Please help! I booked a weekend in New Orleans in April through Expedia and will be staying at the Radisson on Canal Street. Since then I've learned that the hotel has received numerous complaints about being filthy, moldy, smelly, ant-infested and on occasion without plumbing for extended periods of time. (TripAdvisor.com) I've e-mailed the hotel to ask for a contact person who could assure that my stay will be satisfactory, but they haven't responded. Does anyone know if these depictions are accurate? If so, is there any recourse? I did not buy travel insurance, but perhaps my credit card offers some...

I am not sure how to respond to this because I think the tripadvisor.com reviews are pretty accurate. It's definitely one of the least-desirable large hotels in New Orleans and the location isn't so hot, either. That doesn't mean your weekend is necessarily ruined, though. Even the worst hotels have good rooms. I'd insist on changing rooms if you don't like your first room assignment and would contact the manager if you have significant problems during your stay.

I'm sure the Radisson was fairly cheap so consider the price-value relationship as well. You can't book many French Quarter area hotels for the same price.

I also don't think you can cancel Expedia bookings without paying a (100%?) penalty. Just because you've changed your mind based on reading more reviews won't be a satisfactory reason to get out of it.

I just glanced through the reviews you mentioned. Yes, they're pretty awful. You will also notice that some people had good stays, though. Maybe it's a "hit or miss" hotel!

Thanks, Dan. Let's hope it's hit rather than miss.

If there is any way possible to get out of this and get some of your money back, that is what I would suggest. The complaints are correct and the location is terrible.

You might have to break down & call the hotel direct & speak to the general manager. Mention that you have read several negative reviews of HIS/HER hotel from past guests. Ask him/her to tell you if they are aware of the problems & what steps have been taken to correct them. Try to get a rapport going with the manager. Apppeal to their pride & tell them that you know they want to have you post a flattering review to combat the already negative publicity online.

Who knows,for all they know you might be writing a column for your local paper about your travel experience & would be glad to mention their name & hotel IF your room & service warrants it. It could happen! Dropping a hint might not hurt.

Appealing to someone often works where badgering fails. If you can make them feel empowered to make a change for you then they often will. Everyone likes to be a hero!

In the real world, a hotel manager isn't going to do much for an Expedia guest before he/she even stays at the hotel. It's just not realistic. I worked for several 4* hotels and our senior managers would rarely have done much with these calls, esp. in advance. I saw a show a few weeks ago on which a travel writer suggested calling a hotel GM to get the cheapest rate. I laughed at that one!

Just DOCUMENT any problems have may have (and you may have none!) and what was done to correct them. Also request in advance what kind of room you want, etc., so at least it's noted in writing.

I have stayed there and I must say it is NOT that nice. (It was not that HORRID either) It was not filthy, but did have some mold. I never saw ants and the plumbing always worked. I stayed there several times for work. The people at the food court are flat out RUDE just don't eat there.

It is not in the best section and I would strongly recommend you take the shuttle they provide to the French quarter.

Radissons seem to be inconsistent at best. The location in New Orleans is one of the lower performers.

Maybe you can combine some of these suggestions and call the Front Office Manager. This person is responsible for front desk, etc. and he/she may preassign you to a nice room.

I would not call the hotel general manager. He/she has hundreds of employees to deal with and will likely pass your request(s) back to the FOM anyway.

Either way, you're not in the room that much and you'll enjoy New Orleans, esp. in April!

Thanks for all the input. I'll try calling the FOM to gently persuade him/her into giving me the best possible room. I'm disappointed that I'll have to do this...but I'm sure that the time spent outside of the hotel will be worth it.

Didn't you book with your credit card? If you can't get a response from Radisson (tell them you just won't be able to make it, you don't need to say why, but if you have to, make up something) then call your credit card and tell them what's going on.

they might make a call for you...

I just contacted Expedia and they were able to switch hotels for me. The cost of the trasaction was waived because I was up-grading to (reportedly) a 4 star hotel. The difference in cost of the upgrade was nominal! I'm so relieved! Please don't mention if you've heard horror stories about the Renaissance Pere Marquette! (The reviews on TripAdvisor are favorable but none too recent...)

Great news! I'm surprised Expedia did this for you but I think you managed this problem about as well as anyone could.

The Renaissance Pere Marquette is very nice. I've only seen the rooms in their pre-opening phase but they seemed comfortable. I love the hotel restaurant, Rene' Bistrot. Check it out.

Now you (and we) can breathe easier. Enjoy your visit.