New Orleans is a city full of magic, jazz, voodoo, and incredible energy that will completely captivate you. Most travelers fall in love with this city at first sight, but when it comes to budget planning and choosing accommodation, New Orleans has its very specific rules that can unpleasantly surprise you at checkout.
Before you start selecting a specific room, I need to warn you about one crucial thing regarding prices. You must always add a total of 17.5% in taxes and fees to the advertised nightly rate, because in January 2026 the so-called Tourism Support Assessment was raised again, and on top of that you’ll pay a fixed fee of $1 to $3 per room per night. To give you an idea, a room advertised at $200 will end up costing you about $237. Many large chains in the famous French Quarter also charge a destination fee ranging from $17.50 to $30 per night, so always carefully read the final price breakdown before entering your card details. 😅
The second huge advantage that will actually save you money is the fact that you definitely don’t need a car in New Orleans. Hotel valet parking typically costs $42 to $57 per night, while the iconic historic streetcar will take you around for just $1.25. It’s much better value to buy a full-day Jazzy Pass for $3 and get around the city by public transport or on foot, or take a safe Uber directly to your hotel door in the evening.
TL;DR
- Best legendary hotel: Hotel Monteleone, a historic gem right in the French Quarter that boasts an iconic revolving bar and, most importantly, doesn’t charge any hidden resort fees.
- Best for peace and quiet in the French Quarter: Olivier House Hotel with beautiful quiet courtyards, or Hotel Provincial in the quieter area called Lower Quarter.
- Best luxury experience: The Windsor Court in the CBD, offering unrivaled British elegance and quiet rooms close to all the action.
- Best for romance outside the center: The Chloe or Columns, beautiful historic mansions in the quiet Uptown neighborhood right on the route of the world’s oldest streetcar.
- Best for families with children: Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans, where you get not only a hearty breakfast included but also hot evening snacks.
- Most stylish boutique hotel: Hotel Peter and Paul in the Marigny neighborhood, where you’ll sleep in a beautifully restored 19th-century church or school.
- Best for budget travelers: HI New Orleans Hostel on Canal Street, offering modern beds and perfect accessibility.
💡 Use this map to compare what’s currently available — you’ll also see how much cheaper accommodation gets just a few stops from the center.
The full destination guide: USA Travel Guide — guide and what to see
Which Area to Choose
New Orleans is divided into several very different neighborhoods, and choosing the right one will fundamentally influence your experience of the entire city. Let’s look at where you’ll find lively parties and where you can get a peaceful night’s sleep, so you know exactly what to expect from each location.
French Quarter (Vieux Carré) is the historic heart of the city, where almost every visitor heads on their first trip. You’ll find the famous Jackson Square, bustling Royal Street full of antique shops, and of course the wild Bourbon Street. However, you need to distinguish between the so-called Upper Quarter near Canal Street, where there’s tremendous noise from the bars, and the much quieter Lower Quarter near Esplanade Avenue. This quieter residential zone is about a ten-minute walk from the center of the action and offers a much more authentic experience. Staying directly on Bourbon Street means you probably won’t sleep at all, so it’s better to look for accommodation at least two blocks away.
Faubourg Marigny and Bywater are neighborhoods full of colorful pastel houses located right next to the French Quarter. From Marigny you can safely walk to the center in about 10 to 15 minutes and you’ll have the famous Frenchmen Street around the corner, where the best live jazz in the city plays. Bywater is a bit far for evening walks back (more than two kilometers), but during the day it offers a great bohemian atmosphere full of cafés and artists. A huge advantage is that the popular streetcar line 46 Rampart-Loyola runs through here again.
CBD and Warehouse District represent the more modern face of the city, full of large hotels and luxury high-rises. It’s an ideal choice for lovers of peace and quiet sleep, because in the evening the streets empty out and you can rest from the constant bustle of the historic center. From the Warehouse District you can walk to the French Quarter in a pleasant fifteen minutes, just be careful at night around the busy intersection of Canal and Bourbon, which is better to avoid after midnight.
Garden District and Uptown will charm you with enormous historic mansions, centuries-old oaks draped with Spanish moss, and overall Southern elegance. Living here is the embodiment of romance and tranquility, plus there are plenty of great boutiques along Magazine Street. However, you need to expect that getting to the center will take 20 to 30 minutes on the iconic St. Charles streetcar, which fortunately runs 24 hours a day, although for late night returns after dinner you’ll probably need an Uber instead.
Tremé and Mid-City are neighborhoods of enormous historical significance, but require some caution when it comes to accommodation. Tremé is the oldest African American neighborhood in the USA with amazing history, but from a safety perspective it’s quite controversial among locals after dark, so if you want to stay here, look for hotels only on the very edge near Basin Street. Mid-City, on the other hand, is great during major festivals because it’s close to the Fair Grounds exhibition center, but without a taxi or streetcar you won’t get to the center on foot from here.
When to Go and When to Book
Accommodation prices in New Orleans resemble a roller coaster, and everything revolves around major festivals and seasonal weather. If you want to save money and don’t mind hellish humidity, you’ll find the cheapest rooms during July and August, when average prices hover around a very pleasant $130 to $145 per night. Another great period for cheaper travel is December outside the main Christmas and New Year holidays.
The city experiences its biggest madness during Mardi Gras, which in 2027 falls on February 9, with the entire carnival season lasting just over a month. Hotels on the parade routes are often sold out a year in advance, most require a minimum stay of 3 to 5 nights, and according to travel portals, prices skyrocket by 200 to 300%. Expect steep prices and sold-out capacity also during the famous Jazz Fest at the turn of April and May, at the April French Quarter Festival, or when the prestigious Sugar Bowl game is played (in 2027 it takes place on January 15).
Pay special attention to hurricane season, which officially runs from June 1 to November 30. If the city declares a mandatory evacuation, all tourists must leave and hotels are not legally obligated to refund money for unoccupied nights (this is exactly what happened to many guests in September 2024 during Hurricane Francine, for example). For autumn trips, always choose rates with free cancellation and definitely don’t underestimate quality travel insurance that will cover any trip cancellation.
18 Best Hotels and Accommodation in New Orleans
To make planning easier for you, we’ve selected 18 specific places that are among the best-rated in the entire city. They’re arranged logically by neighborhood, so you’ll immediately know what atmosphere awaits you outside the hotel door.
1. Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Monteleone at 214 Royal Street is a true legend that’s been operating in the city since 1886, and you’ll feel that authentic historic atmosphere the moment you walk in. People love the beautiful, spotless rooms here, but the biggest draw is the stunning rooftop pool with views over the entire quarter and excellent food at the on-site Criollo restaurant. Another huge plus is the incredibly friendly staff, from attentive doormen to receptionists who are more than happy to advise you on exactly where to go. The location in the heart of the French Quarter also means you can walk to the main attractions in just a few minutes.
Even though you’re sleeping just one block from noisy Bourbon Street, most windows face the quieter Royal and Iberville side streets, so you’ll actually get a decent night’s rest. A major budget win is that the hotel, as one of the few big players in the quarter, charges absolutely no hidden resort fee. What might catch you off guard, though, is the lack of ventilation in the bathrooms, which leaves the mirrors foggy for ages after a shower. If you’re traveling by car, expect to pay $50 per night plus tax for valet parking through the hotel.
💡 Tip: Definitely stop by the iconic Carousel Bar, which slowly rotates while you’re having drinks. But go right when it opens, because it’s become a huge social media hit and you’ll barely squeeze onto the moving seats through the crowds of tourists otherwise.
2. Olivier House Hotel
Olivier House Hotel at 828 Toulouse Street ranks among the highest-rated hotels in the city and transports you straight into the nineteenth century the moment you step inside. It’s a beautiful historic mansion filled with original antiques that maintains that authentic Southern charm. Guests rave most about the incredibly friendly staff and the overall homey atmosphere, which is enhanced by three resident cats. You have access to lovely interior courtyards with a small pool where you can easily hide away from passersby. On top of that, complimentary coffee, bottled water, and light snacks await you in the common areas.
Although you’re located just half a block from the noisiest part of Bourbon Street, it’s surprisingly quiet inside, especially if you choose a room facing the courtyard. Keep in mind this isn’t some sterile modern chain, but an old building with all its quirks, older furnishings, and nostalgic patina. That’s probably exactly why couples seeking romance right in the heart of the French Quarter love coming back here. Guests often agree that the beds are incredibly comfortable, the rooms are spotlessly clean, and the staff takes wonderful care of you.
💡 Tip: If you want to experience true Southern romance to the fullest, request one of the rooms with access to the historic cast-iron balcony when you book. The view onto Toulouse Street is charming and completely steeped in history.
3. Hotel St. Marie
Hotel St. Marie is located at 827 Toulouse Street, literally just steps from wild Bourbon Street, yet it maintains an elegant historic atmosphere with a beautiful tropical courtyard. Guests really appreciate the incredibly friendly staff here, who take care of you with a smile whether you need a drink mixed at the bar or advice on choosing excursions. There’s also a small pool tucked between brick walls, which you’ll appreciate as an absolute lifesaver during the sweltering summer months when the city’s humidity is thick enough to cut. Rooms are typically clean, with comfortable beds and often a small balcony too.
Locals on discussion forums recommend asking for a room facing the interior courtyard, because then you won’t hear a thing from the nighttime revelry. Keep in mind, though, that this is an old building, so you might occasionally catch a slight whiff of mustiness in the rooms, and the courtyard itself partly serves as a smoking area. If you arrive by car, be prepared for mandatory hotel parking at around $42 per day, which is pretty standard for this neighborhood. The place strikes me as a great compromise for those who want all the evening action within reach but peace and quiet at night.
💡 Tip: Right across the street at 828 Toulouse Street stands Olivier House. If this place is full, definitely try that historic gem with its antiques, private pool, and especially three friendly cats that keep guests company. The location and courtyard quiet are exactly the same there.
4. Place d’Armes Hotel
Place d’Armes Hotel at 625 St Ann Street will probably charm you right from arrival with its absolutely fantastic location directly at the famous Jackson Square. It consists of several beautiful historic buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that surround a peaceful courtyard with a pool. People especially praise the quiet here, which is quite rare right in the French Quarter, as well as the incredibly friendly staff. In the morning you can leisurely sip your coffee in the courtyard shade and then head out into the streets, because you can easily walk to all the main attractions. The rooms tend to be on the smaller side, but they exude wonderful historic character.
Keep in mind you’ll pay $42 per night for hotel valet if you arrive by car. Definitely pay close attention when choosing your accommodation, because the very cheapest room options might be completely windowless, which is an awkward quirk of old construction. I’ve also come across complaints about musty air in the hallways, but that unfortunately comes with the territory of these old buildings in a humid climate. Even so, I think for those seeking an authentic old New Orleans atmosphere and a safe haven close to all the action, this will be a lovely experience.
💡 Tip: When booking, always explicitly choose rooms marked as “with window” or “courtyard view” to avoid ending up in a dark closet in the middle of the building. That small extra charge for natural light and a courtyard view is really worth it here.
5. Hotel Provincial
Hotel Provincial at 1024 Chartres Street is located in the so-called Lower Quarter, which is the quieter, more residential part of New Orleans’ historic center. The complex of five historic buildings transports you to olden times, with wrought-iron gates, lanterns, and beautiful courtyards with tropical plants completing the atmosphere. People most appreciate the incredibly friendly staff here, who will cheerfully store your luggage or call a taxi to the airport. On top of that, the air conditioning works great and the beds are reportedly extremely comfortable. I should also mention two pools hidden in the interior courtyard, which is quite rare in the cramped French Quarter and will surely come in handy after a day on your feet.
If you’re looking for a quiet refuge with a bit of history, where a military hospital reportedly once operated, this place will probably suit you. Keep in mind you’re sleeping in very old buildings, so occasionally a minor issue like a spot on the bedding might crop up. From reviews I know they handle it lightning-fast at reception and apologetically move you to something better right away. The main advantage is that you can easily walk from here to famous Jackson Square, bustling Bourbon Street, and Frenchman Street when you’re in the mood for nightlife.
💡 Tip: From the hotel it’s just a few minutes’ walk to the renowned French Market, where you can easily shop for local souvenirs, spices, or grab something delicious to eat at the local stalls.
6. Le Richelieu Hotel
Le Richelieu Hotel is located at 1234 Chartres Street, on the edge of the French Quarter just off the wide Esplanade Avenue. History breathes through this building, which has been operating since 1902. Locals describe this area as the truly quiet side of the quarter, where in the morning you’re more likely to meet neighbors walking their dogs than noisy tourists. Guests rave about the incredibly friendly staff, the cozy courtyard with a saltwater pool, and the secure parking lot where you can easily leave your car and walk everywhere. A major draw is the renovated and quite spacious rooms for the historic center, with private balconies that are perfect for morning coffee.
You’ll fall in love with this place if you’re looking for accommodation with old-world charm full of antiques and aren’t expecting modern glass luxury. Keep in mind, though, that this is a more than hundred-year-old building, so you might occasionally hear some noise. From the edge of the quarter, you’ll easily head out to the main sights without having to push through crowds. If after a long night on Bourbon Street the walk back seems too long, a local pedicab will happily take you to your bed for twenty dollars.
💡 Tip: Take a very pleasant short walk from the hotel along Esplanade Avenue. It’ll lead you straight to the neighboring Marigny music district, where it’s worth heading out in the evening for the very best jazz concerts in the city.
7. The Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The enormous luxury complex The Royal Sonesta New Orleans sits right at 300 Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, and trust me, you’ll remember it. This is the place for those of you who want to experience true New Orleans madness and watch the ongoing party from an iconic balcony. The atmosphere here is simply wild and loud. On the other hand, guests highly praise the incredibly friendly staff, especially the smiling gentlemen at the doors, and the beautiful interior courtyard with a pool. That’s where you can nicely cool off after wandering the hot streets and meet other travelers.
Street noise is an integral part of the package, so you’d better expect it. If you crave the local amenities but want to get at least some sleep at night, definitely explicitly request rooms facing the side streets of Conti or Bienville, or facing the quiet interior courtyard. I also came across honest warnings that some rooms are quite small or could occasionally use better maintenance. You’ll pay a bit more for the unbeatable location in the center of the action, but everything is just a few steps away from here.
💡 Tip: The famous The Jazz Playhouse operates right in the hotel. It seems to me like one of the best jazz clubs on Bourbon Street, and it’s worth stopping in for a drink and live music even if you’re not staying here.
8. Hotel Peter and Paul
Hotel Peter and Paul at 2317 Burgundy Street in the Marigny music district is an absolute architectural gem. It was created through the demanding conversion of a historic church, school, rectory and convent from 1860, and each of its 71 rooms is unique, full of bold colors, luxury textiles and hand-painted furniture. People love the magical atmosphere here, which makes you feel more like you’re in an artistic retreat than a classic hotel. Most guests praise the helpful staff and the great location, because the famous Frenchmen Street with the best live music in the city is just around the corner. You can reach Jackson Square with a safe walk in about twenty minutes.
Keep in mind that you’ll pay a bit more for such beautiful boutique accommodation, and some visitors feel the service doesn’t always quite match the higher price. You’ll also encounter a smaller pool here, which isn’t for training laps but is more than enough for refreshment. A small detail that may surprise you is the stricter approach to late checkout, for which they charge an additional fee. However, if you’re planning a longer stay, I recommend booking through their official website for three or more nights—you’ll quite often get a twenty percent discount, which is really helpful.
💡 Tip: Stop by for a romantic evening at The Elysian Bar in the former rectory—locals also like to come here for afternoon cocktails. And if you’re here on the third Sunday of the month, check out the Piety Market in the church with live music.
9. The Brakeman Hotel
The Brakeman Hotel is located at 501 Basin Street, right on the border between the famous French Quarter and the historic Tremé district. It’s a beautifully renovated former train station building from 1904 that now operates as a small boutique hotel with just eighteen rooms. People highly praise not only the tasteful industrial style but especially the spacious and perfectly clean rooms with comfortable beds, large bathrooms and really powerful air conditioning. The staff here is incredibly friendly and helpful, which is always appreciated when traveling, and the accommodation rightfully ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city.
Because you’re sleeping right on the edge of Tremé, you’ll avoid any sense of danger that might reach you deeper in its streets, and you can reach the center in a few minutes of comfortable walking. Just keep in mind that the local coffee shop closes quite early, so in the evening you won’t be able to buy anything to eat at the hotel, and some guests miss a practical luggage rack in the rooms. On the other hand, a sightseeing tour bus stops right at the entrance, and if you arrive by car, you can park in the hotel parking lot for twenty dollars per night, which is quite a reasonable amount here.
💡 Tip: Right across the street is the famous St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, which can be visited as part of organized tours. You’ll have one of the city’s main landmarks literally steps from your bed.
10. The Windsor Court
The Windsor Court is located at 300 Gravier Street in the modern CBD district and ranks among the best-rated luxury hotels in the city. If you’re looking for five-star service and traditional British elegance, you’ll probably really like it here. In reviews, guests praise the incredibly attentive staff, which apparently makes you feel almost like royalty. In the spacious suites, you’ll find comfortable beds, evening turndown service, and luxury Diptyque bathroom amenities. A great source of pride is the local Le Salon tea room, where people come for the famous afternoon tea, and the excellent food at The Grill Room restaurant. You can also view a beautiful private art collection here.
From here you can comfortably walk to the sights in the French Quarter in a few minutes, but a key advantage is that in the evening you have complete peace for sleeping and avoid the noisy crowds from the center. After a demanding day full of walking, you’ll definitely appreciate the rooftop pool with a beautiful view of the New Orleans panorama. Keep in mind that you’ll pay a bit more for this classic luxury, but according to guests it’s absolutely worth it for the experience.
💡 Tip: The local concierge service is top-notch. If you need to get a table at some hopelessly sold-out restaurant, definitely contact them, because they can apparently often arrange it almost miraculously.
11. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel at 130 Roosevelt Way is an absolute icon of the CBD district, welcoming guests since 1893, and ranks among the best-rated hotels in the city outside the historic center. It seems to me that as soon as you walk inside, that enormous lobby lined with luxury chandeliers will simply amaze you. Not to mention in winter, when the space transforms into illuminated Christmas decorations that even the locals come to see. People most praise the incredibly friendly staff who take care of you with a smile from the first greeting at the door. You can also look forward to beautifully clean and spacious rooms with comfortable beds and great showers with massage jets.
From the street bustle and midday heat, you can easily hide by the rooftop pool, which works as a great refuge. Even though you’re staying close to the main attractions, you’ll enjoy rare peace for sleeping at night. A true gem is the famous Sazerac Bar right in the building, named after a cocktail considered one of the oldest in America. Keep in mind that you’ll probably pay a bit more for such a historic experience, but if you’re looking for perfect service and old-world elegance, you’ll be thrilled with your stay.
💡 Tip: Dress a bit more elegantly and head out for an evening drink. The Sazerac Bar at The Roosevelt New Orleans absolutely breathes the history of the 1920s and they mix legendary cocktails that you’ll remember for a long time.
12. Virgin Hotels New Orleans
Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street brings a modern, playful, and slightly eccentric style to the otherwise business-focused CBD neighborhood. This hotel is perfect for younger travelers and couples looking for a visually stunning environment with excellent coffee and a relaxed atmosphere. Guests rave about the spacious, spotless rooms and incredibly friendly staff who take care of you from the first moment. The biggest draw is undoubtedly the rooftop pool with The Pool Club bar, which hosts various events and offers stunning city views. Plus, you can easily walk to all the main attractions from the hotel.
Keep in mind this is a livelier place, so if you’re a light sleeper, make sure to request a quieter room when booking. Occasionally, you might get a view of a brick wall, and some guests in reviews grumble about additional daily fees for the pool or gym. Still, I think a stay here is worth it, especially when you check the hotel’s official website. You’ll often find special deals, like a generous twenty percent discount for stays of four nights or more, which applies even during the Mardi Gras madness. If you arrive by car, the valet parking service works like a charm, just be prepared to pay fifty-five dollars per day.
💡 Tip: The rooms here are stylishly called Chambers and feature an ingeniously designed layout with sliding doors. This means one person can get ready in the beautifully lit bathroom while the other still sleeps peacefully and undisturbed.
13. Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans sits at 2 Canal Street, where it has breathed new life into the thirty-three-story former World Trade Center building from 1967 since August 2021, right on the majestic Mississippi River. This is probably the most modern luxury you can treat yourself to in the city. Guests particularly praise the huge, impeccably clean rooms with beautiful river views and modern bathrooms. A major advantage is that the hotel sits right on the border between the French Quarter and Warehouse District, so you have all the main attractions nearby while safely avoiding the nighttime noise from local bars.
What works brilliantly here is the fantastic heated pool and excellent food in the hotel restaurants. The staff is incredibly attentive and routinely addresses you by name, though during busier periods, service can occasionally be a bit slower. I should mention one small drawback: the air conditioning in the rooms doesn’t go down to the absolute minimum, so lovers of freezing cold sleep might get a bit warm. During your stay, definitely head up to the top floors to the interactive Vue Orleans observation deck, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the winding river and the entire city.
💡 Tip: Stop by the ground-floor Chandelier Bar before dinner for an amazing cocktail. The stunning chandelier made of fifteen thousand crystals alone makes it worth the visit.
14. Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans
Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans at 820 Poydras Street in the quieter part of the CBD neighborhood is, in my opinion, an absolute gem, especially for families with children. It’s close enough to everything important but far enough from the noisy nighttime craziness that you’ll sleep beautifully at night. People are often absolutely delighted with the local staff, who take care of you with incredible warmth. The rooms here are spacious and perfectly clean, and when you return with tired feet after a full day of walking around the city, both you and your kids will definitely appreciate the rooftop outdoor pool and hot tub.
What works brilliantly here and will save you considerable money is the approach to food. The room rate includes not only a generous hot breakfast that far exceeds typical hotel buffets, but also an evening reception called the 5:30 Kickback. Every evening you get hot refreshments and three drinks per person completely free. Keep in mind that this kind of comfort in a safe and meticulously maintained environment pays off, because during a multi-day stay you won’t have to worry about expensive dinners in the city at all.
💡 Tip: You can easily spend the money saved on food on tickets to local attractions. From the hotel, you can take a comfortable walk to the huge Audubon Aquarium, which your kids are guaranteed to love.
15. The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton
The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton sits in the heart of the Warehouse District and will probably charm you right at the entrance with its atmosphere. It’s the official hotel of the neighboring National WWII Museum, so the interior breathes Art Deco style and the 1940s, complemented by period photographs and, according to guests, a beautiful fragrance in the lobby. The biggest trump card here is definitely the peace and quiet. The rooms are beautifully spacious, the beds incredibly comfortable, and the entire building is perfectly silent at night, so you’ll sleep like a baby. People also love to praise the excellent food at the hotel’s Cafe Normandie restaurant.
You’re just steps away from the amazing museum and many modern restaurants in the area. To reach the historic French Quarter full of livelier streets, you need to take a short streetcar ride or call an Uber. This location away from the biggest chaos is exactly why guests have grown so fond of The Higgins Hotel New Orleans. To be honest, though, I’ll warn you about one drawback: occasionally someone complains about a somewhat cold reception at check-in. If you arrive by car, you’ll appreciate the garage parking, where you can leave your vehicle for a fee until five in the afternoon on your departure day.
💡 Tip: Definitely stop by Rosie’s on the Roof rooftop bar for an evening drink. There’s a beautiful view of the huge modern museum pavilions and the illuminated city panorama, which shows itself in full glory right after sunset.
16. The Chloe
The Chloe at 4125 St Charles Avenue is a little gem hidden in the quiet Uptown neighborhood. This boutique property has only 14 rooms and occupies a gorgeous historic villa from the nineteenth century, so it breathes authentic Southern charm. People particularly love the absolutely exceptional and personal staff attention, wonderfully comfortable rooms full of stylish decorations, and the overall relaxed atmosphere. Instead of impersonal lobbies, you’ll find a cozy Southern veranda and a saltwater pool surrounded by lush greenery, complete with an outdoor bar.
Your taste buds will probably be in seventh heaven here, because the food receives tremendous acclaim, especially the famous burger or ice cream sandwich. The indoor bar is also very popular with locals, which always testifies to good quality. Keep in mind, though, that you’ll pay quite a bit for this experience—a night here can cost well over nine hundred dollars. Among the drawbacks is the lack of parking; you simply have to leave your car somewhere on the street. Either way, you’ll get to downtown in the most stylish way possible, because the historic streetcar stops right in front of the property.
💡 Tip: This accommodation will delight you if you’re looking for a true escape from reality and want to experience the slow Southern lifestyle. Sitting with iced tea on the shady veranda is simply an experience you’ll remember for a long time.
17. Columns
Columns is a true architectural gem at 3811 St Charles Avenue, designed back in 1884 by the renowned Thomas Sully, and it recently even won the prestigious Michelin Key award. You’ll be swept up in the atmosphere of the elegant Old South with a darker, almost Gothic touch that people absolutely adore. The biggest draw is the iconic veranda with massive white columns and a cozy inner courtyard. From the veranda, you can beautifully watch the historic streetcars of the beloved line 12 roll by, drink in hand. The rooms themselves have undergone a sensitive renovation, preserving their Victorian character while offering all the modern comforts.
What really shines here is the incredibly warm staff, whom guests describe more as family than hotel employees. The bartenders will happily mix you an excellent espresso martini and sometimes even give you a tour of the house with stories about the haunted rooms. People also rave about the local cuisine, whether it’s the morning French toast or authentic gumbo. Just be prepared that the bar gets quite crowded, service can sometimes drag a bit, and you might wait a while for that $18 drink. But if you’re not in a hurry, this experience is absolutely worth it.
💡 Tip: Even though you might never want to leave that magical veranda, the historic streetcar runs right in front of the house 24 hours a day, so you can head into the excitement of the big city anytime you like.
18. HI New Orleans Hostel
HI New Orleans Hostel at 1028 Canal Street is, in my opinion, a great lifesaver for those seeking budget-friendly accommodation just steps from the famous French Quarter. Since it only opened in 2019, you can count on a modern and clean environment. You can choose either shared rooms for four to eight people, where privacy is preserved by curtains around very comfortable beds, or private rooms with their own bathroom. People most appreciate the cleverly designed chip-card locker system, so you don’t need your own padlock, as well as the excellent showers with good water pressure and towels included in the price.
Forget about wild parties right in the hallways—the atmosphere here is rather calm and the staff is welcoming to all age groups. You’ll save plenty of money thanks to the huge and well-equipped shared kitchen, where the food-labeling system in the fridges works brilliantly. As for transportation, it’s really fantastic because you have the streetcar stop right outside the entrance and the direct airport bus is less than a five-minute walk away. Just keep in mind that the surrounding streets can feel a bit rougher in the evening, but the overall accessibility to the center more than makes up for it.
💡 Tip: When looking for a hostel with good value, head straight here. The well-known The Quisby now only rents private rooms, and the popular Auberge NOLA is nice but a bit out of the way in the Lower Garden District.
How to Choose the Right Hotel
When choosing accommodation in New Orleans, you need to honestly ask yourself what you actually expect from your vacation. If you’re visiting the city for the first time, want to walk everywhere, and don’t mind paying extra for this convenience in fees, look for hotels in the quieter part of the French Quarter (like Olivier House or Provincial). Couples seeking romance and a slow morning with coffee should definitely head to the Uptown or Marigny neighborhoods, while if you’re traveling with family and want guaranteed peaceful sleep and perfect service, choose large hotels in the CBD (such as Drury Plaza or Windsor Court).
Many people automatically think about looking for accommodation through Airbnb, but here I must add one huge warning. Short-term rentals are strictly banned throughout the French Quarter (with the exception of just six blocks on Bourbon) and they don’t exist at all in the luxurious Garden District. In residential neighborhoods, there’s also a strict rule of only one permit per entire city block, and the host must be physically present in the house throughout your entire stay. So if you see an online listing for “entire house steps from the French Quarter,” it’s almost always an illegal rental, or the location is terribly far from the center. Local communities are fighting hard against this problem, and even on discussion forums people will tell you straight up to just get a proper hotel instead.
Also be very careful about certain hotels with tempting prices that have dismal ratings in reviews. Give the enormous Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Qtr – Astor a wide berth, as it sits on the noisiest corner of Canal and Bourbon Street, so you won’t get any sleep there. Other failures to avoid are Midtown Hotel New Orleans and La Quinta Airport. If you’re looking at information on older blogs, remember that the popular Ace Hotel is now called The Barnett and Maison de la Luz now operates under the name Maison Métier. In terms of safety, the center is generally fine and crime is fortunately declining, just follow the rule of avoiding Bourbon Street after midnight and call an Uber to your hotel even for short distances.
Where to Go Next
- New Orleans, USA: 18 tips on what to see and do
- Where to stay in Nashville
- Where to stay in Chicago
- Orlando: what to see and do
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get from the airport to downtown?
From MSY Airport, which is about 19 kilometers from the city, RTA bus 202 Airport Express runs for an incredible $1.25 and takes about 30 minutes to reach the Loyola/Howard stop downtown. If you prefer comfort after a long flight, taxis have a flat rate of $36 for 1 to 2 people (only an extra dollar per bag) and Uber will cost you around $44 to $45. You’ll always find the pickup points on the ground floor by baggage claim.
Is New Orleans safe?
The security situation has improved significantly in recent years and according to police and analysts, the city is heading toward its lowest murder count since the 1960s, though you’re still in a major American city. During the day the tourist center is perfectly fine and you can walk around, but at night after midnight avoid the party leftovers on Bourbon Street and always call an Uber to get back to your hotel, even for short distances.
Where can we eat in New Orleans if we’re vegetarian?
If you’re vegetarian like us, you’ll definitely appreciate tips on meat-free places. Traditional dishes like red beans and rice or gumbo are usually made with smoked meat or meat. Excellent fully plant-based food is offered at Sweet Soulfood on Broad Street, amazing vegan gumbo can be found at Meals From the Heart Cafe at the French Market, and Sneaky Pickle in the Bywater neighborhood is also great.
Are the iconic beignets at Café du Monde suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The famous beignets at the 24-hour Café du Monde on Decatur Street contain no eggs, are made with milk and fried in cottonseed oil, so they’re fine for vegetarians (but unfortunately not for vegans). Definitely go try them, that huge pile of powdered sugar is 100% worth it. ☺️
Is it worth buying a streetcar pass?
Absolutely yes, public transit here is extremely cheap! A single ride costs $1.25 (paid with exact cash or through the Le Pass app), but an all-day Jazzy Pass will only cost you $3. You can also buy a three-day pass for $8. Plus, the historic St. Charles streetcar line #12 runs 24 hours a day nonstop.
How far in advance do I need to book a hotel for Mardi Gras?
For the Mardi Gras carnival, which falls on February 9 in 2027, you need to plan way ahead. Hotels on the main parade route often sell out a year in advance and most accommodations require a minimum stay of 3 to 5 nights. Also expect prices for this event to skyrocket to astronomical heights, often by 200 to 300%.
What happens if a hurricane comes during my stay?
Hurricane season runs from June through the end of November. If the city issues a mandatory evacuation, you must leave and hotels have no legal obligation to refund you for unused nights. That’s why during this period it’s crucial to only book rooms with free cancellation and to have really good travel insurance.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
🚗 Car rental on the roadVerified rental cars in the United StatesSearch with the DiscoverCars comparison engine — it compares prices from dozens of local and international rental companies, and most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare car prices in the United States →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (simple monthly subscription) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
