Staying in New Orleans is usually a trade-off. You either pay out the nose to be in the middle of the French Quarter noise, or you end up in a windowless box miles away from a decent po'boy. Honestly, it’s frustrating. But then there’s the TownePlace Suites New Orleans Metairie, a spot that manages to bridge the gap without making you feel like you’re just "settling" for a suburban chain hotel.
Located in the Elmwood Business District of Harahan, this place isn't exactly where you go for a wild bachelor party vibe. It’s where you go when you want to actually sleep, maybe cook a real meal, and avoid the $50-a-night valet fees of downtown.
People often get confused about the location because it has "New Orleans" and "Metairie" in the name, but physically sits in Harahan. Basically, it’s the sweet spot for folks who need to be near the airport (Louis Armstrong International is about 5 miles away) but still want to hit the city within 15 to 20 minutes.
The Suite Life: More Than Just a Bed
Most hotels give you a desk and a mini-fridge that barely fits a soda. At TownePlace Suites New Orleans Metairie, you’re getting a full-blown kitchen. We’re talking a stovetop, a full-sized refrigerator, and a dishwasher. It’s kinda perfect if you’re traveling with kids who only eat macaroni and cheese or if you’re in town for a two-week project at the nearby Ochsner Medical Center.
The rooms were renovated around 2022, which is a big deal in the hotel world. It means the "new hotel smell" hasn't entirely faded and the USB ports actually work.
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They’ve got three main layouts:
- Studios (great for solo travelers or couples)
- One-bedroom suites (with a door—blessedly—separating the living area)
- Two-bedroom suites (rare for this price point)
The two-bedroom setup is a game changer for families. You get two separate sleeping areas and a shared living space. It beats the heck out of booking two connecting rooms and hoping the hotel actually honors the request.
Is the Breakfast Worth Rolling Out of Bed For?
It’s a Marriott property, so you know the drill: the "Morning Break" complimentary breakfast. You'll find the usual suspects like waffles, oatmeal, and those little breakfast sandwiches. Look, it’s not Commander’s Palace brunch. You aren't getting turtle soup here. But it’s free, it’s hot, and it saves you $20 before you even start your day.
Some guests have mentioned the breakfast area can get a bit crowded around 8:30 AM. If you're a "quiet morning" person, you might want to grab your plate and head back to your suite’s dining table.
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Why Location Matters (Even if it’s Not Bourbon Street)
Let’s talk about the neighborhood. Staying in Elmwood means you’re within walking distance of the AMC Palace 20 and a whole lot of shopping. If you've ever forgotten your toothbrush or realized you didn't pack enough socks for the humidity, having a TJ Maxx and a grocery store nearby is a literal lifesaver.
- The Drive: You’re looking at a 10-mile trek to the French Quarter. In New Orleans traffic, that’s 15 minutes or 45 minutes depending on if it’s rush hour or a parade day.
- The Logistics: Free parking. Seriously. If you stay downtown, you're paying a premium just to park your car. Here, it’s included.
- Safety: It’s a quiet business district. You don't have to worry about the chaos of the city late at night.
The Hidden Perks
One thing people often overlook is the "In a Pinch" market in the lobby. It’s open 24/7. If you’re hit with a late-night craving for a bag of chips or a frozen pizza, you don't have to hunt for a gas station.
They also have a seasonal outdoor pool and a gym. The gym isn't huge, but it has the essentials: treadmills, an elliptical, and free weights. It’s enough to burn off at least one of the beignets you ate earlier.
TownePlace Suites New Orleans Metairie: The Reality Check
No hotel is perfect. This is a 3-star extended-stay property. If you’re expecting white-glove service and a bellman to carry your bags, you’re in the wrong place. This is a "DIY" kind of hotel.
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Sometimes the elevators are a bit slow. Occasionally, the breakfast staff might be running behind on the eggs. It happens. But for the price and the square footage, the value is hard to beat.
The staff here consistently gets high marks for being "New Orleans friendly"—that specific brand of hospitality that feels more like talking to a neighbor than a corporate employee. A worker named Yashika, who often handles the breakfast, frequently gets shout-outs in reviews for being a ray of sunshine in the morning. That kind of stuff matters when you're far from home.
Actionable Tips for Your Stay
If you're planning to book, here’s how to make the most of it:
- Ask for a high floor: It’s quieter, and you might get a decent view of the surrounding area.
- Use the Weber grills: There’s an outdoor patio area with grills. Grab some steaks from the nearby grocery store and have a cookout. It’s a great way to save money and feel like a local.
- Check the "Something Borrowed" cabinet: You can often borrow things like blenders or crockpots from the front desk.
- Pet owners, rejoice: This is a pet-friendly hotel. There’s a $75 non-refundable fee, but it beats leaving your dog in a kennel for a week.
Whether you're in town for a Saints game or a long-term business contract, the TownePlace Suites New Orleans Metairie offers a level of practicality that’s hard to find in the more "touristy" parts of the city. You get the space of an apartment with the reliability of a Marriott, and in a city as unpredictable as New Orleans, that reliability is worth its weight in gold.
Pack your walking shoes, grab a coffee in the lobby, and enjoy the fact that you have a full kitchen waiting for you at the end of the day. It’s basically your home base for exploring everything the Big Easy has to offer without the Big Easy price tag.