Shallon B.
Yelp
TLDR:
The Hilton Hotel Riverside offers a seamless blend of business and leisure, making it an excellent choice for anyone visiting New Orleans. From its prime location and dining options to its offering basic amenities and amazing service, the hotel delivers a rounded experience. While there's opportunity for updates in the rooms and entertainment offerings, the overall stay was enjoyable and hassle-free. If I return to New Orleans, I'd happily stay here again--it's the perfect spot to balance work and play.
The Hilton Hotel Riverside is ideally located along the beautiful Mississippi River and directly connected to the Riverwalk Outlets, making it a prime destination for visitors looking to explore New Orleans. Conveniently situated just 20 minutes from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the hotel combines accessibility with a touch of Southern charm. The thoughtful design pays homage to New Orleans, reflected in the subtle details of the carpets and the artistic paintings in the guest rooms. The high ceilings in the lobby create an inviting, open-concept atmosphere that feels both luxurious and comfortable.
Exceptional Service
From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with excellent service. Beth at the information booth was a standout, offering warm hospitality and plenty of helpful recommendations for shopping and dining in the area. Check-in was smooth, even though my room wasn't immediately ready. The spacious and comfortable lobby provided a perfect spot to relax and catch up on work.
For a faster check-in experience, I highly recommend downloading the Hilton Honors app. The app allows you to check in, use a Digital Key, and connect with staff for pre- and post-stay assistance. There's even a dedicated expedited check-in line for app users--an excellent perk for frequent travelers.
The offer a $10 credit per day, a little confusion around this. It is applied at the end of the stay.
Dining Options & Amenities
The lobby features a well-stocked pantry offering cold sandwiches, healthy snacks, a variety of beverages, and a Starbucks coffee bar. Guests also have access to a communal microwave, which is convenient for quick meals. The hotel offers multiple dining options, including the acclaimed Drago's Seafood & Bar, famous for its charbroiled oysters. The prices are reasonable and comparable to local restaurants, and the convenience of charging meals to your room simplifies the billing process. For those preferring to dine in, a comprehensive room service menu is available.
A highlight of the hotel is the Public Belt, a stylish speakeasy with a relaxed vibe, perfect for winding down after a busy day. With its on-site restaurants, a sports bar, and even a FedEx office, the Hilton Riverside is designed to cater to both business and leisure travelers.
Rooms with a View
I stayed in a riverview room, which was both comfortable and well-equipped. Ample coutlets for charging your electronics near the bed. The room included a coffee maker, mini-bar, blackout curtains, a small desk area, and an in-room safe. The bed was firm, with clean bedding, and the overall space was well-maintained. However, the towels were a bit thin, and I wasn't a fan of the shower curtain--modern upgrades like glass showers would elevate the bathroom experience. Fixed bath amenities (shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel) were provided, along with a bar of soap and a shower cap. A hairdryer was also available. One improvement I'd suggest is upgrading the in-room entertainment to allow streaming capabilities, which has become a standard expectation for modern travelers.
Facilities
The hotel boasts impressive amenities, including a Health Club, indoor pickleball court, and an on-site hair salon. Its location, directly connected to the Riverside Outlets Mall, makes it perfect for shopping enthusiasts. Additionally, the hotel is well-suited for hosting large events, with expansive meeting spaces and banquet facilities. Lovely ballrooms for hosting.
Parking Options
Both valet and self-parking are available, priced at $49 and $44 per day, respectively. While on the pricier side, the convenience of parking so close to downtown New Orleans is hard to beat. Depending on your needs, consider using the local trolly that stops outside the hotel to get around.