I attended the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for a ...

I attended the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for a conference. Overall, it was accommodating and made for a great central locale. From the hotel, we had access to the French Quarter and were able to explore French Quarter Fest. Unfortunately I cannot speak to the state of the rooms (with a group discount, it was approximately $320 per night, which was out of my budget). However, the common spaces were incredibly clean and inviting. The incredibly large lobby and public areas consisted of printing stations, comfortable chairs, access to outlets, a Starbucks, Drago's Seafood, a small convenience store, and more. However, you may want to avoid purchasing items from these hotel spaces, as the prices of coffee, soda, snacks, and over the counter drugs (e.g., Tylenol I had to buy while there), were nearly 150% of what they cost at the AIRPORT. For example, my soda was $3.50 at the convenience store and an egg sandwich from Starbucks $7.50. From the hotel, you can access the shops on the Riverwalk and the second Cafe Du Monde location (DEFINITELY a benefit in my opinion! And the convenient location doesn't change this Cafe Du Monde location prices!).

Though I was unable to enjoy, there was a rooftop pool that looked like a great escape from downtown. Additionally, the decor of the lobby featured hotel room windows that were designed to look as though they were part of the outdoor design of a French-architecture style home.

The needs of the conference guests ran smoothly thanks to the staff. The spaces were clean and set up/breakdown of food stations was efficient. If I were looking to stay for the Jazz Festival or return for the French Quarter Festival and my finances were different, I would consider the Hilton New Orleans Riverside. It was beautiful, clean, and easy to access many hot spots through walking.