In honor of our fine city’s 300th birthday this year, the AC Hotel New Orleans Bourbon threw quite a party last night. There were cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, artwork by the Kako Gallery, murals by local artists, a "secret stairway," live music, a fancy private dinner, and plenty of history to highlight the tricentennial. The hotel itself, in the old Cotton Exchange building on Carondelet Street, is full of its own historic elements and charm. It’s a great place to stay the night or to just grab a drink at the bar.