Holiday Inn Downtown Superdome

Thanks to the wide range of amenities and proximity to all of NOLA's main areas, this hotel attracts travelers in town for business, as well as tourists on sightseeing missions. There is a funky and fun vibe throughout, starting with the lobby, which is decorated with bright fuchsia and turquoise chairs, marble floors, interesting light fixtures, and the piece de resistance: an original Andy Warhol painting (which sets the retro tone for the whole hotel). Touchscreen interactive consoles with information on area attractions are also stationed in the lobby, helping guests plan their daily adventures. The lobby bar -- the Mardis Gras Lounge -- is another popular hangout for guests, with lighted walls that change colors like a lava lamp, as well as New Orleans Saints-themed parties on game days. The Streetcar Restaurant just off the lobby has modern decor set off by charming paintings of old street cars.

Smack dab in the middle of the Central Business District, this hotel is a little further away from the French Quarter but still only about a 10 to 15 minute walk to Bourbon Street and other popular attractions. The Mercedes Benz Superdome is also easily walkable (great for fans on game days or for special events), and access to just about any place in town is possible thanks to the streetcar line running right out front. The area immediately surrounding the property is standard downtown fare: a mix of office and government buildings, as well as a few dilapidated abandoned buildings, which are unfortunately a bit of an eyesore. Unlike most downtown hotels, parking is not valet only; however, there is still a pricey fee to self-park.

Continuing with the 60s and 70s theme, the 295 rooms in this hotel are modern, but the aluminum frames on the private balconies and doors reveal their age. The Mod accents -- like wavy carpets, faux leather and wood-paneled furnishings, and in-room Warhol prints -- also capitalize on this hotel's retro origins. Housekeeping seems to be a priority, as guest rooms are spotless. The beds have pillow-top mattresses and quality linens, and suites have pullout couches, as well. Bathrooms in this Holiday Inn are pretty standard, but do have shower/tub combos and hairdryers. Street-side, lower floors can be a little noisy, but the interior hotel noise is very minimal. In-room coffeemakers (some Keurig), mini-fridges, and microwaves add to the overall comfort level for guests.

Travelers in NOLA for more business than pleasure will enjoy this hotel's free Wi-Fi, business center with two computers/printing capabilities, and several meeting rooms. The rooftop pool is a decent size and has city views, a large deck area, and plenty of sun loungers in which to relax. The 24-hour fitness center is on the small side, but does have cardio equipment and pulley-style weight machines. There's a coin-operated laundry. The Streetcar Restaurant just off the lobby is casual and fun, and serves New Orleans-inspired dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.