For Live Music In A Hip Setting: Ace Hotel New Orleans
This popular chain is well known for having some of the coolest hotels in America, and the Ace Hotels New Orleans outpost is no different, with a lobby that’s a fashionable music-focused space featuring suites equipped with guitars and turntables. Hit the hotels intimate on-site music venue Three Keys for live music most nights of the week.
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As there is so much to the city beyond just the tourism-focused French Quarter, were here to present you with a comprehensive breakdown of the coolest neighbourhoods alongside our picks for some of the best hotels in each area. And in a one-of-kind city as offbeat as New Orleans, you can bet the accommodations are just as eccentric with options ranging from historic mansions and renovated church buildings to a former firehouse and chandelier factory.
Best Places To Stay In New Orleans French Quarter
Home to infamous Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is the most popular place to stay in New Orleans.
While you dont have to stay in the French Quarter to have a good time in New Orleans, there are a few advantages to doing so.
If youre in town for a big celebration, like a bachelorette or birthday party, staying in the French Quarter is a no-brainer.
Lets be honest if its that kind of trip, youre probably in New Orleans to drink yourself silly, smash-nom some Creole and French food, and maybe go on a haunted tour.
From the French Quarter, youll be able to do all of that by foot or street car. Therefore, you wont need to plunk down for a rental car or a bunch of pricey cabs.
Also, if youre planning on partying all weekend, you wouldnt be driving anyway, RIGHT? Right.
One point to keep in mind when considering a hotel in the French Quarter is that rooms will likely be small. Youll also probably hear noise from the many bars and restaurants nearby.
If neither of these things bother you, though, keep reading to find the perfect place to stay in the French Quarter.
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Read More Articles On How To Plan Your Trip To New Orleans
Travel Planning Resources
Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.
Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner
Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor
Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO.
Travel Insurance: Don’t leave home without it. Here is what we recommend:
- World Nomads – Digital Nomads or Frequent Travelers.
- Allianz – Occasional Travelers.
- Medjet – Global air medical transport and travel security.
Need more help planning your trip? Make sure to check out our Resources Page where we highlight all the great companies that we trust when we are traveling.
Loft 523 A Collection Of Cool Modern Loft
Minimalist loft spaces and cool East Coast charm can be found at the exceptionally rated Loft 523 Hotel, making an interesting chic and sleek contrast to the many more traditional New Orlean hostelries dotted throughout the city. This hip New Orlean abode is housed in a restored warehouse just a short walk from both the famous French Quarter and the Art District, these luxurious lofts are calm and contemporary and some have luscious limestone soaking tubs and the penthouse suites have terraces with ponds, fountains and superb city views!
With dark wood furniture, thick rugs on bare floors, and low-slung designer bed frames, design-conscious interiors come as standard. There is no restaurant on-site, but the Loft 523 has its own lounge and bar Gravier Street Social which serves cool drinks and hot music in the secluded A-List retreat!
- To book, check prices or availability for Loft 523 Hotel
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Rock The Elvis Suite: The Lookout Inn
This funky little hidden gem is an affordable alternative off the beaten path at the edge of the Bywater. Not only is it close to neighbourhood hotspots like BJs Lounge and Bar Redux, its also the only place in New Orleans where you can rent an Elvis-themed suite. If youre not into the King, choose from additional room themes including Mardi Gras and Bollywood.
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Best Places To Stay In The Central Business District
Here are a few of the best choices for accommodation in the Big Easys Central Business District:
1. Hyatt Regency
- Rating on Booking.com: 8.9/10
- See the latest price here
Its hard to beat this location if youre headed to a sporting event in New Orleans. This 4-star hotel is just a stones throw from both the Superdome and the Smoothie King Center.
They have a wide variety of rooms here to suit all budgets, all the way up to some super fancy executive suites.
There are quite a few restaurants and bars on-site, as well as a well-stocked fitness center if you need to work off all those calories! to see the latest price from Booking.com.
2. Drury Plaza
- See the latest price here
Theres a lot to love about this hotel, starting with the location.
Youre close to landmarks like Lafayette Square and the World War II Museum and right up the street from the scenic Riverwalk. Its also just a few steps from the streetcar thatll bring you to the Quarter.
The Drury Plaza has a nice outdoor pool with a jacuzzi and 24-hour fitness and business centers. You also get breakfast as well as free snacks and drinks in the evening when you stay here.
This place has thousands of positive reviews! to see the latest price from Booking.com.
3. Ace Hotel
- Rating on Booking.com: 8.6/10
- See the latest price here
Speaking of music, theres a venue right on-site here. Three Keys is open late and has live music most nights as well as a full bar and snacks.
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Safe Placesand Places To Avoidin New Orleans
Is New Orleans safe? Before you visit, learn about the dangerous parts of New Orleans, as well as the safer neighborhoods to visit.
In terms of New Orleans neighborhoods to avoid, gang violence has increased in the 6th District, which includes Central City, the Garden District, Hoffman Triangle, Irish Channel, Touro, and Zion City, where there have been shootings and homicides.
With regard to Central City specifically, it was once a thriving immigrant stronghold, then fell into disrepairexcept for the recent revival of Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, which is certainly worth visiting. But after dark, dont stray past that boulevard into other parts of Central City, which are areas to avoid in New Orleans.
Neighborhoods that have a particularly bad reputation because they cause significant spikes in New Orleans crime rate include Desire and Floridaparts of these two areas have crime statistics worse than almost anywhere else in the United Statesas well as Viavant-Venetian Isles, Fischer Dev, Tulane-Gravier, West Lake Forest, Dixon, Pines Village, the Lower 9th Ward, and Treme Lafitte.
St. Claude, for its part, has substantially more assaults, robberies, burglaries, and thefts than the national average, and so should be considered an area of New Orleans to either avoid or take precautions when visiting. Much the same is true for Tulane-Gravier, St. Roch, , and Pines Village.
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To Ride The Streetcar To Your Room: Pontchartrain Hotel
This historic NOLA classic can be on the pricey side , but thats to be expected from one of the finest hotels in the city. Everyone from former presidents to actress Rita Hayworth to rock band The Doors have stayed here over the years. The 14-floor hotel sits along the famous St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, with appropriately posh rooms and a popular loft-style rooftop bar.
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Where To Stay In New Orleans On A Budget
As in many cities, the more affordable lodgings in New Orleans are located outside the city center. In the culture-infused Treme neighborhood, the The Treme Hotel is a good choice for those with a vehicle or willing to take a taxi to the sights.
There is free parking and Wi-Fi, and breakfast is served on the weekends. Available for guest use are a self-serve laundry, fitness room, and an outdoor patio with a grill.
Uptown/Carrollton, home to Tulane and Loyola Universities, is also home to the Alder Hotel, just two blocks from Freret Street restaurants and a bus stop for easy access to the city. Spacious rooms are clean and updated with kitchenettes, and hotel facilities include a business center, pool, and free parking.
Moxy Hotel A Cool And Very Instagrammable Industrial
Billed by its owners the Marriot Group, as a bar with rooms this budget bolthole is a 24-hour drinking den very much designed with the younger demographic in mind. The quirky interiors at the very highly rated Moxy Hotel are perfect for the Instagram generation and the entrance lobby and communal spaces all focus around the bar that is the central hub of this young and funky New Orleans hotel.
The rooms at The Moxy New Orleans are utilitarian but chic and have swapped out wardrobes for pegs and each one comes with more unusual features that will make for great hashtags. The cafe serves coffee and basic snacks, but being located in the Central Business District just a 6-minute from the iconic Bourbon Street you are never going to be far from plenty of great restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Theres also a modern gym, a buzzy cocktail bar, and a contemporary, open-plan lounge/library. An awesome hotel perfect for millennials or just the young at heart!
- To book, check prices or availability for the Moxy Hotel New Orleans
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Troubadour Hotel New Orleans A Vibrant Fun And Trendy Design Hotel Perfect For Millennials And Gen Zs Looking To Party
A cool and funky hotel perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs. The vibe here is fun and beat and the decor is stylish and contemporary but with plenty of color and creativity thrown in for something quite special. Located in the Central Business District only a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter, the trendy hotel features modern guest rooms featuring local artwork, retro accessories, Bluetooth speakers, and designer toiletries.
The rest of the hotel is pretty swish too with great city views from many of the rooms, a 24-hour gym, a cool bistro, and an amazing rooftop eatery/bar offering regular DJ performances and city views. Oh and its also dog-friendly too!
- To book, check prices or availability for Troubadour Hotel New Orleans
The Natchez A Fun And Trendy Upscale Vacation Rental
The Natchez offers a choice of 2, 3, and 4 bedroom suites just steps away from the French Quarter. A 1830s traditional Creole building has been transformed into comfortable, modern New Orleans accommodation that perfectly blends both the old and the new. Exposed brick walls, polished wooden floors, and lots of high-tech conveniences await guests at The Natchez and all suites come with state-of-the-art kitchens and contemporary interiors.
There is also a fabulous heated pool, with both salt and freshwater hot tubs, as well as a sundeck with cabanas for catching your breath when the French Quarter gets too hectic. The highly-rated Nachez offers affordable and cleverly crafted self-catering accommodation at the heart of the city.
- To book, check prices or availability for The Natchez
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Warehouse / Arts District A Neighborhood For Art Lovers
The Warehouse/Art District is located just next to the Central Business District and can be easily reached from French Quarter with a 20 minutes walk. It is a very elegant neighborhood with modern art galleries, fine dining restaurants, and great museums. Sounds so cool, doesnt it?
The Warehouse District is also a great place to witness the incredible atmosphere of Mardi Gras! Mardi Gras, also called Fat Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday.
Every year one week before the carnival starts, you can see many parades in New Orleans with beautiful colorful decorations and people with amazing costumes and masks. As a part of the fun each year there is a king and a queen whose identities are kept as a secret until the ball night of Mardi Gras.
In every corner of Warehouse District, you will encounter a nice art gallery, a cool cafe, or a building with an impressive mural. The best way to enjoy this artsy area is simply wandering randomly along the beautiful streets and checking out the nice venues. Your Instagram feed will be so colorful with the photos you will take here!
If you are interested in exploring local art galleries and want to stay in a modern neighborhood you should definitely stay in Warehouse District. Here you will be able to find great accommodations for all budgets and you will also be close to the city center!
Best For Families And Pet Owners: Hotel Monteleone
Owned and operated by the same family since 1886, the grandiose Hotel Monteleone is a destination in itself. Aside from the legendary circus-themed Carousel Bar & Lounge, it plays host to an elegant Creole restaurant, a stunning rooftop pool, and a full-service day spa.
At the corner of Royal and Iberville, the iconic French Quarter establishment is within walking distance of most major attractions and offers luxurious accommodation in traditionally decorated rooms complete with iPod docks, flat-screen televisions, Keurig coffeemakers, and refrigerators.
Special kids vacation packages throughout the year come with coloring books and crayons, disposable cameras, plus free admission to the Louisiana Childrens Museum, Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, or Entergy IMAX Theater.
The hotel also has pet-friendly floors, as well as a generous Pet Package, which includes a mat for your four-legged friend, water and food bowls, a chew toy, a bag of gourmet treats, waste bags, and a guide to the citys pet-friendly attractions.
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Our Money Saving Tips For New Orleans:
New Orleans is a popular year-round destination. People flock to the city during Mardi Gras and later in the height of summer. But they also travel to the Louisiana city to escape the northern winters. To save money on hotels, try and time your trip to coincide with the shoulder seasons, spring and fall.
Dont be afraid to stay outside the French Quarter. Discover a new side of the city, from Magazine Street to Esplanade Avenue, while saving a few dollars. It helps that the streetcar will take you to much of the city while requiring a meager $1.25 per ride. Later enjoy the ample happy hours so you can drink on the cheap, letting the free live music carry you the rest of the way.
Best Airbnb In Central Business District: Sonder Jung Residences
Sleeping up to four guests, this one-bedroom apartment is ideal for couples or groups visiting New Orleans on a budget. Its bright and modern throughout and offers great value for money, situated walking distance from top places of interest. The unit features everything youll need for a comfortable stay, including a full kitchen, spacious lounge area, and wifi.
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For The French Quarter
- Hotel Maison de Ville was once the home of Tennessee Williams. Its red-painted façade hides charcterful rooms with antique furnishings and private balconies. Brilliantly located in the French Quarter, this is a grown up base for on foot explorers. Adults only.
- W New Orleans is a sleek, contemporary hotel near Jackson Square and Riverwalk. Studio suites come with private courtyards and hot tubs, there’s an outdoor pool, bikes for hire, and a superb onsite restaurant. A swish French Quarter choice.
- Bienville House oozes Old World charm, with lavish interiors and sumptuous fabrics, centred around a courtyard with small plunge pool and stone sculptures. Very romantic & well-situated in the French Quarter.
- Hotel Monteleone is an enormous, 1886-built property in the French Quarter, with marble floors, glittering chandeliers and a chiming grandfather clock. Great for couples, families or business travellers. The swimming pool and carousel bar are highlights.
- Soniat House is a charming colonial boutique hotel, made up of two old townhouses across the road from each other, in the heart of the French Quarter. The style of the place is Spanish, with cooling inner courtyards and tastefully decorated rooms. Peaceful and intimate, well-suited to couples.
- Hotel Mazarin is an elegant French Quarter oasis, with sumputous suites set around a leafy courtyard with a fountain. Think big beds, chandeliers and Prohibiton-era cocktails served in an atmospheric bar. Friendly, historic and romantic.
Solo Female Travel In New Orleans Tip #: Hire A Guide
New Orleanss cemeteries are unlike most others in the world. Because New Orleans is a swampland, the dead could not be buried underground, and instead were laid to rest in beautifully embellished, above-ground tombs.
As creepy as cemeteries are, theres also something really cool and interesting about them, and thats why thousands of tourists visit New Orleanss cemeteries each year.
A word of caution though: creepy, and perhaps dangerous, people hang out in the New Orleans cemeteries, so you do not want to go alone. This is what multiple locals told me.
If you decide you want to check out a cemetery, Id suggest taking the safer route and embarking on a City & Cemetery tour with Cajun Encounters.
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