Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue

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.

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.

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.

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.