Allison Reppond

Review of The Roosevelt New Orleans, A W...

I have always wanted to stay at The Roosevelt, so ...

I have always wanted to stay at The Roosevelt, so I decided I would treat myself during a recent visit to New Orleans. As I lay awake listening to the sound of a raucous crowd of people in front of the hotel and right outside my window, I find myself regretting that choice. For the price I paid to stay here, I could have found a better choice where I could actually achieve the main purpose of a hotel: sleep. From about 10:30 p.m. on, I have been kept awake by noise immediately in front of the hotel from a loud band and a pack of screaming guests (who by all appearances attended an event at this hotel), many of whom have blocked the roadway in front of the hotel on several occasions.

After attempting to call the front desk several times with no answer, I finally got dressed and headed downstairs only to be met with rude and unconcerned hotel staff who refused to offer any help whatsoever. The manager who I spoke with went so far as to indicate that I should expect to deal with constant noise outside my room solely because we are in New Orleans and imply I have no understanding of a city I visit frequently. I have stayed in New Orleans countless times, including at hotels right off of Bourbon Street. I have never dealt with noise like this outside my window. I have also never experienced hotel staff so unwilling to offer a solution to a situation that is obviously a problem.

The only option I was offered? That would be waiting and hoping that the crowd at some point dissipates from the hotel entrance or quiets down. It s now 12:45 a.m. and the crowd is still going. I am doubtful I ll be able to sleep much, if at all, tonight, which is unfortunate considering the already long and tiring day I have had.

Is the hotel pretty? Sure. But it is absolutely not worth the price to stay in a place that completely refuses to help its guests. My advice? Come visit the lobby at Christmas. Take nice pictures with the decor. Then go stay somewhere that actually cares about its guests, because The Roosevelt is definitely not that place.