Best Western Plus French Quarter Landmark Hotel

The area immediately surrounding the BEST WESTERN PLUS French Quarter Landmark Hotel is filled with typical French Quarter buildings that look run down yet historic and charming. Across the street is a large city park where community events often occur. The hotel is also in the midst of the gay and lesbian district, with pride flags flying up and down Rampart Street directly in front of the hotel. With a red-brick exterior and arched awning entrance, the hotel has a slight colonial feel and shows more character than the typical mid-range chain hotel. Inside, the hotel's decor blends the kind of dated decor you'd find in a hotel from the 70s or 80s, with leather, wood, and brick. For the most part, the building's architecture, old world-style furniture selection, shuttered windows, and verdant courtyard garden (complete with a tiered water fountain) are right on par with the area's feel, but its yellow walls, tiled floors, and industrial hotel carpets dampen the charming historic vibe. The scene here varies; during Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and Southern Decadence, the hotel can be a haven for drunken guests celebrating long into the night, but it's otherwise rather quiet.

Conveniently located just a couple of small blocks from the French Quarter's famed Bourbon Street, the Best Western is within walking distance of numerous restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and shops. It's in the heart of the gay district, near plenty LGBT-friendly bars and businesses. It's less than 15-minutes on foot to the French Market, Riverwalk, and the trolleys of Canal Street. Because of its proximity to numerous points of interest, food and dining options, and public transport, the Best Western is ideally located for those only relying on their feet to get around. Expect to pay for covered parking without in and out privileges.

Finding a quiet room in this 102-room hotel can be a challenge; it's off of a main road, close to the action along Bourbon Street, and depending on the timing of your visit, it could be filled with spirited festival goers. Light sleepers should generally avoid rooms facing the main road as well as those near the elevators. Rooms overlooking the courtyard have some of the best views but can also be among the hotel's noisiest, depending on fellow guests. All rooms are kept clean, with comfortable beds and simple decor. Gold or powder-blue bed skirts add a hint of color to the mostly neutral and brown color palette. Some bathrooms have sliding doors, which adds a touch of architectural interest. Amenities include tea and coffee makers, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms are clean with shower/tub combos, but appear dated. Some suites include whirlpool tubs.

The BEST WESTERN PLUS French Quarter Landmark Hotel is built around a central courtyard that houses a relatively large pool that's open during warmer months. There's a small gym with limited equipment, including a weight machine. Guests can fuel up for their day with eggs, breakfast meats, cereal, pastries, juices, and coffee at the hotel's generous free breakfast buffet, served in a large area with plenty of seating. While there is no restaurant on-site, the hotel bar, Jazz Alley, is a casual place to have cocktails or just hang out.Don't let the name fool you, live music isn't provided. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel, and there's a small business center with two computers and a free printer.