Where to Stay

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. 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.

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.

Central Business District

The Central Business District, or CBD, stretches from the Superdome to the Ernest M. Morial 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. The 1851 Inn on the Avenue is a 150-year old manor with every modern convenience

Uptown

Uptown is mostly residential, aside from a few coffee shops 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. Try the Beau Sejour or the St. Charles Guesthouse in the Uptown area. The Beau Sejour and St. Charles are both conveniently located near Tulane and Loyola Universities and are packed with amenities.