Hilton New Orleans Riverside
A massive riverfront convention hotel featuring Drago's charbroiled oysters and easy Julia Street cruise access.
The verdict
Pick a traveller type to re-weight the scores and re-rank the rooms around what you actually care about.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside is a mega-scale property situated right on the river, making it a standard pick for cruise passengers and conference attendees. Guests appreciate comfortable rooms with queen-size beds and the popular charbroiled oysters at Drago's Seafood Restaurant. However, guests frequently complain about add-on charges that feel like nickel-and-diming, as well as occasional small room layouts with dated decor. 1117103
Every line below traces back to something a traveler actually wrote — open a line to read the original sentence and follow it to the source.
What travelers noticed
- Guests consistently praise on-site dining at Drago's Seafood Restaurant, specifically highlighting the charbroiled oysters that draw in outside visitors. 1117
- Rooms feature clean, comfortable queen-size beds with four pillows each, paired with good shower water pressure. 6
- Cruise passengers value the prime position for departures, located just a 0.4-mile walk or 4-minute cab ride from Julia Street. 11
The catch
- While cruise guests consider the location near Julia Street ideal, some solo travelers feel the riverside location is remote and uncomfortable to walk around after dark. 211911
- Some guests describe check-in as smooth, friendly, and efficient, but others point out that managing 1,622 rooms can lead to crowds and a generic, impersonal experience. 6
Who it's for
- — Cruise passengers departing from Julia Street
- — Fans of Drago's charbroiled oysters
- — Large conference and group attendees
Skip it if
- — Guests seeking an intimate boutique hotel
- — Travelers frustrated by add-on fees and charges
- — Anyone wanting lively street life directly outside after dark
Seen on camera
5 moments · 1 video · Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Each moment is pulled at the second a cited reviewer said the words. Play it here, or open the original video at that timestamp.
“My check-in experience was smooth, friendly, and efficient, which was great because this is where I stayed during Mira.”
youtube.com0:27“The room was clean and it came with two comfy queen-siz beds with four pillows each.”
youtube.com1:04“And the decor of the room definitely gave off a cozy Nola style vibe.”
youtube.com1:14“The room comes with a mini fridge for your own personal use. There is also an in room coffee maker featuring PJ's coffee…”
youtube.com1:53“But what can you do with this much space? However, there was a very nice shower tub combo with a nice shower head that h…”
youtube.com3:40Frames are citations: each one links to its second in the source video, attributed to the creator who filmed it. Nothing here is supplied by the hotel. Creators who want a moment removed can ask and we take it down.
Booking direct costs no more here and keeps Hilton Honors points, elite nights and eligible benefits.
Prices shown are an estimated range, not a live quote — the booking site confirms the real rate for your dates.
This sits inside our estimated range for this hotel.
Confidence: low · modelled estimate, not a live quote. Check the supplier for the real rate on your dates.
Score breakdown
How the 78/100 is built, category by category — each one with the strongest thing travelers actually said, and the source it came from.
Bathroom
85Food
88Location
90Noise
91- “Everything is covered except the two flights of stairs. We always purposely book the Hilton Riverside the night before a cruise from New Orleans. It is super easy to walk through the Riverwalk than to walk on the street from a hotel, especially in weather that may or may not be ideal.” 19
Room
81- “The suite, on the other hand, was as amazing as any Waldorf property. Elegant, historical, but up-to-date.” 9
- “I was in a different hotel in the CBD, but did hang with Friends at the Hilton Riverside, the main tower facing the CBD has renovated rooms. The room our buddy was assigned, was VERY nice.” 17
Service
80Bed & Sleep
84Nothing quotable yet on this one — the score leans on the rest of the coverage.
Value
74Where it is, how to reach it
Details checked 2026-08-26
Stay value
How this property reads against the hotels we cover alongside it. Measured on review evidence, not on a nightly rate.
Falls short of what $ usually buys
Scores 9 points below the modest median of 87, across 197 hotels in the same bracket. In New Orleans it sits 10 points below the local median of 88.
- This hotel
- 78
- Bracket median
- 87
- Index median
- 90
Based on 197 comparable hotels.
Which room to ask for
What reviewers say about where to sleep inside this building — by room number where one is named, and otherwise by floor, wing, aspect and position. Every line opens onto the quotes behind it.
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
- 1 mention
Where travelers agree — and don’t
The topics reviewers split on most. A wide bar means your experience depends on which room you get — or whose opinion you trust.
View the 71 things travelers said behind this verdict▾
Quotes run exactly as travelers wrote them — spelling and all. We trim for length, never for tidiness.
- “Ask for a renovated floor by number. Floors 4 to 13 and floor 29 are in the current $18 million phase. The gap between a done room and an untouched one is the whole review.” 11
- “There is a nice workstation area with another landline and plenty of charging outlets. This room came with a city view, which would be probably a lot better if I was on a higher floor.” 6
- “The small room was the worst 4/5-star hotel room I've ever stayed in. Small is one thing, but weird layout (bed pushed against the closet), no end table on either side of the bed, half broken window frames, peeling paint, and the tiniest bathroom with no counter space.” 9
- “My only complaint about the property is the room decor is pretty dated imo and gives "grandma's house", but Draco's has great food and the property was big and beautiful!” 9
- “I did find it odd that the bell hop desk and lobby check in desk are on a different floor then the main entrance where you need to catch a taxi.” 4
- “Never had a problem there. Biggest hotel room I've ever stayed N.O.” 17
- “The rooms are very nice. I usually try to stay in a suite when available, but the basic king bed / double queens are just fine.” 17
- “Responding to your specific concerns: The rooms are very nice. I usually try to stay in a suite when available, but the basic king bed / double queens are just fine.” 17
- “The room was clean and it came with two comfy queen-siz beds with four pillows each.” On camera61:04
- “The suite, on the other hand, was as amazing as any Waldorf property. Elegant, historical, but up-to-date.” 9
- “The room comes with a mini fridge for your own personal use. There is also an in room coffee maker featuring PJ's coffee, which is pretty good. It'll get you going in the morning.” On camera61:53
- “And the decor of the room definitely gave off a cozy Nola style vibe.” On camera61:14
- “The problem with the building 3 rooms is you're less likely to get a room with a river view. But you have quick access to these courtyards.” 10
- “I was in a different hotel in the CBD, but did hang with Friends at the Hilton Riverside, the main tower facing the CBD has renovated rooms. The room our buddy was assigned, was VERY nice.” 17
- “Stayed at the Hilton Garden Warehouse District. It's next to the convention center. So if there's no convention on prices can be very good.” 9
- “But the slew of add-on charges may leave guests feeling nickel-and-dimed.” 3
- “Stayed at the Hilton Garden Warehouse District. It's next to the convention center. So if there's no convention on prices can be very good. Not the best location within the city but not bad either. Just an additional 20-30 minutes of walking a day compared to something in the heart of the CBD. Nice hotel, good rooms.” 9
- “The destination fee is described as covering premium internet, a daily food and beverage credit, court access and laundry credits. If that is accurate it is one of the better-value mandatory fees in the portfolio, because the racquet access alone is worth $12.” 11
- “Stayed at the Hilton Garden Warehouse District. It's next to the convention center. So if there's no convention on prices can be very good. Not the best location within the city but not bad either. Just an additional 20-30 minutes of walking a day compared to something in the heart of the CBD.” 9
- “I stayed at homewood 901 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112. Easy to get around. Walkable to a lot. Friendly staff. Good price.” 9
- “The Roosevelt is close to the Ritz-Carlton. Definitely a good neighborhood.” 17
- “I would stay here again the location was great with lots to do close by.” 4
- “But all in all, this is a fine pick for anyone wanting to explore the city -- the location on the Mississippi River, near the French Quarter, is excellent.” 3
- “Having stayed all over New Orleans, this is the prime location to be outside of the French Quarter, but close enough to it.” 17
- “The hotel is in a great location. I've never ever felt unsafe in NOLA.” 17
- “Safe enough. We've stayed there many times, my wife has stayed there with just the kids she really likes the covered parking garage. It's a decent little walk from the Quarter but very doable.” 21
- “The entire staff at the Roosevelt is top notch. The hotel is in a great location.” 17
- “The Roosevelt is close to the Ritz-Carlton. Definitely a good neighborhood. Most troublemakers don't hang around either.” 17
- “For a cruise, this is close to the best land position in the city. Julia Street is a 0.4 mile walk with a bag, or a 4-minute cab.” 11
- “Riverside is a good one, I have also stayed in the Roosevelt-much more luxurious being a Waldorf and also in a good location.” 9
- “Stayed at the Doubletree downtown once for Mardi Gras - dump of a hotel (not sure how much that's changed since I was there in 2017ish, good location.” 9
- “Head here to experience elevated Southern hospitality in a Lower Garden District setting with a swim-up bar in the back.” 15
- “Hilton St. Charles is my favorite - quieter location but still a quick walk to everything. Streetcar runs in front of the hotel. Old, historic building with comfortable, large rooms.” 9
- “I loved the location right on the Mississippi River.” 4
- “The Hilton Riverside is a hike, and more focused on the Convention Center in my opinion. You want to stroll around New Orleans, not hike as much as coming and going from the Riverside location will make you.” 17
- “Not the best location within the city but not bad either. Just an additional 20-30 minutes of walking a day compared to something in the heart of the CBD.” 9
- “I stayed at homewood 901 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112. Easy to get around. Walkable to a lot.” 9
- “The Hilton is a very nice location if you are going to be going on a cruise.” 4
- “The location is great, within walking distance of the French Quarter, Harrah's and the port.” 4
- “Hilton St. Charles is my favorite - quieter location but still a quick walk to everything.” 9
- “My check-in experience was smooth, friendly, and efficient, which was great because this is where I stayed during Mira.” On camera60:27
- “The Higgins is tough to beat. I stayed there on extended business and the service was great. Nice restaurants and bar. Concierge James is a gem.” 9
- “Stayed at the Roosevelt a couple weeks ago, property is quite a bit dated, but the service was second to none.” 9
- “The Higgins is tough to beat. I stayed there on extended business and the service was great.” 9
- “I visit NOLA alot....The Roosevelt is the place to stay. The staff is the best.” 9
- “I stayed at the Canopy when I was in NOLA and I liked it. The staff was nice, and I really liked the food in their restaurant.” 9
- “Nice hotel, good rooms. Would stay again.” 9
- “The Higgins is tough to beat. I stayed there on extended business and the service was great. Nice restaurants and bar.” 9
- “The Higgins is tough to beat. I stayed there on extended business and the service was great. Nice restaurants and bar. Concierge James is a gem. It's tucked away enough to be quiet but close enough to walk to the quarter.” 9
- “Skip if: You want a small hotel or a courtyard. At 1,622 rooms this is the largest hotel in New Orleans and it behaves like one at check-in.” 11
- “The Roosevelt staff is second to none but some rooms can be small.” 9
- “The Higgins has gorgeous rooms and amazing staff.” 9
- “I stayed at homewood 901 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112. Easy to get around. Walkable to a lot. Friendly staff. Good price.” 9
- “Higgins. Very very clean, awesome staff and nice rooms.” 9
- “It'll get you going in the morning. There is a nice workstation area with another landline and plenty of charging outlets.” 6
- “The entire staff at the Roosevelt is top notch.” 17
- “The food is incredible. It is one of the nicest hotels we have ever stayed at, and it's why we go back so often.” 17
- “Drago's in the Hilton would be great for Dinner” 19
- “I stayed at the Canopy when I was in NOLA and I liked it. The staff was nice, and I really liked the food in their restaurant.” 9
- “The Hilton itself-another matter entirely. Tired property. Mediocre food and bev service.” 21
- “Absolutely safe. Just left and had a good time (except for the water Spin Dip at Dragos & frozen buffalo wings from room service).” 21
- “The Roosevelt has a well-known and popular contemporary Italian restaurant, Domenica. The Riverside does have a satellite Drago's restaurant (the iconic grilled oyster restaurant in the greater NOLA area), but I think most would say the overall dining experience at Domenica is better.” 17
- “Higgins. Very very clean, awesome staff and nice rooms. It's a great property and one of the better Hiltons. Good restaurant, nice little coffee area and a huge bar.” 9
- “Hilton Riverside is home to one of my favorite New Orleans restaurants, Dragos Seafood.” 10
- “Deep-Cake221 • 1 taon ang nakalipas Absolutely safe. Just left and had a good time (except for the water Spin Dip at Dragos & frozen buffalo wings from room service).” 21
- “Yeah, walking around the Hilton is not the problem. The Hilton itself-another matter entirely. Tired property. Mediocre food and bev service.” 21
- “Drago's Seafood Restaurant, 11:30am to 10pm daily. The charbroiled oysters are the reason people who are not staying here walk in.” 11
- “The rooms were comfortable and modern and we had great view of the City.” 4
- “Everything is covered except the two flights of stairs. We always purposely book the Hilton Riverside the night before a cruise from New Orleans. It is super easy to walk through the Riverwalk than to walk on the street from a hotel, especially in weather that may or may not be ideal.” 19
What we still don't know
What we can’t tell you yet, said plainly. These close as we read more coverage of this hotel.
- No reviewer has named an individual room number here yet.
- Nothing reliable said about room types.
- Nothing reliable said about which side it faces.
- Nothing reliable said about position on the floor.
- Noise rests on 1 source — too thin to rely on.
- 21 sources carry no publication date, so we cannot tell how current they are.
Ask about Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Answered only from the coverage cited on this page. If nobody has written about your question, it will say so rather than guess.
How much we read
Deep coverage · 57/100We read 21 sources for this property, and pulled 92 traveler insights worth knowing. Last checked 2026-08-28.
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Sources
Everything quoted on this page, grouped by traveler insights, outlets, and video & podcast. Counts beside each group show everything we’ve read of that kind; no one kind can carry the score on its own.
5 of 5 summary lines above are traced to specific quotes. The rest summarise the read as a whole rather than any single document.
View all 21 cited sources▾
Everything quoted on this page.
- 1Hilton New Orleans Riversidevacations.united.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalvacations.united.com
- 2Hilton New Orleans Riversidehiltonriverside.hotelneworleans.netReview siteDate not statedRead originalhiltonriverside.hotelneworleans.net
- 3Hilton New Orleans Riverside Reviewoyster.comReview siteDate not stated4 quotes used
“But all in all, this is a fine pick for anyone wanting to explore the city -- the location on the Mississippi River, near the French Quarter, is excellent.”
Read originaloyster.com - 4New Orleans Hilton Riverside Reviewboards.cruisecritic.comReview siteDate not stated7 quotes used
“I would stay here again the location was great with lots to do close by.”
Read originalboards.cruisecritic.com - 5Hilton New Orleans Riverside - AARP Travel Centerexpedia-aarp.comReview siteDate not statedRead originalexpedia-aarp.com
- 6Hilton New Orleans Riverside Standard 2 Queen Room Touryoutube.comVideoDate not statedListened for quotes only8 quotes used
“My check-in experience was smooth, friendly, and efficient, which was great because this is where I stayed during Mira.”
Read originalyoutube.com
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