Escape to Paradise: Unforgettable New Orleans Stay at the Lakeway Marriott!
Escape to Paradise? A Whirlwind Romance with the Lakeway Marriott - My New Orleans Story (Mostly Positive, With a Side of "WTF?")
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from what was supposed to be an "Unforgettable New Orleans Stay" at the Lakeway Marriott. The brochure promised paradise, a sweet escape. Did it deliver? Well… let's just say I’m still unpacking, both literally and metaphorically. And boy, do I have stories.
First off, the title is a bit dramatic, right? “Escape to Paradise”? Sounds like a cheesy romance novel. But hey, marketing, I get it. They want you to feel something. Before I spill the beans about the hotel, let's get some boring but necessary stuff out of the way, and then the fun begins:
SEO & Metadata Bait &… Well, You Get It:
- Keywords: New Orleans Hotel Review, Lakeway Marriott, Wheelchair Accessible Hotels, New Orleans Spa, Pool with a View, On-site Dining, Free Wi-Fi, Family-Friendly Hotel, Business Travel New Orleans, Romantic Getaway, Luxury Hotel New Orleans, New Orleans Hotel Deals. (I'm hitting 'em all, folks!)
- Meta Description: Honest review of the Lakeway Marriott in New Orleans. Explore accessibility, on-site amenities including spa, pool, and dining, plus personal experiences, and the good, the bad, and the hilariously awkward.
- Relevant Hashtags: #NewOrleans #LakewayMarriott #HotelReview #NOLA #Travel #SpaDay #GoodVibes #TravelBlog #MustVisit #AccessibleTravel #FamilyVacation #MarriottBonvoy
Now, the Real Deal: Accessibility, The First Impression
I was checking in with my cousin, who is in a wheelchair, so Accessibility matters. Crucially. And thankfully, the Lakeway Marriott delivered here. The whole place seemed pretty Wheelchair Accessible, which was a huge relief. Wide doorways, ramps everywhere, and an elevator that wasn't a death trap. (Serious point. I’ve been to hotels where the elevator sounded like it was plotting my demise.) They seemed to have thought about all this (kudos!). This made a massive difference.
The Room: A Pleasant Surprise… Mostly.
Okay, let's talk about the actual room. It was supposed to be a getaway, so I wanted to splash out (I am also in need of a long rest), and the Rooms themselves were pretty standard Marriott fare. Clean, spacious enough, and thankfully, Non-Smoking. (Thank the heavens!)
- What I Liked: The Air Conditioning actually worked. (Another hotel superpower, apparently.) The Bed was comfy, with an "Extra long bed," and the Blackout curtains were a godsend for those New Orleans sunrises, which are, let me tell you, BRUTAL. Having Free Wi-Fi in the rooms was a given, and the Internet Access – Wireless was reliable, which was essential to get work done. The Seating area was nice. The Coffee/tea maker was a lifesaver, I was already craving some caffeine when I woke up.
- Quirks & Criticisms: The Toiletries were… well, they felt a bit generic. Nothing to write home about. Also, I’m pretty sure the Alarm clock was from the 90s. It was kinda, ugly. There was a Desk, but it wasn’t super conducive to working. I did appreciate the Hair dryer and Ironing facilities, the bathrobes, the slippers!
- My Stream-of-Consciousness Moment: OKAY, I have to admit, when I saw the Additional toilet, I thought, "Whoa, boujee." It was a nice touch. Like a little throne room for your… well, you get it. The Window that opens felt so refreshing after being in my room all day. I loved it. Oh, and the Refrigerator was a great place to hide my midnight snacks!
The Amenities: A Mixed Bag
Now the fun part! The Lakeway Marriott has a ton of amenities, and let me tell you, I tried to make the most of them. Well, some of them.
- The Pool: They brag about the Swimming pool and it being an Outdoor Swimming pool, but not necessarily an Pool with view. It was nice. Clean. Good for a quick dip. I saw a few people catching some rays. The Poolside bar was solid for a quick drink.
- Spa Day! (…Kinda): The Spa was a major selling point for me. I needed a serious dose of relaxation. They had the Gym/fitness center, the Fitness center, and all that, but I'm more of a "lie down and be pampered" kind of gal. I booked a Massage and I can't lie…it was bliss. I also tried the Foot bath, it was ok. My skin felt amazing after the Body scrub and Body wrap.
- Restaurant & Dining: The Restaurants were a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet] was… fine. Pretty standard, though the Asian breakfast options were a nice touch. I did indulge in some Desserts in restaurant and Happy hour. The service was okay. I will say that the Room service [24-hour] saved me a couple of times. The Coffee shop was great for an afternoon pick-me-up, loved their coffee. I was thankful for Alternative meal arrangement because, I got a little tired of everything.
- For the Kids: This is a Family/child friendly hotel, with Kids meal and a Babysitting service, and I saw a few kids running around.
- Other Useful Bits: They had a Concierge, which came in handy for booking tours and getting directions. The Doorman was friendly. Having a Convenience store on-site for those late-night cravings was a lifesaver. The Valet parking was a must, because parking in New Orleans is a NIGHTMARE.
- The "WTF?" Moment: This one is minor, but it's something. One evening, I was wandering around looking for the Sauna. I asked about the Steamroom, and the front desk guy looked at me like I'd asked to borrow his pet unicorn. Turns out, they were "temporarily closed". Disappointing, to say the least.
Cleanliness & Safety: The COVID Era Edition
Okay, let's talk about the elephant in the room (or rather, the pandemic in the hotel). The Lakeway Marriott seemed to take Cleanliness and safety seriously, which was a relief. They had Staff trained in safety protocol, and they seemed to be using Professional-grade sanitizing services. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available so if you don't want them to clean your room daily, you can opt out. They also provided some Hand sanitizer. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter was being observed where possible. They had Daily disinfection in common areas, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Rooms sanitized between stays, they've got Anti-viral cleaning products.
Important Note: Even with all the precautions, you're still taking a risk. It's up to you to decide what's comfortable. The Breakfast takeaway service, Individually-wrapped food options, Safe dining setup, and not having to reuse the Shared stationery removed was reassuring.
The Little Things That Matter
- Internet access was essential, and the Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a major plus. The Internet [LAN] was also there, if I needed it.
- They had Facilities for disabled guests. Again, huge kudos.
- The Front desk [24-hour] was a godsend when I needed something at 2 am (don't ask).
- They provided a First aid kit!
- I appreciated Invoice provided, and the Cashless payment service.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back?
Look, the Lakeway Marriott wasn’t perfect. But it was a solid, comfortable, convenient base for exploring New Orleans. I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars. Could it have been more "paradise-y"? Sure. But for accessibility alone, that's a big win. I’d go back. Especially if they promise the Sauna is fixed… and if I can finally figure out how to work that alarm clock! It truly was an Escape to Paradise, or at least, a very pleasant, surprisingly accessible escape. It was enough of a rest for my body, and for my mind, which is all I really needed!
Escape to Paradise: Fairfield Inn & Suites Melbourne West awaits!
New Orleans, You Beautiful Mess (and the Marriott in Metairie, Yeah…) - A Loose Itinerary
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we’re heading to New Orleans! And not just New Orleans, but the… ahem… glamorous world of Metairie, because, well, let’s face it, sometimes you gotta be practical. And the Marriott Metairie at Lakeway? It’s a place to sleep, okay? Let's be real.
Day 1: Arrival & A Taste of Reality (and Jambalaya)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY). Okay, first impressions? HOT. Like, “sweat-into-your-eyebrows-before-you-even-leave-the-terminal” hot. Grab a rideshare to the Marriott. Pray for AC that works!
- 1:45 PM: Check-in at the Marriott. Honestly, after the airport heat, a cold lobby is a gift. The front desk lady is either incredibly friendly or incredibly tired… maybe both. Either way, yay for keys!
- 2:30 PM: Room Recon. Decent enough, standard Marriott. Clean sheets? Check. TV that works? Double check. I'll take it. Let the unpacking begin!
- 3:00 PM: Metairie Scavenger Hunt. (Just kidding! Although, the idea of finding something interesting in Metairie is kind of a thrill…) Let's venture out to explore, I'm not sure what's near our hotel.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at Restaurant XYZ. A local joint I found online… the reviews were promising. Let me tell you, after a day of travel, you're suddenly a connoisseur. I want something easy, authentic and spicy.
Restaurant XYZ: The Jambalaya Revelation (and the Lesson in Patience)
Okay, this is where things get… real. Restaurant XYZ was supposed to deliver on the promises of the internet. "Best jambalaya in Metairie!" they boasted. Well, let me tell you, the jambalaya looked glorious. A steaming pot of rice and meat, spices.
And then… the wait. Oh, the wait. I mean, I was starving. Maybe it’s just me, but when you’re hangry, the world feels like it's moving in slow motion. The people around us were so full of life and stories, they seemed to revel in the moment, but for me, it was torture. Finally, the plate arrived. It was… okay. The rice was a little mushy, the sausage a bit bland, and the spice level… surprisingly mild. But you know what? It was still somehow perfect, the food, the atmosphere, the conversation. I even loved it.
Day 2: Bourbon Street and the Blues (and a little regret?)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. Don't judge! The buffet is easy. I'm aiming for minimal effort, maximum caffeine intake.
- 10:00 AM: Head into the Quarter! Uber to the French Quarter. It’s time to tackle Bourbon Street!
- 11:00 AM: Stroll, Stare, and Absorb. Bourbon Street. It's… well, it's a sensory overload. Loud, bright, and smells like spilled beer and desperation. But also, it’s… alive. Observe the sights and sounds.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a random cafe. Gotta fuel up for more… "exploration".
- 3:00 PM: A walk through the Quarter. I got lost. Then I found myself again. Then I got lost. It's a whirlwind. I stumbled into a courtyard. I wish I could stay here all day and listen to music.
- 6:00 PM: Dinner at a jazz club. (I asked advice and got suggested Preservation Hall).
- 8:00 PM: Jazz. Blues. Booze. Repeat.
- I'm not sure what was more stunning, the music, or the sheer volume of it all. I think I'm in love with jazz now.
Preservation Hall: A Religious Experience (Almost)
Preservation Hall was a suggestion. I can't lie, I was skeptical at first. It sounded touristy. But holy crap. The music was so raw, so soulful, so… real. It wasn’t just music; it was a history lesson, a love letter to the city, a collective catharsis. The musicians were legends. The room was small, cramped, and hot, but it didn’t matter. You could almost feel the ghosts of New Orleans past dancing with you. The only downside? The people talking! Can you believe it? The energy, the joy, the sheer brilliance of those musicians… it was almost a religious experience. I left feeling changed. Okay, maybe slightly buzzed from the hurricane cocktails beforehand, but still, changed.
Day 3: Swamp Tours and… More Food (duh!)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The second time around, I'm getting comfortable with those generic breakfast items.
- 10:00 AM: Swamp Tour! This is the quintessential New Orleans experience, right? I'm going for gators, maybe a snake or two (from a safe distance, of course).
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at a restaurant near the swamp. After all that adventure, I'm ready to eat.
- 3:00 PM: Back to Metairie. A bit of relaxation before packing.
- 6:00 PM: Farewell Dinner. I'm thinking seafood, something fancy to celebrate my trip. We're going to find a nice local gem to say goodbye to this wonderful city.
The Swamp Tour: Alligators and Existential Dread
The swamp tour? Okay, it was cool. The gators? Terrifying. The guide? A real character. I learned about the ecosystem, the history of the area, and how to tell the difference between an alligator and a crocodile (hint: it involves the shape of their snout). But more than that, the tour was a reminder of the raw beauty and power of nature. The sheer indifference of the swamp to human endeavors… it was humbling. I watched an alligator sunning itself on a log, and I couldn't help but wonder if it was judging me.
Day 4: Departure (and the inevitable sadness)
- 9:00 AM: Last breakfast at the hotel. Honestly, I’m starting to miss those scrambled eggs.
- 10:00 AM: Pack. This is always a messy, sad affair.
- 11:00 AM: Check out. Say goodbye to the Marriott. You were a solid base.
- 12:00 PM: Head to the airport. Back to the real world.
- 1:00 PM: Departure.
New Orleans, you beautiful, messy, chaotic, wonderful city. Thanks for the memories. Thanks for the food. Thanks for the jazz. And, yeah, thanks for the swamp tours. And the hotel.
P.S. I'm already planning my return. Maybe next time I'll learn how to play the trumpet! Maybe.
Portland's Press Hotel: Uncover the City's Hidden Gem!
Escape to Paradise: Lakeway Marriott in New Orleans - You've Got Questions, I've Got... Well, Answers that are Probably Too Honest.
Okay, so "Escape to Paradise"... Is that, like, corporate hype, or is it *actually* paradise at the Lakeway Marriott? Be real.
Alright, buckle up, because paradise is… complicated. Look, the *location* is pretty darn good, right on the lake. That's a BIG win. Watching the sunrise over the water with a cafe au lait in hand? Chef's kiss. But paradise-level? Depends what you mean by paradise. If your definition involves perfectly pressed sheets and no noise, then, uh... maybe manage those expectations. It's *New Orleans*. Things get a little, shall we say, *lively*. Think less "Garden of Eden" and more "Eden after an all-night jazz session and a beignet coma." Which, honestly, is kind of amazing, right?
The location - Is it truly convenient? I'm assuming it's not *in* the French Quarter.
No, honey, it's not *in* the Quarter. That's a blessing in disguise, depending on how much sleep you prioritize! You're lakeside, which means a little bit of a trek if you’re *only* aiming for the Quarter. But the hotel offers a shuttle (check the schedule, though – they're not always lightning-fast, and once, I swear, it smelled faintly of swamp gas). Uber/Lyft is easy-peasy, though, and you can be down in the action pretty quickly. It’s a trade-off. Quieter nights, but you're not stumbling distance from Bourbon Street. Personally? I dig the buffer. I enjoy pretending I'm *slightly* removed from the chaos when I'm not, actually, running *directly* into it.
Let’s talk rooms. What are they like? Clean? Spacious? Do they have those weird, tiny shampoo bottles?
Okay, the rooms are… standard Marriott. Which is to say, generally clean. *Generally.* Let’s just say, on my last trip, I encountered a rogue glitter flake. A *single* glitter flake. Did it ruin my stay? No. Did it make me briefly question my life choices? Maybe. Rooms are spacious enough, not palatial. The bed was comfortable – and that’s a huge win after a day of walking. The bathroom? Yep, they had the tiny shampoo bottles. I swear, they’re designed to taunt you. Like, "Enjoy this single, pathetic squirt of conditioner. Now, deal with your frizzy hair for the next 12 hours! Mwahaha!"
Food! What about the food in the hotel? Is it… good? Or just convenient?
Okay, the food situation… is a mixed bag. The on-site restaurant is… well, it's hotel food. Convenient, yes. Gourmet? Not so much. The breakfast buffet is decent, again, for a buffet. Scrambled eggs, some sad-looking bacon, and pastries that are… attempting to be delicious. I did brave the dinner one night, and, uh… I’m not rushing back. But here’s the thing: *New Orleans is outside!* Walk. Uber. Get yourself *out* of the hotel and into the real, delicious food. Seriously. You’re an idiot if you eat there every night. (Sorry, hotel, but it's true!) I once wandered down to the corner bar and found a *fantastic* po' boy, and it was a MILLION times better than anything the hotel was serving. Lesson learned: Explore. Consume. Live!
What about the pool? Is it nice? I need to relax!
The pool… YES! The pool is a definite plus. It's a decent size, overlooks the lake (score!), and has a pretty chill vibe. I spent a glorious afternoon there, after a morning of intense beignet consumption. There was a slight issue with a rogue inflatable flamingo and a very enthusiastic group of teenagers, but hey, it’s part of the experience, right? Seriously, the pool is a good place to decompress from the sensory overload that is New Orleans. Just be prepared to share it with a few other humans. But, again, it's New Orleans. You're *supposed* to be social. I'm not always keen on the idea, but sometimes... it works out.
How's the staff? Are they friendly? Do they have that New Orleans charm?
The staff is generally *fine*. Not overly effusive, but helpful enough. New Orleans charm? Well, it fluctuates. Some people are *dripping* with it, like they're personally responsible for the city's entire vibe. Others, well, they're just doing a job. Don’t expect everyone to be your best friend, but expect them to be relatively helpful. I had a truly great experience with the concierge, though - she went out of her way to help me find a really obscure jazz club. That kind of thing makes the difference. So, yeah... mostly good. But it's New Orleans, so be prepared for a little edge – it's part of the flavor!
Okay, but really... what’s the *one* thing I *absolutely* need to know before I book?
Okay, here's the truth bomb: *Manage your expectations*. It's a solid hotel, in a good location, with some definite perks. It's not the Ritz-Carlton, it's not a boutique hotel with artisanal everything. It's a practical basecamp for exploring a truly incredible city. And, trust me, New Orleans is the star of the show. So don't sweat the small stuff, like the slightly faded wallpaper or the occasional questionable noise at night (it's probably just a trumpet player practicing... or a rowdy bachelorette party). Embrace the chaos, embrace the energy, and prepare to fall in love with New Orleans, because the Lakeway Marriott is a solid place to hang your hat while you get absolutely swept away by the magic. And seriously, go get some beignets. You won't regret it.
Any tips for avoiding the, uh, *less pleasant* aspects of a hotel stay? Like noise or things?
Oh, yeah, the "noise"... So, aside from my earlier suggestion about the earplugs (which, honestly, are a good idea), ask for a room *way* up high, and hopefully away from the elevator. Elevators are a magnet for late-night revelers. And, for the love of all that is holy, if you're a light sleeper, bring a white noise machine or a fan. Or, if you're like me, download a random white noise app on yourPersonalized Stays
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