With Old World elegance meeting Southern hospitality, the Pontchartrain Hotel in the opulent Garden District of New Orleans puts guests right on the parade route during Mardi Gras and just two miles from the French Quarter's world renown restaurants, nightclubs and shops. Guests can thumb rides on the hotel's free shuttles to the French Quarter and Morial Convention Center. Providing a subtle ambience of a small European inn in the midst of stately mansions, the 12 floor Pontchartrain is located on St. Charles Street, where the historic trolley passes through en route to the French Quarter, restaurants, shops and other sights. This being New Orleans, guests won't have any problem finding dining options to suite every one of their culinary curiosities. However, every night is a sensory feast at the hotel's Lafitte's, where Creole and Cajun specialties like seafood bisque, andouille gumbo, oyster po boys and the eatery's famous mile high pie a takeoff on Baked Alaska fill the menu. Guests also can kick back in the Bayou Bar among murals depicting swamp flora and fauna and relax to live piano and jazz. The 118 individually designed guest rooms feature European antique style furnishings, plush bedding, art depicting the city and its culture, and Internet access. Guest can also receive complimentary, wireless Internet access throughout the hotel. Located 14 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport, the historic feeling Pontchartrain Hotel caters to small conferences and leisure travelers who want a special ambience in lodging when they come to this mystical city. &nbsp