After spending a few days in Louisiana on business, I attempted to fly home from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Unfortunately the weather had other plans and I ended up with an unexpected overnight in the city. With a free night on my hands, I headed downtown and stayed at the Fairfield Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area.
In this post:
- Booking My Stay at the Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown
- Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Location
- Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Lobby and Check-In
- Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Guest Room
- Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Food and Beverage
- Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Amenities
- Summary
Booking My Stay at the Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown
Unlike most of my hotel stays, I ended up booking this stay less than an hour before I arrived. After my flight home was cancelled, I fired up the Marriott app and, at the recommendation of a friend, booked the Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown directly via the app.
The last minute booking was extremely reasonable and a standard room was going for $142 on a Saturday night in the summer. Thanks to my corporate discount code, I managed to get it booked for a few dollars less than the advertised price.
Unfortunately, there weren’t any King Rooms available due to my late booking so I ended up booking a Double Queen Room. As a solo traveler with an early flight, a comfortable bed was all I needed.
Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Location
The Fairfield Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter Area is located on the corner of Baronne and Perdido Streets in the Central Business District. While French Quarter is in the property’s name, it’s located a few blocks south of Canal Street which, I would argue, is a good thing. It’s walking distance from the quarter without actually being in the quarter.
The hotel occupies the entirety of the former Interstate Electric Company building. The property has been restored to its historic 1904 facade so the Fairfield branding may be a bit difficult to spot.
Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Lobby and Check-In
Entering the lobby from Baronne Street you’ll find the check-in desk directly ahead. There was a couple in front of us but they were helped quickly and soon after I had my room keys in hand.
To the right of the check-in desk is a small market stocked with snacks and beverages. There is also a space for a bar here though the property currently uses it as a private event space.
To the left of the check-in desk is the main lobby area. The space is quite large and decorated with a variety of comfortable furniture. The blue upholstery really popped against the tan walls and polished concrete floors.
Elevators are located at the rear of the lobby which lead up to the guest rooms.
Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Guest Room
I was assigned Room 524, a Double Queen Room on the fifth floor. Entering the room, there’s a short hallway which leads to an armoire, counter, and some cabinets. A coffeemaker, ice bucket, and cups were located on the counter.
Under the counter you’ll find a mini-fridge, microwave, and safe.
In the armoire was an ironing board, iron, hangars, and additional bedding. While not the largest storage space, it was more than sufficient for a quick overnight.
Opposite the armoire was the sink for the bathroom. It was on the larger side which provided ample room for toiletries and other items. Some soaps and hand towels were also available.
Inside of the bathroom itself was a walk-in shower with full sliding glass doors. So many new properties are installing half walls on their showers now so I appreciated this. Towels were waiting on a rack above the toilet.
Toiletries were in reusable containers mounted on the shower wall and are Alice + Co. branded.
Given the historic nature of the building, the rooms were on the small side but were well appointed.
The two queen beds had a single nightstand in the middle. The nightstand had a phone, lamp, clock, pen, and notepad. The lamp also had 110v and USB-A power outlets built in.
Across from the bed was a television sitting atop a desk. To the left was a mirror and bench and to the right was a workstation.
While I wasn’t here long, the desk was comfortable and I was able to get a little bit of work done before turning in for the night. There was a lamp on the desk which had power outlets available.
Finally, my fifth floor room had a good view of the central business district which was nice and quiet, unlike the party in the French Quarter a few blocks away.
Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Food and Beverage
As I mentioned earlier, the property has a small market located near the front desk. This is open 24 hours a day and has a variety of snacks, drinks, and other items. In addition, there is space for a bar but one was not operational during my stay.
The hotel does offer complimentary breakfast each morning though, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to try it. Thanks to an early morning flight, I was out the door and on my way to the airport while the staff was setting up.
The breakfast area is located at the rear of the lobby, closest to the elevators. A variety of cereals, pastries, fruit, and hot dishes were on offer along with coffee, tea, water, and juice.
Fairfield Inn New Orleans Downtown Amenities
Given its location, there isn’t much in the way of additional amenities. The property does feature a small fitness center for those who are looking to get in a workout during their stay. There was a couple of treadmills and elliptical machines available along with some free weights.
Summary
Overall, this property was one of the nicer Fairfield Inn & Suites I’ve stayed in in recent years. I visit New Orleans quite often and have stayed at a variety of hotels in the city. For a quick stay, this hotel has a great location and is walking distance from the Caesars Superdome, Bourbon Street, and other locations in the Central Business District and French Quarter.