Where To Stay In Nola For Mardi Gras

Experience 2022 Mardi Gras Return Of The Big Greasy

Mardi Gras 2021: How New Orleans is celebrating during the pandemic

Royal Sonesta New Orleans is considered by many to be the most desirable location to experience the fun and pageantry of Mardi Gras. To assure that your stay is enjoyable and comfortable during Mardi Gras weekend, we have outlined everything you will need to know for Carnival Season.

In the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday revelers worldwide can celebrate Mardi Gras traditions safely by participating in virtual elements such as social media contests and live-streamed events.

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!

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:

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Top 5 New Orleans Hotels

Close to the action

Although float and parade routes run across the city, most congregate around the iconic French Quarter which owes its namesake to the citys origins as a French colonial settlement. In fact, it is not to far from here that the very first Mardi Gras was celebrated back in 1699.

The Holiday Inn French Quarter Chateau Lemoyne is located extremely centrally and will give you immediate access to the Carnival street events. These include intricately crafted floats, garish parades and noisy street parties . Expect plenty of people in extravagantly colourful fancy dress.

Embracing the French Colonial style

Also in the heart of the French Quarter is the Bourbon Orleans Hotel, which fully embraces the colonial character. A ballroom turned convent, turned hotel, the Bourbon is bursting with historic quirks including a good many ghostly and ghoulish tales

The hotel is located, as the name suggests, in the heart of Bourbon Street, and a stones throw from the famed Jackson Square. Bourbon Street is the citys epicentre, with all the quirk that its French colonial past, not to mention the New Orleanian nightlife . The Chartres street corner of the square, which is bordered by St Louis Cathedral, has long attracted street performers and artists, and is the perfect place to take in the citys spirit.

Something a little different

Check out more New Orleans hotels with Nustay!

Party and Nightlife

Modern and convenient

Everything You Need To Know About 2022 Mardi Gras In New Orleans

Typically, the city celebrates with a variety of parades and festivities. However, the city of New Orleans officially canceled all Mardi Gras parades in 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains unclear if 2022 celebrations will also have to rely on socially distanced alternativeslike yet again.

Were doing everything we can to ensure that Carnival happens, Mayor LaToya Cantrell told leaders of the citys parading organizationsknown as krewesat a meeting of the Mardi Gras Advisory Committee on October 7, 2021, nola.com reported.

In order to participate, the city is requiring all krewe members to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a recent negative test result.

Whether youre daydreaming of joining the Mardi Gras festivities, either in 2022 or later, or simply want to better understand this iconic holiday, read on for an extensive explainer that includes everything you need to know about Mardi Gras, including how best to enjoy it in New Orleans.

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How To Attend Mardi Gras In New Orleans For Cheap

The best way to make the most of Mardi Gras and see it on a budget is through advance planning. We recommend booking your flights and hotels ideally in the summer of the previous year for the best deals. Another way to attend the celebrations on a budget is to visit on the penultimate weekend. That weekend still has lots of good parades but lesser crowds and lower rates. Also hotels dont have the 4 or 5 night minimum stay requirements.

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.

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Return Of The Big Greasy

You can be a part of our Return of the Big Greasy 2022 Greasing of the Poles festivities! Show us your best Mardi Gras dance moves for a chance to wine a spot as an official 2022 Greasing of the Poles Contestant. Check back for more information soon!

Follow Royal Sonesta New Orleans social channels on , and for updates and contests.

Don’t Forget About Lodging

Salute to the People of New Orleans on Mardi Gras 2021

Due to increased demand, you shouldn’t expect to snag hotel bargains at this point. In fact, most properties near the festivities are priced at hundreds of dollars a night and/or close to being sold out .

The remaining properties in New Orleans have nightly rates ranging from $168 to $2,000 on Expedia. To get the lower prices, you may have to stay outside of New Orleans in one of the surrounding cities. To get a hotel in the French Quarter, you’ll have to fork over at least $296 a night.

Want cheaper accommodations? Airbnb may be a better option, with rooms as low as $75 a night.

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Where Are The Best Places To Stay During Mardi Gras

If you plan to visit New Orleans for Mardi Gras, its a popular time to visit. In normal years, hotels sell out fast so its never too early to start thinking about your hotel.

Location is everything if youre visiting New Orleans during Mardi Gras because parking is difficult, and youll want to walk if youre planning to consume alcohol. To remain close to the parades Uptown, stay in the charming Garden District bordered by Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue. This tree-lined neighborhood is filled with boutique shops, top-notch restaurants, and grand dame mansions, and the French Quarters festivities are just a streetcar ride away.

For a quieterbut still excitingMardi Gras experience, consider the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. These laid-back districts east of the French Quarter will offer a more off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras experience, but the action of Bourbon Street is still close enough to access without having to drive.

Regardless of where you choose to rest your head during Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the chances that a colorful parade will pass through the neighborhood during your visit are strong. Some of our favorite New Orleans hotelsfrom reliable standbys to exciting new spots that opened in 2021include:

Is Mardi Gras Family

Locals grow up going to Mardi Gras–it is absolutely family-friendly! The Uptown section between Napoleon Avenue and Jackson Avenue is recommended for children. Although, there are some stands downtown at hotels that are suited for children as well. You can view our guide for more information.

For more information on Mardi Gras, view our and FAQs. To get prepared, see our . And explore more of everything that goes into making Mardi Gras in the video below:

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What Is King Cake

King Cake is the official food of Mardi Gras. The festive Mardi Gras dessert is eaten for breakfast, afternoon snacks, and throughout the parades. The name comes from the Biblical story of the three kings that bring gifts to baby Jesus. It is a blend of coffee cake and a cinnamon roll with purple, green, and gold icing or sugar. Sometimes, they are also filled with cream or fruit. Within the cake, a plastic king cake baby is hidden for fun. Tradition says that whoever finds the baby has to buy the next king cake!

King cakes are usually available to purchase beginning on Twelfth Night until Mardi Gras day. However, some bakeries have begun to sell them year round. For a list of where to purchase one or how to make one, see here.

Here Are A Few Tips For The Big Event:

Mardi Gras 2017 begins: What parades roll this week

Get out early to grab a good spot along the parade route
Know your route getting to and from your vacation rental
Secure a rideshare service ahead of time if possible
Check the weather forecast and dress in layers when in doubt
Have a plan in place for meals
Secure a meeting place for your group in case of separation
Have a bathroom plan in place: you can purchase a parade package from a local business or pay for a per-visit or day pass at restaurants and bars along the parade route
Bring an empty tote or bag to haul back beads and other goodies that are tossed into the crowd

One of the best ways to celebrate is by purchasing a package at one of the restaurants and bars along the route or a bourbon street balcony. It gives you space to sit down during the festivities, eat, drink, and, more importantly, secures bathroom access.

Dont forget about your costume! Costumes are a part of the experience, and there are multiple contests taking place throughout the city. No level of creativity is too much.

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Contact Information All Travelers

All air passengers to the United States will also be required to provide contact information to airlines before boarding flights to the United States. This strengthens a travel process already in place to rapidly identify and contact people in the U.S. who may have been exposed to a communicable disease, such as COVID-19. Access to travelers contact information will allow U.S. federal, state, and local health departments, and agencies to share appropriate health and public health information necessary to help keep the public safe.

Experience 2021 Mardi Gras Maskerade A Safe Celebration Of Mardi Gras Traditions

In the weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday revelers worldwide can celebrate Mardi Gras traditions safely by participating in virtual elements such as social media contests and live-streamed events.

Learn about the hotel and available amenities for your upcoming stay. Please note, for the health & safety of our guests and team members, Sonesta hotels require guests to wear face coverings in all indoor public areas. More information about the Stay Safe with Sonesta initiative can be found here.

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What Is Mardi Gras In New Orleans

TMardi Gras is a popular celebration in all parts of Louisiana, including New Orleans. The festivities take two weeks, during which there is one major parade each day.

The occurrence of the parades depends on the weather, and some days have several large parades. The largest of the parades take place during the last five days of the Mardi Gras season. Additionally, in the last week, there are several events like parades and balls, including masquerade balls in different parts of New Orleans and its surrounding communities.

These events are organized by social clubs known as Krewes. The Mardi Gras season attracts numerous tourists to the city and its environs.

Date: 01 March 2022

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The Henry Howard Hotel

Henry Howard originally built the property in 1867 as a double-gallery townhouse, but it has since morphed into the 18-room Henry Howard Hotel. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood in the Garden District with a bunch of other historic homes, so you won’t have to fight off crowds hurling beads your way. Though, if you want to be hit in the head with at least one beaded necklace on your trip, you’re just a 15-minute drive to Bourbon Street.

Address: 2041 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Rooms starting at:$299+

Things To Do At Mardi Gras In New Orleans

New Orleans is, without doubt, the best place to celebrate Mardi Gras in the United States. Mardi Gras celebrations in the city are like a FREE big fat never-ending party. There are so many things to do at different city venues that it is hard to keep up with all of them. There are Mardi Gras attractions and events geared towards families, couples, friends, and also LGBT travelers. Here are some of the best things to indulge in during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.

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Cruising Out Of Nola During Mardi Gras

We booked a cruise over February vacation out of New Orleans, and lo and behold, it’s during ! I just put two and two together when trying to book a hotel for the night before the cruise. We are budget travelers. There are zero hotel rooms left I just managed to squeak into a budget place off I-10. I have tentatively booked for the night before the cruise and two nights after . Flights are relatively cheap out of town on Fat Tuesday, that’s for sure.

My question is, can I make this work? We are two adults and an adolescent boy. My primary concerns are safety and transportation to and from the I-10 motel during Mardi Gras — are taxis available? Will we be out of our minds trying to get around? We are willing to take buses and streetcars if those are viable alternatives. The safe but dull alternative would be to skip Mardi Gras and fly in and out same day of the cruise in order to use the cruise line’s transfer service.

I have not booked the flights yet. Hopper tells me to wait. (I’ve never used Hopper before… hopefully it’s good

Finally, any suggestions on taking an adolescent to Mardi Gras? I see lots of advice for “children,” but that’s not exactly what we’ve got….

Thanks in advance to this wonderful community.