A Hole-in-One for Accessibility & Value?
City Putt Miniature Golf Course, nestled within New Orleans’ City Park at 33 Dreyfous Dr, consistently receives a solid 4.5-star rating, largely fueled by its affordability and attempts at informational engagement. This indoor mini golf destination offers a surprisingly expansive 36 holes, split between the “New Orleans Course” and the “Louisiana Course,” priced at around $10 per person per 18-hole round – a price point attracting families and groups. Importantly, City Putt stands out for its commitment to accessibility, boasting a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, and restroom.
However, several reviews paint a less polished picture beyond the financial aspects. While value is a definite perk, the experience isn’t without its caveats. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Pricing: Roughly $30 for two people to play both courses.
- Accessibility: Excellent, with accommodations for wheelchair users.
- Hours: Open Friday 3–9 PM, Saturday 10 AM–9 PM, Sunday 10 AM–10 PM, and Wednesday/Thursday 3–9 PM. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
- Payment Options: Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
Course Conditions: A Bit Rough Around the Edges
While the recent influx of positive comments highlights a course currently undergoing updates – specifically, brand new turf – older feedback suggests a degree of wear and tear. Some players noted the course felt “a little beat up,” although they still had fun. The “New Orleans Course” particularly shines with themed structures and engaging informative signs detailing Louisiana geography at each hole. The “Louisiana Course” seems to lean more heavily on pure gameplay and educational facts about the state’s cities.
Here’s a summarized view from recent visitor experiences:
| Feature | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
|---|---|---|
| Turf | Freshly updated, brand new | Previously described as "beat up" |
| Theming | Fun themed structures on the New Orleans Course | Can feel cramped, limited waiting space |
| Information | Engaging facts about Louisiana/New Orleans | N/A |
| Maintenance | Clean & well-kept (recent updates) | Missing net for water hazard recovery |
| Water Hazards | Nets in place to recover lost balls (generally) | Potential for ball loss if nets are misplaced |
A recurring theme in reviews is the possibility of losing a ball to the water hazards, though nets are usually available for retrieval.
Staff Interactions: The Biggest Point of Contention
The most consistent negative feedback centers around the staff’s lack of engagement. Multiple reviewers distinctly recall entering the facility and being entirely ignored by employees. In one instance, a visitor noted that neither of the two staff members even acknowledged their presence, despite being the only customers in the building at the time.
This contrasts sharply with the more positive reviews praising the staff as “quick and friendly.” The inconsistency is striking, raising questions about potential staff training or varying employee attitudes. This is a significant area for improvement, as a welcoming atmosphere can greatly enhance the overall experience, especially when customers are choosing between entertainment options. It’s a prominent distraction from what seems like a fairly good course.
Ambiance & Extras: Beyond the Putter
City Putt attempts to enhance the experience with a range of extras, but these, too, seem to be hit or miss based on visitation time. A snow-cone cart is often available outside until 8 PM, and ample parking is readily accessible. The location within City Park itself adds to the appeal, allowing for extension of the entertainment with a stroll through the park. The course is often described as “shaded,” providing some relief from the New Orleans heat, though some state the lack of fans inside can make it quite warm.
However, the refreshment stand is not consistently open and the lack of a vending machine or water fountain is noted as an inconvenience. Music levels are generally considered “perfect” by those offering comments. The limited space between holes is a consistently repeated concern. It’s ideal to go during off-peak hours to avoid bottlenecks and enjoy quieter play. The venue should also consider if more seating areas are a viable addition.