If you're looking for a relaxing getaway, you might want to keep scrolling--unless your idea of vacation includes surprise charges, cardio drills, and a bit of chaos.
I recently stayed at Element Downtown New Orleans (booked through Expedia), and while the hotel *looks* nice and the location is great, the experience felt more like an endurance test than a vacation.
Let's start with check-in: despite having fully prepaid through Expedia, multiple rooms in our party were charged an additional $600+ each and told our stay hadn't been paid for. Proof was shown, apologies were given, and we were assured the charges would be reversed "in real time." Spoiler alert: they weren't. In fact, we were later told it could take up to 7 days. Nothing quite like being out of state with your funds tied up over someone else's mistake. We are back home funds still not released one week later.
Now for the unexpected "amenities": fire alarms. Not once, but twice. The first had us hauling luggage down 12 flights of stairs, exiting through what can only be described as a construction obstacle course, only to be told it was a false alarm. Staff response? Basically, "yeah, that happens." Reassuring.
The second alarm had us descending again--this time from the 18th floor--just in time to get soaked by water pouring into the stairwell, ruining personal items. We were told a manager would follow up. Still waiting on that.
Elevators were unreliable (someone was reportedly stuck in one for over an hour), and the stairwells--when not doubling as a water feature--weren't exactly a safe alternative.
Customer service ranged from dismissive to nonexistent. Trying to speak to a manager felt like a scavenger hunt with no prize. When we finally did get one, the resolution offered was 10,000 Bonvoy points--which, for context, won't even get you a free night. Generous.
To be fair, the rooms were clean and the building has potential. But between the financial issues, safety concerns, and lack of accountability, it's hard to overlook the bigger picture.
If you enjoy uncertainty, surprise expenses, and spontaneous evacuation drills, this might be the place for you. Otherwise, I'd strongly recommend choosing a hotel that prioritizes both its guests' safety and basic customer service.
Consider this your warning. read more