Executive Travel : Zagat Survey: New Orleans

New Orleans-bound business travelers may want to consider these value-oriented hotels--or splurge at the city’s top hotel dining rooms.

The following reviews are excerpted from Zagat Surveys, a series of regional dining and lodging guides based on extensive ratings and reviews contributed by local restaurant-goers and frequent travelers. Ratings for rooms, service, dining and public facilities are based on a numerical scale: 0-9, poor to fair; 10-19, good to very good; 20-25, very good to excellent; 26-30, extraordinary to perfect. Hotel price reflects estimate of a double room for one night.

Best-Value Hotels

LE RICHELIEU 1234 Chartres St.; (800) 535-9653

Historic property built at the behest of King Louis XII of France offers Southern charm and reasonable rates for the popular French Quarter.

Rooms: 19 Service: 20 Dining: 16 Public Facilities: 16

Cost: $100

LE PAVILLON HOTEL 833 Poydras St.; (800) 535-9095 Recently renovated grand dame hotel is regarded by some as the best value in the city’s central business district.

Rooms: 18 Service: 19 Dining: 17 Public Facilities: 18

Cost: $115

PLACE D’ARMES HOTEL 625 St. Anne St.; (800) 366-2743 Located in Jackson Square area, the hotel is composed of six French Provincial buildings that frame the pool and patios. Be sure to ask for a room with windows.

Rooms: 19 Service: 19 Dining: 17 Public Facilities: 19

Cost: $100

Best Hotel Dining

WINDSOR COURT HOTEL 320 Gravier St.; (800) 262-2662 The city’s highest-rated hotel houses the Grill Room, where superb meals and a regal setting make it a favorite for power lunches. About $41 a person for dinner, drink and tip.

Rooms: 28 Service: 27 Dining: 27 Public Facilities: 27

Cost: $202

HOTEL MAISON DE VILLE 733 Toulouse St; (800) 634-1600 Bistro at Maison de Ville wins praise for gourmet dishes using local seafoods and spices. Some complain about cramped dining space. About $30 a person for dinner, drink and tip.

Rooms: 23 Service: 23 Dining: 23 Public Facilities: 21

Cost: $163

For more information or to participate in future surveys, call (800) 333-3421. Copyright 1993, Eugene H. Zagat Jr. and Nina S. Zagat.