Best Area to Stay in New Orleans: Top Hotels & Accommodation 

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Most people know the French Quarter is the best area to stay in New Orleans! While this area of the city is perfect for those new to the city or people looking to immerse themselves in Mardi Gras, there are lots of other great areas to stay in New Orleans as well. 

New Orleans is one of the best cities in the South. It’s home to classic architecture, Creole cuisine, and jazz music. Whether you’re coming to New Orleans for the first time or the hundredth time, there is always more culture to immerse yourself into and learn about. 

From the French Quarter to the Garden District to the Central Business District, there are lots of neighborhoods offering fantastic New Orleans lodging choices. 

This guide covers the top neighborhoods and the best hotels in each!

colorful homes in new orleans, green home, orange home, blue home, best places to stay in new orleans

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my links at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

Best Places to Stay in New Orleans—Quick Guide 

If you’re looking for the best New Orleans accommodation, here are my top three recommendations around the city! 

BudgetHI New Orleans Hostel: This a great budget stay for those who want more of a hostel vibe. They have dorm rooms as well as a few private rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned with WIFI. There’s a community kitchen as well as a luggage storage area.

Best Place to Feel Like a Local—Historic Apartment on Magazine Street: This beautiful apartment is in the Lower Garden District. It has one bedroom and a day bed in the living room area. There’s a small kitchen and a huge balcony overlooking the street below. It’s been renovated with 13-foot ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors. 

Mid-RangeLafitte Guest House: If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can stay in one of the most haunted hotels in New Orleans. It’s a beautiful boutique hotel with elegant rooms. Almost all the balconies overlook Bourbon Street. It’s one of the most centrally located hotels in the French Quarter, as you can walk to almost every attraction and many different restaurants. 

LuxuryHotel Monteleone: This is hands down the best place to stay in New Orleans. It’s only one block from Bourbon Street. They have a fantastic restaurant where you can find Creole and Cajun cuisine. And check out the famous Carousel Bar. Make sure to dip in the heated rooftop pool or book a massage in the spa. The fitness center is open 24/7, and they have valet parking. 

house in the french quarter, best area to stay in new orleans, new orleans lodging, stay in new orleans, coolest hotel new orleans

French Quarter

The French Quarter is the best area to stay in New Orleans for first-time visitors. Most people will recognize this part of New Orleans because it’s home to the fantastic architecture you see photos of when reading about this city. 

Staying in the French Quarter gives you prime access to nightlife and some of the best restaurants in New Orleans. You’ll also hear live music around the city and see tons of street performers as you walk around. 

BudgetOne-Bedroom Apartment: Check out this apartment for a moderately budget stay in the French Quarter. It’s just three blocks away from the downtown part of New Orleans. It’s a one bedroom, one bath, with a small kitchen. The sofa can also be turned into a bed, so it’s perfect for more than one guest! It’s also on the same block as many different bars and cafes. 

Mid-RangeCourtyard by Marriott New Orleans French Quarter: This is one of the best hotels in New Orleans near Bourbon Street. All the rooms have Wi-Fi, TVs, and mini-fridges. You can reach a streetcar stop in less than four minutes, giving you access to the rest of the French Quarter and New Orleans. 

LuxuryBourbon Orleans Hotel: One of the best places to stay in New Orleans’ French Quarter is just a few minutes walk from Jackson Square Park and St. Louis Cathedral. You can choose from a traditional room or suite. Make sure to have dinner at the on-site Creole restaurant and a take swim in the outdoor swimming pool. It’s heated and open year-round!

new orleans hotels, plants hanging from balcony, new orleans accommodation, hotels to stay in new orleans near bourbon street

Garden District 

If you’re looking for more of a residential area to stay in, check out the Garden District. It’s one of the top places to stay in New Orleans for those who want to be a little further away from the nightlife and party scene. 

There are many green spaces in the Garden District, surrounded by shops, cafes, and ice cream stands when the weather is warm. You can also get to the French Quarter in just a short Uber ride or streetcar ride. 

BudgetThe Bell Quarter: This one-bedroom suite is a great budget stay in the Garden District. You can drive to the French Quarter in less than 20 minutes, and the Charles Avenue Streetcar stop is just a 5-minute walk. There is a bed, a living room space, and a fully equipped kitchen. 

Mid-RangeChimes Bed & Breakfast: Just five minutes from Magazine Street, this small B&B is one of the best places to stay in New Orleans. There are only five rooms, making your stay here quiet and cozy. Parking and breakfast are free. 

LuxuryThe Pontchartrain Hotel: This stunning hotel was built in 1927. It’s only one mile from the National WWII Museum. All rooms are suites, and some have separate living spaces and kitchens. There are two restaurants on-site, a cafe, and the incredible Hot Tin rooftop bar for great city views and creative cocktails. 

potted plants on new orleans home, places to stay in new orleans

Central Business District (CBD)

The Central Business District is very close to the French Quarter, just across Canal Street. While most people stay here when they are on business trips, other travelers can also enjoy their time here since there are several bars and restaurants and some affordable hotels. 

Some of the biggest and best hotels are here. There’s also the Warehouse District just next door, which has an amazing art scene. You’ll find plenty of museums and galleries. In CBD, you can see a show at Saenger Theatre or a Saints game in the Superdome. 

BudgetOne Bedroom Apartment Close to Convention Center: This an excellent apartment less than two miles from the convention center, making it perfect for those coming to New Orleans on business. There is a fully equipped kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and separate living area. It’s also on several of the parade routes for Mardi Gras!

Mid-RangeMagnolia Hotel New Orleans: This trendy hotel is right in the middle of the Central Business District. You can reach Bourbon Street in less than 10 minutes on foot. The rooms have all the amenities you need, including Wi-Fi. They have a bar onsite if you don’t feel like venturing out to Bourbon Street. 

LuxuryNew Orleans Marriott: This hotel is one of the best areas to stay in New Orleans, just one mile from Bourbon Street. They have various rooms, including basic rooms, suites, and upgraded rooms with access to the lounge and free drinks. Inside is a restaurant, a wine bar, and a Starbucks coffee shop. 

chartres street sign, central business district, tall building in background, best places to stay in new orleans

Top Things to Do in New Orleans

Looking for the top things to do in New Orleans? There are endless places to go, but here are the things not to miss!

  • National WWII Museum: If you want to learn about the intense history of WWII, head here! They have different exhibits showcasing artifacts, films, and artwork. You’ll learn about everything, including the Holocaust and D-day. 
  • Preservation Hall: To hear some of the best music in town, you can check out the Preservation Hall. The best part is that your ticket goes to help a nonprofit organization that teaches kids music and jazz instruments.  
  • Cafe Du Monde: Even though the line to get into this marvelous restaurant is usually very long, eating here is a must. It’s open 24/7, making it the perfect choice for breakfast, dinner, or just a snack. Make sure to order the famous beignets. 
  • Jackson Square: This is the top place for entertainment in the city. There are live music and street performers every day. You can also get a caricature done! Cafe Du Monde is also here, so you can go to these two places on the same day. 
  • New Orleans Museum of Art: Head here to check out over 50,000 pieces of art. They have pieces from many famous French artists, including Monet. It’s been open since 1911 and is one of the oldest museums in the country. 
  • Mardi Gras World: Even if you miss Mardi Gras while here, you can still check out the museum. Almost all the parade floats and costumes are made here. You can even try on some of the costumes and learn about the history of Mardi Gras and why it’s such a huge deal in New Orleans. 
coffee and beignets at cafe du monde

How to Get to New Orleans

New Orleans has an international airport (MSY). They also have a shuttle that takes you to the French Quarter, which is extremely useful if you do not want to rent a car. Taxis have a fixed rate to the French Quarter as well ($36 USD).

New Orlean’s airport is small and mainly serves domestic carriers. The cost of flying directly to New Orleans with an international airline is very high. Many international travelers first fly into a larger airport like Atlanta or Miami, then they connect to New Orleans. 

Delta and American Airlines are the most common domestic carriers. They also serve international airlines like Air Canada and British Airways.

How to Get Around New Orleans

There are many ways to get around New Orleans. Most people find that they can walk to most places. You can also use Uber or Lyft. The city also has a streetcar that is very cheap and takes you around many of the most visited places of the city. 

You can also rent a bike around the city with the Blue Bike System. 

red streetcar in streets of new orleans, how to get around new orleans

When to Visit New Orleans

New Orleans can get very hot during the summer, so many people like to avoid the city during this time. If you want to go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras or another specific celebration, make sure to check the dates for the event before you book your hotel. 

Most celebrations and festivals happen from February through May. This is also when the city has the best weather, as the humidity levels are still low. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Walk Everywhere in New Orleans? 

Most of the places with the top things to do and the main tourist attractions are easy to walk to. Many people forgo renting a car and walk everywhere while in New Orleans. Parking is quite challenging and expensive. The French Quarter, Canal Street, and Faubourg Marigny are the most pedestrian-friendly places. 

Where is the Best Place to Stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras? 

The best place to stay to be close to all the top areas of the Mardi Gras celebrations is the French Quarter. Prices can be high during this time, though! Consider booking very early, as places can get sold out as Mardi Gras approaches. 

window.fd(‘form’, { formId: ‘5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’, containerEl: ‘#fd-form-5f654c78bf43d8ae8bbfa457’ });

Is it Safe to Walk Around New Orleans at Night? 

Most places in New Orleans are very safe to walk around at night. The closer you are to tourist attractions, the safer it is. As with all big cities, keep your belongings close and be aware of your surroundings. 

Where to Stay in New Orleans on a Budget

Areas like the French Quarter usually have higher-priced hotels since they are closer to everything. You can always find an apartment rental through VRBO or Airbnb since they are cheaper. 

You can also stay in an area further from the attractions, like the Lower Garden District or Mid-City. 

colorful homes on a street of new orleans, new orleans lodging, best areas to stay in new orleans

Where to Stay in New Orleans for the Weekend

The French Quarter is definitely the place to stay if you are only in New Orleans for the weekend. You will be able to see all the best sites since they are just a short walk away. The French Quarter also has the best restaurants and nightlife in the city. 

Book Your Hotel in the Best Place to Stay in New Orleans

Ready to find the best place to stay in New Orleans? I hope this guide helped answer all your questions about the top places and hotels to spend time in the city. 

New Orleans is one of the best destinations in the US since it’s a melting pot of some of the best American culture, cuisine, and music. 

Are you heading to New Orleans? Which one of these places are you going to book? 

You Might Also Like

Like it? Pin it!

Please share if you enjoy this content!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *