BamaVol

I started a tradition 11 years ago by providing my daughter with a honeymoon when she got married. The following year I did the same for her older brother. This year, the youngest is getting hitched and wants to visit New Orleans (post-MG) next March for his honeymoon. I have enough IHG points for a week at any property in town. Should I just book the IC and be done with it? I've stayed at the Indigo in the Garden District and while I think it's fine, it might be a bit far out for them. Other options close in include the HI, HIX, CP & Staybridge. HIX and Staybridge have breakfast (I don't provide the meals, just the airfare and hotel). Any other advantages or disadvantages? He'll choose but I'm willing to offer advice. Anticipated activities are probably the usual drinking, dining and sightseeing. I've advised him not to rent a car so the cost and availability of parking will not be a problem.

VaBeachGirl

I've stayed at the IC many times, HI Chateau Le Moyne several times, an the CP on Canal once or twice. If they are looking for more of a "French Quarter" experience, I'd recommend HI Chateau Le Moyne. It's historic with that French Quarter feel, in a quiet locstion with a beautiful courtyard.
As a Royal Ambassador, I do love the Intercontinental. It's a great hotel just on the other side of Canal, closer to the casino with recently renovated rooms. Not sure if I'd stay there if I wasn't RA, though.
The Crowne Plaza was fine, too but nothing spectacular.

Steph58

My daughter and her boyfriend went last year, probably close in age to your son with similar interests. They stayed at both the Indigo and HI Chateau Le Moyne. They very much preferred the Indigo, using Uber ($7) to get to/from the French Quarter. Even though they were upgraded at HI Chateau Le Moyne, they didn't like the room and the staff was rude. My daughter works in the hotel industry.

danbnash

Have only stayed at the IC but it has been remodeled in the last 5 years and has a good restaurant/bar Trenasse. It's also across the street from the restaurant Luke and both places have a great oyster happy hour. I've walked by Chateau Le Moyne many times over the years and it is in a great location.

Super Mario

I was just in the middle of the same debate. I usually do this, and end up with the IC. I'd say it also depends how many points you have. The IC is only 5,000 more points than the CP, which to me seems worth it. It's 10,000 more than Chateau Le Moyne and Indigo, which are also popular options. That 70,000 point different between the week is up to you. If you have the IHG Premier card, you can book them 8 nights for the price of 6 at any of these properties.

BamaVol

somedudefromFLa

Neither the IC nor the CP left a super impressed feeling to me, don't get me wrong the IC was nice I just wouldn't say great. Now, the indigo is pretty unique as the neighborhood is garden district which is a bit of the tourist track, almost semi residential, yet good restaurant nearby & can take the street car straight down St Charles into tourist zone. So I'd say between that & the IC depending on what looking for ( IC = little luxurious in main area vs Indigo = little of the path to experience more of real Nawolins )

MSPeconomist

sgent

I've stayed in the IC and the HI and live in NOLA:

The IC is perfect for someone who is working downtown, not so good for tourists (generally, its great for Mardi Gras) -- its a long lonely walk from the IC to the french quarter late at night. The IC is a business hotel IMHO, not a resort / vacation hotel. The restaurant is good and Luke accross the street is excellent.

The HI is a perfect location, quiet, and has a nice courtyard / pool. If they think their going to be in the quarter most of the trip, this is the place.

I would probably pick the Hotel Modern over the Indigo -- they are both new, but the Modern is closer to the Quarter and Frenchman -- both would require a cab.

Finally, I would stay at the Crowne Plaza. Nice pool, room service which might be nice on a honeymoon, good restaurant. Also an excellent location.

Super Mario

Anyone have thoughts on the Staybridge?

BamaVol

I wondered the same thing myself, if only for the ability to save a few bucks on meals with free breakfast and a fridge for leftovers.

It doesn't feel like a honeymoon destination, but then BV Jr #1 spent half his honeymoon at a Hilton Garden Inn in Napa and didn't complain.

swag

Between the Staybridge and the IC, the location is pretty much a tossup. For a longer stay, I like the Staybridge for the extra space, the fridge to keep beverages cold, and the microwave to heat up any leftovers. What I like best about the IC are the balcony rooms; enjoying my coffee out there is a great way to start the morning - but these generally aren't available on award stays.

I haven't stayed at the Lemoyne, but I've been to their courtyard/pool area, it's a much more "New Orleans" feel than the others, and a better location if they will be hanging out in the Quarter.

BamaVol

No balcony rooms available online for points during their timeframe. I could call and ask but I think I know the answer.

Super Mario

This thread has me even more confused now. I'm also planning a stay up there. I'll probably count out the IC due to location and apparently the lounge is gone. I believe it's between the Holiday Inn and Crowne Plaza in the French Quarter. The Holiday Inn seems to be a favorite. Is there a reason why? The Crowne Plaza is $450 the night I want to stay. Why is it so much?

Donsyb

We stayed there last year. It's a bit old, but the rooms are large and I like the location in the Warehouse district. There are some really good bars and restaurants nearby, and you're close enough to walk to the FQ but a bit away from the crazy ;-) There is the free breakfast, which is basic but ok, and free drinks and nibbles early evening. I wouldn't want to spend my honeymoon there though!