traveler

I would like to use Hilton Honor points to stay at a Hilton, Embassy Suites or DoubleTree but I don't know which hotel would be the best location. The Hilton Riverside is at 2 Poydras Street, the Embassy Suites is at 315 Julia Street (says it's in the warehouse/arts dist. 6 blocks from F.Qtr.) or the Doubletree at 300 Canal Street. Does anyone know which location would be the best one? Or which hotel would be the best? We don't mind walking but would like a decent place to stay in a decent location. Thank you for your help!!

Beverly

Most of the truly knowledgeable N.O. posters seem to have left this board but I will try to help. Doubletree and Hilton are both near the casino so you can easily walk day and night to Quarter. Just across the street, in fact. I do not know about the Embassy Suites but I do remember going to art shows on Julia Street and it was not too far from the International House where we stayed.

susan

I've stayed at the Hilton Riverside several times and think it would be your best bet. It's a really big hotel but the rooms are nice. Ask for a view of the river in the newer part of the hotel. The location would be much better than the Embassy Suites.

travler

Thank you Beverly and Susan for your help. I guess I'll call the Hilton. Anyone know of the DoublTree? Thanks.........

susan

I think I remember the Doubletree getting some pretty negative reviews a year or so ago...that's the reason I didn't mention it. If you do a search on this board you might find out some more reliable information.

Billie

My husband and I love the Maison Dupuy, which manages to strike a balance between "hotel chain" and boutique hotel. It's in a great, LET ME SAY AGAIN, GREAT, location, is clean and cute and full of charm. It's not quite as old and full of atmosphere as some of the more posh NO places, but it's got some of the charm and a reasonable price scheme. Not cheap, but more charming than a chain Hilton, IMO.

Danny

Yeah, but will Maison Dupuy take Hilton Honors points? I don't think so!!

native

Don't know what you will want to do in New Orleans, but the DoubleTree is best location for the French Quarter. (Note however that someone said it has gotten some negative reviews) In one direction, The Doubletree is across the street from Harrah's casino and in the other direction it is across the street from Canal Place, which is upscale shopping and now has a Morton's Steakhouse. You are also a short walk from the river and the Aquarium and of course you are at the edge of the French Quarter and all that it has to offer(I might add that the DoubleTree is at the safest end of the Canal Street boundary of the Quarter.) The Embassy Suites location in the Warehouse District is more suitable to conventioneers at the Convention Center. It's very convenient if you have dinner reservations at Emeril's, which is located just off Julia, otherwise it is not really near anything. Though keep in mind you can walk to Quarter from the Warehouse District, not more than 15 minute walk, but would not advise it late at night. Take a taxi. The Hilton Riverside is just a big Hilton right on the River. About a block to a block and a half further from everything than the DoubleTree. The Hilton however is connected to the Riverwalk shopping mall, which has lots of shops (touristy) and a food court, but it's unlike most mall food courts, you can get crawfish. Today, New Orleans is having torrential downpours and is under a tornado watch, so far three inches of rain in the Quarter, so probably lots of street flooding. On days like today, Hilton would be nice because you wouldn't have to get out in the mess and there is a frozen daiquiri bar on the bottom level. Do enjoy your visit.

laura

When we stayed at the Riverfront Hilton, there was a trolley running from right outside the hotel to the FQ, right by Cafe DuMonde. It wasn't very reliable (it never came when it was supposed to), but we did take it a few times when we were lucky enough to catch it.

The walk to the quarter was not too bad - we walked along the river a few times for a change of scenary - it may be a bit longer, but definately a better view.

traveler

Thank you everyone for great advice and help. Fodors Board is great, isn't it? I suppose I'll make a reservation at the Hilton. Maybe not best spot but sounds nicer than DoubleTree. Thank you everyone!