Bienville House
 

I am being surprised with a stay in NO and I've discovered that we are booked at the Bienville House Hotel. While I'm thrilled to be visiting New Orleans for the first time, I've read many very negative things about this hotel, the worst of which involves bed bugs.
Has anyone stayed here? Should I fess up that I've snooped and ask that we change the venue? Fodorites have saved my buns in the past so thank you in advance!

I read about bed bugs but no one I know has witnessed them. Bienville House is a fine hotel. It's ranked in the top 25 or so hotels in NOLA and their Restaurant Iris is one of the best in the city. I would stay there and enjoy the trip.

I've stayed there twice, most recently was back in 2010, neither time encountered bed bugs nor know personally of anyone who has. I'd stay there again. If you are worried, as soon as you get in to your room, pull the beds apart and inspect them. If you see any signs of bedbugs ask for another room.

Bedbugs can appear at any hotel in any city at any star rating and at any price point. Check your bed!

Not sure when you're going so this may arrive too late. *I* did not encounter any critters when I stayed there. Re: the hotel - they park your car for you and put other cars in and around it. You'll need to tell them you want the car and they'll do the un-boxing. They have an eating court where the little sparrows will land on your table and beg for crumbs. Pretty sweet - however they're not exactly housebroken so watch out! :-) The hotel is right across the street from the fire station, however they have an agreement with them that they won't sound the siren as they leave on a call. You're just down the street fromn the House of Blues and there's a great old record shop also inthe same direction. We saw an acapella group, "The Might Zulu's" perform there live and for free. You just hafta love NOLA. If you get a chance, check out the Rock-n-Bowl in Mid-City. Thursday night is usually zydeco night. The hotel is fairly well-located in the Quarter and I've met Marcia Ball in the elevator there during Jazzfest. Get a muffalata at the Central Grocery on Decatur.