Hilton New Orleans Riverside {US-LA}
Sep 6, 2003, 11:21 am
#61
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
New Orleans Riverside
I am here now and this is my 5th stay this summer. My husband has been here on and off for about 40 paid nights in the past three months on business.
I have to post how great the whole hotel is, but the executive staff has gone out of the way each and every stay to make my trips special. They know us by name, the attention to every guest in the lounge is amazing and they had champagne and strawberries in the room for me saying "WELCOME BACK HOME" from the executive staff!
The location of this hotel is a real benefit. I walk or take the street car to everything I want. I even took one of those cooking demonstration classes and it was a hoot. I don't have to tell anyone here about the good food in New Orleans, but the food at the hotel is every bit as good as the finer restaurants. Harrah's casino is right at the corner (too close) and the Aquarium is a must.
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
I have to post how great the whole hotel is, but the executive staff has gone out of the way each and every stay to make my trips special. They know us by name, the attention to every guest in the lounge is amazing and they had champagne and strawberries in the room for me saying "WELCOME BACK HOME" from the executive staff!
The location of this hotel is a real benefit. I walk or take the street car to everything I want. I even took one of those cooking demonstration classes and it was a hoot. I don't have to tell anyone here about the good food in New Orleans, but the food at the hotel is every bit as good as the finer restaurants. Harrah's casino is right at the corner (too close) and the Aquarium is a must.
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
Sep 6, 2003, 12:48 pm
#62
Ambassador: World of Hyatt
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: San Diego,CA
Posts: 10,077
Could not agree more for the most part!
Was about to post my own new thread when I came upon yours.
Being you beat me to it I'll join in
Have a great stay.
And please say hello from me to those wonderful folks up in the executive club who made my stay too.
The newly renovated Executive lounge at New Orleans Riverside property(only months old) with Plasma TVs in the wall are amongst Hiltons absolute finast anywhere.
The staff especially at night are simply brilliant and among the best lounge team in the nation.
Is like being in a high rollers club.
Friendly outgoing and kind they make love to their guests.
The hotel is looking fine in the guest rooms too.
Clean and comfortable and also reasonably new condition.
Hotel goes out of its way to upgrade as well.
A Dated under utilized fitness facilty is a sore thumb yet still useable.
Food service could use some serious improvement in the baking dept.
New Orleans is a serious food city and the hotel should really improve some of its quality in that area.
A solid choice for the most part when in the area.
Make sure you buy up to the club floor
or earn elite staus and get upgraded.
Not to be a missed experience watching the sunset on the river high above with cocktail in hand
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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).]
Was about to post my own new thread when I came upon yours.
Being you beat me to it I'll join in
Have a great stay.
And please say hello from me to those wonderful folks up in the executive club who made my stay too.
The newly renovated Executive lounge at New Orleans Riverside property(only months old) with Plasma TVs in the wall are amongst Hiltons absolute finast anywhere.
The staff especially at night are simply brilliant and among the best lounge team in the nation.
Is like being in a high rollers club.
Friendly outgoing and kind they make love to their guests.
The hotel is looking fine in the guest rooms too.
Clean and comfortable and also reasonably new condition.
Hotel goes out of its way to upgrade as well.
A Dated under utilized fitness facilty is a sore thumb yet still useable.
Food service could use some serious improvement in the baking dept.
New Orleans is a serious food city and the hotel should really improve some of its quality in that area.
A solid choice for the most part when in the area.
Make sure you buy up to the club floor
or earn elite staus and get upgraded.
Not to be a missed experience watching the sunset on the river high above with cocktail in hand
------------------
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).]
Sep 6, 2003, 1:26 pm
#63
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Toronto, ON
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium, AA Plat MM
Posts: 3,582
This is a destination we have been considering for some time. What is the recommended method of airport transportation, as I expect renting a car and parking would be expensive given the location?
Also, is the executive lounge open on weekends?
[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 09-06-2003).]
Also, is the executive lounge open on weekends?
[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 09-06-2003).]
Sep 6, 2003, 9:50 pm
#64
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
The lounge is open on the weekends.
Parking is 20.00 per day. We have a rental car due to my husband going to work each day, but you do not need one if you are here as a tourist.
I do not know how much a taxi or shuttle would be. The one time my husband could not pick me up, he had the Hilton send a service for me and it was not something I would do again at the cost of $69.00. A shuttle has to be less.
Parking is 20.00 per day. We have a rental car due to my husband going to work each day, but you do not need one if you are here as a tourist.
I do not know how much a taxi or shuttle would be. The one time my husband could not pick me up, he had the Hilton send a service for me and it was not something I would do again at the cost of $69.00. A shuttle has to be less.
Sep 8, 2003, 10:11 am
#66
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
If you are Diamond or Gold, just go directly to the 29th floor to check in. Do not use the HH check in on the 2nd floor.
No matter what room you get, you will be able to use the lounge as you have status. Your priceline price won't give you points or miles, but you should still be able to use the lounge and the plasma tv's. There is also free ethernet connection if you have a laptop in the lounge. They have cables you can borrow. The rocking chairs in the corner are the best. Tell the staff that Faye Scher said hello. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask them. They will print out information, make reservations, etc and all with a smile.
I left last night and the weather is a bit nicer now. Last week at the zoo my lipstick melted it was sooooooo hot. Broke right off the stick and I had to throw it away.
Have fun!
------------------
Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
No matter what room you get, you will be able to use the lounge as you have status. Your priceline price won't give you points or miles, but you should still be able to use the lounge and the plasma tv's. There is also free ethernet connection if you have a laptop in the lounge. They have cables you can borrow. The rocking chairs in the corner are the best. Tell the staff that Faye Scher said hello. If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to ask them. They will print out information, make reservations, etc and all with a smile.
I left last night and the weather is a bit nicer now. Last week at the zoo my lipstick melted it was sooooooo hot. Broke right off the stick and I had to throw it away.
Have fun!
------------------
Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
Sep 8, 2003, 10:46 am
#67
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: BOS
Programs: JetBlue Mosaic, WN A List Preferred, Hyatt Globalest, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,966
What is the deal with the "horizon floor" rooms which appears to be on the 29th floor? Are rooms on the 29th floor better than say rooms on 27, 28, etc? I saw a specific reference in rates to a "horizon floor." Thank you.
Sep 8, 2003, 8:42 pm
#68
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
Those are the rooms that are about 2400.00 and have remote control blinds to windows that look over the city, 7 jet showers, whirlpool tubs and so on. Those are not available as upgrades, but you can book one
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
Sep 9, 2003, 6:45 am
#69
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: RST
Programs: Delta Diamond; Hilton Diamond; Accor Gold
Posts: 4,839
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fscher:
If you are Diamond or Gold, just go directly to the 29th floor to check in. Do not use the HH check in on the 2nd floor. </font>
If you are Diamond or Gold, just go directly to the 29th floor to check in. Do not use the HH check in on the 2nd floor. </font>
Are there signs to direct you?
Sep 9, 2003, 7:01 am
#70
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
Get off the elevator and you can only go one way. Then go to the right side and you will see the desk on the left when you get to the loung area. You can't miss it! Feel free to email or post with any other questions.
Also, if you want to swim, use the pool on the second floor, not the third. Neither pool is exciting, but this is bigger. Pools are not in the main tower. You must go over the walkway in the hotel, so be sure to bring shorts, cover ups or whatever that would be presentable (unless you happen to have a room on that side, but not likely)
Also, if you want to swim, use the pool on the second floor, not the third. Neither pool is exciting, but this is bigger. Pools are not in the main tower. You must go over the walkway in the hotel, so be sure to bring shorts, cover ups or whatever that would be presentable (unless you happen to have a room on that side, but not likely)
Sep 10, 2003, 6:04 am
#71
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Port Angeles, WA, USA Unwanted by AS, Hilton-Diamond, Starwood Platnum
Posts: 758
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by fscher:
If you are Diamond or Gold, just go directly to the 29th floor to check in. Do not use the HH check in on the 2nd floor.
</font>
If you are Diamond or Gold, just go directly to the 29th floor to check in. Do not use the HH check in on the 2nd floor.
</font>
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"A day without Points/Miles is like a day without SUNSHINE"
Sep 10, 2003, 7:49 am
#72
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
The difference is that it is nicer and will start your trip off on the right foot by meeting and KNOWING the staff of the lounge. They can do everything there include cashing checks, etc.
For 3 people I would go ahead and call the hotel, ask for THE TOWERS and ask for Raul or Denise (but any of them can help you) and have them get the Towne Car service for $69.00 and tell them you want KEVIN to pick you up. He was very nice and he knows the city and can be answering questions you have during the drive to the hotel. He has been in the hospitality business a long time.
[/B][/QUOTE]
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
For 3 people I would go ahead and call the hotel, ask for THE TOWERS and ask for Raul or Denise (but any of them can help you) and have them get the Towne Car service for $69.00 and tell them you want KEVIN to pick you up. He was very nice and he knows the city and can be answering questions you have during the drive to the hotel. He has been in the hospitality business a long time.
[/B][/QUOTE]
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
Sep 11, 2003, 4:10 am
#74
Join Date: Oct 1999
Location: BOS
Programs: JetBlue Mosaic, WN A List Preferred, Hyatt Globalest, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum, IHG Spire
Posts: 3,966
fscher,
Thanks for the information regarding the horizon floor rooms, but never say never when it comes to upgrades...
While Hilton Honors t&c does not provide for suite upgrades, etc., I still think of this as an unofficial differentiation between Gold and Diamond. What other real usable differences are there between Gold and Diamond? If I'm going to give Hilton 28 stays instead of 16, they are going to need to reward me with more perks than a Gold gets. I have shown more loyalty, etc. Even if the enhanced rewards are undocumented, as long as they provide me with service above and beyond Gold most of the time, I'll be happy.
An analogy to this is if you are 1K on United etc., they might be more apt to waive the change fee, double upgrade you at the gate, overbook a flight and bump other passengers off to get you on, re-route you on another airline even if you miss your flight on a nonrefundable ticket due to your own fault, etc. None of these are documented benefits of the 1K program, (the $100 change fee waiver used to be but they officially pulled it) but all these things happen to 1K's or top elites in other programs.
That all being said, has anyone tried to get upgraded to the horizon floor? I'm not saying it is a regular occurrence, but I would be extremely surprised if it *never* happens.
Thanks for the information regarding the horizon floor rooms, but never say never when it comes to upgrades...
While Hilton Honors t&c does not provide for suite upgrades, etc., I still think of this as an unofficial differentiation between Gold and Diamond. What other real usable differences are there between Gold and Diamond? If I'm going to give Hilton 28 stays instead of 16, they are going to need to reward me with more perks than a Gold gets. I have shown more loyalty, etc. Even if the enhanced rewards are undocumented, as long as they provide me with service above and beyond Gold most of the time, I'll be happy.
An analogy to this is if you are 1K on United etc., they might be more apt to waive the change fee, double upgrade you at the gate, overbook a flight and bump other passengers off to get you on, re-route you on another airline even if you miss your flight on a nonrefundable ticket due to your own fault, etc. None of these are documented benefits of the 1K program, (the $100 change fee waiver used to be but they officially pulled it) but all these things happen to 1K's or top elites in other programs.
That all being said, has anyone tried to get upgraded to the horizon floor? I'm not saying it is a regular occurrence, but I would be extremely surprised if it *never* happens.
Sep 11, 2003, 5:52 am
#75
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
I never said the word never! I know you are 100% correct that in most cases that there are always exceptions and situations that get different rules or answers. I always give it a good college try, too.However, after way more than 40 paid nights, almost 50, at this very hotel (plus numerous other hilton stays) and Diamond status, we were not even able to get an upgrade there.
Good Luck!
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Mah Jongg Gifts:
http://www.WhereTheWindsBlow.com
