Voodoo folklore, Créole superstition and ritual celebration – New Orleans is a must-visit. Labelled the soul of America long ago, the Louisiana city overlooking the Mississippi River offers a unique mesh of origin and influence that takes its cues from French, African, and American cultures.

On the cusp of the city’s downtown core, you’ll find Ace Hotel New Orleans, the newest addition to this achingly cool hotel family. The perfect combination of raw and polish, in true Ace style the interior furnishings take the best of bygone days and reimagine them with a right-now aesthetic. From the retro-cool rooms – complete with a guitar to strum and a turntable to spin records on – to the refined yet relaxed lobby bar and Italian-centric restaurant, the hotel’s eclectic array of artwork, foot-tapping tunes and food and cocktail creations affirm the Ace New Orleans is a more-than-worthy destination for art, music, food and drink. And, as you make your way to the hotel’s rooftop bar, you can guarantee a good measure of relaxation is not far behind.