Originally Posted by
kyushuman
As a newly minted Marriott Gold (Thanks to UA Gold that I had), I have zero experience with Marriott.
So, Marriott gurus, please weigh in on my choices for New Orleans for Labor Day weekend.
I'm interested in the following, in order:
1) I'm price-conscious (a teacher!) but open to the $34 more per night at the JW if it's notably better than the cheaper ones.
2) Free breakfast, even better if it's good quality
3) Free internet (are both breakfast and internet free for Marriott Gold?)
4) Lounge access/ free drinks
5) Room Upgrades
6) Location-- I have stayed at and loved the Hampton Inn DT/Convention Center, which is actually more distant than any Marriott property. Didn't love the long walk, but it was worth it for a $79/night room, with upgrades to a 1BR suite in a gorgeous renovated building.
Here are my options:
Residence Inn Downtown $127
Marriott Downtown/Conv. Center $127
Spring Hill Suites Downtown $132
Marriott New Orleans $151
CY on St. Charles $161
JW Marriott $161
Thanks in advance for any advice you have!
Definitely avoid the CY St Charles. No breakfast there. On top of that, their lowest cost rooms are the "smaller rooms" which live up to the name, one queen bed and not much else, with the only window opening up to an interior hallway. As a Gold, you may get upgraded out of it, but no guarantees.
The full service hotels have lounges, but according to
this thread, the one out by the convention center may be the only one open on weekends.
As far as room upgrades, the JW is your best bet. I think fully 1/3 of the rooms there are oversized corner rooms. I've never not gotten one as a Gold or Plat.