PRICE:
Frommer's Highly Recommended

The Hilton is in the neighborhood of the Windsor Court but in a more central location -- right at the riverfront near the New Orleans Convention Center, and the aquarium. It's a self-contained complex of nearly a dozen restaurants, bistros, and bars; two gift shops; two pools; a full and exceptional racquet-and-health club; a huge exhibition space; and no fewer than 38 conference rooms. In addition, Harrah's Casino and the Riverwalk Marketplace are accessible from the hotel's lobby, which contains a nine-story atrium. Rooms are spacious (double bedded rooms are smaller), but a tiny bit dull, though on-going renovations, adding marble tops to some furniture, new white bedding and plasma TVs will help. (Don't worry; the old rooms are still fine.) Parlor rooms have rather awesome Murphy beds complete with Hilton brand mattresses! Lavazza brand Italian coffee is a nice in-room touch. River views (usually with even numbered rooms) are astonishing, though higher is always better. Given all that, this is a good choice for families -- there is much in the way of child-friendly entertainment right in the hotel or within a block or two -- but not terrific for those with mobility issues, given the sheer size of the place. Facilities: 3 restaurants; 3 bars; concierge; airport transportation; business center; room service; laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing service; eligible for membership ($12/day, comped for Hilton club members) in the hotel's Rivercenter Racquet and Health Club.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's New Orleans 2009, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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