Unbelievable New Orleans Stay! La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown Review
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! I've just clawed my way out of the La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans (and survived, praise be!), so here's the real, unfiltered, and probably overly-detailed review you crave. Forget those polished, PR-approved recaps. This is the raw, honest truth, with a side of my sanity still (mostly) intact. Consider this your official, slightly chaotic, adventure into NOLA hospitality.
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- Keywords: La Quinta New Orleans, Downtown Hotels, Accessible Hotels New Orleans, New Orleans Hotel Review, Free Wi-Fi, Pool, Fitness Center, Restaurant, Parking, Cleanliness, Safety, COVID-19 Protocols, Travel New Orleans, Sightseeing, French Quarter, Budget Hotel, Family-Friendly
- Meta Description: My Unbelievable (in both senses!) Stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans. Honest review covering accessibility, cleanliness during COVID, amenities, dining, and the general chaos of a NOLA hotel. Prepare for a messy, hilarious, and totally human experience!
Initial Impression: Chaos and Charm (and Parking Angst)
First things first: finding the damn place. Navigating New Orleans traffic is an adventure in itself, a swirling vortex of honking horns, street performers, and enough potholes to swallow a whole car. And parking? Forget about it. I’m convinced they’re actively trying to make it impossible. La Quinta claims to have on-site parking (a major selling point!), but it’s a tight squeeze, and finding a spot felt like winning the lottery. Thank god it’s free, though. That’s something, right?
The exterior? Let's just say it's functional. Not winning any architectural awards, but hey, it's New Orleans. Character comes from the inside, or so they say. And the lobby…well, it was clean- looking. They had a front desk, and someone there seemed to know what they were doing, so yay.
Accessibility: Mostly Thumbs Up (but Listen Up, Management!)
Okay, this is important. My experience revealed that La Quinta does, for the most part, try to be accessible.
- Wheelchair accessible: They had an elevator (thank the heavens!), and the hallways were wide enough.
- Facilities for disabled guests: They had rooms specifically designed with accessibility in mind.
- Room accessibility Bathrooms I encountered have a good design and the doors were wide enough for wheelchairs.
The Imperfections:
- Not quite perfect: The ramps from the outside to inside are not ideal
- A little rough around the edges: The doors seem like a lot of effort to open.
Listen, even if they did miss some things, at least they are trying, which is way more than I can say for a lot of hotels I've seen.
Cleanliness and Safety: COVID-era Survival
This is where La Quinta scored some seriously major points. Especially after reading some negative reviews, I was on high alert.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: They did have this. I didn't get a lab report, but hey, I believe them.
- Daily Disinfection in common areas: They were VERY diligent here. Staff were constantly wiping down surfaces.
- Room Sanitization: My room was CLEAN. Like, gleaming.
- Staff Training: The staff seemed to take protocols seriously, which made me feel (relatively) comfortable.
That's not a bad starting point, right? Let's go on.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: The Buffet Battle
Okay, the breakfast. Oh, the breakfast. Let's just say I experienced it.
- Breakfast [buffet]: Pre-COVID, it would have been glorious. Post-COVID, it was a masked-up, gloved-up, individually-wrapped-everything affair.
- Honestly: The Asian and Western options were ok. Not gourmet, but enough to not have me starving.
- Breakfast takeaway service: You could grab-and-go, which was handy.
- Coffee/tea in the restaurant: Surprisingly good.
The Real Truth: Don't expect mind-blowing culinary experiences. This is a convenience-focused hotel. Eat to fuel your exploration, not for Michelin-star dreams.
Things to do: Ways to Relax - The Pool and the Gym
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: Nice. The pool was lovely, clean, and a welcome escape from the humidity. A real plus!
- Fitness center: It has equipment. That's all I can say. I don't work out when I'm on vacation.
Rooms: Comfort and Conundrums
My room fit the bill. It was pretty basic, but clean and functional.
- Air conditioning: Crucial in New Orleans. It worked.
- Internet Access: Their Wi-Fi was great. Fast and reliable.
- Desk and workspace It had a desk, and I could work there if I wanted to.
- Blackout curtains: These were great. New Orleans is bright, and you need these.
- Bathroom: The toiletries felt like standard fare, but there was a hairdryer, and the water was hot, so I really can't complain.
- Safe: I used it, and it worked perfectly, which made me feel much better about leaving my valuables around.
- Soundproofing: Okay.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
- 24-hour front desk: This is huge. Especially when you're dealing with unpredictable travel plans.
- Luggage storage: Handy if you arrive early or have a late flight.
- Air conditioning in public area: Obvious, but essential.
- Express check-in/out/check-in/out [private]: Saves time.
Getting Around: Location, Location, Location
- Airport transfer: Available, which is a lifesaver.
- Taxi service: Easy to find.
- Car park [free of charge] and Car park [on-site]: It was there.
In Conclusion: Would I Go Back? (The Verdict)
This is where I struggle. Look, the La Quinta Downtown NOLA isn’t the Ritz-Carlton. But, for the price, it's a solid option. For a budget-friendly or family-friendly stay, it's perfect. If you're looking for a place to crash after a long day of exploring and want something clean, safe, and conveniently located, then yes, I'd recommend it. Just be sure to manage your expectations, pack your own snacks (and maybe a bottle of your favorite wine), and embrace the controlled chaos of New Orleans.
Ultimately, my stay at La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown was an adventure. A messy, imperfect, but ultimately positive adventure. And hey, isn't that what New Orleans is all about?
Uncover the Hidden Gem: Brookview Manor Inn's Untold Canadensis Charm!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is MY ACTUAL attempt at surviving a few days in New Orleans, all centered around the gleaming (supposedly) La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Downtown. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Pancake Panic!
- Morning (6:00 AM - 9:00 AM): Wake up with the soul-crushing realization that my flight is at an ungodly hour. Coffee. Lots of coffee. Pack the absolute essentials: comfortable shoes (crucial for New Orleans), the "slightly stained from last year's trip" travel pillow, and a desperate hope for a decent breakfast.
- Late Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): The flight goes relatively smoothly, which is a miracle considering my usual travel luck. Touchdown in New Orleans! The humidity hits me like a warm, wet hug. Grab a Lyft – the driver, bless his cajun heart, tells me the best place for beignets (hint: it's not where I thought).
- AFTERNOON (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Check-in at La Quinta. Okay, room: a little beige, a little dated, but functional. The air conditioning is WORKING, hallelujah. Time for food, and what a time it was. My stomach was rumbling like a jazz band about to explode. I decide to head to a place called "The Ruby Slipper" for pancakes. After all the hype, what do I get? STALE PANCAKES. Seriously, dry as the Sahara, topped with slightly sad-looking fruit. My first REAL New Orleans experience, and I'm already plotting a Yelp review.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Stroll through the French Quarter. The architecture is stunning, the sounds are intoxicating, and the people-watching is phenomenal. Dodged a few too many "psychic readings" offers, but that's part of the charm, right? Dinner at a small, unassuming bistro. Had some gumbo. It was spicy, and I needed a gallon of water but DAMN was it delicious. The night winds down. I'm exhausted, but buzzing with that "first day in a new city" energy. Back to the La Quinta. Praying the AC is still going.
Day 2: Jazz, Jitters, and the Mystery of the Missing Mints
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast at La Quinta…I approach with trepidation after yesterday’s pancake fiasco. Free continental breakfast. Not a culinary delight, but it'll do. Actually, I had to go down there because it was the only place with the air conditioner, so I could cool down from the heat. Then, The French Market. I've never felt so overwhelmed by smells in a single place. Spices, incense, food – it's a sensory explosion! Bought some souvenirs, and of course, I got scammed into a necklace.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): French Quarter again, of course. More walking, more looking, more "ooohing" and "aaahing." Found a tiny jazz club down an alley (the best kind, in my opinion). The music transported me. For the first time all day, I actually felt present. It was pure, unadulterated joy.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): Head back to the La Quinta to prepare for a night on the town. I go back to my room and open my mints… and they are gone! I'M PRETTY SURE I LEFT THEM ON THE TABLE. I call reception, but they're all, "Oh, sorry sir, we can't find them". This is ridiculous. I'll have to buy new ones. Anyway, I have dinner reservations. Steakhouse, because that's what people do, right? Overpriced but worth it.
- Night (9:00 PM - 12:00 AM): Back at the hotel. The mysterious disappearance of the mints still gnaws at me, the steak was good but I'm exhausted. I'm starting to wonder if I'm cut out for all this excitement. Collapse into bed.
Day 3: Swamp Thing and the Goodbye Blues
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Coffee. Reviewing my pictures and the memories of the trip. I book a swamp tour. The reviews were great. I'm not sure I'll be able to handle things, but i press on. At the tour, the boat captain was hilarious, the alligators were intimidating, and the Spanish moss was gorgeous. For the first time, I felt I was a true part of the land.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Packing. Sigh. This is always the worst part. Try to squeeze everything back into the suitcase. I also try to find a lost item that got away from me. You know, the mints are still missing but I have a feeling someone took them.
- Evening (4:00 PM - 9:00 PM): One last meal. I ask the locals for the best of the best. A great end to an overall mixed but wonderful trip.
- Night (9:00 PM - onwards): Check out from La Quinta. A bittersweet goodbye. I definitely should've bought more mints.
Final Thoughts:
New Orleans had its ups and downs, but I loved it. The La Quinta was… well, it was a place to sleep. I'm heading home feeling thoroughly tired but filled with memories, a slightly lighter wallet, and a craving for gumbo that will haunt me for weeks. And maybe, just maybe, I'll be back for another round of adventure. And maybe I'll hide my mints this time.
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Unbelievable New Orleans Stay! La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown - The REAL Review (and Mess!)
Okay, spill the beans! Was this La Quinta REALLY "unbelievable"? Don't hold back!
Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups, because "unbelievable" is a *relative* term, okay? Let's just say my stay at the La Quinta Inn & Suites in Downtown New Orleans was... an experience. It wasn't all beads and boozing, let me tell you! Honestly? It was more like a rollercoaster with a slightly rusty track and a questionable safety inspection.
The location? Amazing. Seriously, smack-dab in the middle of everything. French Quarter vibes oozing everywhere. You walk out the door and BAM! Jazz music, beignets, and the faint smell of... well, *New Orleans*. But the hotel itself? Well, we'll get to that.
Let's talk about the room. Was it...uh... livable? Or a potential biohazard?
Okay, the room. Picture this: beige. Everywhere. Just... beige. The walls, the carpet, the soul (maybe?). It was clean-ish, I'll give them that. But it was also... tired. Like, "been through a hurricane or two and is just trying to hang on" tired. The first thing I noticed was this weird, almost *sticky* feeling on the nightstand. Ick. Immediately, I ran for the Clorox wipes like my life depended on it. (Which, in a hotel, it probably *does*).
And the bathroom? Well, the shower pressure was… well, it barely *qualified* as pressure. More like a gentle dribble of lukewarm sadness. I considered taking a bucket bath, frankly. And the hairdryer? Forget it. It was one of those things that just wheezed and blew out slightly warm air, like a geriatric asthmatic. I swear, it took me an hour to dry my hair, and I *still* felt damp.
The breakfast... tell me about the breakfast! (Because let's be honest, that can make or break a hotel stay).
Oh, the breakfast. Bless their hearts. They TRIED. It was the standard La Quinta continental fare, you know: waffles, some sad-looking scrambled eggs (which, I suspect, were made of the same beige material as the walls), pre-packaged pastries that tasted suspiciously like cardboard, and enough sugar-laden cereal to rot your teeth faster than a hurricane can demolish a balcony.
The waffle maker was... well, let's just say it was a *battle*. I saw one guy nearly lose a finger trying to pry a waffle out of the sticky clutches of that thing. And the coffee? Thin. Weak. Like the hotel's motivation to upgrade. I drowned it in sugar and pretended I was drinking a delicious, heart-attack-inducing nectar of the gods. Desperate times, people, desperate times.
Okay, but the location was good, right? Was it worth the… sacrifices?
YES. The location was EVERYTHING. Seriously, you walk out the door, and BOOM! Jackson Square. The legendary Cafe Du Monde (beignets and coffee, a New Orleans *must*). Live music pouring out of every bar. I mean, the French Quarter is pure magic, and this hotel put you right in the middle of it. It was like being mainlined directly into the heart of New Orleans.
I'd walk out at night, and the air would be thick with the scent of jasmine and something else... something wonderfully, mysteriously *New Orleans*. The street performers, the flickering gas lamps, the music… It was intoxicating. So, while the hotel itself maybe wasn't a luxurious experience, the location made it *totally* worth it. Worth the beige-ness, the lukewarm showers, the waffle-maker wars. Because New Orleans... New Orleans is worth it all. It's the beating, messy, vibrant heart of the city, and you're lucky enough to be right where all the fun is.
Any other little quirks or things that stand out? Good or bad?
Oh, the quirks! Where do I even begin? Okay, there was this one elevator. It took approximately 7 business days to get from one floor to the next. And it made this strange, groaning noise that sounded like it was perpetually on the verge of complete collapse. I'm convinced it had more tales to tell than any of the tourist guides in the lobby.
The staff, though? They were genuinely nice. They seemed like they were used to the hotel's quirks (and probably the endless parade of slightly inebriated tourists). They were helpful, friendly, and even managed to crack a smile at my increasing levels of caffeine-fueled grumpiness. They were the unsung heroes, honestly.
And let's not forget the ice machine! It was located next to the vending machine (which, by the way, only accepted exact change, forcing me to beg for quarters at 1 AM). The ice machine made this loud, rumbling noise that sounded like a zombie apocalypse was about to begin. But ice is important, right? I got my ice.
Would you stay there again? Be honest!
Okay, that's the big question, isn't it? And here's the brutal truth: yes. I would, and I probably *will*. Because, look, it's not the Ritz-Carlton. It's not even particularly *fancy*. But the location? The *vibe* of being right in the heart of the French Quarter? That's priceless.
I'd pack some extra Clorox wipes, earplugs for the elevator, and maybe a travel-sized hairdryer. And I'd definitely bring my own coffee. But yeah. I'd go back. Because New Orleans. And because, imperfections and all, it was an experience I won't soon forget. And maybe, just maybe, that's what makes it *unbelievable*.
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