The Haunted Old Absinthe House
As one of the few bars to survive the Prohibition-era, the Absinthe House is iconic spot along the busy Bourbon Street. But while people may come to the Old Absinthe House for the “green fairy,” they inadvertently stick around for the ghosts.
Rumors of hauntings have circulated for decades–the ghost of a pirate, the ghosts of former tavern-goers. Which spirits may you encounter upon visiting this drinking establishment? Only time will tell. Just remember that the spirits love the Absinthe Bar just as much as the living do.
Best For A Vibrant Social Scene: Catahoula Hotel
Occupying a pair of 19th-century Creole townhouses on a quiet side street in the Central Business District, this 35-room downtown boutique hotel is chic, cozy, and delightfully unpretentious. Clad in exposed brick, rooms blend contemporary style with historical charm, pampering guests with soft Casper mattresses, walk-in rain showers, and locally sourced toiletries.
But Catahoula Hotels real draw is its active social scene, which sees hip New Orleanians and visitors mingling over delicious Peruvian-flavored cocktails in the trendy pisco bar, indulging in vegetarian Taiwanese fare at the onsite Midnight Noodle restaurant, or sipping shots of mezcal in the stylish rooftop lounge, complete with live music and picturesque skyline views.
Things To See And Do In Faubourg Marigny
- Take a stroll along the bustling and lively Frenchmen Street, which is lined with bars, clubs, and great restaurants.
- Sample great local beers at Brieux Carre.
- Pick from a great selection of small-batch beers at Parleaux Beer Lab.
- Check out the modern installations at the Art Garage.
- Grab some small bites at the Rock Market.
- Hunt for treasure at the Piety Street Market, a festive monthly flea market.
- Enjoy a night of smooth jazz at The Spotted Cat Music Club.
- Listen to live music at the bohemian Hi Ho Lounge.
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Luxury Designer Home On St Charles Avenue
Family reunions, birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties there is always a good reason to host an event in New Orleans! And this luxurious Garden District home is one of the best Airbnbs to host it in. Built in 1853, this 3-story Greek Revival house boasts 5 bedrooms, 5.5 bathrooms, and 2 full kitchens so your group will have plenty of room to spread out during your stay in the Big Easy.
This vacation rental actually doubles as a showroom for New Orleans designer Jon Vaccari and no expense has been spared on its renovation and furnishings. Chandeliers, gold-framed mirrors, leather couches, and marble-tiled bathrooms are just a few of the highlights of this lavish party pad. Plus it sits right on St. Charles Avenue so you can watch the streetcar roll by while sipping cocktails on your front porch.
If budget is no issue for your group and you want to stay at one of the best Airbnbs in the Garden District, then this is absolutely the spot for you!
Haunted New Orleans Cemeteries
New Orleans, a city built upon her dead, and perhaps Americas most haunted city. It only makes sense that New Orleans has more than her share of Cemeteries. Many of these Cemeteries are haunted by the ghosts which used to call New Orleans home in life.
Famous Cemeteries, such as St. Louis Cemetery #1, St. Roch Cemetery and Metairie Cemetery all lay claim to being haunted by ghosts and other paranormal activity.
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Best Airbnb In Bourbon Street: Sunny & Quiet French Quarter Retreat
This studio apartment may be on the smaller side, but its the ideal base for groups deciding where to stay on Bourbon Street. Other than the modern amenities and stylish interior, the location is the coolest thing about this property. Jackson Square is just two blocks away, and youll have plenty of bars, restaurants, and nightlife on your doorstep.
Best Hotels In The French Quarter
Here are a few of the best New Orleans hotels located in the French Quarter:
1. Omni Royal
- Rating on Booking.com: 8.7/10
- See the latest price here
This place consistently comes up when you search for where to stay in New Orleans, and for good reason. Its a historic hotel that dates all the way back to 1838.
Fun fact: gumbo, one of the most famous dishes from New Orleans, was invented here! You can try this and other classic New Orleans cuisine in their award-winning Rib Room.
This excellent hotel also boasts a heated rooftop pool and a nice fitness center for when you need to work off those extra calories! to see the latest price from Booking.com.
2. W New Orleans French Quarter
- Rating on Booking.com: 8.4/10
- See the latest price here
The courtyard-style architecture of this hotel makes it one of the coolest places to stay in New Orleans. Its located right in the heart of the French Quarter, just a short walk from both Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.
After a big day of exploring Crescent City, its great to return here to lounge by the pool in the courtyard. Some rooms even come equipped with their own private hot tub and patio for extra relaxation!
If youre in town on a weekend, this is a great place to stay. Their Legs and Eggs Sunday brunch at the on-site SoBu features a burlesque show and is tons of fun. to see the latest price from Booking.com.
3. Hotel Monteleone
- Rating on Booking.com: 9/10
- See the latest price here
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The Maison De Ville Hotel
Located right in the middle of New Orleans’ French Quarter sits one of the most unique haunted Hotels in New Orleans. Hotel Maison de Ville is home to numerous ghosts, one of which is rumored to be Tennessee Williams himself. By digging into the history of the Maison de Ville we might be able to figure out who is actually haunting this Hotel.
While staying in New Orleans, if you’re looking for a haunted Hotel to stay in, you should check out Hotel Maison de Ville.
Best Hotel In Faubourg Marigny: Lamothe House Hotel
The Lamothe House Hotel is a bright, colorful, and exquisitely charming property located near Faubourg Marigny. It has a sun-soaked terrace, a stylish lounge bar, and an awesome outdoor swimming pool.
This hotel is also a short walk to Bourbon Street, the French Market, and many of New Orleans most famous attractions.
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Historic Cottage Just Off Of Magazine Street
This cute little apartment is located just at the edge of the Garden District and the Irish Channel. Comfortable and stylishly decorated, this cozy spot has lots of natural light plus a screened-in porch perfect for enjoying an afternoon cocktail.
This Garden District Airbnb has a full-size kitchen, but its unlikely youll be using it because youre just a block away from Magazine street where youll find dozens of great bars and restaurants. For a decadent brunch head to the Ruby Slipper, but make sure you arrive early to beat the rush. And just down Magazine Street is Joey Ks, one of our favorite spots for classic New Orleans fare like fried oyster po-boys and red beans and rice with smoked sausage.
If youre in the mood for shopping head to Zele NOLA a collective where a dozen or so local artisans sell their artwork.
What Is The Best Area To Stay When Traveling To New Orleans
Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, here are the areas with the largest selection of vacation rentals for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in New Orleans:
- Faubourg Marigny: 348 vacation rentals
- French Quarter: 765 vacation rentals
- New Orleans Central Business District: 1,024 vacation rentals
- Arts/Warehouse District: 685 vacation rentals
- Treme: 369 vacation rentals
For other neighborhoods, please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available.
Read Also: Top Hotels To Stay In New Orleans
Best For A Boutique Mix Of Cocktails Voodoo And Style: International House
Located in a landmark Beaux Arts building between CBD and the French Quarter, International House offers a taste of old New Orleans with a stylish contemporary twist.
Unique pieces of art, iHome stereos, and spa-like bathrooms come as standard in all rooms, though some are more decadent than others. Case in point, the gracious suites, renovated by designer LM Pagano, are decorated with sumptuous furnishings and glamorous crystal chandeliers, while penthouses boasts sweeping terraces overlooking downtown New Orleans and the Mississippi River.
With illustrious mixologist Alan Walter at its helm, the Voodoo-themed Loa cocktail bar in the lobby has a reputation of its own, but culture-savvy travelers will also fall in love with the enthralling events and rituals taking place in New Orleans first-ever boutique hotel throughout the year. These include everything from curated art parties to festivities honoring Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau.
New Orleans: The Home Of Jazz
New Orleans has a deep and significant musical history. During slavery, the city was the only location in the southern United States where slaves were permitted to own drums. The so-called Voodoo music and rituals were celebrated, and blended with music heard in local bars and churches to create a new sound that eventually became known as jazz. Today, travelers enjoy jazz performed by buskers and professional musicians alike all across New Orleans.
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Chic Bohemian Guest Suite Close To The Famous French Quarter
If youre hoping to find the best Airbnb rentals in New Orleans, you cant miss this chic guest house. Situated just blocks from Frenchmen Street and the French Quarter in the quiet neighborhood of Marigny, it offers the perfect location for tourists keen to explore New Orleans.
Its hard to ignore that this Airbnb Plus has gone all out on its French-influenced boho chic home decor. One look at the living room with its vinyl player and colorful sofa perfectly sums up the New Orleans character. Youll also find this playful style all around the suites bedroom and its queen bed. Its really only when you step out onto the back patio with its outdoor seating that the theme dials back a bit.
But this Airbnb Plus is definitely not just style over substance. It offers amenities both old-fashioned and modern, like the combination of an indoor fireplace and air-conditioning in the bedroom. Then theres the full kitchen with an oven, stove, fridge, and microwave for all your cooking needs. Finally theres the laundry room with a washer/dryer and other touches like Wi-Fi, TV, and self check-in.
Best For A Cultured Bourbon Street Stay: Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Home to a world-class 6,000-piece art collection, brilliant dining options, and one of the neighborhoods best jazz clubs, Royal Sonesta New Orleans is sure to be a highlight on your trip to NOLA.
This regal, resort-style hotel enjoys a prime spot on the legendary Bourbon Street, offering a world of experiences under one roof. Theres sophisticated fine dining at the award-winning Restaurant Revolution refined live shows at the swanky Jazz Playhouse and plenty of recreational opportunities around the cobbled plant-lined courtyard, where a sparkling saltwater pool awaits.
Graced with traditional French doors and wrought-iron balconies, Sonestas rooms serve as stylish respites from the never-ending party on Bourbon Street. These range from classically elegant to uncompromisingly modern, but all are rewardingly comfortable and complete with topnotch amenities.
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Best Hostel In French Quarter: Ihsp French Quarter House
Enjoy a dose of southern hospitality at IHSP French Quarter House. This great hostel boasts a fantastic location. It is surrounded by plenty of bars and restaurants and is a short walk to Bourbon Street.
Guests can enjoy free wifi, linens, and lockers. Theres even free Netflix in the common room!
Activities Near New Orleans Vacation Homes
The highlight of the New Orleans calendar is, of course, Mardi Gras. Fat Tuesday is held for 2 weeks in February when the city is alight in a blaze of color, music, and good cheer. But it’s not the only draw to the city. Explore the historic French Quarter, take a paddle steamer cruise on the Mississippi, or head to Uptown and the funky shops, antique stores, and art galleries of Magazine Street. While night owls should book a New Orleans vacation rental within easy reach of Bourbon Street, the epicenter of the city’s jazz clubs and nightlife.
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Best For Hipsters Foodies And Music Lovers: Ace Hotel New Orleans
Housed in a renovated Art Deco building in the Warehouse District, Ace Hotel New Orleans captures the very essence of this fascinating, culturally-rich city with Southern Gothic-inspired interiors and its own music venue. Designed by Roman and Williams, rooms are atmospherically dark and filled with thoughtful details like fully-stocked minibars, Smeg refrigerators, and even turntables or Martin acoustic guitars.
Nevertheless, its the vibrant and characterful public spaces that really bring this hotel to life the lovely Josephine Estelle osteria serves award-winning Italian cuisine with a Southern twist Seaworthy focuses on wild-caught oysters and expertly mixed cocktails Three Keys hosts live shows five nights a week and Alto the hotels rooftop garden tops it all off with Instagramable poolside parties and a lively bar.
Faubourg Marigny Coolest Place To Stay In New Orleans
If youre looking for a dynamic neighborhood with a unique atmosphere, interesting history, and wonderful culture, then Faubourg Marigny is for you!
This lively and laid-back district is home to a great mix of bars, restaurants, tattoo parlors, and boutiques catering to everyone from culture vultures to trendy hipsters.
Its home to unique art galleries, cool craft breweries, and amazing live music venues. Tucked throughout the streets youll also find cafes, restaurants, and bars that attract people from all corners of the city.
So if you want to rub shoulders with locals and enjoy a raging New Orleans night on the town, this is the place to be!
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Why Stay In An Airbnb In New Orleans
There are lots of advantages to staying in an Airbnb in New Orleans. The most obvious reason is that youll get more for your money. In general, Airbnbs are cheaper than staying in a hotel plus they are more spacious with more amenities like a full kitchen and laundry units. This is especially true if youre traveling to NOLA as a large group. The more people you can split the cost with the more you can splash out for some seriously fancy digs during your trip to the Crescent City.
The second reason to stay in an Airbnb is that youll be able to stay in a local neighborhood. There is much more to New Orleans than Bourbon Street, and staying outside of the French Quarter will actually give you a more authentic New Orleans experience.
The Garden District, Irish Channel, Warehouse District, Marigny, and the Bywater are all fantastic New Orleans neighborhoods full of unique bars and local restaurants much better and less expensive than those in the French Quarter.
Search Garden District Hotels and Vacation Rentals
Treme Guesthouse Just A Half
A nice option for those who dont need a huge amount of space is this distinctly New Orleans guesthouse. Staying here in the friendly neighborhood of Treme, youll really be able to experience the spirit of New Orleans. Plus, its only a few blocks to Bourbon Street and even less of a walk to the French Quarter.
Sitting out in the lush garden behind the home of superhost Bret, this guesthouse is entirely private and self-sufficient. With just the one king bed in its bedroom, this Airbnb is best suited to couples or solo travelers. While the bedroom and bathroom are situated upstairs, head down a small spiral staircase and you have the living room and kitchen. So really, its not that small and theres little chance youll feel cooped up. And if you do, just head out onto your private patio or onto the shared courtyard, both of which are surrounded by greenery.
Back inside, the kitchen comes with the full suite of appliances including a dishwasher, so cooking meals here shouldnt be a problem. Then there are the amenities like the TV with Netflix and Amazon Prime, Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, luggage drop-off, and access to laundry facilities.
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Garden District The Coolest Neighborhood In New Orleans
The Garden District is located on the south side of New Orleans downtown . It is a very cool area famous for its historic mansions, elegant boutiques, and nice cafes. The best way to enjoy the Garden District is simply by having a stroll along beautiful streets, spotting colorful mansions, and enjoying chic cafes in between.
If you are a person like me who loves to be surprised by streets that come up with new things around every corner, you will enjoy this stroll for sure!
If you head uptown you will reach the Lower Garden District. It is not as fancy as the garden district but here you will find many pubs and budget-friendly restaurants. Another great way to wander around this neighborhood is by renting a bike. By bike, you can easily reach other neighborhoods and also enjoy some time in the parks.
Of course, the laid-back, elegant neighborhood of the Garden District offers many nice accommodation options too. Here are some of my favorite places I chose for you: