Having lived and worked in the surrounding New Orleans area for years pre-Katrina, I had the pleasure to stay in many of the hotels. Having relocated to NY, I was recently back in NO, visiting family and friends I decided to stay at the Hotel Provincial. The rate I got online via the website was an excellent deal and I booked two rooms as I was traveling with family from out side the US. (their first trip to NO)
This was my first time in building 5. Second floor (521/2?) We had rooms that opened out onto the balcony so we were able to sit out there and see the riverboats, hear the jazz from the restaurant in the French Market and observe the goings on up and down Decatur. I have stayed in this hotel before but in other wings, and like all the rooms these were nice clean and well appointed. There is no mini-bar, or room service, or those other things you get if you were to stay at the national chain like Marriott, Hilton or Sheraton. I've stayed at these hotels as well as the Radisson on Bourbon St., Omni, Doubletree & the Intercontinel. As with any hotel if there is a problem bring it to their attention but do so nicely. In most cases they will do what they can to fix the situation. No hotel is 100% perfect all the time.
This is not a hotel for kids, as the pools (they have two) are small. I have found that many of the guests that stay here are return customers who drive in for weekend visits, football games or girls night out. The staff is friendly and accomodating. Our request for extra pillow, towels handled promptly within reason. This hotel is located in the quieter part of the quarter. At night they lock the gates for guest security and you need to show your key to guard to get in.
There are good restaurants close by, as well as one in the hotel, and there is a CC coffee shop a short walk away. The hotel does provide parking for hotel guests. No need for a car in NO, as the Airport shuttle is very handy.

I chose this hotel based on its proximity to the French Market, Fiorella's, and Jackson Square; its status as a quaint historic property; and its views. In all of these areas I was completely satisfied with my stay, especially for the cost ($145 per night).

By booking directly by phone, my parents and I were able to get a room with a balcony; we wound up in building five with a lovely shared balcony looking out onto Decatur.

The balcony, which one has to climb out the window to access, was the best part of the room. In the lovely May weather we were able to sit outside and people-watch while we chatted and drank margaritas. The room itself was not new, which is to be expected based on the descriptions of the property--it was clean, however, and filled with antiques and furniture that was somewhat scuffed. We laughed that nothing in the room--from the prints on the walls to the large mirror on the wall to the actual air conditioner vent--hung straight. For us this was not a problem. We considered these aspects part of the hotel's charms, yet for others this may not be ideal.

The staff on hand was very helpful and polite, and parking, I felt, was a steal: valet parking for $18 per night. That's good for the French Quarter.

I wholeheartedly recommend this hotel for those looking for a quaint, affordable stay on this end of the French Quarter. With those criteria in mind, I have absolutely no complaints!

Having enjoyed a charming stay at this hotel several years ago I was hoping that its slightly off the beaten track French Quarter location and quaint courtyard layout - with rooms arranged around pools and fountains - would provide a pleasant respite during a recent business trip.
Unfortunately it seemed that the rooms had not been maintained, or possibly even cleaned, since I was last there. Knowing the hotel, I asked for an interior (off-street) room when booking but was given a room on the main street when I checked in. Staff accommodated my request for a room change, but it took 6+ hours, and a quizzical attitude regarding one's ability to ignore bizarre or illegal behavior on account of this being "the Quarter, honey."
I finally ended up in a room with a slow drain (5 minutes+ to empty, making for a logistics challenge) in the bathrooom sink, a mysterious pipe opening in the ceiling which leaked liquids onto the vanity area (and me) at all times, and which actually faced onto a different street. I decided that you pick your battles....

I've been to the New Orleans Jazz Fest several years in a row and the Provencal was the best hotel I've tried yet. The hotel isn't in the center of the French Quater, but it's only a short walk. The room was quite nice with upgraded furniture and amenities. It has the New Orleans atmosphere and is a great value. I'd stay there again!