Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection

Hello there, fellow Louisianans! When planning a visit to the vibrant heart of our state, New Orleans, finding the right place to stay is key. We're here to give you an honest overview of the Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection. This hotel, located on the historic St. Charles Avenue, offers a unique proposition for those looking to immerse themselves in the city's energy without necessarily breaking the bank. It's a choice that might particularly appeal to locals seeking a convenient and budget-conscious way to experience a New Orleans getaway.

The Blake Hotel, part of the BW Signature Collection, is described by some as a place where "you get what you pay for," highlighting its value-oriented approach. As one reviewer candidly put it, "If you want high end, immaculate and modern this is not for you. Budget, a room with a loud fridge (turn off), needs decorating (but clean and just a place to dump stuff and sleep), easy for shopping, night life, conference centre and culture, it's fabulous. For the price it's great." This perspective suggests that if your priority is an unbeatable location and a functional, clean space to sleep while you explore, this hotel could be a smart choice.

However, it's also important to have a balanced view. While many guests appreciate the hotel's value and location, some experiences have been less than ideal, with a review detailing significant maintenance issues and a rigid refund policy. This indicates that while the price point can be attractive, expectations regarding the level of modern amenities and immediate problem resolution should be managed carefully. For locals considering a stay, it’s about weighing the exceptional location and friendly staff against the potential for an older, less polished environment. The consensus, particularly from those who value location and budget, points to "lovely staff" and a place that's "fabulous" for accessing the city's highlights.

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The Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection boasts an undeniably prime location at 500 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA. This places it directly on the iconic St. Charles Avenue, famous for its historic streetcar line and grand architecture. This strategic position is a significant draw for guests, offering excellent accessibility to many of New Orleans' most celebrated attractions.

One of the hotel's most acclaimed features is its immediate access to public transportation. The St. Charles streetcar passes directly in front of the hotel, making it incredibly convenient for exploring different parts of the city. You can hop on the streetcar to easily reach the charming Garden District with its stunning mansions, or take a short ride to various museums and attractions along the avenue. As one guest highlighted, it's "very convenient to the streetcar."

Furthermore, the hotel is perfectly situated for those who prefer to explore on foot. It's "only a few blocks from Bourbon street" and the heart of the French Quarter, allowing for easy access to the vibrant nightlife, world-renowned restaurants, and historic landmarks like Jackson Square. This walkability extends to other key destinations as well. The hotel is conveniently located near the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, making it a practical choice for those attending events. The Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center are also within easy reach, ideal for catching a Saints game or a concert. Lafayette Square, with its green space, is right next door, providing a pleasant urban oasis. For those arriving from further afield, Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is approximately a 20-25 minute drive, ensuring relatively straightforward travel connections.

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The Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection aims to provide a range of services to enhance guest convenience, with a particular emphasis on its on-site dining and staff assistance:

• 24-Hour Front Desk: Staff are available around the clock to assist with check-in, check-out, inquiries, and local recommendations. Reviews consistently praise the "lovely staff" and their helpfulness.
• On-Site Restaurant (Cafe at the Square): The hotel features its own restaurant, Cafe at the Square, which offers "breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and happy hour." This provides a convenient dining option without having to leave the premises, serving "casual local fare."
• Bar/Lounge: Connected to the restaurant, a bar/lounge area provides a place to relax and enjoy a drink.
• Valet Parking: Valet parking is available on-site for guest convenience, though typically for a surcharge. It's worth noting that valet parking may not be available during events like Mardi Gras due to street closures.
• Free Wi-Fi: Complimentary wireless internet access is available in guest rooms and public areas, ensuring guests can stay connected.
• 24-Hour Fitness Center: Guests can maintain their workout routine with access to an on-site gym, featuring "Pro-Maxima exercise equipment with panoramic views of downtown New Orleans."
• Business Center: A convenient business center is available, often equipped with computers and printers for guest use.
• Dry Cleaning/Laundry Services: For personal garment care, these services are offered, often for a fee.
• Luggage Storage: Guests can typically store their luggage securely before check-in or after check-out.
• ATM/Banking Services: For easy access to cash.
• Multilingual Staff: To accommodate a diverse range of guests.
• Concierge and Tour/Ticket Assistance: Staff can provide information and help with booking local tours and attractions.

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The Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection offers several features that appeal to guests, particularly those prioritizing location and value. While some aspects may be "dated," other elements stand out:

• Fantastic Location: This is consistently highlighted as the hotel's strongest asset. Being on St. Charles Avenue, steps from the streetcar, and a short walk to the French Quarter, Convention Center, and other major attractions, makes it incredibly convenient for exploring New Orleans.
• Lovely and Friendly Staff: Despite some operational challenges, guests frequently praise the hotel's "lovely staff" and their "friendly and accommodating" nature, noting their willingness to be helpful.
• On-Site Dining: "Cafe at the Square" offers a convenient and accessible dining option for all meals, providing "authentic Louisiana fare" downstairs, which is a significant plus.
• Budget-Friendly Option: For travelers who prioritize saving money on accommodation to spend more on experiences, the hotel offers a "great" price, especially during the off-season. It's perceived as good value for its location.
• Proximity to Lafayette Square: Having a "park next door" (Lafayette Square) offers a pleasant green space for relaxation right outside the hotel.
• 24-Hour Fitness Center with Views: The gym provides an opportunity for guests to work out, with the added benefit of "panoramic views of downtown New Orleans."
• Spacious Rooms (in some cases): While some reviews mention small rooms, others describe them as "big as single room" or suites with "spacious layouts," offering a comfortable space to relax. Many rooms offer city views.
• Pet-Friendly Policy: The hotel welcomes pets, which is a great feature for those traveling with their furry companions. There's even a nearby dog park.
• Free WiFi: Staying connected is easy with complimentary internet access throughout the property.
• Pillowtop Beds: Rooms feature pillowtop beds, contributing to comfort for a good night's sleep.

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The Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection, as part of the Best Western portfolio, often has various promotions and special offers available to guests. While specific deals can fluctuate seasonally and based on demand, it's always a good practice to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current information. Common types of promotions might include:

• Best Western Rewards Member Rates: Guests who are members of the Best Western Rewards loyalty program can often access exclusive discounts and earn points towards future stays.
• Advance Purchase Rates: Booking your stay well in advance can sometimes unlock lower, non-refundable rates.
• AAA/AARP Discounts: Special rates are frequently offered to members of AAA and AARP.
• Government & Military Discounts: Qualified government employees and active/retired military personnel may be eligible for discounted rates.
• Extended Stay Offers: Look for potential discounts when booking for multiple nights, encouraging longer visits to explore New Orleans thoroughly.
• Seasonal Promotions: The hotel might offer special packages tied to specific New Orleans events, holidays, or quieter periods of the year.
• Pay With Points: Best Western Rewards members can also use their accumulated points to pay for stays.

To ensure you secure the best possible rate and any applicable perks for your visit to the Blake Hotel New Orleans, it is highly recommended to visit their official Best Western website or call their reservations team directly. They will have the most up-to-date information on current promotions and how to apply them to your booking.

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Ready to plan your stay at the Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 500 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Phone: (504) 522-9000

Mobile Phone: +1 504-522-9000

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For us, the people of Louisiana, choosing a hotel in New Orleans often comes down to a balance of location, experience, and value. The Blake Hotel New Orleans, BW Signature Collection presents a compelling option for those seeking a convenient and budget-conscious way to enjoy our beloved city, especially if you prioritize being in the heart of the action.

The most significant advantage for locals is undoubtedly the hotel's "fantastic location" on St. Charles Avenue. Being directly on the streetcar line means effortless exploration of the city, from the historic Garden District to the vibrant French Quarter, without the need for driving or expensive rideshares. You can easily stroll to Bourbon Street for a night out, visit the Convention Center for an event, or enjoy the culture around Lafayette Square – all within easy reach. This accessibility allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the New Orleans experience without the typical tourist transportation woes.

While some modern amenities might be "dated," the "lovely staff" and the overall value for the "budget off season price" are considerable draws. For a quick getaway, a concert, or a Saints game, having a clean room with a "comfy king size bed" and a great location to "dump stuff and sleep" can be exactly what's needed. The convenience of "food downstairs" at Cafe at the Square means you don't have to venture far for a meal, and having Lafayette Square "next door" offers a nice green space to unwind.

It's important to set expectations that this is a value-focused hotel rather than a luxury resort. However, for locals who are familiar with New Orleans and prioritize prime location and affordability over cutting-edge decor, the Blake Hotel offers a practical and enjoyable base. It’s an opportunity to experience the city's lively scene and cultural richness from a truly central spot, making it a "great" choice for a genuine, no-frills New Orleans adventure right here at home.