A Bargain in the Big Easy: The Saint Louis Hotel in New Orleans

If you are planning a trip to New Orleans and are looking for comfortable, clean and inexpensive accommodations, the Saint Louis Hotel just might be the place for you!

Situated in the French quarter, just ½ a block from Bourbon Street and a short walk from area attractions like Jackson Square and the antique shops of Royal Street, the Saint Louis hotel is a penny pincher's gem in the heart of the Big Easy.

I booked my room directly on the hotel's web site for $59 dollars per night before taxes. For such a low price, I expected to find a place on par with a motel 6 or super 8, but was pleasantly surprised to find a clean, classy looking hotel.

The first thing I noticed as I walked through the doors was the large center courtyard around which all of the guest rooms were situated. In this courtyard, visitors to the hotel sat with friends at white tablecloth-covered tables, sipping drinks and enjoying the balmy evening air. I couldn't wait to see my room!-but first, there was the small matter of parking my car.

I was a little worried about parking my car in the French Quarter. I expected that it would be very expensive and possibly unsafe. I was relieved to learn that the Saint Louis Hotel offers indoor garage parking and for only $15 per night. I parked my car and was able to walk directly from the garage to the hotel and in a matter of minutes, I was in at the door to my room, excited to see where I would be enjoying some sleep after my night on the town.

My guest room was spacious and clean, but had a slightly humid feel. I searched for a thermostat, but soon discovered that hotel guests do not have the ability to change the temperature in the room. Luckily, I was visiting in April, so it wasn't too hot, but I am not sure how the room would be during the punishing heat of a Louisiana summer.

My queen-sized bed was soft and comfortable, but was sparsely decorated with blankets. Only a thin cotton sheet and velour blanket lay beneath the bed spread, but I suppose not much is needed in the way of bed covers when you're in the warmth of the south.

I unpacked my belongings, and was thankful that there was plenty of space for my in the antique dresser and walk-in-closet. Even my toiletries were able to find a home in the vast, under-the-sink storage area.

My guestroom lavatory was a little bit shocking.-but only because I am from Chicago and I am not used to seeing or using a bidet. Luckily, a regular, American toilet took up residence along side the bidet, so I didn't have to step quite so far out of my comfort zone and risk injuring myself somehow with the ultra-European potty fountain.

After a nice, warm shower and a power nap I was ready to make my way out to Bourbon Street for a cold drink and legendary jazz. Thanks to the great deal I got at the Saint Louis hotel, I had some extra cash to spend where it mattered to me most-on the exciting nightlife that is New Orleans.