Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Premier Collection

Blake Hotel New Orleans is part of the BW Premier Collection, and it feels like exactly that -- what guests might picture when they imagine a really nice Best Western. Renovations have given the hotel more of a boutique feel, but the uniformity of the hallways and rooms still feels distinctly chain-like (though a nice chain). A vibrant red color scheme runs throughout the property, and is particularly effective in the lobby, which is full of comfortable lounge areas where guests linger throughout the day before or after venturing out to explore the city.Given its prime location in the Central Business District, within walking distance of several office buildings and the courts, the hotel sees a good number of business guests mingling in with tourists who enjoy the hotel’s closeness to the French Quarter. Located on busy St. Charles Avenue, the city’s main parade route, the Blake Hotel is a particularly popular choice at Mardi Gras time. For guests who simply want clean and reliable rooms in a good location, the Blake Hotel New Orleans is a solid choice.

Overlooking Lafayette Square in the Central Business District, Blake Hotel New Orleans offers easy access to the rest of the city. Bourbon Street, the lively main drag of the French Quarter, is a seven-minute walk away. Harrah’s Casino New Orleans and The National WWII Museum can each be reached on foot in 11 minutes, and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a 14-minute walk away. New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is an eight-minute drive away. The St. Charles streetcar line passes directly in front of the hotel, and guests can use it to reach the Garden District in about 20 minutes. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is 35 minutes away by car. 

Scattered red decor accents add welcome pops of color to the otherwise neutral rooms at the Blake Hotel New Orleans. While the rooms are clean and pleasant, some guests might find that they lack a sense of local charm. Standard Rooms come with layouts that feature one king-size bed, one queen-size bed, or two queen-size beds. Air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers come standard. Closets are outfitted with safes, irons, and ironing boards. Bathrooms with small marble countertops and shower/tub combos come with hairdryers and Oliva Farmacia toiletries. Upgrading to Deluxe Rooms adds views of the city and Lafayette Square. The hotel’s top-of-the-line options are its suites, which feature a single king-size bed, as well as comfortable living areas with sofas, armchairs, and small dining tables. Accessible rooms are also available.

Blake Hotel New Orleans offers a handful of nice amenities that guests might expect from a smaller property. Overlooking Lafayette Square, the aptly named Cafe on the Square serves casual local fare for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. It also features a full-service bar and room service is available. For guests on the go, there’s a small convenience store near the reception desk that sells drinks and snacks around the clock. Chilled, fruit-infused water is available at all times in the lobby at no cost.A small modern fitness center with great views of the city is equipped with Spirit Fitness cardio machines, a Pro Maxima exercise station, and free weights. The hotel offers 1,275 square feet of meeting space for business guests, and visitors can use the small business center that’s located in the lobby lounge, which also features several comfortable couch areas and flat-screen TVs. Wi-Fi is available for free in all common areas. The hotel also has an ATM and offers free luggage storage. There’s no on-site parking at the hotel. The closest parking is in a public garage a few blocks away, and it's on the pricey side.