Hilton HHonors - Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD

From the latest Hilton newsletter:
"Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD
This hotel is under construction. Reservations are currently being accepted for November 30, 2004, and beyond."

location: 821 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Tel: 1-504-310-1011 Fax: 1-504-310-1490

link: http://www.hiltongardeninn.com/en/gi/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=MSYORGI&adId=HITEMS,email,30

This is a great addition. I love HGIs and having one in a good New Orleans location is an excellent thing.

I see that the new Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans French Quarter/CBD is set to open in October, and the location is pretty good, on Gravier St. (which becomes Bourbon St. once you cross over Canal) not too far into the Central Business District. Close enough to trouble, but far enough away to be quiet if you so desire. :)

It also looks to be a reasonable alternative to the Hilton Riverfront, which is much more expensive for the same dates. (Plus free high speed internet!)

My question is how far along does this look? Although the web site says "reservations are currently being accepted for October 04, 2004, and beyond" the system won't allow me to make any reservations until November. I have a trip coming up to NOLA in late October, and think this would be a good alternative to the Hilton and the "I Will Never Stay At This Crappy Hotel Again" Doubletree.

Thanks.

The New Orleans Embassy Suites Convention Center property (approx 3 blocks further away from the DT/Harrah's/Hilton Riverside towards the bridge over the Mississippi River) is a super alternative worth checking out as well.

As HHGold, we were put up in an old restored building called "the Lofts" which was much quieter and easier access/in/out/food-n-beverage than the main building across the street.

The location is 2 blks away from the mid-section/Food Court area of the Riverside mall which is an easy walk/in/out to the Conv Center as well as the mall so as to watch the cruise ships come in/out and get loaded at the docks.

Granted, the walk to Burbon Street is a long one (and hot during the May-Sept months) but I say it is always good exercise. I'd be interested to see/hear reports about the Hilton Garden Inn too as it would be MUCH closer to the French Quarter but not in the heart of the noise/conjestion!

If you go to Harrah's web site, www.harrahs.com, you'll get an opportunity to stay at either the Hilton or Doubletree at deeply discounted rates vs hilton.com Typically I can stay at $59/nite during the week & $79/ nite weekends, depending if there is something big already going on that week, like Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, etc.

Good luck.

Just checked Harrah's.com & found lots o' nights at $79, weekdays & weekends. But no more $59 rooms.

Cheers.

The New Orleans Embassy Suites Convention Center property (approx 3 blocks further away from the DT/Harrah's/Hilton Riverside towards the bridge over the Mississippi River) is a super alternative worth checking out as well.

As HHGold, we were put up in an old restored building called "the Lofts" which was much quieter and easier access/in/out/food-n-beverage than the main building across the street.

The location is 2 blks away from the mid-section/Food Court area of the Riverside mall which is an easy walk/in/out to the Conv Center as well as the mall so as to watch the cruise ships come in/out and get loaded at the docks.

Granted, the walk to Burbon Street is a long one (and hot during the May-Sept months) but I say it is always good exercise. I'd be interested to see/hear reports about the Hilton Garden Inn too as it would be MUCH closer to the French Quarter but not in the heart of the noise/conjestion!

Hi Kevinjet, your observations are very good but I must correct you when you call the shopping center/mall "Riverside"mall, while San Antonio might have the original, ours is also called the RIVERWALK.
Perhaps the good times on Burbun street(SIC) impaired the memory?? ;)
I look forward to my next visit to San Antonio to help equal out the balance of tourist spending. :D

I have seen the signs for it for a long time. Tried to stay there last time and no luck...There is a HUGE parking garage next to it. It is right in the heart of the CBD and away from a lot of noise, etc. There are not many places to eat late at night over there. It is about 2.5 - 3 blocks from the Canal St.

At least ya know the comfortors will be ultra clean.

There are not many places to eat late at night over there.

From Bourbon & Canal, come on down Canal towards the river...there's always Huey's just south of Canal about 6-8 blocks...200 Magazine St...open all day & all night. $3 drnk specials too, & the fried dill pickles are pretty good!

anyone stay here yet? your opinions?

Hi Kevinjet, your observations are very good but I must correct you when you call the shopping center/mall "Riverside"mall, while San Antonio might have the original, ours is also called the RIVERWALK.
Perhaps the good times on Burbun street(SIC) impaired the memory?? ;)
I look forward to my next visit to San Antonio to help equal out the balance of tourist spending. :D

Sorry (late post too)....too many Riverwalk named properties all over the country it seems and 10-4 on the original San Antonio Riverwalk (which is still actually quite nice this time of year with the lights in the trees from the day after Thanksgiving until just after New Years when the river then gets drained for the "Mud Festival & Parade" (and cleaning too of course).