Crowne Plaza Hotel New Orleans Airport

The Crowne Plaza New Orleans - Airport is very much a business hotel: corporate events and trainings are frequently held in the hotel's spacious meeting rooms and attendees can be seen chatting in between sessions in the hallways and lobby areas. The decor is modern but at times a tad sterile. Tiled floors, racks of area brochures, and a lobby lounge with solid-colored generic chairs almost make you feel like you haven't left the airport. Whatever the reason for your stay, consider joining the InterContinental Hotel Group (IHG) Rewards Club (easily done for free online) before your trip in order to get free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

While some tourists with cars might be tempted to stay at the Crowne Plaza due to its close proximity to the airport and the promise of free parking (which is usually pricey and not included at central New Orleans hotels), it's much more suitable to business travelers needing access to the airport or to the two major convention centers nearby. The area surrounding the hotel is industrial, with lots of corporate offices and restaurants, a freeway, and little else.

The rooms in this hotel are reasonably spacious and clean, with comfortable beds, leather chairs, and desks with rolling office chairs. Rooms have orange, purple, and black striped carpet and colorful pop art photo prints on the walls. The well-kept marble bathrooms have a tub and shower, and robes are provided for guest use. The large flat-screen TV, iPod docking alarm clock, and coffeemaker can help keep you informed, on time, and caffeinated during your stay. Rooms near the elevators in the main hallways tend to be the noisiest due to people coming and going at all hours.

You need an IHG Rewards Club membership to take advantage of free perks at this hotel, but it's easy and free to sign up for one online. Members receive all kinds of extras, including free breakfast and a daily drinks and hors d'oeuvres reception in the VIP Suite, free Wi-Fi (non-members must pay for a daily connection), and access to a special block of reserved rooms on the second floor. Members and non-members alike can use the 24-hour fitness center, which is well-equipped with stationary cycles, ellipticals, treadmills, and a few weight machines. There's also an outdoor saltwater pool and whirlpool open to all. The on-site restaurant and bar, The Landing, serves Creole food. The business center has a photocopier and a computer dedicated solely to the purpose of printing airline boarding passes. There's also a free shuttle to the airport.