After reading some of the reviews, I lowered my expectations but was pleasantly surprised by how smooth our stay went. The valet, front desk and housekeeping folks were all courteous. The lobby is tastefully done and appeals to those who love contemporary decor. Our room was your typical beige room with fluffy comforters. I slept so well on that bed I couldn't believe it. Some areas of improvement would be to have plusher towels and install a ventilation fan in the bathroom. The wallpaper was peeling a bit from the excessive trapped humidity. The location of the hotel can't be beat for those who want the action of Bourbon St minus the noise when you're trying to sleep. I would recommend this Renaissance.

Very nice, newly renovated property 1 block from the French Quarter (think quite for sleeping, but not too far to the party spots!). Location is great. The rooms are nicely appointed, and have nice, large windows for plenty of natural light. Front desk staff and restaurant staff (for breakfast) are very friendly. If your rate includes breakfast, do take advantage of it (otherwise, buffet breakfast is USD$15, as of March ’08). Starbucks coffee bar on site (but closes early – 2pm, as of Mar ’08). Try to ask for room XX17 (the largest on the floor). Nice Lather brand toiletries, but housekeeping may or may not re-stock you. As mentioned by a previous post, the staff is generally not quick with delivery requests – we had to call twice, and it took 4 hours to get a bar of soap. If quick service is important to you…be forewarned! Overall, a nice stay.

Although the rooms were spacious and comfortable, the service at this hotel was very disappointing, so I would definitely not stay here again. The reception stuff was often unwilling to pick up the phone and it would require at least several tries to reach anyone there. The information obtained from stuff and managers regarding breakfast and amenities was conflicting and often inaccurate. The buffet breakfast did not change for my entire week's stay there, and at the rate of $15US per person did not even offer simple things such as grapefruit juice. The wait stuff needed to be asked repeatedly in order to bring simple things such as salt and butter. The service at this hotel was definitely the worst service I have ever received from any hotel I have stayed. On the plus side, hotel location was good - close to French Quarter, bed was very comfortable and rooms were made up on time and plenty of towels and toiletries were provided on daily basis.

After reading a number of the reviews, I have to say I was a bit worried about staying here on my own. I was, however, pleasantly surprised. I booked the hotel through the organisers of the conference I was attending at a rate of $95 per night. I had requested a double w/ two double beds since I was expecting a friend to join me. In the end she couldn't make it so I asked if the room could be changed to a king on arrival. The front desk was very obliging and made the change instantly despite being very full. They also had a package I had sent prior to arrive to the hotel brought to my room right away.

The room (717) was a good size and clean. I think it was designed for disabled access. It had a closet, desk, good size bathroom with shower/bath. The room was surpisingly quiet even though it was next to the vending area for ice and vending machines.

I ordered room service the first night I was there. The hotel is still not running the full room service menu but did provide a shortened version for use. I ordered from this and 5 minutes later someone from the hotel knocked on the door and told me that the menu had changed slightly and asked me to choose something else. Whilst not ideal, the food followed soon after and was really very good.

Breakfast was not included in my rate, but there is a Starbuck's in the lobby that does coffee and fruit/yogurt which is ideal for breakfast on the run. My room was made up by the time I returned everyday around lunchtime.

The hotel was excellently placed for eating and drinking, just one block from Bourbon Street and the French Quarter. The hotel does have a restaurant as well and a small bar in the lobby. It also has a pool (outdoor) and a gym, but I didn't use either of these.

Overall, I thought the staff were friendly and helped as much as they could. Speaking to other people at the conference, I think this hotel probably fared better than some of the others in New Orleans. I think it is a good choice for business or pleasure given its location and the facilities offered. My only gripe was the information provided by the hotel. They displayed the folder showing the standard information about all Renaissance hotels and their services, even when it is clear that they are not yet offering all that they used to pre-Katrina. It would be useful if they just displayed information specific to Pere Marquette as this would cause a lot less confusion and frustration on the part of guests.