Loews New Orleans: Fresh and Fun for Families

Full disclosure: As a parent, I’m a huge fan of Loews Hotels. It’s rare to find a brand that so nimbly caters to both kids and adults, with a rich variety of family amenities, warm service and elegant, upscale surroundings. On a recent mother-son trip to New Orleans, my 9-year-old and I had the chance to spend a brief stay at Loews New Orleans, which is still sparkling from a head-to-toe 2014 makeover. Our verdict? Love at first sleep.

Loews New Orleans Family-Friendly Review

Location

The hotel sits on the fringes of the Central Business District downtown, a stone’s throw from the Mississippi River. This area works well for a stay with kids, as it’s relatively peaceful at night and is an easy walk or streetcar ride from some of the city’s biggest attractions. The Audubon Butterfly Garden and Insectarium and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas are within a 5-minute stroll, and the National WWII Museum is nearby as well.

Loews does a great job infusing each of their hotels with a sense of place. Loews New Orleans is no exception; the front desk is backed by an enormous tile mural depicting scenes from around town, and framed in stained glass that feels suitably splashy for this colorful city.

Accommodations

Loews New Orleans has 285 guest rooms, including a dozen suites. Thanks to the recent refurbishment, the accommodations all sport a sophisticated new face, with sleek yet cushy furnishings, original local artwork and a subtly sassy blue and hot pink color scheme. Even the smallest rooms feel expansive and have ample space to spread out. Some overlook the river; others have views of the city skyline.

A variety of configurations can support families, from Grand King rooms with pullout sofa beds to the luxurious Presidential Suite. A limited number of rooms connect to form two-bedroom units. My son and I shared a Deluxe Room with two queen beds, which could have slept a family of four in total comfort.

And speaking of comfort — those beds! Sink-right-in cozy and layered with luxe Frette linens, they’re among the best in town.

Amenities

The signature Loews Loves Kids programming is one of the many reasons families flock to this brand. For parents of little ones, the Sprout Dream Stay package, a partnership with the popular kids’ TV network, is a perfect fit. At check-in, kids get a backpack that includes a plush Chica (Sprout’s mascot), a water bottle, an activity booklet, a travel toothbrush and a wristband allowing kids 5 and under to eat for free onsite. Loews also provides Sprout-themed electronic game tablets on request.

Tweens and teens are welcomed with music download cards, a library of Xbox games and more. The hotel’s Kids’ Closet holds car seats, infant tubs, strollers, toys and other gear for families. Childproofing kits are available for those with babies and toddlers, and the hotel can provide a list of local pharmacies, pediatricians and babysitting services as well. The hotel even caters to pets, with room service menus, bowls, beds and other niceties just for them.

Kids of all ages will make a beeline for the indoor lap pool and hot tub, surrounded by luxurious chaises where parents can relax. For a little adult pampering, Balance Spa offers a full array of massages, facials, body treatments, salon services and more. The spa’s express menu of 15- to 30-minute treatments is the perfect pick-me-up if you’re short on time.

Dining

Dining at Loews New Orleans is stellar. The chic and cheeky Cafe Adelaide isn’t just a convenience for guests; it’s a magnet for locals as well. Owned by the Brennan family, legendary New Orleans restaurateurs, it specializes in Creole classics with a twist. Innovative dishes such as cracklin’-crusted confit duck leg and white chocolate biscuit pudding with root beer syrup keep company with traditional gumbo, turtle soup and — for the ultimate sweet finish — beignets.

Need to Book a Stay at Loews New Orleans?

Our Family Vacation Consultants can help! If you need additional guidance, we offer full trip planning, which includes a custom itinerary, booking tours and guides, activity recommendations and more. Visit our Connect with a Travel Advisor page to send us a request.

Relevant links:

Browse family-friendly New Orleans hotels and activities on Ciao Bambino

Best things to do in New Orleans with kids

Editor’s Note: Ciao Bambino received a media package in order to review Loews New Orleans. As always, our opinions are our own. Photos by Lisa Frederick except where noted.