Super 8 by Wyndham New Orleans

This Super 8 New Orleans has some pretty grim immediate surroundings: a closed interstate off-ramp, an abandoned hotel property next door, and an RV park on the other side. It's just a typical roadside motel with few amenities and unremarkable decor. The hotel can get hot and humid in the semi-outdoor hallways (especially on the third floor) and some guests have complained of food and cigarette smells. However, the main areas in the front of the building are air conditioned and fully enclosed. Overall, the vibe is casual, with guests either smoking or talking on cell phones by the pool or in the outdoor hallways. Some of the renovated rooms give the hotel a slightly updated vibe.

Located off of exit 240 of the I-10 freeway, this hotel is in a no man's land. It's surrounded by rundown buildings and out-of-business hotels and shops so there isn't much of note nearby. NOLA's city center is a 20-minute drive away and the French Quarter is only a few minutes closer. While there is public transportation into town, it requires multiple changes and a typical journey time of 45-minutes or more. Getting to the airport takes over two hours by bus, and around 30 minutes by car. The cruise port is just a 10-minute drive away.

At the time of our visit, only some of the rooms were renovated, with updated decor, furniture, and bedspreads, and large photographs of the French Quarter. Despite these upgrades, the motel remains a basic value property. Comfy beds, mini-fridges, tea and coffee makers, and tube-style TVs are standard in all rooms. Some also have microwaves and balconies of varying sizes. Bathrooms are of the standard value hotel variety, but are clean and come with hairdryers, shampoo, and soap. Suites have living rooms with pull-out sofa beds.

As it's a basic value motel, the Super 8 New Orleans doesn't have any luxury features, but guests will find a decent-sized, clean, outdoor pool set within a fairly pleasant courtyard area. Poolside seating is restricted to tables and chairs. There's also a small gym with a few cardio machines and a weight machine, and while the one-computer business center is nothing to email home about, it does have a printer. A breakfast of waffles, cereal, juice, cinnamon rolls, and fruit is free for all guests, and free coffee is available all day in the lobby. A coin-operated laundry facility with two washers and two dryers is available on-site. The hotel has free parking, including long-term parking for returning guests, which is a nice perk for those heading out on cruises.