There are many reasons to choose New Orleans as a vacation destination during spring. The weather is usually great and there are many activities going on throughout the French Quarter and surrounding areas of southern Louisiana. Keep reading for our review of Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot that can help with your New Orleans trip planning.
Weekend Staycation Hotel Review in New Orleans for 2022 Jazz Fest
Last week, we traveled not very far to Jazz Festival for a “staycation” and it was the first time I was able to experience a stay at the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot in New Orleans (501 Tchoupitoulas St).
Usually, when we stay in downtown New Orleans, we are using Hilton or Marriott reward points, but this time I had some IHG reward nights to use and we needed four hotel rooms.
The rates at Hotel Fontenot were great for the weekend nights that we needed, and I was able to use my anniversary reward nights for two of the rooms.
I am a local of New Orleans and expert on NOLA things, but not a points and miles expert by any means (I try). I’ve learned a thing or two from the best blogs on the subject such as, The Points Guy and the BoardingArea website.
Also, if you are staying in New Orleans and need bar recommendations, we have a free self-guided craft cocktail tour that includes The Peacock Room at the Hotel Fontenot (click here to read the cocktail tour article).
Kimpton Hotel Fontenot Review:
Table of contents
The Hotel Fontenot check-in experience
We arrived really early on Saturday (around 9:00 a.m.) because we were heading to the festival and wanted to get settled and leave our bags before heading out to the fest. The front desk agent was very welcoming and efficient.
The only downside is that if we wanted to check in early there was a 75$ fee to be able to do that. We discussed it with the group and decided to pay the fee for one room and put all of the bags in there. We also could’ve left them in the hotel’s luggage storage room, but this option (although expensive) worked best for our group and we could hang out until it was time to head over to the festival.
We were also all offered the famous Kimpton welcome drink (we chose Paradise Park) as well as given a 10.00 discount “raid the mini bar” card for the mini bar in the room with a coupon code to give upon checkout.
The Hotel Location
The location of the Hotel Fontenot is actually perfect for being able to drive in (off of Poydras St.) without the heavy traffic that hotels near Canal St. can get when special events bring many visitors to the city.
It is still walking distance to the French Quarter, Caesars Superdome, Riverfront, and Warehouse District so the location is very convenient. There are many bars and restaurants nearby that are walkable.
Hotel valet parking
We easily pulled up to the space in front of the hotel lobby and the valet parking attendant was there to help unload our bags and safely park the vehicle. Valet Parking is off-site and costs $48.00 per 24 hours with in and out privileges.
The front lobby and décor
The lobby is nicely decorated and there are comfortable seating groupings to hang out or drink coffee in the morning. There is also a guest reception in the evenings that we were not there for. I think it was from 5-7 pm.
When we returned late from the festival there were trays on the tables in the lobby full of wrapped pastries that had a sign saying “free, please take one” which we did because we were starving. They were placed there from the small coffee shop that is off of the lobby (Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats) and were very good.
Sadly, there is no pool at the Hotel Fontenot, but there is a fitness center that we did not get time to check out on this trip.
The Room
The rooms were very large compared to other hotel rooms in New Orleans that I’ve stayed in. We had four rooms, but ours was room 903.
There was the Kimpton mini bar and fridge, two queen beds that were very comfortable, a nice desk and chair, and a two-seater bistro table and chairs.
Bathrobes were also hanging in the closet and an in-room safe for use if needed.
Our window overlooked the city of New Orleans towards the French Quarter and directly across from the famous Mother’s restaurant. (Mother’s is not worth standing in line for….but that is my humble local opinion so if you feel that you must try it, enjoy)
Room service was also available during our stay, but we didn’t have time to try it.
There’s a breakfast ordering card in the room that can be placed on the door before 11:00 p.m. to order in-room breakfast the next morning, but we also forgot to do that and will try it on our next visit.
The Peacock Room
The Hotel Fontenot has a beautiful small plate and cocktail bar called, The Peacock Room, which also has a full-course Jazz Brunch on Sundays.
It is not very large, so reservations are important for busy times. We enjoyed some small plates and really nice cocktails. They were a little pricey, but in line with other craft bars in the area.
The décor is amazing, and I love the deep teal with the white peacock accents set against the black and white pattern on the floors.
The trumpet player performing at Sunday’s Jazz Bruch sounded great and even though they had no tables available that morning, we could sit in the lobby and listen to the music.
Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats
The small coffee shop (Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats) off of the lobby is a perfect place to grab a pastry and coffee in the morning.
There is a dispenser for hotel guests to get a cup of coffee free, but specialty coffees are available for various prices. The pastries were tasty, especially the raspberry Danish.
There is also a small menu of breakfast items that can be ordered. The seating is limited and it was crowded (there’s also a door that opens to Poydras St) so we took our coffees into the lobby seating area to enjoy.
Final thoughts on Kimpton’s Hotel Fontenot New Orleans Review
We really enjoyed our stay at Hotel Fontenot, and I was surprised that I had not experienced it sooner since we stay at hotels in the downtown area of New Orleans often when there’s special events going on.
We will definitely book another stay there and would also choose to stay there during Mardi Gras season because of the excellent location.
We will also return to The Peacock Room again even if not staying at the hotel because it was a great place to have a small bite and cocktail in a nice atmosphere.
Other resources for things to do on a visit to New Orleans
A food and history tour is perfect to get some history of New Orleans and find all of the best food spots.
If a Vampire, Voodoo and ghostly tour sounds interesting this one is the #1 tour.
You can also book this amazing hotel, airfare, and activities with Travelocity
New Orleans is also a great empty nest travel destination! Empty Nest Travel Tips for a new Adventure
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