Central Business District, United States
One block from the famous French Quarter and Bourbon Street
Right near the St. Charles streetcar line
Free hot breakfast buffet and "On the Run" snack bags available
Free high-speed Wi-Fi and 42-inch flat-screen TVs in rooms
Bright, modern rooms have mini-fridges, microwaves, and coffeemakers
Business center and computers for printing boarding passes
3,000 square feet of meeting space (for groups up to 150)
Small shopping center with eateries and shops attached to hotel
No swimming pool, bar, or guest laundry
Lower floors can be noisy (especially if above streetcar line)
Valet parking only (typical of most NOLA hotels)
This 197-room, mid-range hotel is located in the Carondelet Building -- noted as the first skyscraper in New Orleans -- and perfectly located for business and pleasure. Just a block or so from the French Quarter (Carondelet Street actually turns into Bourbon Street), guests are just steps from all the action but still slightly removed in the Central Business District. Guest rooms are especially large for the area and have high ceilings and terrific light from big windows (though there are heavy drapes if guests need to sleep off a night of partying). While there is no swimming pool, the free breakfast and fitness center are both quality perks.
Scene
A mix of corporate and family-friendly
Thanks to its central location, this hotel mainly caters to business travelers and tourists -- especially families. That being said, there really aren't many common spaces where people can hang out. The lobby is on the small side and feels functional, with a couple chairs, a couch, a bright orange accent wall, and a little lobby market with snacks for sale. The "hot spot" on this property is the Carondelet Club, a breakfast room that's actually open all day for convening or grabbing coffee; it's especially busy in the morning, offers plenty of tables and chairs, and is bright thanks to large windows and mod overhead lights, which suit the boldly striped carpet. The building facade looks a bit like the office buildings surrounding it, which makes sense since it holds historical skyscraper status.
Location
Centrally located mere blocks from the main drag
Located in the Central Business District in the Carondelet Building, this hotel is a perfect starting point whether guests are in town for business or pleasure. Most of the main area attractions are within walking distance, and the Convention Center and Superdome are a quick taxi ride away. The address reads Carondelet Street, which becomes Bourbon Street once crossing Canal Street -- in other words, it's just a couple blocks from all the action. The area immediately surrounding the hotel is standard inner-city style, with tall buildings and narrow streets. There are a few restaurants, office buildings, and other hotels nearby, and a small shopping center attached to the property.
Rooms
Larger-than-average rooms with lots of light and modern perks
Need space to stretch out, or traveling with a crew? For the price, this hotel delivers, offering very spacious rooms, plus a downtown location. With high ceilings and earthy tones, like greens and beiges, there is an airy and calming appeal to the guest rooms. Bathrooms are clean, have showers and bathtubs, and are well-organized with separate spaces for towels and toiletries (which are Neutrogena). The microwave, mini-fridge, and coffeemaker are convenient home-away-from-home features, along with comfy beds and 42-inch flat-screen TVs with cable. Large windows let in lots of natural light, but heavy drapes allow guests to sleep in.
Features
Free hot breakfast and Wi-Fi, fitness room, and business features
The Hampton Inn free hot breakfast is available daily and features a variety of items, including signature waffles; for those in a hurry, On the Run breakfast bags are available Monday through Friday. This hotel is well-equipped for the business traveler; there is free Wi-Fi, a business center with two computers, a printer/copier, and shipping services available. There are also separate computers for guests to print boarding passes. The fitness center is well-stocked with multiple cardio machines and good quality Spri equipment, including free weights, pulley machines, and medicine and physio balls. Like pretty much every downtown NOLA hotel, valet parking is the only option, though it's actually a few dollars cheaper here than at some of the other nearby properties.