Top Hotels In America

Set near the historic French quarter of New Orleans, the hotel is located on Poydras St., the central corridor of the New Orleans business district. The property which it stands today belonged to Sieur de Bienville the founder of New Orleans which was then purchased by the Jesuits before landing in the hands of Mr. Gravier. Left to degrade at the turn of the 19th century, and was revived in the 1830′s when the land was reclaimed and turned into New Orleans oldest Railroad. It became a National Theater, a German Theater and much more till it was destroyed by fire in 1889. The Hotel was re-constructed in 1907 which allowed it to achieve new heights of luxury and splendor along with some firsts for the city, the first hydraulic elevator, the first basement and so on. Named the Hotel Denechaud then, it instantly received international acclaim for the splendor and luxurious accommodations that resulted in the passing of many a famous passing through its doors. Through Prohibition and the Great Depression, it maintained its status as one of the most luxurious hotels in all of America. A unique tradition exists when a lone traveler checked in one day and ordered milk on a nightcap which the bar employee was quite puzzled about. He asked and the tradition was born, the traveler used to have a traditional PB&J sandwich along with a tall glass of milk just before bed which he shared with his daughter who lived far away. Seeing his guest, the bar employee(who was actually the hotel manager who filled in for an employee) seeking to lift the spirits of his lonely guest had the night kitchen staff prepare newly made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and milk which was promptly served. The guest was so delighted that he finally got to enjoy his tradition that reminded him of his daughter enjoyed his sandwich and soon enough, everybody wanted one. This gave way to the PB&J tradition when all guests are invited to the lobby at 10:00pm to partake in a serving of PB&J and milk. For a taste of one of America’s most historic hotels visit the Le Pavilion for a true Southern experience that is steeped deep in tradition.