Federal City Inn & Suites

Far less flashy than many of its downtown counterparts, Federal City Inn & Suites caters to travelers who want clean and functional lodging at a decent price. There isn’t much in the neighborhood to appeal to the tourist crowd -- the main sights of downtown are a ways away, and there aren’t any restaurants nearby. Formerly the site of a large Naval installation, Federal City expected to see a boom in business in the past decade that never happened. Today, the area is primarily residential, with a few military buildings near the river and the hotel. 

While the surrounding area feels a bit run down, the property itself is quite pleasant with clean, bright suites that offer the conveniences of a home away from home. With kitchens in every unit and laundry facilities on-site, Federal City Inn & Suites attracts guests looking for extended stays, in addition to those simply looking to save a few dollars on lodging. The hotel is generally quiet, with people going about their own business. Apart from a contemporary living room area near the front desk, there are few public areas. For guests whose first priority is value, Federal City Inn & Suites is a solid choice.

Made up mostly of residential housing and a few military installations, the Federal City area of New Orleans is located across the Mississippi River from the city’s downtown area. The neighborhood immediately surrounding Federal City Inn & Suites is lacking in restaurants, though some can be found in the Algiers Point neighborhood, about a nine-minute drive away. Some of the city’s most popular neighborhoods, including the French Quarter, the Central Business District, and the Garden District can be reached by car via the Highway 90 bridge over the river in 15 to 20 minutes, though those times can be much longer during heavy rush hour traffic. In normal traffic, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 30 to 35 minutes away by car or taxi.

All 50 rooms at Federal City Inn & Suites are suites, giving guests plenty of room to stretch out. Suites come with either one or two queen beds. One Queen Bed suites include pullout sofas, but Two Queen Bed suites do not. Variations of the Two Queen Bed suites include Accessible and Executive versions. Executive suites are largely identical to the standard suites, but feature slightly updated kitchen cabinets.

Clean and bright, the suites are decorated in a soothing color palate of blues and grays, complemented by traditional warm wood furnishings. Free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and DVD players come standard. All suites feature work desks, small dining tables, and open-plan kitchenettes with sinks, mini-fridges, microwaves, coffeemakers, and two-burner electric cooktops. Closets come equipped with irons and ironing boards. Bathrooms are fairly standard and decorated in neutral colors. They feature shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and Aroma Botanicals toiletries.

The amenities offered at Federal City Inn & Suites are limited. Free Wi-Fi is offered throughout the property, and there’s plenty of free parking in the large lots in front of and to the side of the hotel. Near the parking lot, tucked into a corner surrounded by trees, is a small picnic area. Vending machines are located on the lobby level, but there’s no restaurant or bar, and breakfast isn’t offered at the hotel.

A laundry room features coin-operated washers and dryers that guests can use. Laundry detergent is available for purchase. There’s also a small business center area located near the lobby that features a computer and a printer. The lobby itself includes a comfortable lounge area with a flat-screen TV. Pets are permitted.