Though Mardi Gras isn’t officially until Tuesday, New Orleans has been buzzing in anticipation for the last few weeks. Festivities kicked off on January 6 and the Big Easy is certainly one of the liveliest places in the US right now. That said, the city is great year-round. It’s a dining destination, of course, but there are a number of boutique hotels that any design-lover would be happy to call home for a few nights. And did we mention the shopping? Start the slideshow for a few of our favs.