New Orleans makes few bones about it, its raison d’etre is to play host. New Orleans has luxury hotels, funky guest residences, quaint bed and breakfasts, and even a few youth hostels. Naturally, your accommodations should probably be determined by your expectations of the city.
Although New Orleans is not a large city, getting around can take time. Things move at their own pace and it is best to accept that the city’s residents, especially the bus drivers, move to their own unhurried rhythm. If you are in town for business or area-specific sightseeing, it makes sense to stay somewhere close to the attractions on your list or the arenas for your business meetings.
In general, hotel rates go up during Mardi Gras season (February/March) and Jazz Fest (late April/early May,) so make sure you book your rooms in advance. If it is at all possible, make reservations a year ahead of time to ensure a fair price and the room you want. In addition, you may not want to book rooms in the French Quarter during Mardi Gras season unless you fancy noisy late nights and a frenzied party atmosphere. Mardi Gras in the Quarter can be very chaotic and those who stay there may not get much sleep. If, on the other hand, you want the complete Mardi Gras experience, make sure you book your rooms a year or more in advance, since the hotels in the Quarter fill up quickly. New Orleans is also host to a number of large conventions each year, so the “earlier the better” rule applies for a good portion of the year.
French Quarter
Staying in the Quarter means you will be close to most of New Orleans’ famous attractions: historic houses and churches, wrought iron balconies, first-class entertainment and dining, and the muddy waters of the Mississippi River. Modern hotels, like the Omni Royal New Orleans and quaint hotels, like the Cornstalk Hotel, co-exist in the Quarter. The Quarter is filled with a plethora of excitement. A room facing the always-exuberant Bourbon Street can be fun at night, but a little too much first thing in the morning during some of the more festive seasons.
Le Richelieu is a good choice for budget accommodations, with plenty of personality, while celebrities and high rollers hoping for more privacy opt for the exquisite Soniat House.
Marigny/Esplanade Avenue
Accommodations like the Casa de Marigny Creole Guest House and the Rathbone Inn embody New Orleans’ dog-eared but charming allure. The positive points here include the Greek revival architecture along Esplanade Avenue, overgrown tropical gardens, and close proximity to Frenchmen Street’s hip clubs. Get to the heart of the French Quarter from the Marigny is quite easy, only five minutes by foot, but late-night strolls can be dangerous and caution is always advised.
Central Business District/Convention Center Area
The Central Business District, or CBD, stretches from the Superdome to the Convention Center, and consequently offers the most popular lodging for business travelers and sports fans.
The major hotel chains here include the Marriot, Hilton,
Sheraton and Hyatt hotels. Those searching for something more intimate should try either the Pelham Hotel or the Lafayette Hotel on St. Charles Avenue, easily accessible on the St. Charles Streetcar line.
The ultimate choice to pamper oneself is The Windsor Court, New Orleans’ most acclaimed (and possibly most expensive) hotel. Even if you do not stay here, stop by for afternoon tea or an excellent meal at the hotel’s restaurant, The Grill Room.
Budget travelers also have a number of solid choices in the CBD, including the Comfort Suites and Holiday Inn Select.
Garden District
Modern hotels with a solid reputation, like the Avenue Plaza and the highbrow Pontchartain Hotel, are directly on the streetcar line and fairly close to Lee Circle and many Warehouse District art museums. The lovely homes associated with the district, and the walking tours that showcase them, attract many tourists to the neighborhood’s hotels. If you have the time and luxury of a loose schedule, a Garden District bed-and-breakfast, such as The Terrell House or The McKendrick-Breaux House, is a charming and comfortable way to enjoy New Orleans and get to know the locals.
Uptown
Uptown is mostly residential, aside from a few coffeeshops and clothing stores. Activities center around Tulane and Loyola Universities, Audubon Park, and the Audubon Zoo. The Columns Hotel, nestled among the many St. Charles Avenue mansions, offers nineteen antique-furnished rooms and a popular bar where both locals and tourists have drinks and watch the world pass by.
Bed and Breakfasts
If you are looking for a something more intimate, try one of the many guesthouses and bed and breakfasts around the city. Many have eccentric backgrounds. The Ashton Mechling Guest House is a Greek revival mansion that was completely renovated but still maintains its historical roots. The Rathbone Inn was also built in the 1800s and offers all the creature comforts, including a Jacuzzi. Both are just outside the French Quarter but close enough to hear the crowds on Bourbon Street. Then again, if you want to distance yourself from the hoopla of the Quarter there are plenty of great places to stay around the city. The 1851 Inn on the Avenue is a 150-year old manor with every modern convenience, situated in the picturesque Garden District. And if you want to be in the center of town between the Garden District and the Quarter try the Beau Sejour Bed and Breakfast or the St. Charles Guesthousein the Uptown area. The Beau Sejour and St. Charles are both conveniently located near Tulane and Loyola Universities and are packed with amenities.
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