Aloft New Orleans Downtown

Almost every corner of the Aloft New Orleans Downtown is bursting with color and funky modern touches. While the hotel draws a mix of business travelers, tourists, and families, the overall was designed to attract a young, trendy crowd. Abstract, color-changing neon lights spread out above the sliding entrance doors, which lead to a lit up (and also color-changing) front desk with a vibrant pink pool table beside it. Funky modern art hangs on the walls that lead to the hip bar and lounge, where guests can play games like Jenga or Connect Four over cocktails or enjoy regular live music. The vibrant color schemes carry through to the guest rooms and the rest of the property, giving a sense of youthful energy to the place.

Guests hang out in the lobby and lounge most of the day and night, even when the bar isn’t open, either killing time with luggage, conducting informal meetings, or playing a quick game of pool. It’s not uncommon to see dogs wandering through with their owners. For guest who want a lively and fun alternative to the typical chain hotel atmosphere, Aloft New Orleans Downtown is a great choice. 

Surrounded by other high-rise buildings in the middle of the Central Business District, Aloft New Orleans Downtown puts guests in a great location for exploring the French Quarter and other popular New Orleans attractions. Bustling Bourbon Street, the French Quarter’s main drag, is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Harrah’s Casino New Orleans, The Shops at Canal Place, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome can all be reached on foot in just under 15 minutes. The New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is a 12-minute drive away. The Garden District is 20 to 25 minutes by streetcar -- the closest streetcar stop is a block from the hotel. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 35 minutes away by car or taxi. 

The guest rooms at Aloft New Orleans Downtown are as colorful and modern as the rest of the property. Rooms feature either one king-size bed or two queen-size beds. The hotel offers two room categories: Loft Rooms and Aloft Rooms. The major difference is that Aloft Rooms feature windows, while Loft Rooms have none. In their place, the Loft Rooms have added extra pieces of huge, colorful wall art. Aloft Corner Rooms have extra windows and offer better city views. There are no suites at the hotel.

Vibrant, close-up photos of musical instruments hang over the beds, evoking the city’s musical heritage. Streamlined platform beds, patterned carpets, padded metallic headboards, and funky accent pillows complete the picture. Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and work desks with colorful chairs come standard. Most rooms include small bench sitting areas. The minimalist light fixtures are cool, but some guests might find that they leave the rooms feeling dim.

Some rooms feature closets with irons and ironing boards. In other rooms, these items are tucked into cubbies built into the sleek wood paneling behind the beds. All rooms come with mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and safes, and in some instances these amenities are combined with the bathroom. The bathrooms themselves are the dimmest parts of the rooms, thought they’re sleek and modern. They provide hairdryers and walk-in showers (no tubs) with Bliss toiletries in eco-friendly pump dispensers.

Upon entering the Aloft New Orleans Downtown, it’s almost difficult to tell where the reception desk ends and the party begins. On one side is the trendy W XYZ Bar, which blends seamlessly in to the hip Re:mix lounge, where guests can play games like Jenga and Connect Four by day and listen to regular live music at night. On the other side is a bright pink pool table and Re:fuel, a 24-hour grab-and-go eatery where guests can get drinks, snacks, and small meals at any time of day or night. There's no full-service restaurant on-site.

Those looking to be more active should head to the hotel’s 11th floor. Tucked among the high-rises of the Central Business District that tower above on all sides, the outdoor Splash Pool is a quiet urban oasis full of sun loungers and tables. Across the hall is a large, modern, 24-hour fitness center featuring Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights.

The hotel offers dog-friendly amenities like beds, bowls, toys, and treats. Valet parking and Tesla charging stations are offered for a fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. There are also six meeting rooms available.