New Orleans is one of the most popular party towns in North America, and it shows. On my last visit I stayed at the Sheraton, a massive four-star complex on the edge of the French Quarter. Inside, the rooms were abused and showed the wear and tear a party town can have on a hotel. I couldn’t imagine what beatings hotels inside the French Quarter take. With that in mind, I searched out a unique property a little further from the French Quarter and found the Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans – the perfect mix of location, entertainment, and comfort.
Location, Location.
The Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans is located in the CBD making it the perfect place to conduct business and pleasure from. More fittingly, for me at least, is the Drury hotel’s location between the French Quarter and the (unofficially named) Arena District. Both are an easy 15-minute walk away. It’s also an entertaining stroll if you are going to Bourbon Street or to the stadiums on a Saints game day with thousands of fans coming from every direction. New Orleans lax open liquor laws makes that short walk that much shorter as you can stop at corner store for a beer to go. Better yet you can enjoy a cocktail to go from the Drury Hotel’s awesome kickback hour. More on that in a bit.
For me, the Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans location couldn’t be better. One night I was exploring the French Quarter and another, catching a basketball game at the Smoothie King Center – Yep that’s its name. We walked everywhere while in town and staying at the Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans was a big reason for that. It’s also within walking distance to the Arts District, and Frenchman Street via the French Quarter, although I cabbed back from the latter.
The Drury Hotel is also conveniently located on the historic St. Charles Street Car line. You can walk out the front door and be on your way to the Garden District to explore heritage homes, wander LOYOLA University grounds, and shop the area’s antique stores in no time.
The Happiest Happy Hour
Another amazing perk of The Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans is the very happy, happy hour. It’s officially called “Kickback®” and it’s actually trademarked…and rightfully so. Between 1730 and 1900 every day guests can enjoy three complimentary drinks along with an assortment of snacks. The latter is more like a full on meal, but this is Amurica after all. This kickback hour is the perfect way to kick off your night in New Orleans. For me this meant Bloody Mary’s and beer before the Pelicans basketball game one night, and Margaritas and Tequila Sunrises before partying in the French Quarter.
Not enough time to kickback? Take that cocktail to go! Have I mentioned how much I love this city?
The Dury Hotel also offers complimentary breakfast which is in line with any typical budget hotels hot breakfast offering. Think waffel station, scrambled eggs, and pastries. The overuse of styrofoam plates and plastic is a bit concerning but the lack of recycling in NOLA seemed to be a common theme.
Spacious Rooms. Historic Building
Like pretty much everything else in New Orleans, the Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans resides in a very cool and very historic building. Unfortunately, the hotel does very little to acknowledge this. Nowhere in the lobby (or that I could see) will you find mention of the building’s original tenant – the Cumberland Telephone Company. Once proclaimed “the most attractive building in the city,” the Cumberland Telephone Building sat vacant in 1997 when it was saved from demolition to become the great hotel it is today.
To me, the history of the building is very interesting and something I would share with my guests. The Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans does have a nice little write up on its website.As for inside the building you will find a posh lounge lobby with a piano, chandeliers, and classical decor furniture. Paintings and artwork depicting New Orleans sites and culture can be found throughout.
Rooms at the jury hotel are surprisingly spacious, quiet, and comfortable. Inside you will find marble bathrooms, a small workspace, flat-panel TVs, microwaves, and a bar fridge.
NOLA Value
Those looking for great value and a party atmosphere without being inside the party should consider this great hotel. With its spacious rooms, included snacks (meals) and cocktail hour, The Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans offers comfort, affordability, and an ideal location to explore NOLA from. This Life in Trips recommended!
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Although I was provided a discounted stay at the Drury Inn & Suites New Orleans,
the experience, opinions, and tough choices on what kickback hour cocktail to enjoy, were my own.
