Lodging
Lodging
New Orleans offers a wide range of lodging options to suit every traveler’s needs, from luxury hotels and charming bed and breakfasts to budget-friendly accommodations. Selecting the right lodging is crucial as it can significantly enhance the overall travel experience, providing comfort, convenience, and a touch of local flair.
Accommodations in New Orleans
New Orleans, often referred to as “The Big Easy,” is a city brimming with culture, history, and a vibrant energy that draws millions of visitors each year. Its tourism history dates back to the early 19th century, with its iconic French Quarter, rich musical heritage, and unique culinary scene serving as major attractions. Over the years, the city has evolved into a melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse range of experiences for tourists.
Travelers can easily reach New Orleans through various means. The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is the primary gateway, providing numerous domestic and international flights. Additionally, Amtrak services and major highways make road and rail travel convenient options.
The best seasons to visit New Orleans are spring (February to May) and fall (September to November). Springtime features pleasant weather and famous festivals like Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Fall offers milder temperatures and a host of cultural events. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are mild but can be rainy.
When packing for a trip to New Orleans, consider the season. In spring and fall, lightweight clothing, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket are ideal. Summer visitors should bring breathable fabrics, sunscreen, and a hat to protect against the heat. In winter, pack layers and a raincoat.
Hotels
The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans
- Amenities: Spa, pool, fitness center, restaurant, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 921 Canal St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Hotel Monteleone
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, spa, fitness center, bar, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 214 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, spa, multiple dining options, fitness center, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, live music, fitness center, multiple dining options, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 300 Bourbon St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Windsor Court Hotel
- Amenities: Pool, spa, fitness center, fine dining, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 300 Gravier St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Eliza Jane
- Amenities: Fitness center, bar, restaurant, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 315 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Ace Hotel New Orleans
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, live music, multiple dining options, fitness center, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 600 Carondelet St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Pontchartrain Hotel
- Amenities: Rooftop bar, multiple dining options, fitness center, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 2031 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Le Pavillon Hotel
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, fitness center, bar, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 833 Poydras St, New Orleans, LA 70112
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
- Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, bar, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 717 Orleans St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs)
Audubon Cottages
- Amenities: Private cottages, courtyard pool, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 509 Dauphine St, New Orleans, LA 70112
The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast
- Amenities: Garden, hot tub, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 2513 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA 70117
Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast
- Amenities: Garden, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 2023 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
La Belle Esplanade
- Amenities: Garden, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 2216 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
The Green House Inn
- Amenities: Tropical courtyard, saltwater pool, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 1212 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130
HH Whitney House
- Amenities: Pool, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 1923 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70116
Maison Perrier
- Amenities: Garden, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 4117 Perrier St, New Orleans, LA 70115
Banana Courtyard
- Amenities: Courtyard, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 1422 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Elysian Fields Inn
- Amenities: Garden, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 930 Elysian Fields Ave, New Orleans, LA 70117
Fairchild House Bed and Breakfast
- Amenities: Garden, complimentary breakfast, free Wi-Fi
- Address: 1518 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Price and Suitability
The cost of lodging in New Orleans varies widely. Budget options can range from $70 to $150 per night, mid-range accommodations from $150 to $300 per night, and luxury hotels and resorts from $300 to $700 or more per night. Families may prefer hotels with spacious rooms and kid-friendly amenities, solo travelers might enjoy the social atmosphere of hostels or boutique hotels, and luxury seekers will appreciate the high-end services and facilities offered by upscale hotels and resorts.
Short Term Rentals
Short-term rentals have become increasingly popular in New Orleans, offering travelers a chance to live like a local. These rentals range from entire homes and apartments to private rooms and unique stays like historic homes or artist lofts.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages:
- More space than traditional hotel rooms
- Kitchen facilities for self-catering
- A more local and authentic living experience
- Often located in residential neighborhoods, offering a quieter stay
Disadvantages:
- Lack of front desk help and concierge services
- Inconsistent standards and amenities
- Potential issues with cleanliness or maintenance
Booking Tips
When booking short-term rentals, it’s essential to use reputable platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth experience:
- Read reviews carefully to gauge the reliability of the listing and host.
- Look for Superhosts or highly-rated properties.
- Confirm the amenities and rules before booking.
- Communicate with the host to clarify any doubts or special requests.
Ten highly rated Short-Term Rentals
Charming French Quarter Apartment
- Amenities: Full kitchen, Wi-Fi, air conditioning
- Address: French Quarter, New Orleans, LA
Historic Marigny Home
- Amenities: Garden, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Marigny, New Orleans, LA
Luxury Downtown Condo
- Amenities: Rooftop pool, gym, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Downtown, New Orleans, LA
Spacious Garden District House
- Amenities: Garden, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Garden District, New Orleans, LA
Cozy Bywater Cottage
- Amenities: Patio, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Bywater, New Orleans, LA
Modern Warehouse District Loft
- Amenities: Gym, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Warehouse District, New Orleans, LA
Uptown Victorian Home
- Amenities: Garden, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Uptown, New Orleans, LA
Mid-City Bungalow
- Amenities: Garden, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Mid-City, New Orleans, LA
Lakeview Apartment
- Amenities: Balcony, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Lakeview, New Orleans, LA
Algiers Point Townhouse
- Amenities: Patio, full kitchen, Wi-Fi
- Address: Algiers Point, New Orleans, LA
RV and Camping
RVing and camping are excellent options for those who love the outdoors and seek a closer connection to nature. New Orleans and its surrounding areas offer a variety of RV parks and campgrounds that provide different levels of facilities and amenities.
RV Parks and Campgrounds
French Quarter RV Resort
- Amenities: Pool, clubhouse, laundry facilities, full hookups
- Address: 500 N Claiborne Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112
Pontchartrain Landing
- Amenities: Pool, restaurant, full hookups, shuttle service
- Address: 6001 France Rd, New Orleans, LA 70126
Jude Travel Park of New Orleans
- Amenities: Pool, laundry facilities, full hookups
- Address: 7400 Chef Menteur Hwy, New Orleans, LA 70126
New Orleans KOA
- Amenities: Pool, playground, full hookups, Wi-Fi
- Address: 11129 Jefferson Hwy, River Ridge, LA 70123
Bayou Segnette State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, picnic areas
- Address: 7777 Westbank Expy, Westwego, LA 70094
St. Bernard State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, picnic areas
- Address: 501 St Bernard Pkwy, Braithwaite, LA 70040
Grand Isle State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, fishing piers
- Address: 108 Admiral Craik Dr, Grand Isle, LA 70358
Fontainebleau State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, trails
- Address: 62883 LA-1089, Mandeville, LA 70448
Tickfaw State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, trails
- Address: 27225 Patterson Rd, Springfield, LA 70462
Bogue Chitto State Park
- Amenities: Bathhouses, water and electrical hookups, trails
- Address: 17049 State Park Blvd, Franklinton, LA 70438
Types of Facilities
RV Parks: These parks are equipped for RVs and usually offer amenities like electrical hookups, waste disposal, water access, and bathhouses.
Campgrounds: More rustic settings suitable for tents and smaller RVs. They may offer fewer amenities but provide a closer-to-nature experience.
Common Amenities
- Electrical hookups
- Water access
- Waste disposal
- Bathhouses with showers and toilets
- Picnic areas
- Fire pits
- Laundry facilities
Planning and Preparation
When planning a camping or RV trip, it’s essential to book campsites in advance, especially during peak seasons. Research the amenities and regulations of each site and ensure you have all necessary gear and permits. A checklist of essentials includes:
- Tent or RV
- Sleeping bags and pillows
- Cooking equipment and food supplies
- Portable chairs and table
- First aid kit
- Flashlights and lanterns
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
General Information
Pet Policies
Many accommodations in New Orleans are pet-friendly. However, it’s always best to check with each specific lodging option for their pet policies, as they can vary significantly. Some places may have restrictions on the size or breed of pets, while others might charge an additional fee.
Sustainability
Sustainability is increasingly important to travelers, and many accommodations in New Orleans are making efforts to be more eco-friendly. Look for hotels with green certifications, such as LEED, or those that implement practices like energy-efficient lighting, water conservation, and recycling programs. Short-term rentals and campsites can also be sustainable choices if guests practice responsible tourism by minimizing waste and conserving resources.
Seasonal Considerations
Seasonality can greatly affect both the availability and pricing of accommodations in New Orleans. During peak tourist seasons like Mardi Gras and major festivals, prices can surge, and availability may be limited. Booking well in advance is crucial during these times. Conversely, visiting during the off-peak seasons can offer more affordable rates and less crowded attractions.
Final Thoughts
New Orleans is a city that offers a rich tapestry of experiences, and choosing the right accommodation can significantly enhance your visit. Whether you prefer the luxury of a high-end hotel, the charm of a bed and breakfast, the local flavor of a short-term rental, or the adventure of camping and RVing, there are numerous options to suit every traveler’s needs and preferences.
By understanding the different types of accommodations available, their amenities, and their suitability for different types of travelers, you can make an informed decision that will help you get the most out of your stay in this vibrant and captivating city.