Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District

"First impressions?The Cambria's exterior blends in perfectly with the surrounding warehouse district, which is marked with red brick and tall windows. The modernity continues inside the gleaming lobby, which has polished tile floors, neon signs, and contemporary armchairs. Is this part of a chain, or is it a one-off hotel?Part of the Choice Hotels family, the hotel is a member of a generation of boutique-like accommodations that have sprouted around the Central Business District in the past decade. How are the rooms?Our Deluxe King was evocative and moody in all the best ways, with hardwood floors and Goth-ish patterned wallpaper. Furniture is stylish, with colorful motifs on the back of the chairs, a leather-topped bench, and elegant lampshades over the nightstands. Fast Wi-Fi and the ability to stream from your device to the TV are also excellent features. How about the food?At the modern bistro, set around the lobby bar, the kitchen delivers takes on local classics, including bacon-wrapped andouille sausage, red beans and rice, and shrimp po'boys. The breakfast (not included in the room rate) is simple but adequate, with everything from fried chicken biscuits to eggs. And the service?The reception staff oozed enthusiasm and were quick with recommendations for nightlife. Check-in was a breeze—there’s a feeling of bright, easygoing efficiency to the whole place. Who's here?It’s a mixed bag: traveling business people taking a break from the usual chains, plus young couples looking for a handy downtown spot. Everyone looks confidently stylish, rather than cutting-edge trendy. What about the neighborhood?The delights of downtown are on the doorstep, with the newly revived CBD and French Quarter all within easy walking distance. Bottom line.This isn't the most high-profile hotel in the city; rather, it feels like a great secret—and one of the city's better-value boutique properties." - Paul Oswell