge Starbucks; Whole Hog Cafe, a popular BBQ joint located in the building next door but with dishes also available at 8 Block and Lagniappe; and—opening this winter—Borgne, a new casual seafood restaurant from James Beard award-winning local chef John Besh and his chef de cuisine Brian Landry. We sampled a little of what's to come from Besh and Landry at their popular August Restaurant while in town and can tell you that Borgne is bound to be a hit.

[All photos: Rebecca Wallwork/HotelChatter]