Staybridge Suites New Orleans

A slightly institutional vibe pervades this property, whose interiors lack character and feature typically chain-like decor, but the public spaces are nonetheless pleasant and the atmosphere is welcoming, with lots of thoughtful touches such as free evening receptions with food and drinks during the week. The beige-hued lobby features a few wingback chairs and couches and a geometric patterned rug, as well as fresh bursts of green courtesy of several potted plants. The breakfast area is similarly clad in a patterned mauve carpet, sleek wooden furniture, and splashes of teal accents.

This property is convenient for tourists and business travelers alike owing to its downtown location, proximity to the riverfront Morial Convention Center, and the ease of access to the airport via the 1-10, whose onramp sits a few blocks away. The French Quarter begins a few blocks away and is under a 15-minute walk from the property. There is a bus stop serving several lines right down the street and the nearest streetcar stops a five-minute walk from the hotel on Canal Street.

The hotel's suites range from studios to two-bedroom units, all of which feature bland and simple, but pleasant, decor. Typical chain features like wall-to-wall carpeting, colorful bursts of art on the walls, and wooden furniture are present, and all suites have full kitchens with terra-cotta floor tiles that are equipped with full fridges, two-burner stoves, dishwashers, coffeemakers, toasters, and full sets of cookware and servingware. All suites also have work desks, flat-screen TVs with cable, DVD players, and phones. Bathrooms have standard shower/tub combos and small sinks with little vanity space. Some suites have separate living rooms.

A small outdoor rooftop pool can be found wedged between two exterior building walls. A few patio chairs and tables and a couple of gas grills are tucked beside it. The hotel hosts evening receptions with free drinks and food several times a week. Breakfast is also free and served in the dining room. There's a 24-hour fitness center with a handful of modern machines and weights, as well as a business center with computers and printers and a 24-hour convenience store. Wi-Fi is free throughout, and the hotel provides free laundry facilities.