We stayed in late March, but tried to book on Halloween night. Don't bother trying to book anything in the French Quarter on Halloween night - it's celebrated just as much as Mardi Gras. I eventually gave up on the overworked desk staff and booked online.
At the last minute, we were able to add an extra day to our trip, so called the hotel and they had one room left - but it was considerably more expensive than the one we originally booked. We went ahead and booked the more expensive room for the one night.
My confirmation email arrived as we were already en route to the hotel and stated that the price would be for the expensive room for both nights. One phone call got that fixed.
Parking: It's $30 per night to park, space is very limited (six cars and they better be small cars, too). If you're driving an Escalade or a Tahoe, don't bother. We had a little trouble getting our Kia Rio into and out of the lot.
The hotel itself is pretty cool. It's also pretty old. So yes, you get the old-school charm and decor, but you also get the prehistoric plumbing. No water pressure and extreme variables in water temperature. You want state-of-the-art plumbing? Go to the Marriott.
We were right on Decatur Street, which by itself had a great little blues club. We were within easy walking distance of Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street (which is way better), and the Mississippi River Bank.
Our "expensive" room claimed to sleep four. Uh, no. That futon would never sleep two grown adults - maybe two small kids. A third adult would honestly be more comfortable spooning with the other two adults in the queen bed.
I can't tell how gorgeous this place is - look at the pics. It looks exactly like that. It's really incredible. The pool was warm, the hot tub was the same temperature. I believe the staff was working on that during our stay (they did mention the hot tub wasn't very hot).
The best were incredibly luxurious and comfortable (both rooms). The pillows were plentiful and fluffy - heavenly. We were provided upscale soap, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. We also had the biggest, fluffiest towels I've ever seen in a hotel. We had no trouble sleeping at all. Sure, it's the French Quarter and there is outside noise. But stay at the Marriott when the youth soccer league is there and tell me about the noise level! You can't sound-proof a hotel. I'd rather hear the ambient sounds of the late-night partiers and the blues emanating from the local clubs any day.
Anyway, we were very satisfied with our stay there and would stay again.
On a side note, there is no elevator and to get anywhere involves stairs - it is not handicapped accessible at all.
