Open since late March, the new Homewood Suites New Orleans French Quarter by Hilton on the edge of the French Quarter aims to be your home away from home. Though it’s a great spot for just a night or two, the hotel caters especially to those who are looking to stick around a little longer. With all the comforts of home, rooms are decked out with such conveniences as huge closets, fully equipped kitchens with a full-size refrigerator/freezer (none of that mini-fridge nonsense), stove, microwave, dining table, and plates and glasses and a dishwasher with which to wash them! (Will wonders never cease?) Construction took 13 months, as they built a whole new building from the ground up on historic Rampart Street, including a second-level courtyard with a gym, pool, a guest laundry room with entirely free washers and dryers, and even a putting green. General Manager Tony Welch says that the hotel also tries to make you feel at home with their daily “social hour” held in the lobby “lodge,” where you can meet your new neighbors from one of the 207 guest rooms on the block, socialize, and enjoy free refreshments. Maybe ask them to borrow a cup of sugar or some dishwasher detergent.
Homewood Suites hosted their grand opening celebration Thursday night where guests were treated to hors d’oeuvres, desserts, beer and wine, a photo booth, and goodie bags to take home with them. (Their other homes.)
Before you write this place off as just another hotel in a city saturated with hotels, check it out, or send your out-of-town visitors in that direction. It’s nice, homey, great photos on the walls, and … where else can you get a dishwasher in a hotel room?
The Homewood Suites by Hilton is located at 317 N. Rampart St. between Bienville and Conti Streets. 504-930-4494, neworleansfrenchquarter.homewoodsuitesbyhilton.com.
