The Bar/Lounge at Loft 523 New Orleans

"Crowds pack the subterranean bar/lounge, where the decidedly urbane vibe is tempered by exposed brick and a worn wooden dance floor"

"Because of its size (only 18 rooms), Loft 523 lacks some amenities -- guests will have to go around the corner to sister hotel International House for a restaurant or fitness room -- but room service is available through a popular nearby restaurant, and the property can often be a better overall bargain than a full-service luxury hotel"

"Featuring Latin jazz and other live music, the downstairs bar is representative of the guest rooms: sophisticated but simple, trendy without being pretentious"

"The hotel doesn’t have the amenities of a larger hotel; the lobby is meant for checking in, not hanging out, and there’s no restaurant or bar to prop up, but guests have privileges at the sister hotel, International House"

"Yet throughout are reminders of the building's provenance -- old wood planks form the floor downstairs, turn-of-the-20th-century tin ceiling tiles outfit the elevators, and columns from the old warehouse decorate the lounge"