TripAdvisor's No. 1 hotels yield some surprises

— -- What's the No. 1-rated TripAdvisor hotel in popular destinations? You might be surprised: Often the top lodgings aren't the most luxurious or best known. USA TODAY travel writers checked into three that were best in their city at the time. Are they indeed rave-worthy?

New Orleans: Wyndham La Belle Maison

Vital statistics: Opened in 2008 and incorporating what had been three separate buildings near the corner of Gravier and Magazine streets a few blocks from the French Quarter, this time-share resort has 134 units, from studios to two-bedroom suites. Each one includes a small kitchen and a queen-size pullout sofa.

Why it's No. 1: Though it slipped to second place after my stay in early February, La Belle Maison was rated No. 1 out of 149 New Orleans hotels for most of 2011 — an eye-opener if you expect a top-ranked lodging to include a bar and restaurant, let alone room and daily maid service. Following an inquiry from USA TODAY, it switched from the "hotel" to "specialty lodging" category.

What La Belle Maison lacks in standard hotel amenities, it makes up for in location, room size (a generous 744 square feet for my one-bedroom) and staff geniality. A high point: guest services supervisor Todd Parks' weekly talks — accompanied by gratis cookies, fruit and coffee — which provide candid advice on restaurants and attractions.

The vibe: More than 80% of the units are typically occupied by Wyndham or RCI time-share owners, many of them couples. I stayed two nights and wasn't approached by sales personnel to learn about time-share options — but some TripAdvisor reviews have warned about phone calls and under-your-door letters that do.

Special touches: Well-stocked kitchenettes include toasters, blenders, microwaves, popcorn makers and coffeepots with New Orleans' own Community blend; free laundry facilities.

The deal: A two-night minimum stay is required for non-owners, who are directed to book through Extra Holidays by Wyndham. Rates vary by season and day of the week, and studios are sold out through August; one-bedrooms are $179-$349 a night plus tax; two-bedrooms run $199-$389.

Information: 866-323-3087; extraholidays.com

— Laura Bly

New York City: Casablanca Hotel

Vital statistics: Steps from Times Square at 147 W. 43rd St., it has 48 rooms and small suites. Breakfast and Wi-Fi are included. Prices, from $199 in slow periods, are moderate for Manhattan.

Why it's No. 1: This is not the best hotel in New York when it comes to rooms (small and simply furnished) and on-site options, but location, service and amenities are top-notch. Every detail is thought out, down to a black washcloth for removing makeup.

"We started really paying attention to TripAdvisor in 2004," says Adele Gutman, marketing vice president for HKHotels, which owns the Casablanca. "We said, 'Let's try to focus on what customers are telling us they want.' We joke that TripAdvisor is the sun, and we're the planets that revolve around it." (All other HK lodgings — Hotel Elysée, The Library Hotel and Hotel Giraffe— are in TripAdvisor's NYC top 10 this week.)