Canal Street Inn, New Orleans and Select Registry

I received a media invite from Select Registry (Thank You So Much Heather Taylor, Director of Marketing) to attend an intimate luncheon at Canal Street Inn here in New Orleans. Select Registry (Mark Reichle, CEO) is a network of 250+ independent properties (such as boutique hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, and lodges etc.) that offer outstanding accommodations and one-of-a-kind experiences to travelers. They are celebrating 50 Years of Excellence in Travel this year. I had never heard of Select Registry prior to this event, so this was a wonderful way to become acquainted. I also have a penchant for boutique hotels, so this event really peaked my interest and curiosity.

Canal Street Inn is a Luxury Historic Hotel, in the heart of Mid-City New Orleans. Its history dates back to 1912. The grandeur of this property is felt as soon as you arrive. Canal Street Inn greets you with lush landscape, regal steps, stately columns, a welcoming owner (Monica Ramsey), inn keepers and staff. Twirl around and the New Orleans Red Streetcar Line will whisk you away to popular places such as City Park (New Orleans Museum of Art, Sculpture Garden, Botanical Garden, City Putt Golf, Carousel Gardens, Storyland etc), Saenger Theater, Canal Place and Harrah’s Casino.

Canal Street Inn is just as beautiful inside, as it is outside. It contains the perfect balance of both modern and historical charm. I stood in awe at what this stately place presented to me. Gorgeous chandeliers graced the inn’s beautiful ceilings. My eyes danced upon gorgeous antiques, pictures, paintings, porcelain figures and other fanciful decorative accents. I captured some of those amazing things for you, in my video below.

The table setting for this event, was absolutely lovely. Beautiful fresh flowers and flickering candles graced the center of the table. Fleur de lis (synonymous with Louisiana/New Orleans) napkin holders decorated each napkin. Salad fork, dinner fork, knife and soup spoon were in perfect alignment. There was even a proper menu for the occasion. It all made me feel very special. I was having a Downton Abbey moment. I mention all of these things (all of these details … I pay attention to details), because they are often taken for granted and overlooked. They should be appreciated, recognized and acknowledged, because someone took the time to put this together (the staff at Canal Street Inn). It’s work. It’s money. It’s time. I thank them. Their effort and work showed. I was very honored to be selected to attend.

Pictured below are how tables are set on a regular day for guests. Aren’t those pillows fabulous!?!

Compliments to the chef and waiting staff, for hosting a delicious luncheon. It was absolutely delightful! Champagne, Rose and White Wine filled our glasses. The Strawberry Delight Salad was fresh, crisp and flavorful. For my entree, I chose the Creole Chicken and Andouille Sausage Gumbo. I love gumbo and Canal Street Inn did an excellent job with theirs. They do not skimp! It was full of shrimp, sausage, rice and chicken. The roux was dark. It was served hot. Monica acknowledged to their three (3) course breakfast that they give in the mornings. It sounds so delicious, that I will have to return. I will be back! Dessert was a coconut flan and it was yummy. I enjoyed a cup of coffee with my dessert.

As everyone wobbled from the luncheon table, we were given a tour. On the second floor (where the dining room is located) is the Prytania Master King Suite. I love its earthy, rich neutral colors. Spot the chandelier? How exquisite is it? I love chandeliers. A gorgeous streetcar and Eiffel Tower painting grace the walls of this king-size suite.

Another treasure on the second floor is the Streetcar Room. Appropriately named, because it sits towards the front of the inn. Walk out the door, down the steps and let the red streetcar take you to a magical place.

The Endymion Suite is absolutely alluring and fanciful! An assortment of whimsical masks are on display for your viewing pleasure. Pick a record, put it on the player and dance to your hearts delight. This suite offers a beautiful screened outside view. It’s a magical suite!

Now let’s go to the top floor of the inn!

If you need a rest, just have a seat in this cute sitting area.

This is the Audubon Room. I love the bed and nook area.

What a great area to relax, read and collect your thoughts.

This is the Canal Room. This room is so peaceful.

Another perfect spot to relax and unwind.

On the first floor (lower level) of the inn are many rooms.

On the left is the Oak Room. On the right is the Magnolia Room.

The courtyard has a number of enjoyable and comfy seating areas with accent lighting.

It’s fenced and gated for both your security and privacy.

And right behind that beautiful iron fence, is something FABULOUS! Are you ready? I don’t think you’re ready. I know I wasn’t. I was so inquisitive, that Monica invited me to come for a private viewing of what will soon be Canal Street Inn’s newest addition … The Telemachus Suite.

Ohhh! The fabulous-ness that awaits you! You guys, it has it’s own private entrance, inside sitting area (see video below) gourmet kitchen w/pantry, larger than life living/entertainment area, a section for your fabulous hair dresser to do your hair (think wedding prep), Hollywood glamorous bedroom, upstairs bedroom, bathroom and washer & dryer. It’s la creme de la creme! I definitely want to stay here.

So whatever your personality or occasion you’re celebrating, Canal Street Inn has a spot for you (and someone special)! Be sure to watch my video. I took snippets of each area. Enjoy and Make A Reservation! Also check out selectregistry.com to view other fabulous locations such as Fall Farm Country Inn (Texas), Tusculum Farm (Maryland), and Devereaux Shields House (Mississippi).