Stayed at the Cotton Exchange New Orleans February 2011. We were told that they still offered a full hot buffet breakfast(hotel was formerly Holiday Inn Express which offered the hot breakfast) but that wasn't true. They didn't offer the complimentary either because of an incident or something. In our room we couldn't close the curtains so we tried to improvise. Other than the unwanted light, it didn't matter because our view was of a vacant ugly building(no one was looking in). I will say the location was wonderful. It's within walking distance or a trolley ride to Bourbon Street, French Quarter, and popular attractions.

Had read bad reviews about this hotel before trip. It certainly lived up to these reviews. It was a shame as building had prospects. Only plus was I had a big room and bed was comfortable. Was cleaned daily, I think, but one day no towels were left and had to borrow a towel off a friend in another room. Also bit hit and miss about replacement of coffee and coffee whitener etc. No breakfast either but found terrific cafe just up the road from the hotel. Daisy Dukes. Brilliant food and brilliant staff. Staff in hotel could take a lesson in friendliness and helpfulness from the cafe staff.

As a single female traveler, I always try to stay in a hotel and location that is safe. I booked the Cotton Exchange for a recent business trip to NOLA for the price and the location on the reccommendation from a friend. Check in went smoothly and the concierge was very helpful with dinner reservations. He even gave me a discount coupon for Oceana, one of my favorite restaurants in the Quarter. The room was of average size and was clean. I didn't have any problems with the toilet clogging or the drains not working properly. The hotel could stand a renovation however, for the rate I paid, I couldn't go wrong. I felt safe and secure with the hotel's location (which is excellent by the way), and the front desk staff greeted me wtih a smile each time I entered or exited the lobby. I never encountered a rude employee once during my four night stay. Bottom line: the Cotton Exchange is an average, decent hotel in a great location. If you have a tight budget, this is the place for you. Don't expect five star service and amenities from a budget hotel.

Although the rooms were nice and the bed was fairly comfortable, they just didn't make up for the negative experience we had at Cotton Exchange. Here's a list of the problems we ran in to.

1. A rude staff. I guess one of my biggest complaints is the front desk staff. They're rude...almost mean.
2. When we entered our room for the first time, all of the lightbulbs were burned out. We called the front desk and it took over 20 minutes for the maintenance kid to bring the bulbs. 3. No coffee cups were provided - and they only stocked decaf coffee.
4. Our toilet clogged.
5. The sink didn't drain.
6. There are seven floors at the hotel (maybe 8) and none of them had a working ice machine.
7. People smoked in the lobby (that may not be an issue for lots of people, but when I walked in, it almost smelled like one of the bars on Bourbon St.)

We don't plan to go back to the Cotton Exchange.