Based on previous reviews, we were nervous about staying here, but some were really good and we found that most hotels had about the same overall rating - some good some bad, yada yada.
Also, we figured that most hotels in the french quarter had been affected by Katrina and would be dingy and water damaged. This was not at all the case. We learned that Katrina flooding landlocked the french quarter but it didn't flood, so the buildings were not damaged there.
We found the staff to be welcoming (not effusive, but polite, professional and very helpful). The small courtyard was lovely (weather was unseasonably cold for us to use the pool. And we were lucky and bold enough to ask for a newly rennovated room They gladly switched us from the second floor to 417 in the main building.
It was lovely - everything brand new, bedding, furniture, flat screen tv. Soft towels, a robe and comfy beds. We never used the coffee maker (a pod style 2 cuper) because the coffee at breakfast (available 6:30 to 11) was delish & strong.
Breakfast was simple so we made peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. They also had hard boiled eggs, croissants, juice and sometimes belgian waffles.
Free wireless connection was powerful & easy to use. Guest computer in the lobby is connected to the office printer and the staff gladly retrieved maps & tickets we needed to print.
We used the in room safe for our valubles, even our laptops. One Macbook and a 15" dell lattitude which I was able to gently cram in after removing the battery. Honestly, I did not get the feeling we needed to use the safe, but well, just to be safe, we did.
We highly recommend it and will return.
Also a tip: We rented bikes instead of a car and were very happy about that decision. The traffic in the French Quarter (esp in the evening) is miserable. Getting bikes into the elevator and the room was a tight squeeze but better and far cheaper than dealing with parking. Lots of cyclists in New Orleans - very few seem to follow rules of the road. We highly recommend Michael's Bicycles on Frenchman. It's walking distance from the hotel, bikes were worn but in great shape, staff was informative & friendly. Note they are closed on Weds.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, People with disabilities, Older travelers, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Great food / Wine, Concerts / Music festival