Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection

No complaints from me. The room was clean, everything worked, and staff were nice and accommodating. They brought extra body wash, conditioner, shampoo, soap, towels, and bedding when I asked. I could unplug the HDMI cable from the Cox cable box receiver and connect my laptop to the HDTV. There was a coffee maker, microwave, and paper cups too. Jacob, the manager, and Byron were easy to chat with. The whole team was nice, especially room service, though I didn’t learn everyone’s name. I saw another review saying the mattress was hard as bricks, but for me it was actually a little too soft.

The room was a little disappointing, but the hotel was OK overall. It’s easy to walk to the main spots, including the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, and the riverfront. My room was ready at 4 even though check-in is at 5, and checkout is at noon. Rooms are smaller than average, and the carpet looks worn and unclean. The washroom was clean, though there was hardly any counter space. Things feel outdated and in need of renovation, perhaps why it costs less than nearby hotels. Noise was average, and the air conditioning and everything else worked. The lobby is comfortable, clean, and inviting, and there’s a nice, reasonably priced café next to it.

Room 310 looked out on St. Charles avenue and the passing Street Cars. It was a nice, clean room, and we ate twice at the connected "Cafe on the Square" during our one-night stay. The food was really good, service was good, and it was about $10-20 a person. The café’s bright, sunny windows overlook St.Charles Ave and Lafayette Square, so it’s a fun spot for watching people and street cars. There’s no free breakfast included, but the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Taylor made it easy to get a last-minute room, and the valet service was good. Parking with the valet costs $50.00 Dollars extra. A parking lot or garage costs more, and you have to walk to and from the hotel. This was quite a surprise for a Best Western Priemer hotel. It’s a little noisy here in the daytime from traffic, street cars, and occasional sirens, but the room was very quiet at night.

The overnight woman at the front desk was amazing. She made us feel welcome and knew the answers to my questions about valet parking and where to find good parade spots. The location worked well: the main parades passed right by, and Canal St and the French Quarter were a 10-20 minute walk away. Our room was clean, and housekeeping cleaned it during our three-night stay. I’d highly recommend the hotel and would stay again.