The posh St. James Hotel, located in a historic 1833 building that was once an important center for trading Caribbean coffee and sugar, cultivates a tropical, West Indies flavor. Replete with weathered brick, wrought iron and old-fashioned gaslights, the hotel is a throwback to another era. The plush guest rooms feature rich cherry armoires and headboards with botanical prints lining the walls. Red and green upholstered furniture warms up the marble floors in the bright, welcoming lobby. Décorative brick-lined pools are tucked into the hotel’s intimate and secluded courtyards, providing the ideal setting for conversation, reading or simple relaxation. The St. James’ Cuvee, a gourmet restaurant serving traditional New Orleans dishes with a contemporary and creative twist, was voted Best New Restaurant by New Orleans Magazine and Esquire. The warm brick interior is a perfect setting for enjoying kurobuta pork belly with “Sweet Heat” glaze or the exotic ostrich pastrami.