Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans

Owing to the slightly larger-than-average rooms and more reasonable rates than some boutique hotels, the Drury Inn & Suites is a winner with tourists, especially those traveling with kids. The warmly hued main lobby has an old-world New Orleans feeling, with rich wood paneling, marble floors, and decorative hutches, plus a grand piano and fireplace. In contrast, the hotel's snack and common areas are much more modern, with yellow and slate-gray accents and more contemporary furniture, like yellow poofs and angular lamps. Whichever part of the hotel guests find themselves in, however, they're sure to feel a family-friendly and relaxed vibe. Most people are there for the same reason -- to take in New Orleans, but be far enough from the action to still get a good night's sleep.

Set in the historic Cumberland Phone Building, this downtown hotel is only four blocks from the French Quarter and bustling Bourbon Street, approximately eight blocks from the Aquarium of the Americas, and on the same street as Harrah's Casino. The St. Charles streetcar line is also right outside the hotel and conveniently travels to the Central Business District, Garden District, and Uptown. Located on an often busy street, the hotel is only accessible from one direction on a divided road -- making guests either venture a U-turn or plan their drive in very carefully. The immediate area is mostly businesses, government offices, tall office buildings, and a few restaurants and bars, but the heart of the NOLA action is just minutes away.

There are 214 rooms in this hotel, but guests wanting more modern, non-smoking rooms should request the Lafayette Tower, while those preferring an old-world feel (think dark wood and antique-looking accents) should request the older Poydras Tower; some of these rooms allow smoking, however, and there can be an odor. That being said, all rooms are good-sized with some great basics, including microwaves, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers. They've got electronics covered as well, thanks to free in-room Wi-Fi and large flat-screen TVs with cable. The bathrooms have modern shower/tub combos, and are outfitted with handsome marble and wood. It's generally very quiet in rooms, though higher floors are more hushed than those closer to the traffic. Compared to some boutique hotels in the downtown area, this one's rooms do not feel cramped.

Foodie freebies here make the Drury Inn a solid value. There's a daily free breakfast, complete with a do-it-yourself Belgian waffle bar. Later on, guests are offered a free evening happy hour with hot snacks. The lobby, meanwhile, is stocked with fresh popcorn, a soda bar, and coffee (all also free).The lovely rooftop pool and whirlpool gives guests plenty of space in which to cool off after a day of sightseeing. There is also a rather spacious 24-hour fitness center overlooking the rooftop pool. Pets are allowed for a daily fee (cheaper than at other area hotels), but only two cats or dogs per room are permitted. Like pretty much every hotel in the downtown NOLA area, valet parking is currently the only option (an on-site parking garage is apparently being added), and guests should call well ahead before picking up their car. A coin-operated laundry room is available for guests. Though there is a 24-hour business center and some small meeting rooms, this hotel is really mostly geared towards tourists.