1319 Saint Charles Ave, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | (888) 710-7049
Streetcar stop in front of hotel for trips to the French Quarter
Mardi Gras-themed rooms with coffeemakers; some with mini-fridges and microwaves
Suites have the option of a balcony and pullout couch
Pool, hot tub, and attractive covered patio
Free breakfast with hot options
Free access to nearby St. Charles Avenue Athletic Club
Computer station and meeting spaces
Coin-operated laundry room
Pet-friendly hotel with parking
Some rooms and suites aren't as modern as others
Complaints concerning in-room maintenance, cleanliness, and housekeeping services
No full restaurant or on-site gym
Fees for parking
The three-pearl Quality Inn & Suites Maison St.
Charles Hotel is in the Garden District of New Orleans, right on the streetcar line leading to the French Quarter. The 130 rooms offer a blend of modern and dated details, but all include flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemakers.
Suites have pullout couches, and some have balconies with views of the Mardi Gras parades in the spring. The hotel serves a free breakfast, and has an outdoor pool and hot tub. Guests wanting to be closer to the action could try Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter, which has a livelier scene with a poolside tiki bar and only marginally higher rates.
Scene
Charming details and historical accents for couples and families
The historic and elegant charm of New Orleans can be
seen in the decor of Quality Inn & Suites Maison St. Charles. The property comprises a cluster of gray motel-style buildings with white trim and small brick
courtyards filled with plants, fountains, and tables. Outside, wrought-iron fences, lush
gardens, an entrance with a three-tiered fountain, and a Mississippi River
mural on a brick wall give the property a bit more refinement than what many guests may expect from a budget chain. Interiors combine vintage French decor with a modern twist: black-and-white tile floors and striped walls look more contemporary, while
antique velour chairs and couches, glass chandeliers, and patterned floral
carpet lend a historic New Orleans vibe. That being said, some furniture and accents look worn. An outdoor pool and quaint brick breakfast room provide other places for guests -- mostly couples and families -- to hang out, though many spend their day out and about in New Orleans.
Location
In the Garden District, an easy streetcar trip to the French Quarter
Quality Inn & Suites Maison St. Charles is located
in the Garden District of New Orleans, a residential area located west of downtown and the French Quarter. It’s ideal for
guests looking to stay far from the bustle of the Quarter, but still be able to
easily access New Orleans attractions. A streetcar stop in front of the hotel
allows guests to travel to the French Quarter and Bourbon Street in about 20 minutes (the ambitious can walk there in 30 minutes). The National
WWII Museum is an eight-minute walk from the hotel and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk, a shopping center, is a 25-minute walk and is located on the
Mississippi River. Frenchmen Street, home to live music, arts, and flea markets, is a 50-minute trip via streetcar and bus, or 15-minutes away by cab. There's a variety of dining options on surrounding
streets, including some fast food outlets directly opposite the hotel. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is a 20-minute drive
away.
Rooms
Modern Mardi Gras or antique French-style rooms; option of a balcony
The hotel offers 130 rooms and suites, some of which are
more modern than others. The updated rooms have a Mardi Gras theme with purple walls, striped curtains, mid-tone wood furniture, and gold-framed mirrors -- admittedly the look won't be for everyone. Other
rooms -- including the suites we visited -- have vintage French decor. Think: antique wooden furniture, floral carpets, deep-red velour curtains, and glass chandeliers, though some furniture in these rooms is more dated than antique. All rooms include include a flat-screen TV, coffeemaker, and free Wi-Fi. Microwaves and mini-fridges are available in some rooms and in all suites, which also have safes, ironing facilities, and sleeper sofas -- plus the option of a balcony (some of which offer views along one of the Mardi Gras parade routes). Complaints have been made
concerning in-room maintenance and cleanliness issues, as well as problems with
housekeeping services. Bathrooms include shower/tub combos, hairdryers, and toiletries, and like the
rooms, some may show signs of wear or have cleanliness issues. Standard Room bathrooms are sharp, though, and have distinctive black-and-white checkerboard floors plus turquoise accent walls and sleek fixtures.
Features
Outdoor pool, free breakfast, access to a gym, and free Wi-Fi
The hotel has a variety of leisure features such as an
outdoor pool and hot tub located in a lovely central courtyard with lounge chairs,
tables with umbrellas and chairs, and a covered patio. The free breakfast includes a waffle-maker and
hot and cold items such as eggs, biscuits and gravy, pastries, and fruit. The hotel provides free access to the St. Charles Avenue Athletic Club, a fitness center located across the street. A coin-operated laundry room is available for guests to
use. Business travelers can make use of meeting spaces and a computer station with printer. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.
There’s on-site parking that requires a fee, though it’s less than what many
hotels in New Orleans charge.