Kimpton Hotel Fontenot

The Kimpton Hotel Fontenot, a Michelin Key Selected property in New Orleans, offers a vibrant and sophisticated experience, consistently receiving high praise from guests. It stands out for its stylish design, exceptional service, and prime location, making it a highly recommended choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking a blend of luxury and local charm.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is overwhelmingly positive, with ratings often ranging from "Very Good" to "Exceptional". Guests frequently describe their stays as "fantastic" and express immense satisfaction, with many stating they "loved EVERYTHING about it!". The hotel is recognized by the Michelin Guide as one of the "Best Hotels in New Orleans" and is celebrated for its sophisticated ambiance, serene guest rooms, and genuine Southern hospitality.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud the hotel for several standout features:

• Service & Staff: The staff receives continuous accolades for being excellent, attentive, professional, and friendly.
• Location: Its central location in the Central Business District, adjacent to the French Quarter, is considered ideal for exploring the city's attractions.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel boasts a stylish aesthetic with a chic, modern design that incorporates subtle French influences tailored to New Orleans. The lobby is particularly noted for its sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere.
• Amenities: Popular amenities include a lovely restaurant and bar with live music, a complimentary wine hour, and morning coffee in the lobby. The hotel is also notably pet-friendly, welcoming furry companions without additional fees or restrictions. Complimentary bicycle rentals and a fitness center further enhance the guest experience.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot are frequently described as generous in size and highly comfortable. They feature a clean and modern decor, blending a touch of French influence with Kimpton's signature modernist design. Guests appreciate the luxurious touches, such as sumptuous Frette linens and custom-made mattresses that ensure a restful sleep. Atelier Bloem bath products add to the upscale feel of the private bathrooms. Standard amenities include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, minibar, refrigerator, free WiFi, and a work desk. Bathrobes and an in-room safe are also provided. Some rooms offer city or river views, and premium Bluetooth speakers are available for guests to stream music. While some reports indicate a lack of in-room coffee makers, complimentary coffee is available in the lobby. The hotel is also accommodating, providing microwaves upon request.

4. Dining Experience

The hotel offers a diverse and acclaimed dining scene with three on-site restaurants and two bars:

• The Peacock Room: This eccentric, French-accented bar with a 19th-century feel is a highlight for its "amazing cocktails" and small plates. It's a lively spot with live music and hosts a popular Jazz Brunch on Sundays, for which reservations are recommended.
• King Brasserie & Bar: Serving American and Mediterranean cuisines, King Brasserie is praised for its "excellent food and drink". It offers brunch daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and dinner, with a daily happy hour from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.. The breakfast menu, available until 1 PM for brunch, features a full hot selection, including "insanely good cheesy grits" and an acclaimed Oyster BLT. King Brasserie has also earned a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award.
• Gospel Coffee and Boozy Treats: A charming coffee shop in the lobby, Gospel offers morning coffee, pastries like raspberry Danish, and light breakfast items. Guests can enjoy complimentary coffee and tea in the lobby from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., with the unique option to "spike anything on the menu".
• Room service is also available, typically limited to breakfast and brunch hours.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is a consistent point of praise, described as "five-star service that's anything but stuffy". Guests frequently highlight the staff as excellent, professional, and incredibly helpful. Many reviewers note the warm, friendly demeanor of the multilingual staff, making them feel genuinely welcomed and special. The team is responsive to requests, even accommodating special needs like bringing a microwave to the room. The complimentary wine hour hosted by the hotel is a beloved touch that further enhances the guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Located in New Orleans' Central Business District (CBD), the Kimpton Hotel Fontenot boasts an "ideal" and highly convenient location. It is directly adjacent to the historic French Quarter, just three blocks away, and six blocks from the famous Bourbon Street, allowing easy access to the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. The hotel is also within walking distance of major venues such as the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center (less than 0.6 miles away), the Caesars Superdome, and the Smoothie King Center. For art and culinary enthusiasts, the trendy Warehouse District, with its museums and "Gallery Row" on Julia Street, is right next door. Furthermore, the hotel's position directly on the official Mardi Gras parade route offers guests a prime viewing spot for major krewes. Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport is approximately 13 miles away.

7. Value & Pricing

Many guests consider Kimpton Hotel Fontenot to offer good value, especially considering the array of amenities and high service quality. While specific prices fluctuate, a 1-night stay for two adults can start around $161, with some guests reporting rates as low as $130 (including taxes/amenity fees). The complimentary wine hour and morning coffee are often cited as valuable perks. Booking through certain platforms can also yield benefits such as a $60 daily breakfast credit and a $100 hotel credit applicable to dining or minibar items, significantly enhancing the overall value. The hotel's self-evaluation regarding its price, facilities, and services relative to industry standards ranges from "Very Good" to "Exceptional".

8. Common Complaints

While reviews are overwhelmingly positive, a few minor recurring issues have been noted:

• Valet Parking Costs: Valet parking is quite expensive, priced at approximately $55 plus tax for 24 hours.
• Minibar Pricing: The in-room minibar items are generally considered "ridiculously expensive" by guests.
• No In-Room Coffee Maker: Some guests noted the absence of a coffee maker in their rooms, though this is mitigated by the complimentary coffee available in the lobby each morning.
• Crowded Dining: The popular Peacock Room, especially for its Sunday Jazz Brunch, can get crowded, making reservations important.

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