The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is a fantastic hotel for pre- or post-cruise stays — you can literally walk right to the Port of New Orleans. It’s also close to the Outlet Collection at Riverwalk (hence the name), where families can enjoy promenade shopping and dining. And the French Quarter isn’t far either — just 4 blocks away.

In addition to a fantastic location, the hotel — which feels like the size of a shopping mall — features spacious guestrooms and suites, a gigantic sports complex (it’s popular for sports competitions), two pools (one inside and one out), and a great concierge service. The onsite dining options are fantastic, too — don’t miss Drago’s Seafood for fresh oysters on the half shell.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is one of the largest hotels in New Orleans, with a total of 1,622 rooms. All the accommodations are simple, yet modern in design and decor. They are equipped with empty mini-fridges and work desks.

Cribs and rollaway beds ($30 per night) are available upon request, as are connecting rooms.

Guestrooms
Guestrooms are equipped with one king bed or two queen beds. Most of the guestrooms are the same size (Luxury Guestrooms offer slightly more space) and come with a shower/tub combination in bathrooms. Choose a City View or River View for the best vistas.

Suites
Choose from a One-Bedroom Parlor Suite, 1 King Junior Suite, or 1 King Bed Murphy Bed Parlor to sleep a total of four or five guests. Have a large group? The 2 Bedroom Parlor Suite is a good option for families of up to eight, with two bedrooms (one with a king, one with two queens), and a sleeper sofa.

Executive Rooms
Guests of Executive Rooms enjoy upgraded amenities, including access to the Executive Lounge where complimentary breakfast and snacks are served daily -- a great value for families.

Pools
The hotel has two basic pools -- one (Riverside Pool) is located outside, the other inside. Riverside Pool hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; the main pool (inside) is open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sports Complex
The hotel has an expansive sports complex that's so big, it's open to the public for memberships! It features a large fitness center with cardio machines, free weights and everything in between, plus a running track, tennis courts, squash, a racquetball court, basketball court and more.

The sports complex and fitness center are open 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday to Friday, and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Drago's Seafood
Drago's Seafood attracts people from all over the city -- locals and tourists alike. One of Hilton's top-performing restaurants, it specializes in oysters. Other menu options include Po'Boys, burgers, salads, seafood entrees and pasta. A gluten-free menu is also available, as is a kids' menu. It's open 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

Le Croissant
Le Croissant serves breakfast, along with pastries and coffee drinks. It's open 6:30 to 11 a.m. Monday to Friday, staying open until noon on Saturdays and Sundays.

River Blends Café
River Blends Café, open 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, serves breakfast and lunch. Starbucks coffee is also available here.

Crescent City Marketplace
Head to Crescent City Marketplace for snacks and drinks for your in-room mini-fridge, along with Starbucks coffee. Toiletries and souvenirs are also sold here. It's open 8 a.m. to midnight daily.

In-Room Dining
Room service is available 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with kids' options on the menu.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is complimentary to members of Hilton Honors, a free rewards program. Simply sign up before you arrive or at check-in and enjoy complimentary access!

Concierge
The hotel's concierge is at your service to create custom itineraries for your time in New Orleans.

Beauty Salon
Visiting for an event? Get your hair and nails done at the onsite beauty salon. Reservations are recommended.

The Art of Smart Timing
The hotel is busy year round, especially considering it hosts sporting events for high school and college students. It's busiest from Mardi Gras through June, and then again in the fall. Try a visit in the summer to enjoy lower rates and fewer crowds (but higher temperatures).

Getting There
The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is about a half-hour from the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (factoring in traffic). The most inexpensive way to get there is via an Uber or taxi. You could also utilize the Airport Shuttle -- it departs every 30 minutes, stopping at hotels throughout the city; the cost is $20 per person (one way).

Getting Around
You truly don't need a car to get to most places in New Orleans -- especially from this property. And even when you do, you can easily take one of the streetcars, which pick up on Canal Street and cost $1.25 each way (free for kids under age 2), or rent a car at the onsite rental desk; rentals are available by the day.

If you have your own car, parking is valet only for $49 per night, plus tax -- admittedly the steepest we've seen in the city.

For Mom and Dad
Head to the Public Belt for cocktails, light bites and live piano music, or check out Spirits for more libations. You could also head to nearby Harrah's Casino for some gambling.