should we stay or should we go? (priceline Q)

[perstephone]

Hiya, festers!
For our 7th fest, the husband and I have our reservations at the Hotel le Cirque. At the time I booked, it was a super deal (still is, really- we've spent more for less!). Now I'm seeing the Riverside Hilton moving on Priceline for $60. It's not totally about the $$, and the extra thirty bucks a night isn't going to make or break the trip, but always, money in our pocket is nice... more rosemint tea for me.

Anyway, we're traveling with our son, who is one (he totally pulled off second weekend last year like a champ at 6 weeks old) so we don't need to be right in the middle of things like we used to.
Any suggestions on staying at the le Cirque or shooting for the Hilton?

[swag]

I've never stayed at the Cirque, so I'll let others comment on that. The Hilton is a behemoth, your basic oversized but otherwise very nice business/convention hotel.

Will you have a car? Check prices at both, but I wouldn't be surprised if the parking at the Hilton were a bunch more than at the Le Cirque. Other extras (rollaway for your son?) may also cost more at the Hilton.

What are your evening plans? The Hilton seems more conveniently located, but if you're not heading into the Quarter, the Le Cirque might even be better.

The Hilton is on the Canal Streetcar line. It's a slow ride to Fest, but one that your toddler might enjoy.

Also, remember that with Priceline, room types are on request only. I'm guessing that with rooms going cheap on Priceline, they will have enough vacancy to meet requests (king vs 2 doubles), but there no guarantee. If that's important to you with 3 in the room, then maybe stay put.

[Blitzzzzz]

I've never stayed at the Cirque, so I'll let others comment on that.
Also, remember that with Priceline, room types are on request only. I'm guessing that with rooms going cheap on Priceline, they will have enough vacancy to meet requests (king vs 2 doubles), but there no guarantee. If that's important to you with 3 in the room, then maybe stay put.

I was surfing for a friend today and found a deal at Le Cirq which looked terrific until I read the reviews. I think it was Hotels.com, maybe Priceline, but the reviews were awful, something like 2.5 or something, dirty, broken beds, the works. I'd be careful about staying there without doing some more investigation.:cool:

[Orleansnj]

I was surfing for a friend today and found a deal at Le Cirq which looked terrific until I read the reviews. I think it was Hotels.com, maybe Priceline, but the reviews were awful, something like 2.5 or something, dirty, broken beds, the works. I'd be careful about staying there without doing some more investigation.:cool:

those reviews are pre 'thing'. the hotel has been completely rennovated and the recent reviews are better !

[perstephone]

We will have the car- this year we're driving, because
a) we just bought a house, and weren't positive we'd be going this year until recently (perish the thought, right?) and
b) we can cart around extras for the sprog, which makes life easier.
This way we can bring along the pack-n-play for him to sleep in, bypassing the need for any hotel goods. Parking is always a hassle.

Evening plans will be whatever is kid-friendly and early-ish. Last year we brought along a grandma. It bought us a night out... but that isn't happening this year. Oh, well.
I read some questionable reviews for Le Cirque, too. I wonder if anyone has stayed there and can comment on that?

[joe]

I've stayed at LeCirque several times and it is not bad at all. No pool, of course, even though it was once the YMCA. Attitude and
informality are what I remember, and the fact that you get a free New York Times every day. Rooms are several different sizes and configurations, some with shower only, some with nice tub, many with little room to walk between bed, walls and furniture. They'll surely find you a room with space for the pack'n'play. Valet parking was slow, but there are some very cheap nearby lots. Streetcar to Uptown not presently running, but you can take the short ride to Canal Street.

Good also for the more quiet atmosphere, close to Ogden and warehouse area, nice nearby bar (Circle) which has an outdoor seating area for those with little ones with sensitive ears and lungs, historic K & B plaza (remember the purple drugstores?).

Hilton parking is expensive and slow, but riverview can be nice,
if you get one. Not sure that $60 is still working for many dates, as I've been bidding days between for higher than that with no luck, not even a counteroffer. Hotels frequently offer babysitting
services, with varying minimums. Remember to add in Priceline taxes and fees and Hilton parking charges for the total bill.

[rosetree]

If you choose Le Cirque, ask for a room that is not on Lee Circle. They have these real great lights on the outside of the building that flash all night--not too good for a good night's sleep.....just a "heads up"...;)

[PaulC]

those reviews are post 'thing'. the hotel has been completely rennovated and the recent reviews are better !


Stayed there,.. check that,.. was scheduled to stay there pre "THING".... came into town for the Swamp Fest 2003,.. thought the reception area was way cool,.. and then switched rooms three times in twenty minutes,.. one worse than the next... tiny,.. dirty,.. real nasty carpets....

Stayed calm,.. left the bags fully zippered,.. went out for a few drinks,.. came back,.. still sucked,... checked out.... Worst hotel,.. room wise,.. I have ever experienced in any big city... Shame too,.. because it had possibilities,.. cool lookin' furniture,... if you don't mind untended dirt and stains....

brutal i know,.. but honest......