I recently stayed here at the "priceline rate" of $85/nt. My detailed review is posted below. In sum, although the staff is great and the rooms are nice, I would NOT recommend this hotel unless you are a heavy sleeper due to the train noise (whistles, rails, etc.) from the freight trains that run by every night at 1-2am.

Thanks to prior posters, I bypassed the long line at the registration desk and instead checked-in at 27th Fl. executive lounge. I had previously called the hotel to request a king bed, but they apparently ignored the request and pre-assigned a room with 2 double beds. From what I could see in the reservation "notes" they will not reserve specific room types for priceline customers, whether you are HH elite or not (I am Gold). However, the clerk had no problem finding another room with K bed at end of all on 20th floor (non-HHonors floor). ^

The room itself was rather small for a 4* but the river view was great and the bathrooms have a big counter with the usual hilton products. No robes. The in-room refrig was pre-stocked but not auto-charge so you can replace the cans if you open something or simply fill it with your own items. Good selection of cableTV channels, though you should ignore the pathetic "lodgenet" internet access which rarely works.

The fitness center gets an A+ and is free to hhonors elites. The exec lounge has a decent continental breakfast that is also free to HHonors elites; don't bother with the happy hour unless you want cookies, cheese, soft drinks or fairly disgusting fried hors d'ouvres. Parking is ridiculously priced and not recommended as you won't need a car unless you are leaving the city.

The hotel location is good if you want to be near the convention center or Harrah's casino. We didn't, so I would have preferred to be at the Intercontinental, Marriott, Sheraton, Fairmont or one of the many other nicer 4 star properties that are closer to the heart of the french quarter, i.e. Bourbon and Royal streets. Not to mention the loud trains previously referenced. That being said, we enjoyed the riverfront walk to the french qtr - it just takes an extra 10 min.

In sum, I think the staff was great, and I certainly can't complain about the value for price paid. But I doubt I'll be staying here again, esp. when the more convenient HGI has received such stellar reviews.