Best of the Big Easy: The Grand Comeback of the Fairmont New Orleans

Sometimes the best things come for those who wait. Having sustained significant damage from Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the storied Fairmont Hotel-- the elegant, marbled New Orleans landmark-- closed for serious renovations. The 2006 reopening date was pushed back after estimates of the damage were discovered to be grossly underestimated. But rumor has it that this beautiful and beloved Grande Dame may have a second chance after all. The hotel was purchased in late August 2007 and happy guests may see the comeback of The Roosevelt, the hotel's former incarnation. This is good news for those who also mourn the loss of the hotel's Sazerac Bar, the successor to Huey Long's favorite barroom hangout. If luck should have it, we may even see this illustrious hotel join the ranks of the premium hotels in the new Waldorf Astoria brand.