The Brakeman Hotel: Historic Elegance in New Orleans

I and some friends stayed at the Brakeman in NOV '25. We were a party of five, taking three rooms; they were lovely, and we would definitely return to stay. Here are our pros and cons: PRO: * Rooms are quite spacious, with high ceilings--no claustrophobia here! * It was so convenient that they have a tourist center on the main/entry floor--you can find out about things you'd like to do while visiting New Orleans, and get tickets. We enjoyed the cemetery tour, and we took the hop on/off bus to get a bird's-eye view of the location, as it was our first visit--that was very helpful. * With the exception of one of the people staffing the ticket counter for the tours, all other staff were exceptionally helpful, friendly, and made us feel welcome. They had hints and tips galore. One woman (hotel staff?) took extra time to mark up a map and make several recommendations for us, which was so helpful. * This place is quiet--not much city noise. There was an event on the private roof one night, and although we heard lots of (tables/chairs?) scraping above, it did not carry into the late hours at all. The neighbors next door to this building are supremely quiet as well (it's a cemetery!). * Security system: you need the room card to get into the elevator and room area; we felt entirely safe at all times (and the police station is across the street). * Air conditioning works great--you may need it if you visit on one of those hot, humid days. * Included: coffee maker w/pods of coffee and tea; shampoo, conditioner, and bar soap. We really liked the extra pillows and towels in the closet area. There are mini refrigerators in the room, but if you need to microwave something you must use the mw in the lobby. * The gift shop on the main floor was cute and well-stocked, for those last-minute purchases, and there is a tiny coffee shop wall as well, but we did not use it. * One of the hotel staff directed us to a little coffee & sandwich shop just on the far side of the cemetery--the breakfast there was delightful and inexpensive. * Decor was old-style, suitable to the building: including a brick wall, with calm, soothing colors all around. The CONS were not enough to turn us off, but if you are super picky, take note: * Nightstand drawers do not open (but that may be a good thing). * There are no luggage stands in the rooms, but there was ample space in the closet and drawer area for all our clothing and miscellanea, and plenty of space in the room to stash our empty luggage without it blocking our way at all. * No blackout curtains: if you need an absolutely dark room, know that the early morning light will creep in between the edges and cracks of the shutters--it was plenty dark for us, but I decided to wear an eye mask while sleeping, for complete blackout. * We found one comfy sitting chair in the room, and one smaller chair at the desk--it would be an improvement (and there is certainly room enough) for two sitting chairs. *Although the bathrooms were spacious, there is very little (I mean VERY little) area to set your toiletry bags--we put a small one on the side of the sink and had to hang one from the towel rack (where we feared things might drop into the toilet). A storage area or shelf would be much appreciated in the bathroom. ** Two more things to mention: First, it was the case in two of the rooms for our party that we found random hairs in the bathrooms! Not enough that we made a fuss about, but kind of on the gross side; hence this is a four-star review, not a five. A little more attention to bathroom cleaning detail would easily resolve this. Secondly, this hotel is located in a questionable border neighborhood--our taxi driver had a hard time finding it in the dark! It's a convenient short walk to all the hoopla and excitement of Bourbon Street, but if you stay out late and don't use taxi or Uber service, you may not feel safe walking back. During the day everything felt quite safe for us (a party of five). There is a gas station market across the street, and those who enjoy junk food, chips, and oily breaded fried meat things may enjoy their offerings, but we only purchased water (and a few canned cocktails) from the gas station. Altogether we really enjoyed our stay at the Brakeman, and when we visit again we will definitely stay here; it was pleasant, quiet, and comfortable, and altogether contributed to our wonderful stay.

This was our second stay here, and we loved it! Location is good, and we walked most places. Staff is friendly and helpful. We highly recommend!

Stayed here for 4 nights. Not ONCE did hotel front desk staff interact with us. Even when we came down to the lobby at 4:00AM - they couldn’t be bothered to engage. No “good morning”s - No “good evening”s - nothing. Perhaps it’s because Mr Gregory wasn’t working? Even the hotel Front Desk “manager” was on duty several times while we were here and we received no attention from her. I’m not sure who’s getting the “SUPER FRIENDLY STAFF”- but we saw 3 different people manning the front desk at different times, and “friendly” did NOT describe them. They barely looked up or at us. Now, the rooms ARE large. And clean. But if you like to set some bathroom items in the bathroom for convenience, forget it: there is no bathroom vanity or counter space. Want to heat something up? Forget it; there are no microwaves in the rooms. Yes, you can take the elevator or stairs down to the front desk and ask to use their microwave, but honestly.. no thanks. The shower had one tiny tiny shelf that allowed for a few of their small sample items like shampoo to sit on, but if you bring any of your own shower items (like shower gel or shaving cream, they need to sit on the floor of the shower.)The room also did not have anyplace like a table and two chairs where we could sit. Seemed sad since the rooms are so spacious. But in the end, it was the lack of friendliness from ANYONE that made me wonder who’s writing those glowing reviews we saw??? Even when we stood around the lobby trying to figure out the bus schedule with lobby brochures, front desk woman couldn’t care less. I’m curious… have all the bad reviews been erased?

I booked this Hotel after reading the glowing ratings on Tripadvisor. Our main stay preferences were indicated upon reservations but not followed. After check-in, there was nobody to take our bags. The interior of the elevator was all scratched up. The room was dusty and was not properly vacuumed. We had to switch to a different room of the same kind - much better but needed additional cleaning. Found a cute Salamander near the shower, gently removed and relocated outside. Shower was incredibly weak, especially after the maintenance crew was summoned to help repair it to no avail. Refrigerator was bare. No complimentary water. The amenities were very few and generally of low quality. I had to visit a store and purchase my own soap! Their Cafe is fairly expensive and limited. The Hotel is owned by Valentino New Orleans Hotels, which owns other local properties. For our trouble on the first day we were given a credit of $50. Parking is easy, but be prepared to spend $20 per night plus taxes. Should be free. The hotel is also part of the New Orleans Visitor's Center and has a wonderful exhibit of the railroad which traverse that station. We liked the overall theme very much! The area around the Hotel is questionable at night. There are posts here about a Police Station across the street but don't think that it will make you any safer. The Hotel sits on the perimeter of downtown and there is a large homeless problem. Be prepared to guard yourself and your valuables but the people keep to themselves.

I love this hotel. It is the second time my husband and I have stayed at The Brakeman. It is so convenient to everything. We also love the gas station right across the street for snacks/water/beer, etc. Rooms are spacious and very pretty.