Anyone who watches the HBO series Treme (and of course everyone who lives there, like, in real life) will know the effects of Hurricane Katrina are still being painfully felt in New Orleans, so it’s a real fillip for the city that places like the W New Orleans – French Quarter hotel are investing time and effort in getting the stylish old girl back on her feet and showing the world what she’s all about.

And stylish is definitely the word. The W chain have had some great triumphs recently, especially in San Diego, and they show no signs of letting up with this latest renovation of the 12-year-old venue. Black and white wall motifs give the corridors the jazzy edge so ingrained in the city’s musical heritage. A huge light fitting bursts through the dining room ceiling like an oversized trombone bell. The zig-zags seen throughout the flooring hint at fluctuating and staccato rhythms.

This venue might not be aimed at the New Orleans demographic who are still in desperate trouble seven years on from the disaster, but as a way to encourage tourist dollars back to The Big Easy, it hits all the right notes.