Bienville House Hotel

This was a very odd hotel. I booked it through the preferred hotels website. I'd previously stayed at the Virgin in New Orleans and had also found it through Preferred Hotels. And the Virgin was really lovely and I got a great price, so I thought Bienville House would also be nice. I did my research and saw many good reviews. I did know the hotel was old but I don't think I really understood what that meant. The strange thing is that the rooms themselves are nice. Bathrooms are renovated. The rooms felt clean if dated. But the hotel itself is just in very bad shape. I know it's old, but the elevator is filthy. The hallways have stains. The lock on the first room I was put in didn't work and I only noticed by accident that anyone could have just walked into my room. The room I was moved to was better because it was quieter. But also little things are odd like that the doors to the rooms have small openings at the tops and bottoms. This lets in noise (I put a towel at the bottom of the door) but more than that it feels odd--like anyone could just hear you in your room walking by.When the elevator had a big line I asked where the stairs were and was directed three times to "take a right and then a left and through the double doors." I was confused because the hotel is connected to a restaurant. And the kitchen was a typical well worn restaurant kitchen so apparently the only way to take the stairs was walk into a grubby kitchen? The temperature was also hard to adjust. I was either too hot or too cold all night, and the water pressure was weak. I felt bad for the agent at the front desk because she was obviously very tired. But I was just kind of grossed out by the hotel. They said I might have to pay a 75 dollar fee for leaving early but waived it. On the plus side, the location is very good although a little noisy. Not as noisy as I thought it might be. And the rooms themselves were clean with updated bathrooms. I decided to move to a Hampton inn, and I'm much happier here. I definitely would not stay at the bienville house again. Maybe if you love really old hotels and don't mind that they are grubby you would like it? I don't mind old, but I still want renovated and nice inside. (I did not see the pool or courtyard so I can't comment on that.)

Lots of big pluses, but nothing that would make Bienville House better than a 3-star hotel. Downside: Rooms are weathered, halls are seriously dated, and lobby area needs refreshed. Upside: Staff is excellent and bathrooms are fancy.

Had a lovely stay at the Bienville House Hotel. Like others have said, the personal touch from staff was what made it really special. Beautiful rooms but the bed was squeaky and I prefer both mattress and pillows much firmer. Like others have also said, it was also noisy- thin walls I think. I heard every step and door of our neighbors above and next door- and I'm not a light sleeper. Bring ear plugs and you'll be fine. Location was perfect, very walkable to anywhere in the quarter but without much of the noise and chaos. Hotel courtyard with pool was beautiful. Would definitely stay here again.

I really liked this hotel. The room was comfortable and clean. The staff was wonderful and answered any questions I had. If I had to pick something I didn't like, it would be the elevator, but it's an old building, so I let that slide. This hotel was well kept and in a great area. I didn't eat at the restaurant or the bar. I was able to walk or catch a street car nearby. I would stay here again.

And we were back to visit this gracious southern lady of a hotel. The friendly staff greeted us upon our return from each adventure in the Crescent City. Beds are comfy, and the bathroom spacious. As you can see, I backed down the stars to 4. The reason for this is the ceiling and fixtures need a serious dusting. Someone with allergies would struggle here.

I was in a wedding and we stayed here for about 5 days because it was suggested by the Bride & Groom. Most of the hotel was filled with my friend's guests and family and we basically took all the rooms. When we first checked in and tried to freshen up from our long trip the water in the showers had absolutely no water pressure. The handheld faucet would literally trickle and if head was upside down would not even come through. Trying to wash out extremes amount of hair spray and make up after the wedding took about an hour because there was no pressure not to mention the water heat ran out very quickly. Oh and the showers had no doors so besides barely being warm from the lack of water - the cold air from the lack of coverage did not help. Ok if that was the only issue I probably wouldn't be writing a review at all. There's more..the hotel bar/ restaurant staff were completely rude to us every time we came in. The first occurrence happened on day 1 when me, my husband and two friends came down to sit at the bar which had about 8-10 seats, 6 of which were completely open so we sat down and the bar tender very rudely said you guys cannot sit here together. We looked very confused and they said parties of 4 need to sit elsewhere. We asked if the two men could sit together and us girls could sit together separately if need be, 2 parties of two and he said no. Okayyyy so we checked in for a seat at a table (mind you we just wanted a quick drink not food) and when we asked the host she said there were no tables available when again, the restaurant was pretty slow. Now I can understand that if they are short staffed especially because my husband has been in the industry for years so we decided to just leave, we felt unwelcomed as it was BUT THE CHERRY on top that day was as we were walking out to leave the bar tender who had told us we couldn't sit at the bar yelled at us in a very high pitched mocking way "BYYYYYEEEEEEEEEE" (and I know you know exactly what I mean). Please keep in mind we were all sober, just flown in from a long flight and were completely understand and friendly and polite the entire time to the staff. NEXT...! On the day of the wedding-the elevator broke with two people in the bridal party in it. They were able to get them out quickly and safely but the elevator was practically down the entire stay we were there. Ok, stuff happens and I wouldn't have even mentioned but it was brought to my attention hotel manager told THE BRIDE that rented out this whole hotel practically (which the rooms were NOT CHEAP) that her big amount of guests and the over use at the hotel broke the elevator. WHAT?! I'm sorry, no. These are just big things that I feel need to be addressed I'm not even going into detail the fact that the hotel has NO WATER not even a working vending machine which is advertising water. There was a small ice water station in the lobby but don't over use that either or the front desk women will tell you you're taking too much. Last but definitely not only thing is my husband's pillow supplied on the bed was absolutely disgusting. It looked as if someone had barfed all over it and they never threw it away. Like you can't check and throw out pillows that are visibly stained?! I really hope you can understand-especially if you look at my previous reviews that I typically do not write bad ones as I think people are very fast to complain rather than appreciate or compliment but this could not go unsaid. Bienville- do better and customer reading- you could do much better !

Hotel is very clean. Lobby is small but cute with areas to sit in. Staff was very nice. The back courtyard is very nice, we sat there each morning with coffee. Didn't use the pool, though there was a family using it. There's a ?bar/restaurant attached to the hotel though we never tried it.A few issues...- Room did not have any windows. This was not made clear to us when we booked the room. I honestly don't think people would mind not having a window (especially if they're paying a lower rate), however I would have chosen a different room or possibly hotel knowing there was no window since I like to spend time relaxing at the hotel.- online noted complimentary breakfast which wasn't the case. They did have coffee.

The pictures on the web site are deceiving. Hotel pool is closed/chained off. Elevator broke down while we were there and we had to take inconveniently placed service elevator. Elevator (when working) was dirty. Room very tired. Carpet torn up. Outdoor furniture had cushions removed. Steamboat ship whistle and train noise very close. Looks like old world charm, just old.

Room was unlocked when we returned to room! Worst front desk customer service rude every time we spoke with them, didn't care our room was left open and unlocked!! Don't feel safe in hotel and rude, hotel is in poor condition as well in need of repair. Doors misalign, elevator old, smoking on balcony, by pools and garage. Worst I Prefer hotel stayed at with staff that don't care at all.

Absolutely everything about this hotel was wonderful, from the first phone call I made to inquire about some things up until we checked out. ALL of the staff were so sweet, caring, and made you feel like family. We got to early check our luggage and park our car, so we could go run around and do stuff, not worrying about if our stuff in our luggage was getting hot or anything. We didn't have to move our car the whole time we were there. Check in was fast, room we had (King) was very clean and spacious. it's convenient to everything such as the Aquarium, Jax Brewery, Jackson Square, Bourbon street, Cafe DuMond, French Market......you can catch the trolley, walk, grab a ride from the bike dudes (idk what they are called but they are on a 3 wheeled bike with 2 seats in the back for passengers) to get wherever you wanna go. I definitely recommend this hotel.