I had reservations at the Holiday Inn Select at the airport, but I made a mistake and first drove to the Holiday Inn in Metairie. These are completely different places! Don't make this same mistake. Put back on track, I found
this Holiday Inn is in Kenner!
The marble tiled lobby of the Holiday Inn Select is paneled in dark wood. A colorful oil is hanging over a small sitting area across from the front desk. A quick scan of some of the other guests waiting here to get their room keys made it evident to me that this is a favorite hotel with some airline pilots and flight crews.
Once in my room I found basic Holiday Inn decor with a dresser, desk and tables made of pickled wood. Some wear and tear was the most noticeable in the bathroom--chipped mirror and the like---but there was a handicap rail in the shower, and everything was clean. There wasn't a remote control for the television, but a gentleman came up from the front desk with a new one for me just a few minutes after I called to point this out. With that unique NOLA accent that is a strange mixture of New York Bronx and Nawlins Creole, he waited politely in the hallway and advised, "Yew betta try it fore I go, Miss..."
Nice features:
On property you'll find a full service restaurant, Chez Tasso, which offers a menu with the likes of steaks, pizza, po-boys, coconut shrimp and crab cake sandwiches. It had already closed by the time I checked in, but I decided to get some potato skins in Huey P's, a bar/lounge which is opened---and provides room service---until midnight.
Highspeed internet access was available in my room. For anyone who doesn't have a laptop with them, there is a tiny business center with computer, fax and printer available.
Several kids were enjoying the indoor pool (no lifeguard on duty) the morning I got up to get breakfast.
There's a gift shop near the front desk and small, coin operated laundry facilities.
The ubiquitous Louisiana daquiri shop is within walking distance.
A free airport shuttle leaves every half hour from early morning until midnight.
Parking is free. Kids stay free. You're still only 15 minutes from the French Quarter.