INTERCONTINENTAL NEW ORLEANS ^{* * * *}

During our visit to ICNO, notwithstanding the Mardi Gras festivities, we encountered several unexpected aspects. Primarily, the perpetual state of disarray in the lobby, characterized by notably soiled carpets, created an unsightly environment. Additionally, the parking situation proved challenging, with accommodation only available post-midnight due to parade-related restrictions. This necessitated a cumbersome process of transporting luggage to the front for check-in, reflecting a lack of proactive assistance (6 large bags and a 4 year old to be carried through the side of the building because we were not allowed to enter through the back).

Furthermore, an unwelcome surprise was the mandatory 20% gratuity imposed during breakfast, irrespective of the self-service nature of the experience. The absence of personalized service, coupled with being charged gratuity for actions performed independently, such as retrieving food and setting one's own table, is a practice increasingly observed nationwide. This raises concerns about fair compensation for employees and prompts reflection on the appropriateness of such expectations from patrons.

Very good hotel to host a conference. They are easily able to accommodate a 300+ person event. However, in my short stay, there were two nights in a row where the alarm went off in the building (10pm one night and 1am the other). Emergencies happen, but the alarm only went off on certain floors and not throughout the entire building. Some floors had to evacuate while other floors didn't hear the alarm and were in their rooms throughout the duration of the alarms. Thankfully they were all false alarms, but it's concerning that not all floors were alarmed or evacuated. The staff didn't seem prepared for the situation. Perhaps retraining is needed. If there was an actual emergency this could have been an issue.

Excellent location, just blocks from the French Quarter. Friendly staff, great breakfast, onsite restaurant and bar also really good. St Charles Street car line passes right in front.

Everything was great. Hallways are long lol

Edit: I almost never leave bad reviews nor do I ramble this long when I do.

Woke up twice by fire alarms that turned out to be false. Whatever system-wide issue the building is having does not excuse the poor communication on behalf of the staff. The poor front desk woman had to wrangle a crowd of 60+ angry patrons with no real knowledge on what was going on or even how to get us back to the rooms (elevators were off and stairwells were locked). No sufficient safety coordination when fire alarm went off twice. Allowed drunk patrons to stay at the lobby bar being served while half-asleep pajama wearing patrons were escorted to walk to the end of the block for “safety”.

The rooms are nice but since the alarms soured my mood and I’m awake at 2am….why have a mini fridge in the room that is a “weight triggered mini bar” with nothing even in it. With the price of these rooms I expected to atleast have a mini fridge for my leftovers. Absolutely a waste and huge lack of oversight.

Overall, I had absolutely no particular bad interaction with any of the staff. Some even had outstanding service skills. I usually try and leave positive reviews for employees like these but the rest of the experience has distracted me from this.