Central downtown location adjacent to French Quarter and Mississippi River
Location atop a 10-story building limits external noise and offers amazing views
Two on-site restaurants, River 127 and The Green Bar, with Cajun cuisine and craft cocktails
Spacious rooms with flat-screen TVs and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee
Comfy Westin Heavenly Beds
High-quality 24-hour fitness center and option to rent New Balance workout gear
24-hour room service and front desk
Free high speed Wi-Fi, separate business center and event spaces
Self parking and valet available (though pricey)
Hallways and rooms show slight wear and tear
Interior noise can be loud at times
No free breakfast (though it's available in on-site restaurant)
Elevators can be crowded and slow
This luxurious chain hotel in downtown New Orleans differentiates itself from other area properties with its sky high location -- the hotel is built on a mall and parking garage. The lobby starts on the 11th floor and rooms ascend above that, so the views of the Mississippi River and surrounding NOLA are spectacular, and the extra height means that there is very little exterior noise. The rooms themselves are spacious but rather nondescript, and a bit dated for the price. All of the requisite amenities for a comfortable stay are, however, present: flat-screen TV, quality bedding, free Wi-Fi,and in-room coffeemaker. The well-stocked fitness facility, 24-hour room service, business center, and meeting spaces also make this hotel a good choice for business travelers. The location on the edge of the French Quarter means quick access to Bourbon Street but none of the obnoxious all-night revelry.
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Scene
Upscale and modern with a clientele to match
In comparison to many of the other niche hotels in NOLA, this property and its guests give off a more modern, upscale impression -- likely a reflection of the slightly higher room prices. The lobby is modern and grand with high ceilings, wood paneling, chandeliers, and metallic-hued furniture -- it also capitalizes on the spectacular views with lots of windows that lend a light and airy feeling. Guests often gather in that main area to grab a drink from the lobby bar without feeling cramped while other travelers check in and out. Save for the charming blow of an occasional steamboat whistle, very little exterior noise can be heard within the hotel. Unfortunately, the interior noise can be quite amplified (especially in the lobby or rooms that are near ballrooms or meeting spaces).
Location
Literally high above the action in downtown NOLA
Built on a structure that houses the Canal Street Shops (a high-end shopping mall with movie theaters that occupies the first three floors) and a parking garage, this hotel is conveniently located both in and well above the action of the downtown area. Thanks to its Canal Street address, guests can easily walk to most of the area's main attractions, including the French Quarter, Harrah's Casino, and the aquarium. The streetcar line is also right out the back door for sightseeing jaunts that are slightly farther away. It's an easy commute to the New Orleans Convention Center, as well, for guests in town on official business.
Rooms
A slightly dull, but comfy and modern room with a view
While the public spaces in this hotel are modern and feel luxurious, the rooms and suites -- as well as hallways -- are a little boring and drab, with some signs of wear and tear. The rooms are good sized and clean, but quite sparsely decorated with dated-looking carpets, draperies, and bureaus -- a bit surprising as the rates are a tad pricey. The beds are deliciously comfortable -- all have a special Westin Heavenly Bed, with 13-inch pillow-top mattress, down pillows, and luxe linens. The bathrooms include dual showerheads and bathtubs, as well as robes and hairdryers. Modern amenities like flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee also help guests feel at home. The best attributes of these rooms are the views. Book a suite or room overlooking the Mississippi River to watch the steamships go by.
Features
Two restaurants and a stocked fitness center
While most downtown hotels are valet parking only, this hotel has a self-park option and valet, though it's still a bit pricey for both options. There are meeting spaces and a lovely grand ballroom for business events or wedding receptions. The Westin Workout Fitness Studio is very well-equipped, with Physio balls and a BOSU balance trainer in addition to various cardio machines and weights. Hotel guests can also rent New Balance shoes and gym clothes for a small charge per stay. The hotel allows pets for a fee, which includes use of the brand's Heavenly Dog Bed and a welcome kit. There is no free breakfast, but there are two restaurants with bars on-site: River 127 for casual Cajun breakfast or lunch, and The Green Bar for New Orleans-style dinner/drinks and a weekend bloody Mary bar.
