Central Business District, United States
Within walking distance of the French Quarter and
Bourbon Street
Chic rooms include flat-screen TVs, coffee/tea-makers,
mini-fridges; option of pullout couch
Indoor pool, hot tub, and spacious fitness center
Fully-equipped meeting spaces, plus business center with a
printer
Restaurant serves classic New Orleans fare
On-site convenience store with snacks and sundries
Exclusive lounge for upgraded rooms
Free Wi-Fi in the lobby
Breakfast (for a fee)
Valet parking (for a fee)
In-room Wi-Fi incurs a daily fee
Valet parking is expensive, and complaints have been
made about service
Lower-floor rooms get some streetcar noise
Complaints of bathroom maintenance issues and lack of
drawer space
The four-pearl Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue
hotel has a historic, yet trendy, atmosphere and is located within walking
distance of many famed New Orleans attractions. A large fitness center and an
indoor pool and whirlpool are popular features, as is the on-site restaurant serving classic New Orleans fare. The 252 chic, spacious rooms have a subdued glamor and upscale amenities. In-room Wi-Fi is
available for a fee, as is breakfast. Compared to other Hiltons, this particular
hotel is a bit more expensive, though it's popular among business
travelers with its ample meeting space and business center. For a hotel with similar amenities (plus free Wi-Fi), it may be
worth checking the prices at Aloft New Orleans Downtown.
Scene
Historic hotel with trendy decor that caters to business travelers and couples
The Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue is housed in a building that was built in 1927 as the Grand Lodge
of the Louisiana Masonic Temple. The hotel, therefore, is a member of the
Historic Hotels of America. Much of the original architecture and craft work is
still on display, such as the gorgeous dark marble foyer that is complemented by
rounded ceilings and a chandelier. Renovations completed in 2015 have given this place a trendy and luxurious vibe. The living room-like lobby is a combination of grays,
creams, and pops of color and features an elegant mix of patterned rugs, glass
chandeliers, tufted couches, and canopy-backed chairs. Marble floors, crown molding, and a fireplace point to the building's history. Other parts of the
hotel have a more modern and sleek look, such as the Executive Club Lounge, which is cloaked in cream and gray colors and features plush seating, streamlined consoles, and a large map of
New Orleans. Most of the guests are business travelers utilizing
the business amenities, as well as many couples exploring the nearby attractions.
Location
A Downtown location that's within walking distance of popular attractions
Located in Downtown New Orleans, this hotel is far
from the bustle of Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, but close enough to
reach on foot. Canal Street is a three-minute walk away, and the French Quarter
is about a 10-minute walk. Bourbon Street would take five minutes to reach on
foot. For families, the Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium is seven
minutes away on foot, and the aquarium can be reached in 12 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz
Superdome is a 15-minute walk away. A trolley stop is a minute’s walk from the
hotel and can take travelers to other parts of the city. There are dining
options about a two-minute walk south of the property. The Louis
Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away.
Rooms
Contemporary, sophisticated rooms with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and coffee/tea makers
The spacious rooms have a contemporary, sophisticated
vibe with a white, taupe, and brown color scheme. Large tufted headboards, tan carpets in geometric patterns, cream-colored benches, and gilded or decorative
mirrors lend a certain quiet glamor to the decor. Rooms include flat-screen
TVs, mini-fridges, electronic safes, and coffee/tea-makers, though they lack sufficient drawer
storage space for clothes and have standard-size closets. Suites include additional seating areas with extra flat-screen TVs, armchairs, and pullout
couches. Clean, attractive bathrooms have quite a bit of counter space and are outfitted with shower/tub combos,
hairdryers, lighted vanity mirrors, and Peter Thomas Roth toiletries. Suites feature a large walk-in shower. But travelers should
note that complaints have been made concerning maintenance issues involving the
bathrooms. Also, lower-floor rooms may be subject to bothersome noise from the street cars.
Features
Indoor pool and hot tub, large fitness center, on-site restaurant, ample meeting space, and business center
The hotel has a lovely indoor pool and hot
tub located in the basement, with multiple lounge chairs, tables, and
towels available as well. The spacious fitness center is equipped with a variety of modern machines
with TVs attached, a selection of free weights, and medicine balls. Luke's, the hotel restaurant and bar, provides an elegant but casual atmosphere and serves classic New Orleans fare for breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner. Some guests complain about the quality of the breakfast options, however.
Business travelers can make use of 10,000-square-feet of newly renovated and
fully equipped meeting spaces as well as a business center with two computers and a
printer. The hotel has an exclusive Executive Club Lounge that has a pool
table, lots of plush chairs and couches, free food, discounted alcoholic drinks,
and a free breakfast. It’s open to those with executive level (upgraded) rooms
and Gold or Diamond members. There’s a small convenience store on-site that sells
snacks and personal items. Valet parking is available, though it’s expensive
and some guests have made complaints about the long length of time it takes for
car retrieval. Wi-Fi is only free in the lobby and incurs an additional fee for in-room use.