Wednesday, August 30, 2017
sam drove patrick and me to sfo. UA sfo to denver. UA denver to nola flight, long wait before entering runway to burn excess fuel. uberx from airport to melrose mansion took shorter than we expected. Weather was very warm and very humid, partly cloudy with no rain. We arrived less than a week after Hurricane Harvey made landfall, and New Orleans does not appear to have been affected much by that huge storm. Checked in to Melrose Mansion. Patrick booked our hotel, and I believe it's the most expensive hotel stay I've ever had. We have the Prince Edward Suite on the second floor: a small sitting room with television, fridge, and coffee machine leads to (a) a restroom with a jacuzzi tub and (b) a bedroom with a king bed and (c) a sunny, semi-private, shared patio with chairs, lounges, and tables. Down below, the property has a beautiful, large swimming pool with chaise and tables. A gym takes up the entire smaller third floor. Patrick included an add-on package as a surprise for me: champagne, scattered rose petals, and a large set of macarons from Sucre. We unpacked, rested, and refreshed. Chatted with front desk people about minor room issues. Walked to dinner at Paladar 511 in Faubourg Marigny (511 Marigny). A glass of croatina for Patrick. We shared a little gem lettuces salad, egg yolk raviolo, and an italian sausage pizza. The raviolo was particularly good. The restaurant had a nice setting. Stopped at a corner market for bottled water. Champagne and macarons by the pool, chatted with front desk people about minor room issues. We're very happy with our room and the staff.