New Orleans

CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT 63
Hilton New Orleans Riverside Hotel Kids The Hilton is a
self-contained complex of nearly a dozen restaurants, bistros, and
bars; two gift shops; two pools; a full and exceptional racquet-andhealth
club; a huge exhibition space; and no fewer than 38 conference
rooms. In addition, Harrah’s Casino and the Riverwalk
Marketplace are accessible from the hotel’s lobby, which contains a
nine-story atrium. Rooms are spacious (double-bedded rooms are
smaller), but a tiny bit dull, though ongoing renovations, adding
marble tops to some furniture, new white bedding, and plasma TVs
will help. (Don’t worry; the old rooms are still fine.) Parlor rooms
have rather awesome Murphy beds complete with Hilton-brand
mattresses! River views (usually with even-numbered rooms) are
astonishing, though higher floors are always better. Given all that,
this is a good choice for families, but not terrific for those with
mobility issues, given the sheer size of the place.
2 Poydras St., New Orleans, LA 70140. & 800/445-8667 or 504/561-0500. Fax
504/568-1721. www.neworleans.hilton.com. 1,600 units. $200–$450 double; $650–
$2,000 suite. Special packages and some lower seasonal rates available. AE, DC,
DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $31, self-parking $25. Amenities: 3 restaurants; 3 bars;
concierge; airport transportation; business center; room service; laundry; dry cleaning
and pressing service; eligibility for membership ($12/day, comped for Hilton club
members) in the hotel’s Rivercenter Racquet and Health Club. In room: A/C, TV, Wi-
Fi ($12/day), minibar, coffeemaker, hair dryer, iron, turndown.
Hotel InterContinental The red-granite Hotel InterContinental
rises from the heart of the Central Business District within
walking distance of the French Quarter and the Mississippi River
attractions. It’s a favorite of groups (including rock groups; the
Rolling Stones have stayed here) and conventions. It’s an old-fashioned
business hotel, clearly targeting a certain kind of traveler who
isn’t impressed by the hip minimalists springing up everywhere.
Rooms are done in dark-wood furniture (mattresses are nothing special)
with similarly woodsy strong golds and reds; bathrooms can be
small but dignified. Call it masculine in a slightly frilly way. All the
rooms are decently sized, but the doubles (especially corner doubles)
are somewhat larger, and “deluxe kings” are larger still, with patio
balconies (overlooking office buildings, alas). Some rooms have balconies
that overlook the courtyard, although said courtyard is modern
and industrial in appearance.
444 St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130. & 800/327-0200 or 504/525-5566.
Fax 504/585-4350. www.new-orleans.intercontinental.com. 479 units. $200–$429
double; $500–$2,500 suite. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Valet parking $29. Amenities:
Restaurant; Pete’s Pub serving lunch daily; coffee and sandwich bar; bar; outdoor