Where to Stay in New Orleans

Our Favorite Hotels

• Five-Star Rating: Maison de la Luz
• 4-Star: The Roosevelt
• 3-Star: Lookout Inn
• For Couples: Audubon Cottage
• For Families With Kids: The Roosevelt
• Best Pool Facility: Windsor Court
• Travelers flying into New Orleans can choose to stay at the conveniently-located Holiday Inn near the airport • Ranked as the Best French Quarter Hotel: Monteleone

The Best Areas to Stay in New Orleans

• New Orleans Hotel & Neighborhood Map

New Orleans holds a unique place with a richly diverse heritage. Its culture blends influences from Africa, the Caribbean, France, Spain, Creole background, Cajun heritage, and Native Americans, which is evident in its distinctive cuisine, music, language, and architecture. Jazz, a fusion of different musical styles, was born here. The city`s food is a flavorful mix of local ingredients and varied culinary influences. Dishes featuring shellfish, wild game, smoked meats, and the famous mirepoix (onion, celery, and bell pepper) can be found. Rice dishes and pepper sauces with herbs are also popular. While most residents speak English, the distinctive “Yat” dialect is common, and only a few speak Cajun or Creole languages. Although New Orleans is known for its Voodoo spirituality, which combines West African religion and Catholicism, only a small number of locals practice it devoutly. Some interesting local customs include using “go-cups” for transporting alcoholic beverages from restaurants and bars, calling neighborhoods or suburbs “faubourgs,” and referring to the medians between traffic lanes as the “neutral ground.”

The highly popular French Quarter neighborhood is not the sole location worth exploring in New Orleans, as the city has additional regions to uncover. In fact, with New Orleans featuring a walkable core and convenient streetcar system, it is a easy place to experience. Visiting multiple neighborhoods, even on a short trip, is strongly recommended. The French Quarter has borders defined by the Mississippi River to the east. Just northeast you`ll find the trendy Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. The compact Tremé is located northwest. To the south, Canal Street separates the Quarter from the Central Business District, home to offices and civic buildings, as well as the Warehouse/Arts District, known for its museums and galleries. One can walk between the Quarter and all of these neighborhoods. To the southwest of the city`s busy tourist- and business-focused core, you`ll discover the more residential Garden District and Uptown. Students at Tulane and Loyola Universities ensure the setting avoids becoming too placid. Riders can take the St Charles Streetcar from Canal Street to the Garden District. Driving southwest from Canal Street on Magazine Street provides an enjoyable way to tour multiple neighborhoods.

Residents from the area commonly guide others using nearby bodies of water as references. Most of the visitor-friendly parts are located inside a broad, U-shaped curve in the Mississippi River. Major roads like Magazine Street adjust together with the river, making it easy to confuse yourself when attempting to comprehend direction. Locals may tell you to head upriver (typically meaning west) or downriver (loosely east). North could be described as “lakeside,” because Lake Pontchartrain lies to the north of the city, and “riverside” refers to south toward the Mississippi River.

Best Places to Stay in New Orleans

• Best Luxury Hotels in New Orleans
  Maison de la Luz • Ritz-Carlton • Windsor Court • The Roosevelt • Hotel Monteleone
• Best Hotels for Families
  Omni Royal Orleans Hotel • Best Western Plus St. Christopher Hotel • Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome
• Best Honeymoon Hotels for Couples
  Audubon Cottages • Hotel Peter and Paul • Henry Howard Hotel
• Best Midrange Hotels in New Orleans
  Le Pavillon Hotel,Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue,The Eliza Jane,Drury Plaza Hotel
• Best Cheap Hotels in New Orleans
  Lookout Inn • Prytania Park Hotel • MOXY New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter • La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown • The Quisby
• Hotels on Bourbon Street
  Hyatt Centric French Quarter • Astor Crowne Plaza • Lafitte Hotel & Bar • Bon Maison Guest House • Four Points by Sheraton • Royal Sonesta

Best Areas in New Orleans for…

• Best Neighborhood for Historical Sites and Sightseeing: French Quarter
  Dating back to 1718, the French Quarter is tightly packed with fascinating historic buildings. The heart of the historic area is Jackson Square, where out-of-town visitors intermingle with musicians, artists, and fortunetellers. The cathedral with three spires overlooking Jackson Square is St. Louis Cathedral, finished in 1794. St. Louis Cathedral, Its neighbor, the Cabildo, served as the governmental headquarters during the Spanish Colonial period. Now the Cabildo is a state museum about history. You can learn more regarding Mardi Gras at the nearby Presbytère Museum. Grab fluffy beignets and chicory coffee at Café du Monde, which opened in 1862. Over 200 years old, the nearby French Market is more of a tourist trap – think souvenirs and nicknacks – than a real farmers market, but it is a lively place to wander. Numerous hotels are in the Quarter. Just be aware late-night revelry can be loud
• Top Zones for Dining: Garden District and Uptown

The entire city boasts a robust culinary scene, with world-renowned eateries found across every neighborhood. However, to dine alongside locals, focus your search on the Garden District, Uptown, and a few spots in nearby Riverbend. Throughout these areas, you`ll discover acclaimed chefs putting their unique spin on famous Creole and Cajun dishes from the region. Many of these restaurants are tucked away in nondescript residential streets. Inside, the decor is often elegant white linen, while the atmosphere remains friendly and neighborhood-centric. But it`s not all upscale dining. Timeworn shacks serve hearty local favorites like po`boys, crispy fried chicken, simple oysters on the half-shell, and vividly hued shave-ice treats. Trendy spots along Magazine and Freret Streets attract crowds with gourmet pizza, fancy burgers, and fusion bahn mi sandwiches. Be sure to pick up a scoop of homemade ice cream from Creole Creamery.

• Best Neighborhood for Nightlife and Live Music: Marigny
  Throughout the weekend, music lovers make their way to Frenchmen Street in the Marigny neighborhood. It is a lively late night scene on weekends, with crowds mingling densely on the sidewalks outside the various venues. Street performers add to the festive atmosphere. For jazz, head to Snug Harbor or The Spotted Cat. The excellent d.b.a. features blues vocalists, brass bands, and rock groups. Less than a kilometer away, the Marigny Opera House, which occupies a former church, welcomes audiences for opera, theater, music, and dance performances. From Marigny, it’s just a brief trip to the emerging St. Claude corridor, where you’ll find folk, alt-rock, punk, reggae, and metal bands. In other words, just about everything. Bars in the developing neighborhood are similarly diverse, ranging from sleek to sexy to divey, with a few low-key neighborhood pubs perfect for relaxing with a local craft beer
• Best Neighborhood for First-Time Visitors: Central Business District
  The practical Central Business District (CBD) will not earn any honors for atmosphere, but it is packed with accommodations. There aren`t many low-cost lodgings in the CBD, but you will discover hotels catering to practically every kind of traveler, like families, business travelers, Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest participants, conference-goers, and those just there to have an excellent time. Hotels bordering Canal Street are within walking distance of Bourbon Street, but they tend to be quieter than lodgings in the French Quarter, particularly late at night. The CBD is also a handy starting point for exploring most of New Orleans. The city’s four streetcar lines – Canal Street, St Charles Street, Riverfront, and Rampart – all connect with Canal Street. One-way fare is $1.25.

• District Most Favored for Romance: Garden District
  With its leafy live oaks, stately mansions, and gracious B&Bs, the Garden District is easily considered the city’s most romantic locale. The sidewalks are usually not crowded, allowing one to linger in front of the most charming old homes, where well-kept gardens, grand porches, and decorative wrought iron fencing whisper centuries of romantic tales. Chic restaurants beckon along Magazine Street while the distinguished Commander’s Palace simply insists that you enjoy yourself (be sure to dress sharply for the event). For a timeless end to your evening, stroll St Charles Avenue then board the streetcar for an vintage ride back to your starting point.
• Best Neighborhood for Families: Central Business District

For families, the most suitable option is the Central Business District. The neighborhood contains sizable hotels, various catering to families through rooms and amenities. Attractions family-friendly in and around the CBD include the National World War II Museum and the splendid Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, which will before long hold displays from the recently closed Audubon Butterfly Garden & Insectarium. The stadium hosts the New Orleans Saints professional football team. Streetcars link the CBD with neighborhoods across the city. The Algiers Ferry, which crosses the Mississippi River, docks at the end of Canal St. Scenic paddleboats depart nearby. The extensive City Park – home to alligators, a carousel, Storyland, and the Louisiana Children’s Museum – lies a short drive away in Mid-City.

• Best Neighborhoods for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest: Garden District and French Quarter
  Many social clubs known as krewes in New Orleans organize elaborate parades in the weeks prior to Fat Tuesday. The Garden District is the best area for viewing the parades and obtaining the coveted beads and trinkets. The most famous parades make their way down St Charles Avenue, the main road of the neighborhood. Although very few parades go through the narrow streets of the French Quarter, Bourbon Street itself transforms into the biggest party in the U.S. on Fat Tuesday – and it can be distressingly chaotic for numerous people. The French Quarter is a nice place to stay for Jazz Fest, though, which takes place three miles away at the state fairgrounds racetrack in late April and early May. There are quite a few B&B’s in Mid-City, but you’ll have the most lodging choices in the Quarter
• The Garden District is lovely for strolling in New Orleans.

Even if you don’t stay in the Garden District, take an hour or two to leisurely explore its atmospheric streets. Alongside the riverside of St Charles Avenue, sidewalks pass stately Greek Revival mansions with white columns, inviting verandas, beautiful gardens, and ornate iron fences. Large live oak trees provide cooling shade. Be certain to discover Lafayette Cemetery No 1 and its aging above-ground tombs. The eerie vibe is tempered by the blue-and-white façade of its neighbor Commander’s Palace, a century-old establishment where lunch never fails to be a good time. Boutiques, galleries, restaurants – and several excellent low-key bars – line trendy Magazine Street.

• Unsafe Areas of New Orleans
  Crime is an issue across the city of New Orleans, and it is wise to remain aware of your surroundings no matter the neighborhood, particularly at night. Travel together with others if possible. In the crowded French Quarter, violent criminal offenses are generally not a major concern but petty theft may be an issue. Take extra care in Mid-City and Central City, which can become dodgy at night.

The Best Places in New Orleans for Tourists

1. French Quarter

Arranged in a compact square layout and surrounded by the Mississippi River, the Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city. Also known as Vieux Carré (old square), this area houses many historic structures and numerous top-rated restaurants and bars – though it sees more visitors than locals. There is a good selection of lodging options, but they tend to be noisy. The main road running through the Quarter is Bourbon Street, lined with interchangeable tourist shops and lively bars. The large crowds dissipate on Royal Street, holding block after block of boutiques, galleries, and antique stores. Creole townhomes stand out architecturally, and various shops, restaurants, and hotels are tucked within these elegant former residences, commonly fronted by hanging plants and cast iron balconies.

• Top Hotels: Ritz-Carlton • Hotel Monteleone • Audubon Cottages • Bourbon Orleans • Bienville House • Grenoble House

2. Central Business District

Though this region lacks attractions, it serves well as a base since the city`s four streetcar lines all make stops here. You can also easily walk to the French Quarter, the Warehouse/Arts District, and the Mississippi River. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome hosts concerts, conventions, and sporting occasions. During fall and winter, this is where the New Orleans Saints football team plays its home games. Perhaps the biggest draw is the wide selection of hotels, ranging from family-friendly to luxurious to enormous. The recent debut of several trendsetting boutique hotels has injected this neighborhood with a blast of contemporary coolness. And some sweet rooftop bars

• Distinguished Hotels: Windsor Court – The Roosevelt Hotel – Le Pavillon Hotel – The Eliza Jane – MOXY New Orleans Downtown/French Quarter – La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown

3. Warehouse/Arts District

This post-industrial area, now with an established creative culture, is home to a thriving blend of museums, galleries, boutiques, and acclaimed eateries. There are decent hotel choices here, but you won’t have as many options as in the downtown core. The Aquarium of the Americas overlooks the Mississippi River at the end of Canal Street. Nearby is the expansive Riverwalk outlet center and the expansive Harrah’s Casino (soon to transition to Caesar’s). The neighborhood also houses the profoundly immersive World War II Museum, a must for history devotees. For great art, spend an hour exploring the varied works spanning multiple stories at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. Galleries and workshops border Julia Street. Several acclaimed chefs have launched eateries near the museums and galleries.

• The premier hotels proposed include: Maison de la Luz,Drury Plaza Hotel,Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District, and Lafayette Hotel

4. Garden District and Uptown

Accommodations are somewhat limited, but you will have a solid selection of bed and breakfast locations, inns, and smaller hotels in the Garden District and the neighboring Uptown area. The St Charles Streetcar provides an easy way to access the columned mansions, leafy sidewalks, and busy colleges with treelined streets. However, there is more to the neighborhood than just live oaks and historic homes. Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 tells the story of the city through the epitaphs on its aging tombstones. The Louisiana Swamp exhibit at the Audubon Nature Institute in Audubon Park highlights creatures from the Cajun bayous. Magazine Street is the lively heart of the neighborhood, with independent coffee shops, busy restaurants, and stylish boutiques. Dive bars keep the street festive from dusk until late at night.

• Top-Rated Hotels: Henry Howard Hotel – Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue – The Prytania Park Hotel – The Quisby – Hampton Inn New Orleans/St. Charles Ave

5. Marigny and Bywater

These emerging waterfront communities exude contemporary bohemian flavor yet classic Creole cottages, shotgun houses, and the majestic Mississippi River firmly anchor these districts in New Orleans history. Modern art galleries, trendy dining spots, and funky outdoor bars make Marigny and Bywater excellent places to unwind, savor superb cuisine, and socialize with companions. Food lovers should not miss the global food choices at St. Roche Market in Bywater. For late-night live music of diverse styles head to Frenchmen Street and the developing St Claude corridor. Stop by Crescent Park for beautiful views of the Mississippi River. These neighborhoods are easily explored by bicycle. The primary lodging options include bed and breakfasts, small inns, and boutique hotels.

• Top Accommodations:Hotel Peter and Paul • The Lookout Inn • Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar

6. Tremé and Mid-City

Black history and culture are celebrated in Tremé and Mid-City, two long-established neighborhoods worthy of a deep dive, especially for those interested in the city’s multicultural beginnings and on-going traditions. B&Bs – some eccentric, some refined – are the primary lodging option here. Marie Laveau, the voodoo queen, is interred in the eerie St Louis Cemetery No 1. The Backstreet Cultural Museum delves into the fascinating history of the neighborhood’s Mardi Gras Indians and the history of Second Line parades. For classic Creole cuisine, stop for lunch at Dooky Chase’s, where civil rights leaders once gathered. Esplanade Ave and its grand French Creole homes link Tremé with City Park, a lush and sprawling green space in Mid-City that’s home to an art museum, a sculpture garden, botanical gardens, and a variety of kid-friendly attractions.

• Top-rated Accommodations:Monrose Row Bed & Breakfast • La Belle Esplanade • The Brakeman Hotel