The hotel has been fully restored to its former state of grandeur. The hotel's 290 elegantly appointed guest rooms have been designed with all of the comforts and conveniences of modern hospitality, while maintaining the lustre and appeal of the original building facades. The third floor pool and garden deck overlooks the Mississippi River, as do the two river-view ballrooms. The hotel was a significant part of Louisiana's colourful political history. From Huey P. Long to John F. Kennedy, the hotel was home to American Presidents, glamorous celebrities and generations of weddings, conventions and loyal business travellers. The air-conditioned hotel provides guests a smoke-free facility and a complimentary shuttle within an 8 km radius of the hotel. Guests are welcomed in a lobby with a 24-hour reception service. Facilities include a hotel safe, cloakroom and lift access