Starwood Preferred Guest - W New Orleans [Master Thread: 2000-2005]

I'm going to New Orleans this February and am thinking about staying at one of the W Hotels there. Anyone here stayed at either W's? Thanks in advance for any advice/info.

[This message has been edited by Tranman (edited 01-06-2001).]

Yes, I stayed in the French Quarter W back in August 2000. I enjoyed my room there… typical W style with ultra comfortable bed. I particularly enjoyed the bathroom that had a great shower (I was there in August!). I was upgraded to a suite on my second night, but the living room could connect with two additional bedrooms, so it was mostly connecting doors with no windows for natural light. Not a great suite design in my book. There is a small but pleasant pool in the back.

On the down side the hotel is uncomfortable squeezed onto its lot and I found it architecturally rather “odd”. There is also a restaurant owned by one of the brennen (?) brothers that is supposed to be good, but I did not eat there. I did have a room service breakfast and was disappointed that in a “French” city nicknamed the Crescent City I had one of, if not the WORST croissants of my life.

This is a difficult hotel to summarize… you might like it, or you might not.

I stayed there on a three-day weekend last year in the summer time and really enjoyed it. The location compared to the W on Poydras (I believe that's right) is far superior. I agree that the space seems a little awkward, but the staff was great, the room was definitely "W" and the shower in our room was fabulous too!!! Something about a huge bathroom with slate everywhere!!!

The bed is fabulous too!!
Even got a nice bottle of red wine after arrival and a hand-written note from the manager as a welcome gift!!

The restaurant "Bacco" is a Brennan family restaurant described as cajun-italian whatever that means. We ate their and really enjoyed it. The food was very good! I would recommend some other places as well ahead of it, including my all-time favorite, "Commander's Palace". If you can't get in yourself, use the concierge ahead of time, they shouldn't have a problem.

Enjoy!! Don't go to Court of Three Sisters whatever you do for Sunday Brunch...tourist trap that we got caught in.

Jbird

I stayed at the W on poydros. It's one street away from the french quarter... no big deal. And the casino is directly across the street. A modern building. I really enjoyed this property.

Casino? Is it one of those river boat casinos?

The casino is a Harrah's, which took I think like a decade to build and finally open.

I cannot speak of the other W, but I have been satisifed with the W French Quarter. Good location in the heart of the Quarter, the bar is not bad and the staff pretty helpful (although for New Orleans some of the dark colors and Versace look of the staff somewhat clashes with N-O's bright, colorful lifestyle.)

I would go with the W French Quarter.

I would NOT go to the Sheraton. After being a Platnium and getting a fold away bed for an expensive stay, and rude service, I would avoid this property.

The W New Orleans is in a good location if your there for an event at the Convention Center. It is the old Crown Plaza, and was then a Four Points until they finished the 'conversion' to a W.

I've stayed at the W French Quarter and it is, as someone mentioned, rather an odd thing architectually. Cramped comes to mind. Many odd rooms. Like most W's, IMHO, designed more for style than comfort.

Soooo many better places to stay. It's not bad, I just found it dull and lacking any Pride of Place.

Can't speak for the other New Orleans W.

I stayed there in December. Would not stay there again. We had three rooms and all had things wrong with them. Yes, these are nits, but we shouldn't have encountered so many of them:

- Showers alternated between frigid and scalding. (Great pressure though!)
- Two of the rooms were very cramped. The upgraded carriage house was OK in terms of size.
- The handle to the bathroom door in one of the rooms was falling off.
- The phone didn't work in one of the rooms. Calling it from the other rooms resulted in a perpetual busy.
- One of the rooms wasn't made up, despite being unoccupied most of the day.
- They start playing (bad) music in the courtyard in the morning, which is really distracting if you're trying to sleep.

On the plus side, it's a terrific location and the platinum amenity I got (box of cookies) was scrumptious.

And if you're looking for an upgrade, it's tough. They only have two suites.

My future stays in New Orleans will be at the Sheraton. It's only about three blocks down and is much better maintained. Because it's a bigger hotel, you have a much better shot at upgrades.

My future stays in New Orleans will be at the Sheraton. It's only about three blocks down and is much better maintained. Because it's a bigger hotel, you have a much better shot at upgrades.[/B]

True + a nice view, but the Sheraton has VERY uncomfortable beds. I'll put up with alot of minor problems for a W bed!

I stayed at the Sheraton last Sept. 5 nights. Nice hotel, bad beds, dirty pool by the second day (it was 115 degrees for a week), good gym, friendly staff, bad bed, good shower, good location, Starbucks, bad bed....you get the picture.
IMPORTANT - I had an awards stay and there was no communication between Starwood and the hotel on how I was to settle the bill. After much confusion, and 5 weeks, my credit card was finally credited to my liking by a great guy in accounting at the hotel. I'd stay there again after that.

Originally posted by schriste:
True + a nice view, but the Sheraton has VERY uncomfortable beds. I'll put up with alot of minor problems for a W bed!


I'll second that motion. I found the beds at the Sheraton New Orleans to be the most uncomfortable hotel beds I've ever slept in. I'll NEVER stay there again.

Going to NO in July, and weighing the Sheraton, W NO and W FQ. What's with the Sheraton beds that makes them so uncomfortable? Too hard? Too soft? Not enough covers?

Made of pure concrete...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Just completed an excellent stay at W New Orleans -- for a pseudo trip report, please see:
http://www.epinions.com/content_21612957316

In brief: Excellent, attentive service, attractive design, and a refreshing change from mainstream corporate hotels. Highly recommended if you've had your fill of Hyatts, Sheratons, and Hiltons.

Thanks for the report! I'll be staying there in June and am very much looking forward to the trip!
Any comments on the gym/exercise facilities? How about the pool?

The gym is fairly nice, though it's almost all cardio equipment and a few free weights. The pool is very small but there are a few little cabanas you can camp out in...

I am glad to hear that they have made a progress.

I had a terrible stay last December.
I called the day before I arrived and comfirmed my reservation. And I arrived at 11:00 pm and only to find no room was available. The front desk manager sent me to another W (french quarter). The next day I returned to the hotel and they gave me a room filled with cigarret smell(I asked for non-smoking but it's New Orleans). They gave me another room, but no one offer to help me to move. The shower wasn't working right. The coffee pot has a broken handle. I tried to talk the manager, no one could find him.
The day before I checked out the front desk manager showed up and asked how was my stay. I told him the story. He offered to buy my breakfast next day and 5000 starpoints and a free stay at the hotel.
To this day, I am still waiting for the 5000 point to show up on my statement. And I haven't been to New Orleans yet.

And YES. I am a GOLD member.



[This message has been edited by iepiat (edited 05-21-2001).]

This post brings back some good and bad memories of my stay last September 2000 @ the W (not in the French Quarter).The hotel lobby is very nice & the staff exceptional in personality.New Orleans has some great people that do know how to offer some true kind hospitality.My guest room as a platinum was highly satisfactory but the same as I would have got had I been a Gold.Upon asking about an upgrade to a suite I was told by management no problem as long as it is on a low floor.Platinums are forbidden above the 8th or 9th floor except in guest rooms.Unless paying rack.Mgt said we save the higher floor suites for people who are willing to pay more for the suite or upgrade for extra $$.My guest room had light bulbs out in the bathroom,cracked tiles on the bathroom floor that I stubbed my toe on & stains on my comforter.Someone had a real good time before I got their.Will leave that one to your vivid imaginations.Housekeeping came up and did exchange it with a brand new one.My welcome Ammenity came after mentioning it 3 times.It was delivered after I went out for dinner and came back late in the AM.The cold pastry and assorted cheeses were not appetising @ 3:00 in the morning after a nite of food and wine.The next day looking warm and limp it went to waste.AS they say its the thought that counts. The food in the W restaraunt is overpriced and not very good.The portions are also small.There are to many fantastic choices in this city to eat in if your belt has the extra notches to go............The health club is attractive but lacking a wide enough choice of fitness equiptment.Bikes and treadmills A o.k.Go to drink and enjoy the hospitality at this property can be fun.Attracts a hot crowd.To stay check out the French Quarter W.Will give that a shot next time in town.I like the location and layout of rooms better.The lobby lacks a lot in size and scope but has a nice small personal residential feel.The French Quarter W rooms have a better feel to them as they took out the tubs in the bathroom and made more attractive showers.Some rooms have terraces making the experience magical looking out into the quarter and story booklike. Enjoy!
Happy Travels

------------------
AA & Starwood Platinum
Diamond Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
U/A Premier Exec

[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 05-16-2001).]

[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 05-16-2001).]

Originally posted by standby:
Thanks for the report! I'll be staying there in June and am very much looking forward to the trip!
Any comments on the gym/exercise facilities? How about the pool?

Standby,

If you're there during June, drop me an e-mail with dates and we'll get together for a drink. I'll be staying at the W New Orleans from 26 May - 8 June, at least -- probably beyond that, though.

Regards,

Matthew

Originally posted by 777 global mile hound:
The food in the W restaraunt is overpriced and not very good.The portions are also small.

Perhaps it's because my European tastes are different, but I found the portions extremely generous (felt bad after sending back half of an enormous filet steak) and the quality of the food and wait staff high. At at the restaurant several times, and the high quality was consistent across times (early/late eve) and across all of the dishes I sampled.

Sorry your experience was not better -- perhaps they've improved since your last stay?

FWIW, food in the restaurant at the Poydras W seemed less expensive than at the French Quarter W, probably by about 25%.

WOW, this is an amazing bulletin board. Guess what? I just got an email from the business sale manager of the hotel. I am writing her back now.

I have to say Starwood does really make an effort to make thing right, if you get the right person's attention.

I will keep you all posted, how this all develops.

Originally posted by iepiat:
I am glad to hear that they have made a progress.

I had a terrible stay last December.
...


[This message has been edited by iepiat (edited 05-21-2001).]

That same business sales manager (I suspect) has been extremely helpful during my stay -- comments have duly been fed back to Starwood HQ via our friendly Lurker.

Hope that you get your problem solved.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
Just got the email and confirmed.
Points posted:
2001-05-23 COURTESY STARPOINTS 5000

Very effecient. Now I felt obliged to give the hotel another chance, gonna have to stay at the W next time in New Orleans.

I'm taking my wife for a surprise weekend getaway to New Orleans at the end of August. I was thinking of staying at the W in the French Quarter. I searched the old messages and found good comments more or less, but they were all over a year or so old. Has anyone stayed there recently who can comment? How are the size of the rooms and the location?

Thanks.

I was there on the 4th of July. The service was AWFUL! Very rude people work in this property. Room was nothing spectacular...mine was dirty when I got it. Location is great in the French Quarter though. Beware.

I too was there for the 4th of july weekend. I was suprised at the lack of attention to detail within the room. Location was great and the rooms were attractive-looking but also slightly dirty.

In addition:
Bathroom door didn't "slide" all the way closed, nearby door rooms slammed shut making for lots of AM noise, toilet was running for most of the weekend, stains on carpet, etc etc.

Charles

I stayed there last year--I was not impressed--while the bed was great--the room was so-so--kinda dark and depressing color schemes. The webtv was less than adequate and I thought the service was as well.

There are much nicer/friendlier/more romantic places to stay.

Thank you all for your replies. Sounds like a property on the down slope. I think I'll take a pass.

Great, I'm staying here for a weekend stay in August...anyone have anything positive to say, or should I look elsewhere?

I've had much better luck with the W New Orleans (Poydras) than the French Quarter. Might be worth moving your reservation over there. Still only a 5-10 minute walk to the Quarter, but a bigger, quieter hotel with more amenities.

We've stayed at the one on Poydras also and had and awful experience. The place is filthy, the staff doesn't know anything and everyday supplies were missing from the room. We wrote a few letters through planetfeedback until we finally were refundedmsome money, but the management there still doesn't "get it".

------------------

Interesting how the property has changed since I stayed there over Easter weekend.

Staff was fine. They got my buddy Wanderlust and me cabs when we wanted it. Check in took a bit.

But my room was above the pool, a private mini suite over the pool with nice balcony and the heavenly bed clones. Big, spacious.

Sorry to hear that this hotel has declined.

But: there is a second W hotel near the Harrah's Casino. Now I heard THAT hotel was poor.

Starwood Lurker: have you heard of any problems at the French Quarter version?

Catman, nothing that Corporate Services or Starwood Preferred Guest has not been able to rectify, but I'm certain that there are plenty of threads on FlyerTalk concerning both of these hotels.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

P.S. - I'm glad to see that you are back with us!

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 07-18-2001).]

This hotel really isn't that bad-- as long as your room faces the interior courtyard and not the street. Otherwise, the noise factor is significant. Please note, however, that my room had:

-- semen stains on the bedspread
-- light bulbs which were burnt out
-- improperly installed/functioning plumbing fixtures

Also, housekeeping arrived VERY late each day of my stay. I would leave my room by 9AM and I would return at 3PM to find housekeeping had not yet serviced my room!

I'd stay here again, though. Nice location and nice W style. I wouldn't pay more than $99/night.

[This message has been edited by TransWorldOne (edited 07-18-2001).]

I understand the restaurant is next door and not affiliated with the hotel. Do they serve three meals per day? Do they provide room service to W guests?

[This message has been edited by Sheryl (edited 07-22-2001).]

The restaurant that serves this hotel is called BACCO and is owned by the Brennan family who operates several other restaurants in New Orleans. They provide all room service meals for guests at the W New Orleans - French Quarter. Please note that room service breakfast is not served during the summer months.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Catman:
...there is a second W hotel near the Harrah's Casino. Now I heard THAT hotel was poor.</font>

I'm sad to hear that the W on Poydras is bad. I stayed there the night Harrah's opened. It was still a Four Points back then, but the staff was all excited about the change over and the customer service training they were receiving. They insisted on touring us through one of the rooms that had been renovated for the W transition and were extremely proud of the potential for the new product. Not having seen a W room before then, I shared their excitement. It sounds like there's been either a turn-over in staff or the property has a huge management problem. I'll be at a convention in New Orleans in November and want to stay at a Starwood property. I suppose the Sheraton is the best bet.

------------------
Biggest Little 1K (in The Biggest Little City) In The World

I thought the W on Poydras was formerly a Crowne Plaza.

I will be at the W New Orleans (Poydras) in two weeks, and these comment regarding the property are not the most inspiring, though I appreciate the honest appraisal so I know what I am in store for.

When I check-in (and it will be early), what type of room (location) should I request?

For everyone that expressed their concerns that both W Hotels in New Orleans had hit the skids, I must relate that I have received e-mails from representatives of both hotels who wish for me to forward any future problems at their respective hotels directly to their attention.

Many, like sharptalk and Andrew14302, have already been contacted by the hotel that was responsible for their less than spectacular stay, and received the attention to their issues they deserved. I am sure that everyone's future stays at these hotels will be more in line with what can be expected of the W brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide going forward.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

For what it's worth, I've been staying at the W New Orleans (Poydras) since April and am still staying there. In the past few months, I've noticed that some of the complaints people have made here have been addressed.

I was speaking with one of the sales managers there the other evening, and she told me that the hotel has taken active steps to rectify some of the issues raised here. A new laundry firm has been selected (apparently, often sheets and duvets came back from the old firm as dirty as they went out). The housekeepers have been charged with checking that everything in the room (lights, etc) works each day and getting engineering in without being prompted by the guests.

In my experience, the hotel is better run today than it was a few months ago. I've noticed a marked improvement.

Others may disagree, but I've had a great stay at this hotel and will continue to use it as my hotel of choice when I'm in New Orleans.

Just my $0.02. Your mileage may vary.

I've been reading the thread about the W French Quarter and some scattered comments about the W at Poydras St.

I have a stay coming up at the Poydras St location arriving on 28 July for five nights. Is there any other feedback about this property? Reading the comments about this W in the thread about the W French Quarter make me very nervous about this stay, especially as a Gold member of SPG. What can I expect from this hotel as Gold, if anything? Do they actually TRY to upgrade Gold rooms?

So far, I've not been very impressed with the staff on the phone. Each time I call, they transfer me from place to place and put me on hold for long periods of time. That's fine, though, because I know folks there are busy helping guests who are actually AT the hotel. But, what gets me is that when I call back to verify my request has been put in, it's as if nothing was done in the first place. Eventually, after four calls, I was able to reach a very helpful front desk agent (wish I could remember her name) who got everything taken care of...I hope. Anyway, I'll try not to let this first impression tarnish my expectations. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

This is also my first stay at the W brand, and I am hoping it will be a good one! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif I'm looking forward to it!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Anyway, I appreciate any additional feedback and comments.

It appears as though we are going to have overlapping stays, so perhaps we will cross paths.

After reading some of the posts from the other threads, I too am concerned about the property. They are not disconcerting enough for me to switch properties, but I am leary nonetheless.

This, however, is not my first stay at a W brand hotel, and hopefully you will like the concept. I find that people either love it or hate it, with very few emotions in between. You find out sooner than later.

I stayed at this property the weekend before last. It was my first W experience, which I liked very much. The beds are truly wonderful! I would specifically ask for a corner room, they looked much bigger than my room.

Although, I did have a few problems with this hotel, mostly the front desk which didn't realize or factor in my platinum status and reservations who screwed up, my stay was enjoyable. The hotel is very hip, so that might be a plus or minus depending on your personality.

The location isn't much of a deficit from the W Quarter, as the walk is very easy and I actually prefer to stay out of the Quarter. If you like to gamble, Harrah's is right across the street.

The roof pool is very small but nicely laid out with several complimentary cabanas that were first come, first serve. All having TVs and music in them.

If you have any specific questions I can answer, just shoot.

[This message has been edited by TABinDC (edited 07-26-2001).]

I would echo the sentiments that the front desk isn't terribly aware of Starwood status and the benefits that it entitles you to.

Given my long stay at this hotel, if anyone is in town at the hotel and fancies a drink, please drop me a note. I'll be there until October.

I can usually be found propping up the bar. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MatthewClement:
I would echo the sentiments that the front desk isn't terribly aware of Starwood status and the benefits that it entitles you to. </font>

Doesn't that seem frustrating? After all, we're talking about the Ws-- there are only a handful of them, compared to hundreds of Sheratons. And aren't they all either company owned or leased? It would seem uniformity should be easy to achieve with such a small brand.

dsimon and MatthewClement (or anyone else):

I'd be happy to try to meet up with you if we all have some spare time some evening. Drop me an email and maybe we'll be able to work something out. I'll have to let you know after I check in and get to know what my schedule will be like down there.

I guess I won't expect much from my Gold status if they don't even know what Platnum is there. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif It seems a shame, and I really wish Starwood would be more consistent with SPG. It seems a shame to have such a great programme, but to have to set your expectations low because most of the time, it doesn't deliver--because the hotel doesn't try or doesn't know or whatever else...

I'll look forward to the W "experience" anyways. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

There was a question earlier this month about someone wanting to stay at the W in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Severral of us have had similar poor experiences at both W locations there. Well someone sent the thread over to the W on Poydras nad they emailed me to send over all of my paperwork per my stay there this past January. According to their response to me it sounds like they have cleaned up their hotels quite a bit and I jsut had to write to say thank you to the W for finding some to work there that is taking the customer seriously.
Here is a copy of one of the letters that I responded to from Nicole Bergin of W New Orleans-

&gt;&gt; Dear Nicole,
&gt;&gt; Thank you for taking the time to read our letters. I'm glad you feel our
&gt;&gt; complaints are valid and that W New Orleans appears to be making an
effort
&gt;&gt; to bring that facility up to W standards in other locations. After
&gt; reading
&gt;&gt; other posts on the same forum where you got my address I see that I am
not
&gt;&gt; the only one who experienced these problems in either New Orleans
&gt; location.
&gt;&gt; Now on to the specific issues-
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; I would like to take the time to address a few of the specific issues:
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; **The carpeting in the lobby: If you come to the W New Orleans today,
&gt; you
&gt;&gt;&gt; will not see the Good Morning, Good Afternoon and Good Evening carpets
&gt;&gt; that
&gt;&gt;&gt; I think you were talking about. They have all been sent out to be
&gt;&gt; re-bound.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt; I'm surprised that the hotel appeared to have been operating in these
&gt;&gt; conditions for quite some time, but I am glad that you are fixing the
rugs
&gt;&gt; and making sure the common areas are now kept clean. People will judge
on
&gt;&gt; first appearances.
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; **Floors were dirty in the common areas and elevators: We recently put
&gt;&gt;&gt; carpet in the elevators, and we do have housekeeping staff that is
&gt;&gt; dedicated
&gt;&gt;&gt; to keeping the public areas of the hotel in top condition.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; **Room was noisy due to adjoining room: It's funny that you mention
this
&gt;&gt;&gt; one, because this very issue was discussed in one of our staff meetings
&gt;&gt; this
&gt;&gt;&gt; week. We are currently looking in to getting better insulation between
&gt;&gt; our
&gt;&gt;&gt; adjoining rooms.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt; We could hear the gentleman next door all night long as he took some very
&gt;&gt; loud phone calls and talked for quite some time. He may as well have
been
&gt;&gt; in the same room with us.
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; **Concerning the supplies and toiletries in the room: Since your stay
&gt;&gt; with
&gt;&gt;&gt; us, we brought an assistant director of housekeeping on board to help
&gt; with
&gt;&gt;&gt; the always challenging task of maintaining the hotel. The Director of
&gt;&gt;&gt; Housekeeping for the W Brand was in the hotel for 3 weeks in May and
made
&gt;&gt; a
&gt;&gt;&gt; lot of good progress with the housekeeping department. Standards have
&gt;&gt; been
&gt;&gt;&gt; streamlined for the brand and we are seeing great improvements every
day.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt; Since I live for W toiletries and my little girl loves W stationary it
was
&gt;&gt; quite a disappointment to not be able to have all the room amenities
&gt; offered
&gt;&gt; to us.
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; **SPG credit: Since you came in with a group and your reservation
&gt;&gt;&gt; information passed through the housing office (which is what it looks
&gt; like
&gt;&gt;&gt; from your history), SPG numbers are not usually attached to this
&gt;&gt;&gt; information. I apologize about it not being taken care of before you
&gt;&gt;&gt; checked out, but I do hope that it has since been fixed - if not, let me
&gt;&gt;&gt; know.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt; I presented my card at check in and paid with a Sheraton Amex card, There
&gt;&gt; should have been instant records from that point on regardless of how the
&gt;&gt; reservation was booked. Points were posted for the stay after several
&gt;&gt; phone calls to rectify the situation.
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt;&gt; It is very unfortunate that your stay was not up to your, or our,
&gt;&gt;&gt; expectations. I don't know what else I can do for you, but if you have
&gt;&gt; any
&gt;&gt;&gt; suggestions, I will be happy to see what I can do.
&gt;&gt;
&gt;&gt; As you say, we will not be in New Orleans for quite some time, however we
&gt; do
&gt;&gt; stay at other Starwood locations throughout the year, the next one being
&gt; the
&gt;&gt; Westin Grand In Vancouver, Canada next month for 8 days with our family
of
&gt;&gt; 4. As a Starwood member and a family that is always looking for ways to
&gt;&gt; upgrade our experiences around the world, some extra Starwood points
would
&gt;&gt; be happily received with many thanks. (Or lifetime platinum status http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif,
&gt; just
&gt;&gt; joking).
&gt;&gt;

The reply to this was a deposit of some Starwood points to my account. Thank you again for paying attention and for the gift Starwood.
Do any of you out there notice the difference yet at the W on Poydras?

------------------

Just got back from the W French Quarter with 18 guys on a bachelor party and had a great time. After reading this board I was somewhat reluctant so I contacted the hotel directly to talk out the so called problems.

I was assured that the problems discussed on this board were addressed and they were. The service was great and the room was awesome. As a Starwood Platinum guest I was upgraded to a super suite that was better than most. 2 TV's 2 VC'r and 3 CD Players, 2 rooms and a cool patio.

Housekeeping cleaned our room on time every morning and never complained about the beer cans etc. She did such a good job I left her a tip wich I rarely do. The guy (JB)working the front desk was polite and helpfull whenever we needed anything from food to entertainment.

This hotel truly exemplifies the term "WHATEVER WHENEVER"!! I would def stay there again and recomend it to anyone since the location is perfect and the service was super.

The W on Podryas was a litle bigger (lobby) but not nearly as good of a location. With 100% humidity location is everything.

Once again on of my 30 stays of the year I am happy as ever with Starwood. William plesase make sure these coments are forwarded to the hotel with special recognition to JB (Front Desk) and AC (business Development).

One last comment for those of you questioning Platinum Benefits I wish you could have been in the lobby checking out when a football player from the Minesota Vikins (worth millions) was complaing about no suites available - then I Mr. Nobody walked in and was told Mr. Nobody as a Platinum guest how did you eijoy your suite on the second floor. I could help looking back to my football friend and smirking and winking..... PRICELESS!!! :

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
For everyone that expressed their concerns that both W Hotels in New Orleans had hit the skids, I must relate that I have received e-mails from representatives of both hotels who wish for me to forward any future problems at their respective hotels directly to their attention.

Many, like sharptalk and Andrew14302, have already been contacted by the hotel that was responsible for their less than spectacular stay, and received the attention to their issues they deserved. I am sure that everyone's future stays at these hotels will be more in line with what can be expected of the W brand of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide going forward.</font>

This is an important thread. It documents & indicates several noteworthy realities:

1) that the comments made by those on this board are read

2) that the complaints are taken seriously

3) that a series of negative reviews can clearly get some attention

4) that the presence of Starwood Lurker on this board serves a highly positive purpose (we already knew that, of course)--& that among his many crucial contributions is his @ times being a kind of "sentinel" for the Starwood properties worldwide...the significance of identifying problems brought to a common source (& disseminated via said source), sharing the information w/ the property in question, & addressing the problems accordingly CAN produce change, positive results, & what is an "inevitable" by-product of such: an associated increase in revenue & satisfaction of Starwood's guests

5) that personnel associated w/ a property would make a request of Starwood Lurker to inform them of any future problems being reported to have occurred @ their property is terrific to see happen, & for several reasons--not the least of which is the evidence of a continuation of Starwood's embracing technology to aid in not only managing--but DELIVERYING & actively MONITORING--customer service (& customer satisfaction)


I respect the hell out of Starwood for recognizing & deeming this board an important enough venue & customer population to assign a representative of their company full time interaction & management of customer service issues & questions which are brought up here.

Starwood Lurker's role continues to expand, involves increasingly impressive & expeditious interaction w/ personnel @ various properties, & requires the practice of an art for which we collectively have much respect for its difficulty & the manner & ease w/ which he makes it seem effortless: the management of delicate customer service issues involving some of Starwood's most frequent guests.

Starwood Lurker, I find this thread to summarize a beautiful example of problem identification, facilitation of communication, & (expedited!) problem resolution--originating with, mediated by, & involving follow-up monitoring via electronic communication. FANTASTIC!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Without you--the problems in question either wouldn't have been identified, &/or brought to the attention of relevant personnel, or would perhaps have dragged on for who-knows-how-long before being addressed--& possibly piecemeal, @ that, & perhaps only after a significant drop in revenue occurred, & follow-up inquiries engaged in to identify its cause.

It astounds me that more companies in the industry don't "get" the importance of this kind of customer service. It isn't just good PR--it can serve a highly positive, vital role in cultivating & maintaining customer satisfaction--AND LOYALTY (which translates to an effect on the "bottom line").

We all know that every stay will not be "perfect" (if such a thing can be said to exist). What matters so much is attitude, effort, & action. I experience an unusual "peace of mind" when it comes to Starwood--& to a significant extent Starwood Lurker's presence on this board has contributed to it: I know that if something does go wrong, there's an incredibly high chance that my voicing relevant specifics to appropriate Starwood personnel will result in redress of some kind that indicates an important recognition & "agreement" regarding my experience, & that it is taken seriously, will possibly/likely be addressed internally, & that Starwood's actions would tell me that they want to keep my business (as well as "do the right thing").


I would have stayed far away from this property had the issues reported not been resolved (& reported to have been resolved [or else how would I know?]). Now, the property in question is no longer out of contention...


...happy endings rock... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


Starwood, & Starwood Lurker, THANK YOU!!!

[This message has been edited by ILTE_Miles (edited 08-08-2001).]

I second that, thank-you Starwood Lurker!

I too, had a lot of problems at the W Hotel in the French Quarter. But this was a while ago and I attributed it to the fact that it was a new property. I figured they just hadn't yet gotten their act together. Too bad it's still the same.

A main reason I love Starwood-- I have found not only SPG and Starwood Corporate Services extremely responsive to customer feedback, but many individual hotel GMs as well.

Got a rate at the W New Orleans (Not French Quarter) of $69. For Staying Feb 12-15. I plan to burn some points and stay at the Four Points airporton the 15th since we fly out early on the 16th. I want to stay at the FQ W but the rates are $169+. Is it worth Staying at the W for $69. (Of Course it is) What should I expect there? I see that it is only 5 blocks from French Quarter and next to Harrahs. Harrahs is giving me this rate BTW. Do I have a good chance of getting a suite? Also I land on Feb 12, but don't plan on needing the room til the 13th hence my checkin date. Can I drop off my luggage, and have them hold it for me?

Thanks

[This message has been edited by ryan754 (edited 01-20-2002).]

Ryan, how about figuring this out for yourself and quit asking stupid a__ questions. At $69 you will be paying $100 per night less than I did this weekend and there are no complaints from me about this place.

The reason I ask bud is because I saw some Hilton deals for $59. And I was reading about lack of status reconition there. If I can stay at a Hilton property for less and be treated well I would opt for that instead of the W. Most Likely I will stay at the W because the Casino is giving such a good rate. Sorry you paid more than I am, and sorry this put you in a bad mood, or are you always that way? Please don't reply. Glad your stay had no problems

I liked the W better than the FQ W. Although I was given a suite in both places, the FQ W was too "dark with low ceilings" for my liking, the bathtub/shower didn't work properly and wabbled (it was an old fashioned nifty tub, but I didn't feel stable standing in it), and I thought the staff was better at the other W (although they were nice enough and didn't do anything wrong at the FQ). The location of the other W wasn't "perfect" but the short walk wouldn't have been any issue but for the horrible thunderstorms.

After going to the New Orleans FT event which was more or less based out of the W, I would highly recommend this place.

I've not stayed at the W-New Orleans but have stayed at the W-FQ. I, too, found it to be quite dark. It definitely was not my style. I probably won't stay there again unless I got a really great rate.

My $.02 is to take the $100 and have a great time at Harrahs http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I stayed at the Sheraton, The Hilton Riverfront, and the Westin (now a Wyndham I believe). I personally had the best service at the Wyndham.

The W NO is a very nice property. It was originally a Crown Plaza on which Starwood did a $20M refurb job. I'm only SPG Gold but they upgraded me to a corner suite at the recent FT event. Given your cheap rate, though, I wouldn't count on an upgrade. It's an easy 6-8 block walk to the heart of the French Quarter. You can check your bags with the bellman in the room just to the right of the front desk.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ExMo:
Given your cheap rate, though, I wouldn't count on an upgrade.</font>

One of the best things about the SPG elite program is that upgrades are given REGARDLESS OF RATE PAID. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ExMo:
Given your cheap rate, though, I wouldn't count on an upgrade.</font>

Technically, the rate shouldn't matter (but as we all know this is not the case at all properties - ExMo, do you have indications that this W is one of the non-compliant hotels?)

BoSoxFan45, you beat me with 3 minutes http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by BoSoxFan45:
One of the best things about the SPG elite program is that upgrades are given REGARDLESS OF RATE PAID. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

</font>

True. I stayed there this past weekend under the $139 rate(requiring a SET #) and was upgraded. IMHO this is a very nice property. The decor was something else - think glossy black with touches of red. Very cool for a short stay, but not necessarily how I would choose to live all the time. The staff were very responsive(except the Sat am housekeeping staff,obviously weekend staff only, who forgot to do our room) and friendly.
The rate you were offered seems great to me. And you are only a short walk from the FQ.

[This message has been edited by SeeYa (edited 01-22-2002).]

I also stayed at the N.O. "W" this past weekend, and although I wasn't upgraded (don't yet have Starwood status), thought it was great. Very different decor (hip & sexy), the service was good, the staff helpful and friendly, and since I planned to be in the casino alot, the location couldn't have been better - a walk across the street into Harrah's. And, if you're not up to the easy walk to the FQ, it's a cheap cab fare. Oh, but you're going during Mardi Gras? Well, that could be a different story on the cab scene. Anyway, I would definitely stay there again and am interested in knowing how you got the "Harrah's rate" - please?

(Never mind - found the $69 rate on Harrah's website)

[This message has been edited by joie_de_vie (edited 01-24-2002).]

I just called to book a room at either W in New Orleans for the Superbowl and they said they were sold out (which I expected). I then mentioned I was a Plat Member and wanted to use my "you are guaranteed a room within 72 hours" unless its a resort property which they are not and they said no chance.

The rep then mentioned that when certain events are in town the hotel can say no to this privilege.

My issue is that anytime I would want to take advantage of forced availability is when there are no rooms available ie. some big event in town. What is the point of this great perk if the only time they are going to let you use it is when no event is in town and the hotel has vacancy?

Any thoughts on this or I am missing something.....

How many Platinums are there? If they had to hold a room for every one of them, could they even sell one room in advance? I think that for events such as the Super Bowl, Olympics, etc, such "guarantees" would reasonably be expected to not apply.

I tried last year in Tampa, and was told the same thing. Obviously in super-special events such as this, Indy 500, etc. this does not apply and it says so in the terms.

I too was hoping to head down there, but no dice. If they wanted to accomadate every platinum member, they'd be walking a few hundred people.

Believe it or not, some hotels actully do sell out! I've used the "forced room" several times just because the property I wanted was sold out. No special event or anything else in town.

So, the hotel should basically accomodate every platinum member that wants a room whenever they want? Mardi Gras, Winter Olympics, Super Bowl?

The TOS states "Guaranteed room availability does not apply to special event dates or resort locations"

Basically, if the hotel is sold out, you can get a room. If the entire city is sold out, or in the case of a resort where there is no where comparable to walk other guests too, you cannot use the 72 hour avaliblity.

Your issue is that you dont plan far enough ahead to get the rooms while they are still avalible http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif For hotels to close out this avaliblity, it has to be a major event for which the majority of the city will be full. In this case, you should know about the event far enough in advance to make alternate plans.

Would you rather Starwood not have the perk?

Every other hotel program(i.e. Marriott, Hilton, etc.) with this type of benefit has the same stipulations. Anyone who wants to go to a Superbowl should plan it as soon as the NFL announces the location.

[This message has been edited by PHL (edited 01-28-2002).]

I agree... I did some poor planning.

I'm heading to SLC in two weeks and I just bought my ticket. I knew that the Olympics would be a "special circumstance" but I still tried nonetheless. My Concierge noted that it was a special circumstance. Oh well.

Tough to plan on the Superbowl when you will not know if your team is going until the week before hand.... However, thanks for the advice since I had never thought to plan a vacation in advance

You can always plan ahead and reserve the room and then cancel it if your team doesn't make it into the superbowl, no? Or better yet, maybe your platinum concierge would be willing to remember to cancel the room for you if she sees your team didn't make it into the big show!

My guess is that if you are willing to pony up for the tickets, you can find a room somewhere for the right price.

That being said, there is no way anyone in their right mind would presume the Patriots would make it to the Super Bowl.

The original Westin Premier guide used to be very specific noting that in case of special events in cities "like the SuperBowl", the guaranteed room benefit would not be available. As others have noted, if every Plat wanted to take advantage of this benefit next weekend, we'd occupy every room at the two Ws as well as the Sheraton, and would they would still not be able to accommodate us. As it is, the number of media and VIPs now attending events like the SuperBowl and Olympics pretty much fills every 4- and 5-star hotel in any host city. And spill over to fill the 3- and even 2-star ones. Nowadays, there just isn't much room for the average fan!

LOL! I know quite a few locals scrambling to get down there. Like all Super Bowls, plenty of premium priced packages, which one would suspect is why everybody is S/O. I've been trying to help my brother book a flight and it's been hellacious.

Just enjoying the ride....

For those who like to plan ahead - upcoming SB host cities:

2003 - January 26, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego
2004 - February 1, Reliant Field, Houston
2005 - February 6, Alltel Stadium, Jacksonville
2006 - February 5, Ford Field, Detroit

Detroit??!?@?! When's the last time a Superbowl was held in a COLD city?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 1Ken:
Tough to plan on the Superbowl when you will not know if your team is going until the week before hand.... However, thanks for the advice since I had never thought to plan a vacation in advance</font>

I believe you asked for advice and received it. People weren't being snotty - why do you feel you have to be in return? Jeez. . .
Sorry you don't like the answers given.

BoSox - as a Steeler fan - you're right - whoever thought the Patriots would be in the Super Bowl??? *sigh*

I am currently here at the W MSY on web TVv. Out of all my W experiences most of which were bad this place is great! They have some wonderful staff, and actually gave me a suite, with a jacuzzi bath! I will report more when I return, hope for the same in Chicago Saturday.

Is that the one of Poydras (which, IIRC, was the old Holiday Inn) or the one actually in the Quarter?

------------------
Saving the world, one clue at a time.

If you are referring to the one on Poydras, I definitely agree. The staff totally coddled us at a recent FT get together-- I'm going back there as soon as I get a free weekend!

Same here, thats why I don't need any stinking St Regis this year, I can stay at the W's

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by HKG_Flyer1:
If you are referring to the one on Poydras, I definitely agree. The staff totally coddled us at a recent FT get together-- I'm going back there as soon as I get a free weekend!</font>

So, is this the W New Orleans French Quarter or the W New Orleans on 333 Poydras Street? Which is better? Differences? How convenient is either?

This is not the one in the Quarter. Somewhere not too long ago there was a "compare and contrast" message thread with a lot more detail. I much preferred the one on Poydras.

I too just returned from a long weekend at the W New Orleans. What a property! The rates at the New Orleans are consistently lower than at the W Fr. Quarter, if you don't mind the short walk into the quarter. The property is very well designed, perks are great, staff totally cooperative and customer friendly. I highly recommend this property any time business or pleasure takes you to New Orleans.

Yes It was the one on Podyras. I just got a letter today from the GM thanking me for my stay, I wrote him a nice email. I almost lost respect for W's until this one came along. Wonderful place, and a Wonderful staff. I choose it over the RC, as long as a suite is involved.

How long does it take to walk from the W Poydras St (Harrah's area) to the French Quarter (touristy area, sightseeing?). We have never been to New Orleans before, and would like to know what we're in for. We are not that young and are a little concerned about walking any distance at all in unknown territory.

Also: getting from the Airport to the W - best way? How much? We plan to rent a car one day to drive to Biloxi.

- bcc

The edge of the French Quarter is about 3 blocks away but to get to the heart of Bourbon Street you'll have another 4 or 5 blocks to walk. It is not a strenuous walk but it can be "cool" in New Orleans this time of year.

There is a shuttle bus service from the airport for $10/person. The cab ride is about $30 so the decision should be based on how many people are traveling.

Cabs are a set rate from the airport to downtown (and possibly on the reverse).

Unfortunately, it's not inexpensive. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

$25 for two. More than that, it's $10 per person.

I found a lightweight fleece to be perfect for the temperature last weekend (but others were complaining late at night when the wind picked up).

The walk goes really fast and is on flat ground, but if you're concerned about it you can always take a cab. They're very cheap in NO--it would be like $4.00 at most to get to the FQ from the W.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ExMo:
The edge of the French Quarter is about 3 blocks away but to get to the heart of Bourbon Street you'll have another 4 or 5 blocks to walk. It is not a strenuous walk but it can be "cool" in New Orleans this time of year.

There is a shuttle bus service from the airport for $10/person. The cab ride is about $30 so the decision should be based on how many people are traveling.</font>

And the express bus from the airport which drops you near the top of Canal Street is $1.50. There's yet another choice!

If the Express Bus drops off at the TOP of Canal St., that's probably not a good choice for "not so young" people who're concerned about unfamiliar territory and who are staying near the BOTTOM of Canal St. Best bet, IMO, is to take a taxi - in January, the fixed airport rate was $24 for 2 people. Tip, of course, is optional. And for getting from the hotel to the French Quarter, try walking it - there are interesting sights along the way - but if you find it too strenuous, hail a taxi the rest of the way, or walk over and take a taxi back. No matter, you're almost guaranteed to have a good time - given a chance, New Orleanians will see to that!

Has anyone stayed here? If so how was it? How are the rooms? any input? Deciding between this and Fairmont.

Stayed at the W french quarter, ok but nothing spectacular. Great location though....

Thought the W (on Poydras) was great, thought the W FQ was ok. Had suites in both, so I can't tell you about a standard room (which who knows, could be called "nifty" "neato" "spectacular" or whatever name they come up with for it). I think you will find some decent reports with a search. The only reason I'd choose the W FQ again would be location.

I'm staying at the W on Poydras over Labor day. Since it's a holiday weekend I'd be really surprised if I'm able to score my upgrade. How far is this property from all the action by the way?

Only an extra 10 min walk or so. Which was 10 mins too long on my last visit due to the oppressive weather. You couldn't really even see the river from my top floor suite. The water was pouring off the roof as a strong waterfall in front of my window. All in all, it was a good trip because I came home on 9/9.

I would like to make my life easier and check into the only AAA Five Diamond Hotel in the city, The Ritz Carlton. However with those rates, not this time. Still considering it, I am going in early August hoping to score an upgrade either as a Gold SPG member or booking with AMEX Platinum Travel.

Thank you everyone for your valuable input, still considering my options.

I've said it before: The W FQ is a real treat. Stay in the carriage house next to the pool and you have a private courtyard. The location is tops and the vibe is pure FQ. You don't need another standard W experience in New Orleans (i.e. Poydras).

Both Ws sound nice, but I have never been interested in staying in the Quarter when visiting NO. I suppose my wife and I would be happy with a stay this fall at the W in the downtown business district, as I have heard great things about it. Does the W in the Quarter offer that much extra charm or other amenities? I'm not so interested in courtyards or Spanish-style architecture as I am with a nice, clean property, a spacious bathroom and a comfortable bed.

If you run a search under W New Orleans, there have been several threads discussing both properties and comparing/contrasting their differences.

I too have stayed in suites at both. I really don't have a favorite... the W on Poydras is great if you plan to gamble or do things downtown.

The W French Quarter is ideally situated for a very short walk to Bourbon Street.

If I were going at this time of year, I would do the French Quarter solely because most of the things I must do during the daytime in New Orleans are close enough at hand to there that I won't pull a Scarlett O'Hara and pass out in the oppressive heat and humidity. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

The early threads to on the W NO (on Poydras) do not do it justice. I believe the hotel had some inital issues when it first opened up, but those have all since been corrected. I have been staying there for the last 3 months and have nothing but good things to say. The staff is very responsive and attentive, and the condition of the hotel is very good. You can't ever go wrong staying at a W, and I love the location of the W. It is an excellent property.

I agree -- I'm an enormous fan of the W New Orleans. They always treat me like royalty.

jdeahl, are you staying at the W right now? If so, drop me a line and we'll have a drink.

Apparently the W New Orleans is under new management. The new manager used to work at the W New Orleans - French Quarter is now apparently overseeing both W hotels in New Orleans.

The new management seems to be doing wonders at the W New Orleans. Everything is just as I remember it, but somehow even friendlier and more professional. There may have been a few snags along the way, but this hotel is ready to play with the big boys now.

Greeted with a warm, friendly welcome; addressed by name like an old friend; my favourite suite pre-assigned. Platinum amenity produced without prompting, followed by an invitation for a few glasses of champagne at the Zoe Bistro.

An excellent overall experience, the sort that keeps me returning to this property again and again.

It's been a great Starwood week. I spent Sat/Sun at the Arabella Sheraton in Nurnberg, an absolutely fantastic property with great staff, great Platinum benefits, and beautiful rooms. Now this? Does Starwood life get any better? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I've stayed in standard rooms at both the W Poydras (once) and the W French Quarter (several times) and even stayed there in it's previous incarnation prior to W (can't remember the name then). That's all I've ever had at both of these...standard rooms (as an SPG Gold).

But I prefer the French Quarter location.

I've never stayed at the Fairmont.

I'm back to the W FQ on August 2nd and as now a Platinum, I hope to get upgraded into one of the larger courtyard rooms or suites.

MaisonUnitas...if you have any specific areas you want me to checkout on my upcoming stay, please let me know and I'll try to get you an answer.

I hope all you visitors to New Orleans will stop by Commander's Palace (or Uglesich's, if you're looking for a more modest dining room) and have some of that great Creole cooking for me. I haven't been to N.O. in almost two years and I'm very jealous! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Just a quick chime to say that the W team in New Orleans has gone to great pains to improve spg satisfaction over the last year or two.Even Starwood Lurker has paid a visit.
Perhaps that was the real turning point??...
I recently got a hotel offer from a comparable hotel near them for $50 less per nite including breakfast yet I am still returning to the French Quarter W.They have treated me great in the past!
And I had a blast........

i had a great experience at the W New Orleans a few weeks ago after a brutal night at the Sheraton New Orleans. it was the first time in my life that i had to move hotels but the folks at the W made it worth my while.

the W NO was "sold out" according to the platinum spg line (even after i begged) but i walked over there anyway. the hotel squeezed me in, and even managed to give me a great suite and my Platinum amenity card on the spot.

the front desk was extremely professional, helpful and understanding which was polar opposite of my experience at the Sheraton where the front desk was incompetent and could care less.

when i emailed the GM at the W NO about the gym missing some weights, he personally emailed me back saying that he would order them ASAP.

and, this wasn't my first time at the W NO. the previous two trips were also great.

the W NO and the Sheraton NO are night and day. i just wish the W NO wasn't so close to the casino. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 07-16-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
the W NO and the Sheraton NO are night and day. i just wish the W NO wasn't so close to the casino. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

The casino I can avoid. It's just that pesky Martini Bar in the lobby that always catches me out. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

how far is the w new orleans(not fq) from bourbon st

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mypriceline.com:
how far is the w new orleans(not fq) from bourbon st</font>

couple of blocks. very close.

in the NO heat and humidity, it's only about 2-3 pounds of sweat this time of year.

so its pretty close to mardi gras area?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mypriceline.com:
so its pretty close to mardi gras area?</font>

Add another 8 minutes to walk into the Quarter, and 12 minutes to walk out (on the theory that you will be walking, umm, slower on the way out http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif ).

Or, figure on about a $5 cab ride, which is the best bet.

------------------
Saving the world, one clue at a time.

Visit Bourbon St. if you must, but you'll miss out on what New Orleans is really all about. All those t-shirt shops, nasty bars and hosed-down sidewalks on Bourbon will just mean time away from the amazing restaurants, cafes and shopping of the Garden District, Magazine Street, Uptown, Riverbend and other areas.

Your mileage may vary, but give the real New Orleans -- the one where the locals live and play -- a chance.

Just got my 2003 Entertainment book and noticed that the W French Quarter is on the list for 50% off rack rate. don't know what that works out to be but I don't think it was on the list last year.

http://www.entertainment.com/index.cfm?module=EPIApps&fuseaction=details&offer=110651&location=5200548716

Thank You for that news. I probably wouldn't have noticed it.

My friend and I are staying at W Hotel New Orleans French Quarter in the mid February (right before the Mardi Gras, I suppose). Any suggestions/commentaries/opinions on the hotel, and maybe a certain room/floor that should be requested? We are currently in Kool King (whatever that means). Thanks

I stayed there a couple months ago with my girlfriend and we really liked it other than a terrible concierge and Whatever, Whenever Desk. Ask for a room on the highest level floor with a riverview. It's well located and very nice. Nothing spectacular though.

As Mashav posted in the Come Party in the Big Easy (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum95/HTML/002632.html) thread, the W Poydras has a $109 Winter Promo rate. You might be able to get in on this rater during your stay if you decide to stay at the W Poydras instead.

[This message has been edited by kluau88 (edited 12-12-2002).]

i very much like the one on Poydras. the staff is great and my platinum status has always been recognized. i have always had a very nice suite on a top floor. they have a nice gym that was a bit run down last time i stayed. but, the GM of the property sent me a very nice email saying he would work on it. it's also in a great location (probably too great since it's across the street from the casino). it's also right next to the beautiful Windsor Court hotel (where i used to stay when i went to N.O. before this property opened). the WC has a great (albeit pricey) restaurant.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 12-12-2002).]

Thank you for your suggestions! It sounds like W Poydras is a better bet... how far is it from the French Quarter and all the places we should visit? We would like to go to the French Quarter in the day time, then have a really nice dinner somewhere, then party (responsibly, of course http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif) at at French Quarter. Maybe go to the Aquarium (is it worth it?). We are not going to have a rental car, so is it going to be convenient to stay at W Poydras?

The W Poydras is about 3 blocks from the French Quarter. The W Poydras is right across the street from Harrahs should you want to make a wager or two.

I've stayed in suites at both hotels and don't have the negative opinion of the W French Quarter that others do.

If you are looking for the "typical" W experience, however (big lobby with a social scene, etc.), stay at the W Poydras.

I personally like the French Quarter location, however... very easy to run down and grab a couple of jumbo hurricanes to bring back up and sip on your terrace while you watch the partiers below walk by. VERY New Orleans, in my opinion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by techgirl:
I personally like the French Quarter location, however... very easy to run down and grab a couple of jumbo hurricanes to bring back up and sip on your terrace while you watch the partiers below walk by. VERY New Orleans, in my opinion. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

Ahh isn't New Orleans great. Go cups for alcohol http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

If you are really interested in being in the action. Go for the FQ location. If you want to actually get some sleep at night choose the Poydras location. I personally think the Poydras location is a better home base if you want to venture beyond the FQ. I can't tell from your handle if you are a guy or a girl but if you are girl and would like to do something "girly" head over to the Windsor Court for High Tea. It's not your typical NOLA thing but it is fabulous. Let me know when you are in town and if you would like to meet for a drink. I am always glad to show fellow FTer's around my city.

Point 2: If you don't have status at SPG I would definitly head to the Poydras location. The "regular" room at the FQ I thought were nothing great.

I'll be staying at the W New Orleans. It's completely booked. I've been trying to get another room and can't even get one through the Platinum Concierge. I already have one room.

Any advice on getting upgraded? If its that full are my chances slim as a Platinum member? Are my chances different if I check in early in the day vs. later in the day? Can I call before my arrival to request an upgrade to improve my chances?

Thanks for any input!!
From,
A new Platinum member!!

when u trying to book it

r u trying to get ya room upgrade or get a 2nd room

I was trying to get both a 2nd room and an upgrade to my exisiting room. However, the platinum concierge has been trying for days to get me a second room without success.

I have all but given up on a 2nd room and am trying to get an upgrade on my current room reservation at the W.

My experience at the W New Orleans is that they're pretty good at recognising Platinum benefits. Having said that, it's likely that you may not have too many choices if you're there on an 'exceptional' night. You're not booked there over Jazzfest, are you?

the W New Orleans is one of my favorite Starwood hotels. they are great about platinum upgrades and the GM cares about platinum concerns and comments. he personally responds to emails!

I'm staying at the W New for a convention. I think every hotel within a 5 mile radius is packed!!

Thanks for your comments.

what dates? could be a mardi gras convention :-)

there's a big convention in mid March (wireless conference) and the NCAA basketball tourney is early April. and, of course, there's mardi gras.

I'm going today 2/3 through 2/9 for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Not quite as exciting as Mardi Gras or March madness!!

Funny thing though . . . the W must have just opened up a bunch of rooms because I was able to get that 2nd room. There is even the option of booking a suite at the hotel now. I wonder if that means the suite is avail for upgrade!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ctls:
I'm going today 2/3 through 2/9 for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Not quite as exciting as Mardi Gras or March madness!!

Funny thing though . . . the W must have just opened up a bunch of rooms because I was able to get that 2nd room. There is even the option of booking a suite at the hotel now. I wonder if that means the suite is avail for upgrade!!</font>

interesting. maybe the convention organizers blocked a bunch of rooms but, with the lousy economy, couldn't fill them.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 02-03-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ctls:
I'm going today 2/3 through 2/9 for the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Not quite as exciting as Mardi Gras or March madness!!
</font>

You should have come early for the Nola Do!

just completed a four night stay at this property. pre-blocked weeks in advance to a great corner suite. platinum status recognized at check-in and amenity was offered proactively. very efficient and professional staff.

i was there for a very large conference and almost everything in the city was sold out. a colleague of mine had a hotel reservation snafu at a different property. the W NO only had space for her for the first night so, in desparation, she came over for at least the first night. i called the GM to see if they could accomodate her for the balance of her stay. even though the hotel was sold out, the GM cleared the space. i know the hotel was sold out because while i was cashing a check at the front desk two other employees were talking about the "do not walk" list. this was very generous.

this is definitely one of my favorite starwood properties. the staff is very friendly and top notch and the location is very convenient to the french quarter, the convention center and, unfortunately, the casino. the restaurant is good for breakfast and the bar area is a great place to meet people before going out (both are a bit pricey).

the only minor negative is that each time i return to the property the gym appears to be in a further state of disrepair. it's a shame, since it really has the potential to be a great facility. it has large windows that overlook the pool and bungalows and it is a very good size. but, there is only one bench in the entire gym (for a hotel of 20+ floors). the other bench is still broken since my last visit which was over a year ago!!! the adjustable bench is stuck in the full decline position. i think it just needs a pin to be replaced so that it can be adjusted so that it is parallel to the floor. that's a long time for a broken piece of equipment to go without repair. even if both benches were fully operational, the gym could still use a third bench, particularly since it has a full rack of dumbbells. and, one of the two televisions that are positioned for people doing cardio was out of order.

but, the gym was a small disappointment in the grand scheme of things.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 03-20-2003).]

Thanks for the updated review -- it's especially helpful as I'll be staying there for a few nights this spring.

Any suggestions for calling ahead and pre-blocking a suite or other upgrade? I'm platinum but this will be my first visit to this property.

I hope you enjoyed plenty of that good local cooking while you were in town. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Pietro:
Any suggestions for calling ahead and pre-blocking a suite or other upgrade? I'm platinum but this will be my first visit to this property.</font>

i don't have any suggestions since the hotel pre-blocked the suite proactively.

having said that, in the five or so stays i have had at this property since becoming platinum, i have been upgraded to a suite 100% of the time.

this hotel definitely values its platinum guests. i wouldn't worry.

and, yes, the food in NO is great.

To add to Fly's accolades for this property: Mickal, the manager in "Style" at this hotel is extremely helpful; he has even called me before I have arrived to see if my party has any special needs. Diana at the bar is terrific and makes a mean Top Shelf Margarita(the hotel bar itself rather than at the Whiskey Bar),Don in porter service is outstanding always remembering one's name and finally Jermaine and Jade at the front desk always have everything ready and greet guests by name also. I live an hour away in Baton Rouge and the staff at this W has been what keeps me coming back to this hotel.

mjw

fly co -- thanks again.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Seat9L:
I've said it before: The W FQ is a real treat. Stay in the carriage house next to the pool and you have a private courtyard. The location is tops and the vibe is pure FQ. You don't need another standard W experience in New Orleans (i.e. Poydras). </font>

I completely agree. I've been there two years in a row during Mardi Gras and it has been excellent. You cannot beat the location..you're basically 2-3 blocks from "everything." If you truly want the Nawlins experience, I would highly recommend this hotel.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MCSWEETY:
I completely agree. I've been there two years in a row during Mardi Gras and it has been excellent. You cannot beat the location..you're basically 2-3 blocks from "everything." If you truly want the Nawlins experience, I would highly recommend this hotel.</font>

I guess that's "everything" if you are only interested in the Quarter, most of which is full of tourists and touristy shops. There is a whole world of New Orleans culture outside of this area -- for example, the Garden District, Uptown and Riverbend, just to name a few neighborhoods -- where you will find much more of the local culture.

i personally hate the FC, particularly on the weekends and any day around mardi gras. but, the W NO is about three-four blocks away from bourbon street. so, it's still convenient but not in the heart of it all, thank goodness.

Four our purposes, Mardi Gras, the location was perfect. I agree, New Orleans is a very diverse city with much to offer besides the French Quarter. We were able to visit the garden district as well, which was very nice.

fly co -- Can you or someone else share the name or e-mail address of this property's general manager? I'd like to ask him/her a few questions before my trip next month. Thanks.

Pietro,
Stayed there 2/3-9. The general manager is Ed Sultzman. He personally responds to emails and messages left by platinum members. The evenings during my stay were completely booked to capacity. I didn't get an upgrade but did get the 21st floor out of 23. The standard rooms are pretty average for W's. Nicely decorated but pretty small.
Give Mr. Sultzman a call or an email.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ctls:
The general manager is Ed Sultzman. </font>

it's actually edmund sulzman (no "t").

ctls -- thanks for the contact info.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Pietro:
ctls -- thanks for the contact info.</font>

did you get my email? i sent you the contact info a day or two ago.

sorry fly co -- i might have missed that. let me double-check the account. thanks for letting me know.

stayed this past weekend during Final Four weekend. the stay wasn't as good as normal, but i would chalk that up to the crowd (i.e., rowdy) more than the hotel staff.

i was pre-upgraded to a suite a week before my arrival. i was proactively offered my platinum amenity at check-in.

also, the GM proactively wrote me soliciting my comments about the gym after i wrote on flyertalk that the gym had fallen down a bit over the past year. by my next visit (two weeks later), the GM had already put in place my suggestions. wow, huge kudos.

on my first night, the next door neighbors woke me up at 5 am with a small party and other not-to-be-mentioned shenanigans. had to call Whatever/Whenever three times without much success. honestly, i think the guests just passed out more than security doing anything. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

i was moved to another suite that smelled like a drum of carpet cleaner was poured over the entire room. i was told that it was a machine used to take the scuff marks off the walls. housekeeping brought up five candles and an ionizing machine and i vacated the room. the candles were pretty effective but even the housekeeper noticed that the room had a foul smell the next day.

i rented a car for one day and it was $28 to park the car at the hotel (ouch). also, after i checked out i noticed several charges from the hotel on my mastercard bill (a pet peeve of mine if they don't follow-up with sending a new hard copy of the bill).

this might sound like a poor stay. not really. the hotel had their hands full with the rowdy crowd and they did a solid job. all calls and concerns i had (except for the problem on the first night) were handled professionally and competently.

the GM of this hotel and his staff are top flight, particularly with their treatment of platinum spg guests. i highly recommend this hotel, as usual.

edited to add: one other thing: i had drinks one night at the Whiskey Bar. i tend to avoid W bars because i think (and from what i have read on flyertalk): 1) they are overpriced, 2) they attract a crowd which i loathe (the "i-think-i-am-cool-because-i-am- at-the-W-Hotel-bar") and, 3) the service stinks. but, while the drinks weren't exactly discount, the bartendar and bouncer were very nice and helpful. the bouncer even politely gave us to-go cups for our beverages.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 04-11-2003).]

If anyone is staying at the W French Quarter or planing to dine there at Bacco, here's a link to an Adobe Acrobat (pdf) file from the New Orleans Good Times web site, that contains a coupon for a free bottle of wine there with the purchase of 2 entrees.

http://g.notmc.com/g/oct01/RESTCOUPONS.PDF

This got us a passable bottle of Cab last time we were there (we bring our own good stuff to enjoy out in the Courtyard during the evenings). Great restaurant. Very friendly staff. So much so I thought to myself, "This can't be a W?" http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I like the W New Orleans French Quarter, despite its (many) flaws. I request a courtyard-facing room so that I am not disturbed by the noise from the street.

Only one experience to share at the W FQ. Stayed last summer and the room didn't feel like much of plat upgrade, although the guy at the front desk insisted it was. I wasn't overwhelmed by friendly staff during the stay. For a weekend of debauchery, my reason for being there, the location couldn't be beat. Really wished I'd seen a better room w/a view or a suite or something .. even offered to upgrade using points the front desk, but to no avail.

My experiences at the W on Poydras are mixed, but generally good. Nicer people, much bigger place. Rooms are getting a little run down ... lots of marks on the walls and the smell of stale beer here and there. But then again, it's New Orleans. Elevators are VERY flukey, and have been since I stayed there when it was a Crowne Plaza in the early 90's... some things never change.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rhodeweary:
Elevators are VERY flukey, </font>

during my last stay a group a people got caught in the front left elevator. they pried the doors open with their hands on the first floor and i had to run to the front desk and alert them that there was a problem. the elevator came down about 6-9 inches too low.

when the hotel is crowded, the elevators are a nightmare. there are only four for the whole hotel. and, it appears that there aren't service elevators because housekeeping uses them to go up and down one floor at a time, thereby further slowing down the transportation process.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 04-17-2003).]

My wife and I just enjoyed a two-night stay here (which I wish could have been longer) and the experience was really great. All the above-mentioned efforts of customer service and thoughtfulness are in place here -- it's amazing how a few simple gestures of customer care can make a good trip great.

In short, I can echo all the positive comments by fly co to see the yanks.

I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Sulzman, the GM, who is visibly involved in greeting guests and answering questions. One of the employees even mentioned (without prompting) how much of a pleasure it is for her to work with him. When is the last time you've heard a hotel staffer say something like that?

Needless to say, the W NOLA is highly recommended no matter your plans for business or play. Later this week I'll be sure to write a gracious note to Mr. Sulzman and also copy SPG customer care.

By the way, the food in New Orleans is even better than I remember it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks for the updates.
It great to know that the W team is still striving for excellence.
I will stay at both properties for 2 nites each on my next stay.
That way I can experience both properties unique aspects.
Will be interesting to see how the Poydras location does in comparison.
Would really like to see The W New Orleans have more fitness equiptment theres not much
besides treadmills and bikes.
The space itself is very nice
Happy Travels

------------------
AA & Starwood,Marriott Platinum
Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
Swissotel Club Gold
U/A 1k

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 777 global mile hound:
Would really like to see The W New Orleans have more fitness equiptment theres not much
besides treadmills and bikes.
</font>

i wholeheartedly agree. write to the GM as he is very receptive to suggestions. the space is so great--incredible sunlight and view of the pool. now, it just needs better equipment.

FCTSTY, after all your praising and 100% suite upgrade, I decided to try it myself. A little disappointed since I wasn't upgraded (I had 2 rooms revenue stay) and the check in agent was very indifferent. I think the Sheraton treated me much nicer, so was W FQ. Well, YMMV.

In general, upgrades appear to be available through the luck of the draw, but this is one property where it may help to call/e-mail in advance and at least make the request.

I'm sorry to hear about the indifference by your check-in agent. The people I spoke with were very friendly, professional and informed. They offered all the little things that are nice, like a proactive offer of the platinum amenity and suggestions for local restaurants (i.e., not the one in the hotel).

[This message has been edited by Pietro (edited 05-27-2003).]

one thing of note with this property. they never proactively discuss the platinum amenity, at least in my experience. they simply stick the platinum amenity card in the same little folder as your room key.

in my opinion, it would just be easier to ask since 99% of the platinums take the points probably.

Just completed a stay at this property and overall was disappointed. I had heard some nice things about it in this forum and guess I was expecting too much.

Location...excellent, especially if you're into the casino scene and also convenient to the French Quarter.

Service...below average. No soap in my room. Asked the first time and one bar was brought. Had to call down the second time to ask for a bar for the shower. No turndown service, although the CEO says in the W book in the room that this is standard at W hotels. (This was my first stay at a W and don't know if this is usual or not.) I will say the bellman was very friendly.

Room... This was the smallest room I have ever stayed in, hands down, and I've traveled extensively. (Was told that I had been upgraded because of my status??) If this "heavenly" bed was typical, I'm not impressed. Sheets, pillows, and featherbed were all great, but mattress was not nearly firm enough. Is the soft mattress usual at all W's?

Parking... $30, per night is too much. This may be typical in some larger cities, but not in New Orleans. I asked about self-parking. Was told that the hotel only had valet parking.

Gym/pool... Nice gym with alot of equipment that worked. Pool on the small side.

I would be interested to hear from others who have stayed at this hotel, regarding these issues. Next time, we'll try the W in the French Quarter. Hopefully, it will be better. Unfortunately, my first W experience was not a particularly good one.

I stayed there during the Do in January and I didn't have any problems.

We had turn down service and everything else was as expected.

i've stayed there many times and this is one of my favorite W properties. great GM and staff. i have always been treated great.

this is the only Starwood property i have visited that puts your Platinum amenity card inside the key folio. and, they don't bring this to your attention. so, twice i asked about the amenity as i was leaving the front desk and was directed to the folio. they should probably either point this out or just simply hand the card at check-in (like most other properties) since i normally toss the folio.

i have always had turndown service. great location. nice gym. i do agree that parking is a complete rip-off.

the elevators are a complete unmitigated nightmare, especially during busy weekends.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 08-05-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:

the elevators are a complete unmitigated nightmare, especially during busy weekends.

</font>


But at least if you are waiting in the lobby for the elevator, you are greeted by the throw rug. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Alysia (edited 08-04-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Alysia:

But at least if you are waiting in the lobby for the elevator, you are greeted by the throw rug. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


[This message has been edited by Alysia (edited 08-04-2003).]</font>

I remember that -- kind of silly, but a nice, quirky touch nonetheless.

You might give this W another chance -- my stay earlier this year was excellent. I'm sorry to hear about the problems, though. Perhaps it was just a bad night?

I too would say that the GM and staff here are excellent. They offered the most attentive and friendly service -- bordering on genuine hospitality -- when my wife and I were there. I already planned a return trip for this fall and made sure I could book a few night at this W. It's been a long time for me since a hotel made this kind of effort.

BTW, I never rent a car in NOLA since I can get around just fine in cabs or on the street car, but $30 for valet parking is less than valet parking at the W Lakeshore in Chicago and other comparable properties. NOLA is a major city, especially when it comes to tourism. This W is right in the middle of the business district and 2-3 blocks from Canal Street. But of course the staff probably told you they "only" offer valet service...it's probably up to you to find a local garage on your own. I think there are several lots and garages nearby that might be about $15 or $20 per night.

[This message has been edited by Pietro (edited 08-04-2003).]

I just returned from NoLa this weekend and considered the W until I saw $89 rates at the Sheraton. As a Gold I was upgraded to a very nice king corner suite with a full wetbar and separate living area. All of the rooms have been upgraded with the Sharaton Sleeper bed. Plus, the Sheraton is several blocks closer to the FQ. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I asked the lady at the front desk about turn down service (after we did not receive it). She told me this was only provided at this hotel if you requested it. Seems to be some inconsistency here.


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Alysia:
I stayed there during the Do in January and I didn't have any problems.

We had turn down service and everything else was as expected.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by geo1005:
Plus, the Sheraton is several blocks closer to the FQ. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif</font>

the distance between the sheraton and the W New Orleans is inconsequential. actually, the W NO is virtually as close to the French Quarter proper. you might mean the sheraton is two blocks closer to Bourbon Street which is just one street in the French Quarter.

(i enjoy the extra buffer.)

I agree. The location of this hotel is excellent (better than the Sheraton). Very convenient to the Quarter and the Warehouse District.

QUOTE]Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
the distance between the sheraton and the W New Orleans is inconsequential. actually, the W NO is virtually as close to the French Quarter proper. you might mean the sheraton is two blocks closer to Bourbon Street which is just one street in the French Quarter.

(i enjoy the extra buffer.)[/QUOTE]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
the distance between the sheraton and the W New Orleans is inconsequential. </font>

Who said anything about the distance between these two hotels? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by geo1005:
Who said anything about the distance between these two hotels? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif</font>

you said: "Plus, the Sheraton is several blocks closer to the FQ."

so, i said the distance between the two hotels was inconsequential meaning that the respective distances from either hotel to the FC is about the same. so, double http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I appreciate the "buffer" too -- Bourbon St. is just a horrible tourist trap IMO, but I know a lot of folks visit New Orleans to go there. (Which is unfortunate, considering all the great restaurants, cafes and watering holes elsewhere in the city neighborhoods, including other parts of the FQ.)

The W NOLA is definitely close to great restaurants and attractions within the Warehouse District and CBD. It's also still within 2 blocks or so of the streetcar line, which you can take all over the city -- the Garden District, Uptown, Riverbend, etc.

Yes, Virginia, there is a whole city outside of Rue Bourbon...

[This message has been edited by Pietro (edited 08-05-2003).]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif


As long as we agree that Starwood has four times as many hotels in NoLa as they do in HKG, I guess we are OK. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

fly co to see the yanks observes: <font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">the elevators are a complete unmitigated nightmare, especially during busy weekends.</font>

Having just visited this property at the end of June I can report this to be the case in spades! And when one finally does arrive, you'll find it's packed like sardines from other guests that have been piling up while waiting for same. They were sooooooooo bad that this alone would cause me to pass on this property in the future.

I also thought the rooftop pool was pretty crummy.

Was glad to go back to the W French Quarter. It's also away from Bourbon Street, but is right in the Quarter itself, and we got upgraded again to a nice 2 room Suite (http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/wfrenchquarter.jpg) with a terrace overlooking the French iron lace balconies of the relatively quiet (read: sober) Chartres Street below. And keeping the terrace doors open, the clip-clop sound of the horse drawn handsome carriages passing by, along with the occasional blast from the steam whistle of the Riverboat Natchez, always adds to the local flavor and enjoyment. My ladyfriend really loves the 4-claw bathtub with the antique style tub/shower fixtures. She sits in there soaking in her bubbles with her wine and book like she was Scarlett O'Hara or something (you'll have to email me for that picture http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif). We both also love it's Bacco (it's a Ralph Brennen run restaurant, but you can charge to your room), and just next door to Bacco is a great cigar store. The other direction down Chartres is Vieux Carre Wine, with one of the best selections (the really good stuff's in the back, you gotta ask to visit "the room") and prices in the country. And just beyond that, Jackson Square and Cafe Du Monde. Couldn't ask for a better location.

The staff at both are very good, and upgrade possibilities are much greater at the W New Orleans, but I personally still prefer the W French Quarter. It's at least got a bit of the flavor of old New Orleans and is the most un-W of the W hotels I've visited. Which is largely a good thing, IMHO. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-05-2003).]

i just don't know that there is anything they can do about it. it's not like you can install elevator banks at this point. i love this property and would return, but the number one problem is the elevators.

and, to make matters worse, there aren't service elevators (i don't believe). so, the maids, etc. use the same elevators as the guests. i love it when they get on to go up or down one floor at a time when the elevator is absolutely packed. now that's efficiency. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 08-05-2003).]

I didn't understand it either. If I recall there were at least 3 banks of elevators, which should have been sufficient. Maybe the maids are locking one or more down for their use?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by PremEx:
I didn't understand it either. If I recall there were at least 3 banks of elevators, which should have been sufficient. Maybe the maids are locking one or more down for their use?</font>

hmmm...hadn't thought of that. i would doubt it, but it's certainly possible.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">hmmm...hadn't thought of that. i would doubt it, but it's certainly possible.</font>

Well, I didn't know that they didn't have service elevators, which in my mind might explain it.

If they don't, and if I were a Manager faced with either having a hundred people fuming in the lobby waiting for maids to turn a room, and hundreds of others fuming because their rooms have not been made up, I might consider the inconveniencing due to elevator waits, the lesser of 2 evils, and give the maids exclusive access to one or more of the shafts.

Either way, with all the waiting around, often (after long waits) seeing 5 or more packed elevators come and go before we finally managed to squeeze in one, I felt I was the one getting "the shaft."

The consistent reports of this certainly indicate an inherent design or operational flaw of some sort here. I suppose it could be one without any reasonable chance of a work-around or solution, based on the limitations of the building itself. Wonder what it was before it was a W? Or if it was a new-build W?

It was originally a Crown Plaza Hotel. Then it was a Four Points by Sheraton before being renovated to match W brand standards.

I was there two summers ago and didn't notice a problem with the elevators. They were operating as I would expect them to. Perhaps if they are experiencing high occupancy, the demand is more than their capacity can handle?

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Perhaps if they are experiencing high occupancy, the demand is more than their capacity can handle?</font>

Yep. It could be something that simple. Or just time-of-day crush-hours.

But we sat waiting not only with other guests, but often with staff members as well. The consensus when I and others remarked on it seemed to be that this was pretty SOP, and a roll of the eyes and the word "notorious" was used by them in response (along with apologies) on more than one occasion.

William, can you shed some light as to whether or not "turndown" service" is supposed to be offered at W hotels only on request?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by aceflyer2:
William, can you shed some light as to whether or not "turndown" service" is supposed to be offered at W hotels only on request?</font>

No, but if it is a problem worthy of asking the management of the W New Orleans, you can ask Hotel Customer Service to get involved.

You can reach them either by toll-free phone number 1-800-328-6242 or by email at customercare@starwoodhotels.com.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
I was there two summers ago and didn't notice a problem with the elevators. They were operating as I would expect them to. Perhaps if they are experiencing high occupancy, the demand is more than their capacity can handle?</font>

i was actually there the first week that it transitioned to a W from 4 Points. the front desk area was still under construction but the rooms were beautiful. i think i was the first person to stay in the big suite on the top floor facing the river. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif what a great room.

but, yes, to put it mildly the elevators are insufficient during peak times (which is 24/7 during mardi gras, ncaa final four, etc.). having said that, it wouldn't stop me from staying there again and again.

great location, great staff, responsive GM, great beds. and, it beats staying at that dump called the sheraton. but, that's another thread. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 08-05-2003).]

During a three-day, two-night stay at the W NOLA, I didn't have any problems at all with the elevators, day or night. It seemed to be a busy couple of days, too. Perhaps I was just lucky.

Besides, no one in NOLA seems to be in a rush anyway, so I guess I would have ordered another Sazerac at the bar and waited. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

I thought the W Lakeshore in Chicago had a bigger problem with slow elevators during a recent stay.

We also had no problem with the elevators last week. The size of our "upgraded" room was rediculously tiny. My point about the turndown service is simply that the CEO makes a big deal in the W book in the room that turndown service is part of the W "experience." William, as a Starwood representative, you might pass issues like this on to customer service so that they can be rectified. Simply good management. Small issues like this can be corrected with relative ease. It all goes back to an old issue that we've discussed many times in this forum: quality control. If it's a Starwood property, it should follow proper rules and procedures, and should not be left up to guests to enforce these.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
I was there two summers ago and didn't notice a problem with the elevators. They were operating as I would expect them to. Perhaps if they are experiencing high occupancy, the demand is more than their capacity can handle?</font>

The property only has four elevators, plus one service elevator. Having spent pretty significant time at this property, I can say that 90% of the time the elevators required a short wait, but nothing unacceptable. The problem came with peak periods (7-8:30am, 5-8pm) when demand on the lifts was heavy. The problem is compounded by the unreliablity of the lifts at this property - at least one (if not two) lifts were out of service for maintenance / repair issues on approximately 30% of the nights I stayed at the hotel.

When you're down to three lifts, waits at peak times (when you have to let full cars go past) could be upwards of ten minutes. Which is completely unacceptable. In situations like this, I've been known to talk my way into the service lift. If you want to try this route, it helps to be known by the front desk staff. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

But otherwise, I still love this property and am disappointed to hear that it isn't all it used to be. I know many other FTers have stayed here and enjoyed the special treatment of the W NO very much,

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MatthewClement:
The problem is compounded by the unreliablity of the lifts at this property - at least one (if not two) lifts were out of service for maintenance / repair issues on approximately 30% of the nights I stayed at the hotel.</font>

when i stayed there during this past NCAA Final Four, the lift closest to the front door on the left side was caught between the first floor and the lobby with people on it (the doors opened for all to see). not sure how long they were stuck. but, it didn't give me tremendous confidence about taking the lifts, especially when they were packed (which was practically every time during the Tournament).

but, as i have said, i would return in a heart beat.

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 08-06-2003).]

It has been some time since I have been back to the W Poydras location in New Orleans loacted across from
the casino and adjacent to the legendary Windsor Court Hotel a very traditional but highly respected property.
How wonderful to say mostly positive things about a hotel that is easily coming into being a one of a kind W. This is not say its perfection either or couldn't find a few areas of improvement.

However in my opinion The W New Orleans is setting new examples of excellence and prestige for Starwood.
Perhaps a few other W properties could learn
a lesson or two from this solid performer.
Not mentioning any property names but you know by now who you all are http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
And they are not all praises however much we would like them to be.

My first visit was not exceptional in any way 2 years ago.
It left me loyal at the time to the W French Quarter and other area properties.
All that has changed as one of the best general managers of any W hotel this guest reviewer has seen worldwide takes strong vision and puts it into action with clear results.
Which simply speak for themselves a motivated happy staff and very satisfied guests.
From the moment I hit the driveway with my luggage they came running.
Service and a positive can do attitude with the majority of their team is taken to all new heights that I have not seen with any other W brand property with any stay at any W thus far.
That is with my 150 plus check in and check outs with Starwood since 99.
A nice tasting of W properties along the way http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Some staff remembered me here as a guest 2 years later (Don for one ) and welcomed me back .
I'm lucky if they can remember me during my stay at most properties !
Whats next they can remember my name too after all that time !
Smiles and welcomes at many intervals during my stay were the norm.
And genuine not forced.
Guests could be overheard saying this is an amazing or superior property.
A few hugged/embraced the staff for their various acts of kindness.

For the first time ever at a W
complimentary business service were offered to me at check in (something about a limited time however sigh ) such as
computer access to get my email.
Which made it an extra joy to not go out of house and add additional expense and wasted time to my stay.
Something Hilton is starting to use to their advantage in many markets with select properties.

All the bells and whistles were included as any Platinum hopes to expect upon arrival.
Newspapers in the morning without asking
2 different kinds.
A nice Jr. Suite upgrade and river view a great classic W bed

It should be mentioned there were non elites being treated equally as well in house.

Conceirge in house that follow up requests and go beyond the call of duty.
Pat the W Whatever Whenever person/operator managed to get a hard to get menu for me after the restaurant refused to do so.
Somehow she secured the menu through another source and she WALKED it up to my room and delivered it personally all within less then 10 minutes of my original inquiry

The W Zoe dining room left strong impressions from the staff after most visits. Though the menu could use some more additions and the kitchen and staff should be able to offer and execute other things then what is mandated on the menu.
After some polite conversations that the dining manager initiated herself (watchful eye) the restaraunt appears to be moving towards this goal and said they would make greater efforts.
Especially important for guests on special diets or have other needs or personal desires.

The public areas are looking real well and the bar on a good night hops with excitement. There are some quiet times to for those that don't want the always jamming
scene.
Its not every Starwood property that I can say the property cares from the top down for the most part but at W New Orleans you can not make a much better choice in town.

The location is just fine with a short stroll or taxi ride into the French Quarter or where ever you are heading
My vote for W of the year 2003.
Perhaps we need individual Freddies for hotels !

Now please keep up the good work !
Finally a true First Class W Experience for real Bravo
Congratulations to all.
Your hard efforts will most certainly pay off
Thank you for having me as your guest !

------------------
AA & Starwood,Marriott Platinum
Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
Swissotel Club Gold
U/A 1k

Great review -- I had essentially the same positive experiences on my first visit earlier this year and hope to return this fall. The GM you mentioned is a very nice person who seems to have turned this place into a top property.

Great location, great hotel, etc. The W New Orleans is my favorite place to stay in NOLA.

lol
After finishing up my trip report the first thing that went through my mind here comes
a flame reply any moment.....
Someone is sure to say I had a horrible stay just as soon as I post it.
And then tell me why I'm crazy to like it so much.
Good to know I am far from alone on this one !

Besides sharing with our community the ups and downs out there it is important to really rally our business to the properties that really understand true guest loyalty
Not just the empty promise.
One of Flyertalks greatest stregnths is letting us know way in advance what to expect.
And let us reward the deserving properties with our hard earned revenue.
Thanks for the reply and support
Cheers 777 GMH

------------------
AA & Starwood,Marriott Platinum
Hyatt, Hilton Diamond
Swissotel Club Gold
U/A 1k



[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 09-06-2003).]

I don't think anyone will flame you because you have a good stay at W-NO. My stay there this year was average at best and certainly not qualify W of the year. I'd better experience at W NY-TS, W NY-US, W NO-FQ or W NY-the Court. Maybe it was because I was there over a busy weekend (a week before Fat Tuesday). Other threads also praise about this hotel. I guess I'll give it another try. Thanks for the post.

Actually I have been flamed in the past for saying I thought United ran a great airline for a number of reasons prior to 9-11
So you would be surprised what others will say when they don't agree ! Or maybe you wouldn't be you have 637 posts under your belt already.

The individual went on to say that I couldn't be much of a frequent traveler to make the various complimentary mentions I made at the time about UA.
Although they chose other verbiage then I am describing.At the time it was mostly insulting.
Something I've learned how to roll with better over time here on the boards.
It was probably the first time I realized the rather sensetive emotions/ego that can easily play out on Flyer Talk.
And one thing for sure is we all have varied opinions on FT about everything !

With regard to your post in my thread One Pass Lover
a hotel stay is not unlike a restaurant visit.
It all depends on who is working that day.
If they burn the steak on the day you arrive and if some of the team is on vacation
it can change ones experience in a matter of minutes.
Make that seconds http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

A Mardi Gras hotel property experience for example can vary vastly from say a typical weekend or convention time.
I noticed you just made a post in another thread about a very nice restaraunt the Blue Fin in the W Times Square that is managed and run by a high quality outside restaurant company with a good track record.

Its interesting that the individual who posted the thread on the W Times Square was unhappy with their stay there and some of the feelings that poster reported have been regretfully quite consistent with what a number of others have also posted.
Its timing and consistency plus watching the overall intentions of the given property combined with other individuals feedback that I base my own opinion.
I do not let a property who has been nice to me but not my colleagues and other guests ever get false praise because I lucked out.
There are some properties not limited to Starwood by any means where hotels really only take care of the top 20 % Elites and or Frequent guests
The W is doing the job across the board and that is why I took the time to give them their praise.
The W French Quarter is a much smaller property as is the W NY Court .
For the most part I think the smaller properties have a slight edge but they also can be ovewhelmed as they lack the bigger team/staff.

Just my two cents as they say on the boards .

Thanks for the reply and feedback !
777 GMH




[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 09-06-2003).]

I also like the W New Orleans very much, having stayed there twice in the past two years. The staff recognizes and treats Platinums very well. I like the corner suites with a nice view of the Mississippi River. The rate here is also more reasonable than the W in the French Quarters.

About a month ago, I had a "less than optimal" stay at this property, as previously posted on this forum. Aa a plat., was not upgraded to a junior suite, although the hotel was not full. In fact, this was probably the smallest room I've ever stayed in, although it had a view of the river. Also, hotel is showing some "wear". No soap, repeat no soap, in room upon check-in. Asked for soap and only received 1 bar. Had to call and ask for more. Bed too soft. Also, parking fee at this hotel is outrageous. Although, I did not personally encounter this, there have been numerous complaints about the elevators at this hotel. Was not impressed with my W stay in NO. However, I plan to try the W French Quarter. Perhaps, it will be better.

[This message has been edited by aceflyer2 (edited 09-07-2003).]

Interesting posts here as to what makes a stay great or not so great.
Again one mans opinion is just as valid as another.........
The bed at the W New Orleans is consistent with every W bed I have ever been on with the exception of the Hawaii W property.
You will not be happy with the bed at any W property because from my experience they are all a little soft on top and then highly supportive underneath.
Based on recent research data over the last few years this is considered the right way to go for most.
The rock hard beds were the way/rage years ago and most Doctors thought that was the better way.
Some still feel that way.
Others still prefer a water bed. Those really do me in http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif
As for my own personal taste I consider the W bed to be one of the best hotel beds I have ever slept on.
Heavenly Bed included
My bed of choice at home is A Dux from Sweeden and is 4 x the price of a W Bed and isn't all that much better then the W bed.
And its even softer on top.
I think the W bed is almost the perfect in between.Have been on a little better over time.

Regarding your suite upgrade situation :
I find the W New Orleans property to be highly compliant.
My source generally is colleagues/friends on business and leisure that tell me their experience. And of course the ultimate source the boards right here on Flyertalk.
If however you believe there was space available during your stay and you were denied by all means any where you stay investigate and pursue it.
We are all helping one another by following up.
Done it myself. Not mentioning any specific property here but they all know who they are http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
There are numerous ways to check up.
Theres no lack of ideas out here online.
Anywhere you stay you should be entitled to what you have earned through your loyalty to Starwood. It is a great program.
It's a lot of work maintaining elite tiers.
Even one program takes work !
Its mixed with a lot of ups and downs.
Know must of us have pretty high expectations.

Regarding the W French Quarter I was there as well in the same week I stayed at the W New Orleans. Did not get a suite ugrade but a very nice guest room and balcony overlooking the street.
Might add there are very few suites at this property.
So if you do decide to give it a shot don't expect one unless you win the lottery.
I find it helps to know the layout of these properties and put my expectations in place.

San Francisco W was always a let down in the past getting upgraded to a suite.
It never happened after numerous stays.
That was till I realized it has only 3 or 4 suites out of 31 floors giving you only a fair shot on Easter Sunday and maybe Christmas Day http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

It has only happened once for me getting a suite at W French Quarter.
This is a property that is very unique,has a great location and the charm of old world classic New Orleans meeting the new.
Almost like a small private condo residence in the French Quarter gone W style.
Yet I enjoy it every bit as much even with the few quirks there along the way I have discovered.
Its all about the experience.
Had a terrific stay with what I consider to be a reasonable but modest upgrade.
Service while still highly satisfactory was not in the league of the W New Orleans. Yet I long to go back to both properties.

Regarding your soap issue.
If I count the housekeeping mistakes all over the world and reported them I would be a pretty busy guy based on my night count each year.
My rating a property on service defects comes from what the resolution is and how they solve the issue.Even the 4 Seasons and Ritz Carlton makes errors and experience defects in service. Yes it's great when it all goes perfectly.
Buts thats less then 5% of my stays each year.
But I do not hold that against a given property.And still find great pleasure out of the properties that don't perform so perfectly.
Just a question but how many bars of soap were you expecting to be delivered ?
I find myself lucky to use up 1 small bar in a week at a property.
Perhaps you had other guests with you during your stay.
Being they will usually replace daily any more you use I wonder sometimes as guests if we are awfully difficult to please as frequent travelers.
I consider myself a somewhat difficult guest to please. But I always give any hotel the benefit of the doubt and communicate clearly to them what my preference is upfront.
Thanks for the feedback
Happy Travels and more frequent upgrades
777 GMH



[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 09-07-2003).]

I had over 60 nights at the W NO and the W FQ last year.

I love the location and the restaurant (Bacco) at the W FQ. However, there are some tiny rooms and the suites (I think that I had most if not all of them) were not outstanding. I specifically rember that one of the large suite's patios opened out directly into a walkway from the courtyard. Flatscreen tv in bathroom was cool though.

With the WFQ I always seem to have a problem with both the air conditioning and the noise of actually being in the Quarter.

The W NO service has always been exceptional to me. They put me up in a fantastic suite and the workout room is outstanding. While it is not right in the Quarter, it still isn't a bad walk.

Big Jim,
Could not agree with you more.The W New Orleans has a good product .
Perhaps not a last word exceptional one.
What they are doing for the most part is creating good experiences that stand out in this consumers mind.
And evidently a lot of others out there feel the same way.

Yes the W French Quarter property can be quirky at times.
But there is something that always makes me want to go back for a visit no matter how much I enjoy the W New Orleans.
Did not ever see the flatscreen TV in the batroom/ suite set up but I am jealous.
Had one at the Park Hyatt in Chicago.
You get to watch tv and cut yourself as you shave all at the same time http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
However with the volume of business you are doing there you deserve every bit of the best VIP treatment each and everytime possible you stay there .
Enjoy !




[This message has been edited by 777 global mile hound (edited 09-08-2003).]

i, too, have had great experiences at this property. but, i posted my trip reports on the W New Orleans in already existing threads. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

that way, future research on the W New Orleans will be easier for other flyertalk participants. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 09-08-2003).]

One bar of soap for the lavatory and one for the shower is certainly not asking too much! In fact, in my extensive world travels, this was a first. I got the feeling they were trying to conserve soap.

We just got back from 5nts at the W ----used pts for a Courtyard room. First, the room itself is nice, very large with a backdoor to your own private courtyard. But the problem is, the entrance is on the main courtyard, which in this hotel, is a fairly hoppin' spot. Then, they crank up techno dance music 12 hrs a day !!! This is supposed to be a New Orleans courtyard with fountains etc. Doesn't that suggest serene, calm and quiet ?? We could sit in our room with the TV on and hear the CONSTANT drumbeat from the techno music. This is the first W that we have ever stayed in---is this normal ?? Maybe I'm getting too old or out of the loop, but if I wanted Bourbon St, we would have gotten a room there overlooking the street.

[This message has been edited by ezron (edited Jan 03, 2004).]

I've never found a quiet room at the W French Quarter. Even with a suite, I've had Courtyard noise. With regular rooms, street noise or noisy drunk guests at all hours of the night are a problem.

If I'm in town for pleasure, I stay at the W French Quarter. If I actually need to sleep because I'm working there, I stay at either the W on Poydras or Sheraton on Canal, depending on the best available rate.

Out of curiosity, did you search for this property on-line before going?

The restaurant (Bacco) at W French Quarter is incredible.

We've stayed in the Quarter many times(usually at the Place D'Armes on the same street)but wanted to use points and I had heard some good things about the courtyard rooms at the W.

Based on what I read here, when we were driving x-country last summer, we stayed at the other W in NOLA. It was very nice.

-David


[This message has been edited by LIH Prem (edited Jan 03, 2004).]

I've stayed in several types of rooms and locations at the W French Quarter that don't have a noise problem. Second floor terrace rooms that face the courtyard, but are free from the technobeat, for example.

And our favorite 2 room Suite (http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/wfrenchquarter.jpg) with private terrace on the second floor facing Chartes Street (I believe room number 200 or 201) has never had troublesome street noise whatsoever. And I'm a light sleeper.

I'm planning on heading to the W New Orleans - French Quarter for a long weekend. Is this a good choice?

Why not do a search and decide for yourself?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by UpgradeMe:
Why not do a search and decide for yourself?</font>


Thanks, I did that before posting, but I was hoping to get some more recent opinions and different points of view.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Spesh:

Thanks, I did that before posting, but I was hoping to get some more recent opinions and different points of view. </font>

then why not ask for updates in an existing thread about this property?


[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited Feb 26, 2004).]

Spesh -- I stayed there 2 weekends ago. Upon check-in, they upgraded me to a slightly larger room. Typical for W upgrades. Anyway, so I go to my room, open the door, looked inside. There was music playing and somebody's stuff was strewn all over the bed. I was given the wrong room! After that was sorted out, the Front Desk Mgr kindly walked me up to my room just to make sure that I did indeed get the right room the second time around. She then came back later with a small W amenity (a silver W container containing chocolate covered nuts). Rooms are small, but has typical W ambience even though the building itself is old (French Quarter style). Food from the main restaurant is really good. Overall, a 7/10 in my books. Hope that helps. I think it's much better than the other W.

I was there the same weekend as YYZNOMAD, and I'm afraid he might have walked into my room. I was given one of those slightly larger rooms with a private patio at the back. I like the location of this hotel and as mentioned theres a great restaurant. The property itself is nothing spectacular and had it not been for W furnishings, would look like a Sheraton Inn. The other W is much nicer and I stayed there the same weekend as well and was given a rather large suite. So if you are looking for a nice property, go with the W on Poydras and for location stick to the W French Quarter.

YYZNOMAD and Zakami, thanks for the information. I think we're most concerned with location, so it seems like a decent choice.

Spesh, if location is important, do not overlook the Sheraton New Orleans.

As a Gold I have always been given a very nice room or suite at the Sheraton. Unless you are a Plat, I'd at least consider the Sheraton.

JMHO

I stayed at the W New Orleans on Poydras Street this past fall. MUCH nicer than the W New Orleans, in my opinion.

And the General Manager, Ed Sulzmann, is the best! If you're a Platinum, he'll do all he can to put you into a suite and to make sure that your stay is memorable.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by woolfcross:
And the General Manager, Ed Sulzmann, is the best! If you're a Platinum, he'll do all he can to put you into a suite and to make sure that your stay is memorable. </font>

agreed, mr. sulzman is the best, but i think he is the GM for both properties.

also, i would avoid the sheraton. saying the sheraton is a better location than either of two W's is a joke. they are all within about four blocks of one another. you could throw a ball from any one starwood and almost hit either of the other two (almost). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
also, i would avoid the sheraton. saying the sheraton is a better location than either of two W's is a joke. they are all within about four blocks of one another. </font>


Tell me why you would avoid the Sheraton? It's proximity to the W's is precisely why I mentioned it AND asked if Spesh was a SPG Plat.

If Spesh is a Plat, then the W's are probably better as Plats get good treatment/upgrades at the W's. Golds do NOT fare as well as Plats at the W's but have a MUCH better chance of getting an upgrade to a better room at the Sheraton. Hence the mention....

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by geo1005:

Tell me why you would avoid the Sheraton? It's proximity to the W's is precisely why I mentioned it AND asked if Spesh was a SPG Plat.

If Spesh is a Plat, then the W's are probably better as Plats get good treatment/upgrades at the W's. Golds do NOT fare as well as Plats at the W's but have a MUCH better chance of getting an upgrade to a better room at the Sheraton. Hence the mention....

</font>

I would not know... I have never been gold. Was comped Platinum and keep renewing it.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by zakami:
I would not know... I have never been gold. Was comped Platinum and keep renewing it.</font>

Congratulations! Your status is impressive. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thumbsup.gif

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

As a native of the area, I believe the Sheraton has the least desirable location on busy Canal Street. Besides it is tired and somewhat worn looking. I would opt for either W over the Sheraton. If you really want to be in the Quarter, go with the W French Quarter. Otherwise the other W is a good choice. Have you considered the Windsor Court, consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in New Orleans and the US for that matter?


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fly co to see the yanks:
agreed, mr. sulzman is the best, but i think he is the GM for both properties.

also, i would avoid the sheraton. saying the sheraton is a better location than either of two W's is a joke. they are all within about four blocks of one another. you could throw a ball from any one starwood and almost hit either of the other two (almost). http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by aceflyer2:
As a native of the area, I believe the Sheraton has the least desirable location on busy Canal Street. Besides it is tired and somewhat worn looking. I would opt for either W over the Sheraton. If you really want to be in the Quarter, go with the W French Quarter. Otherwise the other W is a good choice. Have you considered the Windsor Court, consistently ranked as one of the best hotels in New Orleans and the US for that matter?


</font>


I am not Plat. and have not considered the Windsor Court, but will take a look. I stayed at the Sheraton a few years ago, it is in a busy area, but still very close to the french Quarter.

My personal preference, as Plat who goes to New Orleans several times a year to meetings is the W on Poydras. I LOVE their suites AND can't remember the last time I did NOT get a suite. As a Gold, I would suggest the Sheraton. When I was a Gold briefly, I was put in a very nice room overlooking the river on a high floor.

the windsor court is amazing but, last i checked, they don't award starpoints. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

i had an awful experience at the sheraton, so that's is the reason for my advice...it's not because of the location.

the sheraton NO has a nice pool and decent gym (as long as everything is in working order). so, it might be a bit cold now, but the pool is handy for the summer season.

I live in New Orleans. Many friends prefer the FQ W instead of the one just outside of it because of the uniqueness of the FQ location. Yes it is smaller in an old building but that is part of what makes the French Quarter and that location very unique. Everything is very close to each other as others have pointed out. If this is your frist time to NOLA, then stay in the Quarter itself. You can stay at more typical Ws and Sheratons anywhere else in the world.

Enjoy!

PS If you like oysters go to ACME, $6 a dozen and super fresh and in season

I've always liked the W on Poydras, especially since it's real easy to stumble back from the casino at 4 am...

My experiences at the W FQ were not very good. I'm gold -- first room had a windown about one foot square; second room had a huge window, but if you opened the blinds, you had the pool right outside; final room had a running toilet and a broken safe. I shifted to the Sheraton after one night and was happy there.

Some of these comments scare me. I just booked 12 room nights [3 of us x 4 nights] in mid-May. My brother and I are taking our 76-year-old father there to enjoy some good music and food. If he ends up in a room with a window one-foot square, I'll choke.

I've also heard stories about the pounding disco music until 2am in the Courtyard. True?

Did I make the wrong choice? Anything I [another lowly Gold] can do to ensure the room is decent?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I stayed at the W at Poydras as a lowly gold in November. Got a nice corner room, slightly bigger than my friend's room. Service was good. And the hotel was a VERY short walk away from FQ.

Dawg, I love W's a lot. However, as a Gold (which I am), and if I was going with my 70-something year old father, I'd book the Sheraton. No it's not hip & cool like the W's but it is in the same area and your chances of getting a real upgrade are far greater at the Sheraton vs. either W. And probably for less $$$ too.

JMHO.

I stayed at the W on Poydras this past weekend. It is close enough to the action for walking. I would find the FQ location to be TOO much in the thick of the stench. As a Platinum staying on award points, I was upgraded to the top floor, but not anything special on the room. Valet Parking is a bit stiff ($28 per day) but worth it.

Softwizard writes: I would find the FQ location to be TOO much in the thick of the stench.

Chartres Street is far from the "stench" that you might find in parts of the French Quarter! It's in a much quieter but equally interesting section of the Vieux Carre. Antique stores, cigar stores, clothing stores, some nice restaurants, and hardly a barf bar in sight!

The W French Quarter is the most un-W W Hotel in the chain. And that's a good thing! IMHO. ;)

You won't get thump-thump bar scene at the W French Quarter like you will at the W Poydras, but you do stand a chance of wonderful courtyard or street view rooms or Suite upgrades like this:

http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/wfrenchquarter.jpg

...right in the center of things that capture the charm and atmosphere of what the French Quarter is all about, that the W Poydras can not even come close to.

The W French Quarter is one of my favorite Starwoods. I also like the newly renovated Sheraton New Orleans and agree that it may offer a better chance of an upgrade and more "traditional" type hotel accommodations for some. See:

http://members.aol.com/premexfiles/sherNOLAsuite.jpg

But I would never characterize the W French Quarter as being anywhere near the the bead tossing, titty bar, puke street of Rue Bourbon!

Unless it's Mardi Gras time, the most noise you're going to get at the W French Quarter is the gentle "clip-clop" of the occasional handsome cab that passes down your street!

Party away in the wildest New Orleans has to offer...and later just a few steps away, relax and refresh in the quite and charm of Chartres Street. I can't imagine what could be better, unless perhaps you want to party 24/7. :)

flyco--actually, Mr. Sulzman is now the manager ONLY of the Poydras W property (i.e. New Orleans), not the French Quarter.

Which is yet another reason why Starwood members (especially Platinums) would be crazy to stay anywhere else. He's the best!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by woolfcross:
flyco--actually, Mr. Sulzman is now the manager ONLY of the Poydras W property (i.e. New Orleans), not the French Quarter.

Which is yet another reason why Starwood members (especially Platinums) would be crazy to stay anywhere else. He's the best!</font>

interesting. last april'ish, he was GM of both. thanks for the update. yes, i concur with this assessment of Mr. Sulzman.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by woolfcross:
Which is yet another reason why Starwood members (especially Platinums) would be crazy to stay anywhere else. He's the best!</font>

Agreed - and not only for the CBD location, which I prefer anyway. Edmund made my stay last year at the W on Poydras one of my best travel experiences in years.

[This message has been edited by Pietro (edited Mar 01, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Anyway, so I go to my room, open the door, looked inside. There was music playing and somebody's stuff was strewn all over the bed. I was given the wrong room!</font>

This is hilarious given that my only experience with this hotel was about two years ago when -- after much delay -- I was given the key to my room and I walked in on a couple having sex.

Maybe this is a policy at the W - FQ -- laissez les bon temps roulez and all that. Really, though, I thought the service was shoddy and staff couldn't be bothered. Still, reasonably nice hotel though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by dthernandez:
This is hilarious given that my only experience with this hotel was about two years ago when -- after much delay -- I was given the key to my room and I walked in on a couple having sex.

Maybe this is a policy at the W - FQ -- laissez les bon temps roulez and all that. Really, though, I thought the service was shoddy and staff couldn't be bothered. Still, reasonably nice hotel though.</font>

Maybe the front desk runs an anonymous matching service for swingers?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by notsosmart:
Maybe the front desk runs an anonymous matching service for swingers?

</font>

I think it's part of their new "voyeur" package http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

That's an interesting hotel, I guess; several amusing sitting areas. I was prepared for the miniscule room, from searching here on FT, but had somehow missed the fact that there wouldn't be a coffeemaker. Room service the first morning took far longer than the "30 minutes or less", but the danish were still warm. After that, it came up faster.

The person in the room next door proved to us that the walls are paper-thin; she had 30 or so of her closest friends over for a chat, Friday night. All night. The last friend left at 4:00 am. They weren't loud or rowdy at all, they talked at a normal pitch, but they could have been in the room with us.

The bathtub faucet dripped all night Friday night. When Engineering went up on Saturday morning to fix it, they obviously figured out that if they switched the "flow valve" over to shower, it wouldn't drip anymore. Unfortunately, when I bent over an turned it on, I got a cold deluge of water all over my head. And we were on our way out for French Quarter Fest. The front desk was very sorry, and Engineering fixed it properly that afternoon.

I was intrigued at lunch; we ordered iced tea and instead of bringing granulated sugar along with the sweeteners, they brought simple syrup. That's ingenious! Sugar never dissolves properly, and the sugar-water was ideal.

The air conditioner seemed to only cool when we were in the room. I know a lot of hotels have put that device in the thermostats, but it isn't fun to come back to an overly warm room. Oh well.

Everybody was very friendly, the curtained doorway was fun. The location was great, and the stay was courtesy of Harrah's. But I still prefer the Wyndham.

But I still prefer the Wyndham.

why?

why?

Maybe I should have said that I prefer the Wyndham Canal Place, there is another one in New Orleans, isn't there? We've never stayed other than over Canal Place.

In my opinion, the a/c works better, there IS a coffee maker, I like the restaurant menu better, and there is better insulation in the walls between the rooms. The location of the W is more convenient to Harrah's, and I liked that.

To each his own - if you like the Wyndham better, then at least you've tried the W. This W is actually one of my favorite SPG properties. Yes, the walls are way too thin...I had the same experience last year with noisy guests who really weren't all that rowdy, but the lousy construction didn't muffle a thing. Otherwise the staff seems great, the GM (Edmund) is tops and the location is very good IMO.

Unfortunately, when I bent over an turned it on, I got a cold deluge of water all over my head.

I had to chuckle when I read this, because it's happened to me many times. Not because of the hotel staff, but because of my roommate leaving it in the shower position.

I tell 'ya though...that blast of unexpected cold water sure wakes you up faster than that cup of coffee! :)

I had to chuckle when I read this, because it's happened to me many times. Not because of the hotel staff, but because of my roommate leaving it in the shower position.



Oh, my husband was holding his sides and tears were running down his face. I'm used to it.

Sorry to hear about some of your frustrations during your stay.
As you mentioned the staff are quite friendly at The W Poydras.
That is because besides having very nice people that work at this property they are managed by one of the finast GMs any W property has probably ever had on board ^

I too was a fan of the Canal Place property formally a Westin now a Wyndham.
Was very sorry to see it go.
But since the Westin management left I found the service to be inferior. :td:
All hotel have bumps in the road wherever you stay from time to time.
Timing/luck has a lot to do with it.
My past stays have been superb at the W Poydras .
Have found the staff ready to do whatever it takes to make you happy.
And they remember you.

I believe you had some room defects that might have been better solved by a room change.

My personal advice give this hotel another chance when in the area.
They are really one of the better Starwood properties .
Have grown fonder of this property each and every stay.
They have a team that cares.
That makes the difference each and every time for this guest. :-:

We found the W just great.............three room UG....on super bawl Sunday!

Was no that ovelmed with the small bar .....room service was fine...and location excellent...we would stay again for sure

Have found the staff ready to do whatever it takes to make you happy.


Yes, indeed. I witnessed the following and thought it's a great story. Anyway, I was on my way out one day, and the (very friendly) bell captain was helping a guest (checking out) with his luggage. Upon learning that the guest was just going over to the Hilton :( , the bell captain told the guest about the minimum taxi charge for hotel-hopping with luggage, and simply volunteered to help the guest push the luggage cart (it was full, too) down the street to the Hilton. I was suitably impressed. I'm not a great story-teller, but I thought it's worth repeating.