Escape to Kenner: Luxurious Home2 Suites Near NOLA Airport!
Escape to Kenner: Home2 Suites - Where the Airport Buzz Isn't Too Bad! (A Totally Unsolicited Review)
Alright, so you're stuck in Kenner, Louisiana, right? Heading into or out of New Orleans and need a place to crash? Been there, done that, and, frankly, I've got some thoughts on the Home2 Suites near the NOLA airport. Buckle up, buttercups, because this review is gonna be less "polished travel brochure" and more "honest traveler's brain dump."
Metadata:
- Title: Escape to Kenner: Luxurious Home2 Suites Near NOLA Airport! (Review)
- Keywords: Home2 Suites, Kenner, New Orleans, NOLA, Airport Hotel, Accessible Hotel, Free Wi-Fi, Swimming Pool, Fitness Center, Breakfast, Cleanliness, Safety, Reviews, Travel, Louisiana.
First Impressions & That Initial "Arrived!" Feeling:
Let's be real, Kenner isn't exactly the postcard-perfect image conjured up by "New Orleans!" But the Home2 Suites – well, it's a decent oasis in the slightly-less-than-glamorous landscape. Finding it wasn't a total nightmare, which is a win right off the bat after a long flight. Valet parking? Nope, but the Car park [on-site] is free of charge - score! (Okay, not really a "score" but a win, nonetheless!). The exterior is modern, and the entrance is, thankfully, well-lit. I always judge a hotel on its lighting. Don't ask me why. Just do.
Accessibility & Navigating the Hotel - More Than Just Ramps!
Right off the bat, I was grateful for the Elevator. That's always a huge plus, especially after lugging suitcases around. I didn't specifically need a wheelchair-accessible room, but I did poke around a bit, and the hotel seems to have made a decent effort at Facilities for disabled guests. Seeing wide hallways and easy access to common areas is comforting, even for a non-disabled traveler. The Wheelchair accessible areas extended into the restaurant/breakfast area, which is a good start.
Rooms - My Castle (For Maybe Two Nights):
Okay, the rooms. They're…fine. No complaints, but nothing that screamed "Wow!" Either. The Non-smoking rooms (thank goodness!) are clean and the Air conditioning was a godsend considering the Louisiana humidity. I actually appreciated the Blackout curtains – perfect for battling jet lag. Standard stuff, really. Wi-Fi [free] in all rooms is a must-have, and thankfully they deliver. And a shout-out to the extra long bed – because nobody wants to hang off the edge! They got the basics right: Coffee/tea maker, a desk (useful for last-minute work), and Linens that felt fresh.
Bathroom Breakdown - The Little Things Matter:
The bathroom was… fine. I’m not a bathroom aficionado, so as long as it’s clean and has hot water and a working Shower, I’m happy. They could have used an extra power outlet, though. Toiletries are provided, but I always pack my own. I do appreciate a good, clean Mirror and a working Hair dryer, since there’s nothing worse than showing up late for a meeting with damp hair.
Breakfast - The Morning Meal Mishap & Delicious Redemption
The breakfast situation was a mixed bag. The Breakfast [buffet]… well, let's just say it's quintessential hotel breakfast fare. Think: instant oatmeal, sad-looking scrambled eggs, and those pre-packaged pastries. On the first morning, I grabbed a sad croissant and thought, “Well, this is fine.” But then, (and here's the good part) I found the Breakfast takeaway service! They had this awesome, local cajun-spiced sausage which was absolutely delicious and a huge improvement. That sausage saved the day from a rather mundane experience! I recommend using the takeaway feature especially if you're in a hurry!
Keeping Busy (Or, You Know, Relaxing):
Listen, you're in Kenner. You’re probably not here for a vacation vacation. It's a place to rest your head before you fly. However, I did use the Fitness center a couple of times. It was small, but functional, and I was thankful for the treadmill to work off some of those hotel breakfast calories. The Swimming pool [outdoor] looked inviting, but since my trip was during winter, I didn't even get close. There is a Hot tub, but I'm not sure if that fits in the "relaxing" category or the "questionable decisions" category.
Eating & Drinking (Besides Breakfast):
I didn’t do much eating or drinking at the hotel. The Poolside bar, sounds nice but I’m a simple soul. Coffee/tea in restaurant, the coffee was strong and I needed it. Fortunately, there's a Convenience store nearby, and the staff was helpful in guiding me to some good local restaurants.
Cleanliness, Safety & The COVID-Era Twist:
Okay, this is important. I felt safe. The hotel seems to take cleanliness seriously. They say they use Anti-viral cleaning products, there was Hand sanitizer everywhere, which I appreciated. Staff trained in safety protocol was the main reason I felt confident about staying there. I saw staff members, regularly disinfecting the high-touch areas, and the room sanitization opt-out available. They’ve got the basics covered, and that matters a lot. The lack of Pets allowed was a blessing.
Service & Conveniences - The Human Element:
The staff was generally helpful. The Front desk [24-hour] is a plus (especially when you're arriving at odd hours). The concierge was available to help me navigate finding some local restaurants and gave great recommendations and directions. There was an efficient Contactless check-in/out.
The "Meh" & The "Could Be Better":
- The views? Let’s just say you're not coming here for the scenery.
- The location? Fine for the airport, but not exactly a vibrant neighborhood.
- The gift shop seemed a little sparse.
- I didn’t use any of the Business facilities, but they seem to exist.
Overall Impression:
The Home2 Suites near the NOLA airport is a solid choice for a short stay. It's clean, safe, and offers the basic amenities you need. It won't blow your mind, but it won't disappoint. It's a safe harbor in the slightly chaotic sea of travel. Final Verdict: 4/5 stars. Would stay here for a quick airport layover, yes.
P.S. I did try a local restaurant, and it was fantastic. So, if you're staying here, don't just stick around the hotel. Get out and explore!
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because this Kenner, Louisiana expedition is about to get real. And maybe a little… chaotic. Here’s the battle plan, forged in the fiery depths of pre-trip anxiety and fueled by copious amounts of coffee:
Hotel Basecamp: Home2 Suites by Hilton Kenner New Orleans Airport (because apparently, I like to live on the edge of the airport)
(Note to Self: Pack earplugs. Airports. Ugh.)
Day 1: Arrival & The Promise of Gumbo (and Probably Regret)
- 1:00 PM: Arrived at MSY (Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport). Flight was… fine. Turbulence made me clutch my neighbor's arm (sorry, sir!), but we landed. My stomach is currently doing a pre-emptive flip-flop, because I'm a nervous flier.
- 1:30 PM: Checked into Home2 Suites. It's… fine. Clean, functional. The complimentary breakfast better be decent, because I'm running on a caffeine-fueled prayer at this point.
- 2:30 PM: Settle in. Unpack. Stare intensely at the TV. Contemplate the profound meaning of hotel-provided Dove soap. (Why Dove? Why not something with a little oomph?)
- 3:00 PM: Drive to Metairie Cemetery. (I’m strangely morbid and find cemeteries beautiful and peaceful.) Okay, maybe a slight misstep. The humidity hit me like a brick wall. I swear I could taste the air. I was sweating so profusely, I'm fairly certain my hair was developing its own ecosystem. The sculptures and mausoleums are incredible, but by the end, I was mostly just wishing I'd remembered to pack a tiny, portable air conditioner.
- 6:00 PM: Gumbo Quest Begins! Dinner at a place called "Cajun Seafood & Oyster Bar". I'm here for one thing only: Gumbo. I mean, you have to try gumbo, right? The waitress was a sweetheart. She asked if I needed anything. I said "Gumbo", "Ramen", "Water", in one breath.
- 7:00 PM: The Gumbo arrived. Okay, okay, it was pretty good. Rich, spicy, a little thick. This might be the best thing and the worst thing all in one, delicious bowl. I almost ordered a side of rice; that would be a disaster.
Day 2: History, Hurricanes, and a Serious Sugar Craving (and a minor breakdown)
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. The "healthy" options are… questionable. I ate a waffle. Don't judge me.
- 10:00 AM: Head into New Orleans proper. French Quarter bound! This is where the real fun begins. Or at least, where the tourist traps begin. Either way…
- 11:30 AM: Jackson Square & St. Louis Cathedral. The sheer energy of the French Quarter is… intense. The street performers, the artists, the… smells. (Let's just say, the City of New Orleans has a unique aroma.) Jackson Square is beautiful, in its own frenetic way. I spent about 20 minutes staring at the cathedral and then I had to find a place to sit down and catch my breath.
- 1:00 PM: Lunch: Cafe Du Monde. Beignets! Oh, sweet, glorious, powdered-sugar-bomb beignets! My clothes are now approximately 50% powdered sugar. Worth it. Absolutely worth it. I may need a nap after this.
- 2:00 PM: Shopping on Royal Street: Attempt to browse the art galleries and antique shops. Failed miserably. I'm allergic to crowds, and this was a veritable sea of humanity. My wallet, however, escaped unscathed. I was feeling a bit shell-shocked from the crowds. I needed to get out.
- 4:00 PM: The Cabildo & The Presbytere (Louisiana State Museum). These museums are great if you're into history. I, however, was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. The exhibits were interesting, but I was getting museum-ed out. A small, internal voice was screaming for a cocktail and a quiet corner.
- 6:00 PM: Hurricane Katrina Exhibit at The Presbytere: Okay, this is where the emotional dam burst. The photographs, the stories… it was overwhelming and profoundly sad. I found myself wandering around the exhibit in a daze. I saw families. I saw the incredible amount of help. I saw the strength of the people of New Orleans. I had a mini-breakdown. Honestly, it was a lot.
- 7:30 PM: Dinner: Restaurant "Mulate's". The place looked fun. I got more Gumbo. Then I ordered fries. I told the waiter, "I’m sorry, I just need something familiar. And carbs are my therapy." He laughed. The music helped.
- 8:30 PM: Taxi back to the hotel. I’m exhausted, emotionally drained, and in dire need of a very long shower. I might just order a pizza and hide in my room tonight.
Day 3: Swamp Tours, Sadness, and the Airport (and the inevitable late start)
- 10:00 AM: (Yup, slept in. Blame the beignets.) Breakfast – more waffles. Don't judge me.
- 11:00 AM: Swamp Tour! This was my must-do. I did my research. I chose a reputable tour. I have been really looking forward to this. It was beautiful. The alligators, the trees, the whole ecosystem was mesmerizing. The guide was charming.
- 2:00 PM: Drive back to Kenner. Check out of Home2 Suites. Feeling a little melancholy.
- 3:00 PM: Lunch at a fast-food place near the airport. (Necessity, not choice.)
- 4:00 PM: Head to the airport. Spend an inordinate amount of time security, as per usual.
- 6:00 PM: Fly out! (Finally!)
- 7:00 PM: Reflect on a trip of highs and lows. A trip that stretched me emotionally. I will miss New Orleans. I will think about the people. I will think of the food. I will think of the Gumbo. (I’m still going to order more).
Post-Trip Considerations:
- Next time: Pack more comfortable shoes. And a portable air conditioner. And a therapist.
- Takeaway: New Orleans is a city that burrows into your soul. It's messy. It's beautiful. It's heartbreaking. It's unforgettable. And yes, next time I will spend more time in New Orleans proper.
- Recommendation: Go. Just go. And bring your tissues. And your appetite.
This is Kenner, y'all. I'm exhausted, but I'm also changed. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have more powdered sugar to remove from my person.
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Escape to Kenner: Home2 Suites Near NOLA Airport - You *Need* to Know This Stuff (Trust Me)
So, is this actually NEAR the airport? 'Cause I've had experiences...
Okay, real talk. "Near the airport" can mean anything from "a brisk walk" (yeah, right) to "a terrifying taxi ride through a swamp filled with alligators wearing tiny top hats." Thankfully, and I mean THANKFULLY, the Home2 Suites in Kenner is actually *close*. Like, a short, painless, and ideally Uber-able (or Lyft-able, if you're so inclined) ride. Think… 5-10 minutes max. I mean, I’ve been stuck in airport traffic longer just trying to get to a damn parking spot, you know? So, yeah, it’s legitimately convenient. Which, after a red-eye, is a godsend. Believe me, I've flown into other places where "near" meant a 45-minute odyssey through what felt like a forgotten corner of the earth. This ain't that. This is... pretty good.
Home2 Suites… is it a fancy place? I'm not exactly rolling in dough after this trip.
“Fancy”? Nah, not quite. But that's a *good* thing, right? It's more like… comfortably modern and clean. Think IKEA meets "I actually got a decent night's sleep." It's definitely NOT a dive. Rooms are bright, the beds are comfy (a massive win), and there's a little kitchenette thingy, which is clutch if you're traveling with kids (or, let's be honest, just like to sneak in some late-night snacks). The price point is reasonable, too. Look, I'm a regular Joe, and I don't want to feel like I'm breaking the bank just to get a decent room. Home2 Suites feels like a solid bet. It's a perfectly reasonable accommodation for a pre/post flight stay, or a budget friendly alternative to pricier hotels in the city. And who doesn't love a good deal?
What about the free breakfast? Is it… edible? Because hotel breakfasts are notorious.
Okay, let’s get real. Free hotel breakfasts can be a gamble. Sometimes you get the holy grail of waffles and bacon. Other times… well, let’s just say I’ve met some questionable scrambled eggs. But the Home2 Suites breakfast? Pretty darn good, actually. They usually have the waffle station (a personal weakness), plus stuff like cereal, yogurt, fruit, and some hot items. It's not gourmet, people, but it's definitely *edible*. And, as a bonus, they usually have coffee that tastes like, well, *coffee*, not some brown, lukewarm mystery liquid. Look, it’ll get you going in the morning. And remember, you're getting it for FREE. So, stop complaining!
Okay, but what about the *other* amenities? Like, is there a pool? And a gym, maybe? (Don't judge!)
Yes! There is a POOL! (And, yes, I did use it, judge away!) It's not the biggest pool in the world, but it's a good size for a quick dip to cool off after a long day of traveling. Plus, it almost always seems deserted. And, yes, there's a gym! Okay, it's not exactly a state-of-the-art fitness center, but it's got the basics: treadmills, ellipticals, weights… enough to get your heart rate up and maybe counteract the effects of all the delicious beignets you're probably eating in New Orleans. (I know I was.) Look, it’s a nice little bonus, especially if you're like me and feel guilty about neglecting your fitness routine while on vacation. Hey, a little self-care never hurt anyone, right?
Parking: easy? Or a nightmare like trying to find a unicorn?
Parking at this Home2 Suites? Easy breezy, lemon squeezy. Unlike trying to park near the French Quarter on a Saturday night (I'm still recovering from that experience, just thinking about it), parking here is plentiful and stress-free. It's free. It's readily available. I mean, you *want* easy airport access, but sometimes... you just want easy PARKING. And they deliver on that promise. Thank goodness. Seriously, thank goodness. Because, let's be honest, a hotel with a good parking situation can instantly make a trip less stressful.
So, really… would you stay there again? What were the REAL problems?
Alright, alright. The truth. Would I stay there again? Absolutely, without a doubt. It's a convenient, comfortable, and reasonably priced option near the airport, and that's hard to beat. But... here's the *real* lowdown. My personal "problem" with this perfect hotel... is... I *almost* lost my phone in the laundry room. I mean, the laundry room! We're talking a close call. I was on a conference call, and in my rush to make it to the pool I left it on the washing machine and, by some stroke of luck, I wasn't gone long enough for the cleaning crew to come get it. I was already halfway to the pool, then I had that moment of sheer panic where you realize you've left your phone somewhere, and I ran back, and it was still there! That was some real heart-stopping drama, let me tell you. I feel the entire experience made me re-evaluate my life, my priorities, and my relationship with technology. I felt foolish, yet oh so relieved after that adventure. Other than the near-miss laundry room phone situation (which was *completely* my fault), there weren't any major issues. It’s not perfect – no hotel is – but for the price and convenience, it's a solid choice. Maybe just… double-check your belongings before you leave. And maybe *don't* take work calls next to the washing machines. Just a suggestion.
Is it noisy? I'm a light sleeper.
Okay, noise levels. This is *crucial* for me, because I turn into a grumpy monster without my beauty sleep. Generally speaking, it's pretty quiet. The walls aren’t paper-thin. I didn’t hear a lot of hallway ruckus or loud conversations filtering into my room. However… and this isn't necessarily the hotel's fault… you *are* near an airport. So, you *will* hear some plane noise. It's not constantly roaring, but there were times when a plane took off or landed and you’d hear it. It's the kind of noise that'll wake you if you're a super light sleeper. For me, a white noise app on my phone usually does the trick. Earplugs are another option, if you’reUrban Hotel Search
