When you are looking for accommodations, there are various aspects that influence your choice: parking, quality of services, etc… but, if you are looking for a place to sleep in New Orleans, there is another important factor to consider: the location. The city in fact has a rather large surface area and at the same time offers many things to see (to have an idea take a look at our article on how to visit New Orleans), so the choice of the area where you stay must be strategic.
We won’t list the geography of the city in detail, but rather we will limit ourselves to point out the best neighborhoods to find accommodation, aesthetically pleasing and located at a reasonable distance from the main attractions (or with good connections). Here are the best areas to stay in New Orleans.
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The French Quarter
The French Quarter is the most authentic heart of New Orleans, a historic and picturesque neighborhood which is the top attraction of the city. It’s full of brightly-colored tenements adorned with wrought-iron balconies, elegant Creole restaurants, late-night hangouts, and carefree street musicians. The epicenter of the nightlife is Bourbon Street, while in the area between St Ann’s and Esplanade Avenue, the neighborhood becomes more residential and quieter.
If you stay in this area, you will be close enough to everything. You will be able to walk around most of the historical sites, and restaurants and easily return to your hotel after an evening spent at some local club listening to good jazz.
The French Quarter, which overlooks the famous Mississippi River, is a great place, perhaps the best place, to stay in New Orleans, especially if this is your first visit to the city. However, there are 3 less exciting aspects you need to consider:
- It may be more expensive than the other areas since practically everyone wants to stay in the French Quarter
- Consequently: the number of rooms is limited, so book as soon as possible
- Sometimes, the neighborhood can be noisy, especially if you go there during Mardi Gras.
I recommend the following accommodations:
- Hotel Le Marais: I really like this modern style hotel, housed in a vintage building and very close to Bourbon Street, in the heart of the neighborhood. In addition to the care taken in furnishing the rooms, the interior courtyard with swimming pool is noteworthy: great for a cocktail after a refreshing swim
- Hotel St. Helene: a slightly cheaper solution (2 stars), but just as strategic for visiting the French quarter. Classic and sober furnishings, parquet floors in the rooms, unfailing pool.
Available accommodations in the French Quarter
Central Business District/Convention Center
Just across the street from the French Quarter (you only need to cross Canal Street) is the Central Business District, affectionately called the CBD by the locals. This is the area that houses the city’s business community, equipped to accommodate those who come to New Orleans on business, but is also a great choice for tourists.
The CBD is home to a number of trendy restaurants, renowned bars, art galleries and, not to be overlooked, the mammoth Superdome Stadium, a must for football fans. Given its proximity, the area can be a good starting point to visit the nearby French Quarter, but often at a cheaper price: in fact, although the area boasts a number of luxury hotels, the rates are usually lower and the hotels tend to be more spacious, located in quieter areas and complete with all the necessary services. Here are a few accommodations to consider:
- The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery: an absolutely original solution that gives a touch of class to the trip. Yes, because the rooms of this particular hotel are in an old 19th century warehouse. The common areas and accommodations are furnished with great class and personality, and from the point of view of services and location, you really can’t ask for better.
- Holiday Inn Express: The name of the well-known hotel chain warrants for this motel located in a great location for sightseeing. The standards of the rooms and services are of a lower category, but we have nothing to complain about the value for money.
Accommodations available in the CBD
Garden District
The location here is more decentralized than the previous 2 neighborhoods, but you can use the streetcar to get there (check out our article on getting around New Orleans). Imagine beautiful tree-lined boulevards and historic homes, a serene and relaxed setting away from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter. In the Garden District, you can find streets full of small independent stores selling everything from local produce to antiques.
There are also many great restaurants enjoyed by locals and visitors alike; if you are looking for a less touristy experience, this district is definitely a great place to start. Compared to the French Quarter, the hotels here offer more space and less noise. I recommend these two accommodations:
- Hotel Indigo New Orleans: located in a quiet area not too far from the French Quarter, Hotel Indigo offers luxury rooms in a modern and elegant setting. There is no shortage of green areas nearby for those who want to rest their eyes a bit.
- The Garden District House: a cheap solution for those who want to stay in the Garden District, especially for young people; it is rare to find hostels where the welcome is so thoughtful. Cleanliness and care of the rooms and common areas are above average compared to the category.
Available accommodations in the Garden District
Metairie and Lakefront
Metairie is outside the city, near Louis Armstrong International Airport, and can be a convenient area to sleep if you land in the city (you’ll still have to travel by public transportation to get to the main attractions). You’ll be close to Lake Pontchartrain, the beautiful city park (New Orleans City Park), and the New Orleans Museum of Art. If you’ve rented a car, you can explore the small villages set amidst the swamps of the Cajun countryside, where you’ll be able to meet some zydeco musicians or take a water tour.
- Sheraton Hotel Metairie: this district is a bit off the beaten path, but it offers the possibility of not being too far from the airport. In the case of the Sheraton Hotel Metairie, you don’t have to give up any comforts, services, and amenities of a 4-star hotel. The quality of the breakfast is noteworthy.
- Comfort Suites Kenner: for a 2 star, this accommodation offers many good quality services, including the shuttle to the nearby airport, a good breakfast, a swimming pool, a gym, and clean rooms. At a very economical price!
Available accommodations in Metairie and Lakefront
Promotional accommodation in New Orleans
If you are looking for low-priced or on offer accommodations, I suggest you take a look at the page indicated below, always updated with interesting offers. Enjoy your stay!
Find a hotel in New Orleans with Booking
Map of New Orleans
When choosing where to stay in New Orleans, it can be helpful to have a general idea of the city, which is why we’ve included this map.
