Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans Has a ‘Mardi Gras Like a Local’ Package—With a Carnival Concierge and VIP Parade Views

Just because the party never stops during Mardi Gras in New Orleans doesn’t mean you can’t do it in style. That seems to be the mantra of the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, which has unveiled a slew of experiences for guests who want to take this iconic holiday experience to another level.

The relatively new property (opened in 2021) is housed in a refurbished tower designed by the legendary mid-century architect Edward Durell Stone. As one of the tallest buildings in the city, it looks out over all of New Orleans–and even features a pool with views of the mighty Mississippi River.

Setting the mood for guests fresh off the plane is a temporary installation by the prolific floral designer Jeff Leatham. With his flair for the dramatic, Leatham has covered the hotel’s lobby and fifth floor (home to the pool and spa) with screens of cascading dyed blooms—purple and fuchsia for the lobby and green and sunny yellows on the fifth floor.

The hotel is also offering guests a “Mardi Gras Like a Local” package. For $500, hotel guests get two parade viewing stand passes, a reservation at Herbsaint (sister restaurant to the hotel’s Chemin à la Mer) on the parade route, and a Carnival Concierge. Tips offered by the concierge can include everything from help with costuming to mask-making workshops.

The hotel’s own restaurants and bars are also getting in on the fun. Miss River, the hotel’s restaurant focused on contemporary New Orleans cuisine, has put a King Cake on the menu for the first time. Instead of having the traditional “king cake baby” surprise somewhere in the dessert, the hotel has opted for a small crystal redolent of those that make up the elaborate light fixture in the Chandelier Bar as well as a gift card. As for the Chandelier Bar, it has live music programming to match the holiday period and a new signature Krewe de Fleur martini with a vodka, citrus, bergamot, hibiscus and rosé sparkling wine.