Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans

Until 2008, D.H. Holmes department store was a landmark in the French Quarter, occupying an entire block on Canal and Bourbon Streets. Today, the historic building has found a new life as the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans, a massive hotel that benefits from its prior identity in the form of features like high ceilings, wide hallways, and large rooms that are hard to come by in modern chain hotels. While the building is historic, the interiors are all modern, with a subdued gray color palate that inspires relaxation.The fact that the hotel has managed to create such a chill vibe is impressive given the fact that the hotel sits directly on pulsing Bourbon Street. The prime location means that guests are usually coming or going most times of the day and evening, with a mix of families and couples lounging in the lobby or at the restaurants and bars, which also draw a sizable crowd of non-hotel patrons. For guests who want more peace and quiet, there are a couple of nice interior courtyards that feel worlds away from the hustle and bustle outside. Even the main entrance, just a block away from Bourbon Street, is like an urban oasis, with its fountain, lush greenery, and brick walkways. For those seeking a modern, laid-back place to stay that’s close to all the action, the Hyatt Centric French Quarter is a great choice.

Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans enjoys a prime location, making it easy for guests to explore the city. For those looking to enjoy the French Quarter’s famous party scene, Bourbon Street is just outside the hotel’s back door, and the rest of the Quarter is easy to explore on foot. The Central Business District, just across busy Canal Street, is a five-minute walk away. Guests can also catch the streetcar in front of the hotel on Canal Street, which will take them to the center of the Garden District in just under a half-hour. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is a seven-minute drive from the hotel. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is about 30 minutes away by car. 

Decorated in muted gray colors, the large rooms at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans are clean and modern. Sleek, spherical mirrors on the walls over the beds make the already airy rooms, with their soaring ceilings, feel even bigger. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers come standard. Even the entry-level Standard Rooms, which offer one king bed or two queen beds, feature living areas with sofas. Closets are outfitted with plush fleece robes, flashlights, irons, ironing boards, and safes. Bathrooms with marble countertops and shower/tub combos offer high-end Drybar hairdryers and BeeKind toiletries by Gilchrist & Soames.Accessible rooms are available, as are PURE Rooms, which feature hypoallergenic mattresses and pillow covers, as well as air purifiers. Upgrading to Deluxe Rooms gives guests access to shared balconies. Suites offer larger living areas and private balconies. Rooms on lower floors facing Bourbon Street tend to be the noisiest, while those on higher floors or facing side streets are quieter.

Hyatt Centric French Quarter New Orleans offers a wide range of high-end, modern amenities. The dining and drinking options are particularly great, with three restaurants and two bars to choose from. Opening directly onto Bourbon Street, there’s the famous Hard Rock Cafe; Red Fish Grill, which serves seafood; and the trendy Batch Bar, specializing in cocktails and homemade bourbon and whiskey infusions served in mini-barrels. Off the lobby, there’s Powdered Sugar, a cute cafe which serves coffee drinks, snacks, and lighter meals with a southern flair.The hotel’s second bar is the Poolside Bar, which sits beside the lovely outdoor pool in one of the hotel’s airy courtyards. A 24-hour fitness center features modern Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. There’s no full-service spa, but in-room spa treatments can be arranged for a fee.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. For corporate guests, the hotel features over 10,000 square feet of meeting space. There’s also a 24-hour business center open to all guests. Valet parking is the only parking option, and it’s on the pricey side. The hotel is dog-friendly (extra fees apply).