The Big Six: Stylish stays in New Orleans

Race & Religious, Garden Quarter

This row of Creole cottages at the corner of Race and Religious streets was in a state of disrepair when owner Granville Semmes found it. Now, after an extensive renovation, he calls the property a "love song to New Orleans". Inside, antique French furniture, Oriental rugs and Soviet film posters reflect the diversity of the city itself. Paintings by the owner's daughter and visual artist Blake Boyd line the walls. There's also a cigar room, bar and bakery.

Race & Religious, 510 Race Street (001 504 523 0890; raceandreligious.com). Nightly rental of the entire property is $1,000 (£666). Sleeps 4.

The Saint, French Quarter

An ornate Beaux Arts building marks the spot for this divinely inspired address which opened on Canal Street in December. Inside, an ethereal theme takes guests from a heavenly all-white reception desk with two cherubs poised overhead, to a red bordello-style bar that would seduce even the saintliest of souls. The lobby has a custom-made, turquoise-felt pool table; the walls are lined with vintage photos; and large bell-shaped chandeliers hung throughout contribute a modern, design-focused feel.

The Saint, 931 Canal Street (001 504 522 5400; thesainthotelneworleans.com). Doubles start at $209 (£139), room only.

The Hotel Modern, Warehouse District

Southern hospitality runs deep at this sleek new address. Inside, boutique hotelier Klaus Ortlieb has aimed for a relaxed, guesthouse feel, replacing the formal reception desk check-in with sinking sofas and champagne on arrival. Cool and contemporary interiors in the 135 bedrooms blend freshly cut flowers with light lilac walls and antique paintings that add character. By night, there's music and live burlesque at the Bellocq cocktail lounge and Louisiana shrimp to sample at the acclaimed Tamarind restaurant.

The Hotel Modern, 936 Saint Charles Avenue (001 504 962 0900; thehotelmodern.com). Doubles start at $95 (£63), room only.

Hotel Le Marais, French Quarter

Lighting plays a key role in this stylish 66-room hotel, which borrows its name from the well-heeled Parisian district. A neon blue blaze shines down on designer armchairs in the hallways, while a vivid purple glow casts a cool light on the redbrick courtyard, pool and tequila bar at night.

Hotel Le Marais, 717 Conti Street (001 504 525 2300; hotellemarais.com). B&B starts at $139 (£93).

Loft 523, CBD

This understated collection of 16 sleek lofts features cast-iron columns, exposed plasterwork and raw timber beams within. The look is sparse but stylish, with low-slung beds, mocha and creamy fabrics, large tripod lamps and plasma televisions. There are also two penthouses with private terraces.

Loft 523, 523 Gravier Street (001 504 200 6523; loft523.com). Doubles start at $159 (£106), room only.

Soniat House, French Quarter

Tradition is paramount at this elegant retreat in the French Quarter. Named after Joseph Soniat, the plantation owner who built the townhouse, it retains a sense of colonial charm with its sweeping staircases, grand four-poster beds, damask fabrics and waiters in pressed white suits.

Soniat House, 1133 Chartres St (001 504 522 0570; soniathouse.com). Doubles $245 (£163), room only.