I Stayed There: The Westin New Orleans

Travel insights from Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel

Travel insights from Dr. Terika L. Haynes, CEO and founder of Dynamite Travel Published August 09, 2023

The Vibe

The atmosphere is urban luxury. What stands out is the Observatory Eleven (O11) bar as it is front and center as you enter the lobby. The O11 bar also has magnificent views of the Mississippi River. The target audience is first-time visitors and explorers due to the location of the hotel which is situated between the French Quarter and CBD. The scene is buzzing, but not crowded.

How I Felt

Energized. When you arrive at the hotel, there are many guests, and you immediately feel their energy. The hotel lobby also has tons of natural light which can also be a source of energy for the guests.

The Digs

The rooms are spacious and updated. Many of the rooms feature views of the Mississippi River which makes the sunrises extra special. The bathrooms have marble and extra storage areas for your toiletries. The closest space is large enough for all of your belongings to fit comfortably.

Photo by Dr. Terika L. Haynes

The Agenda

I visited the French Quarter, Jackson Square and several art museums. I also rode the street cars and dined at various restaurants throughout the area.

The Eats

The hotel is in a great location giving guests many options for dining off-site.

Why I Would Go Back

The service was exceptional. Each staff member greeted guests with a smile. The location is also very convenient.

About the Author

Dr. Terika L. Haynes is the CEO and Founder of Dynamite Travel, an award-winning, five-star rated, luxury travel and media consultancy that has been providing travel planning service excellence to clients for 15 years. Dr. Haynes, a savvy business professional, sought out to create a company that would not only assist clients with curating customized vacations, but would also assist clients with creating unforgettable travel experiences.

Breaking glass ceilings and creating unique opportunities is a specialty of Dr. Haynes. She is the recent recipient of the 2023 ASTA Travel Advisor of the Year Award. In addition to superb travel planning execution, Dr. Haynes has utilized the opportunity to engage the masses of travel enthusiasts by extending her services as a travel expert and contributing to notable media outlets. As such, her knowledge and expertise have been featured in leading media publications such as: Travel+Leisure, The Washington Post, USA Today, TripSavvy, Fodor’s, BRIDES, CNN, Real Simple, BBC, Reader’s Digest, Travel Noire and more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is a strong passion for Dr. Haynes Under her leadership, Dynamite Travel is certified by the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), and U.S. Black Chamber of Commerce (USBC). Dr. Haynes serves as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Central Florida chapter of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). Additionally, she is a member of IGLTA, The Pride Chamber (Central Florida’s local LGBT Chamber of Commerce), the ForbesBLK community.