New Orleans is a wonderfully diverse and lively city full of artists, musicians, chefs, storytellers, and the like.
Its neighborhoods are also very distinctive, from posh and stately to colorful and welcoming.
With New Orleans as diverse as it is, picking a place to stay can be super stressful and time consuming. But it doesn’t have to be!
If you’re looking for a particular vibe for your trip to New Orleans, let me help you find the right place to stay in New Orleans, whether it be the best neighborhood or a hotel with specific features or amenities.
Keep reading to discover the best places to stay in New Orleans.
The best places to stay in New Orleans
French Quarter
Home to infamous Bourbon Street, the French Quarter is the most popular place to stay in New Orleans.
While you don’t have to stay in the French Quarter to have a good time in New Orleans, there are a few advantages to doing so.
If you’re in town for a big celebration, like a bachelorette or birthday party, staying in the French Quarter is a no-brainer.
Let’s be honest – if it’s that kind of trip, you’re probably in New Orleans to drink yourself silly, smash-nom some Creole and French food, and maybe go on a haunted tour.
From the French Quarter, you’ll be able to do all of that by foot or street car. Therefore, you won’t need to plunk down for a rental car or a bunch of pricey cabs.
Also, if you’re planning on partying all weekend, you wouldn’t be driving anyway, RIGHT? Right.
One point to keep in mind when considering a hotel in the French Quarter is that rooms will likely be small. You’ll also probably hear noise from the many bars and restaurants nearby.
If neither of these things bother you, though, keep reading to find the perfect place to stay in the French Quarter.
1. Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Part of the Dauphine Orleans Hotel was once a bustling bordello back in the mid-1800s to early 1900s.
It is easy to find due to the red light outside, a holdover from its bordello era. Kind of like a bat signal.
Comprised of 3 properties, the main building, a carriage house, and the Hermann House courtyard, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel is one of few spots in the French Quarter where it’s relatively easy to find a quiet room.
Aside from the stellar setup, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel also includes a bar and outdoor saltwater pool (perfect for afternoon cool-downs).
Lastly, the Dauphine Orleans Hotel is a Stash Rewards member, which is a loyalty program for independent hotels in the US and Caribbean, so you won’t miss out on earning loyalty points by staying here.
2. Hotel Monteleone
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the classic Hotel Monteleone, located on the edge of the French Quarter and Central Business District.
This luxury accommodation in the French Quarter was opened in 1868 by an Italian immigrant, Antonio Monteleone.
To this day, the Hotel Monteleone is still owned and operated by the Monteleone family! How’s that for history?
Aside from its longtime family roots, the Hotel Monteleone is also well known for its carousel bar.
Yes, this bar not only looks like a classic carousel ride, but it also rotates!
3. Audubon Cottages
If you’re looking for a luxury spot in the French Quarter, look no further than the Audubon Cottages.
The Audubon Cottages are made up of 7 one and two bedroom cottages, plus a main house.
Several of the cottages have private courtyards, so if privacy is a concern, this might be a great property for you, as well.
Guests also have access to a butler (yes, a butler!) to assist with pretty much anything.
4. Moxy Hotel New Orleans
The Moxy Hotel New Orleans is one of Marriott’s newest properties in New Orleans, having opened in 2016.
The Moxy Hotel line is known for its super hip, Instagram-friendly design and budget prices.
It’s basically a millennium or Gen Z’s dream lodging, especially since it’s just a few blocks outside the west edge of the French Quarter.
Marigny
Next to the French Quarter, along the Mississippi River, is Faubourg Marigny.
The Marigny is a largely residential neighborhood with bed & breakfast properties sprinkled throughout.
The big draw to staying in the Marigny is its restaurants and bars.
The quiet atmosphere, yet close proximity to the French Quarter, is another big reason for staying in the Marigny.
1. Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast
If you’re keen on eco-friendly properties, Auld Sweet Olive Bed and Breakfast is the perfect place for you.
Auld Sweet Olive is the first bed & breakfast in New Orleans to be certified as green. It features an energy efficient roof, meals made with ingredients from a local co-op, and soaps from local artisans.
2. Melrose Mansion
Melrose Mansion is a stunning Victorian mansion on Esplanade Avenue, right in between the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny.
This property features 7 rooms, a pool, and even a gym (a rarity for bed & breakfasts!).
In addition to daily breakfast, the Melrose Mansion hosts a happy hour from 4:30-5:30pm.
3. Royal Frenchman Hotel and Bar
If you’re in town to hear live music, the Royal Frenchman Hotel and Bar is where you want to stay!
Located on Frenchman Street, the Royal Frenchman Hotel and Bar was renovated in 2017 and features 16 rooms and suites.
The bar on location is the perfect spot for a drink before heading out to explore the music clubs on Frenchman Street or wandering around the French Quarter.
Tremé
Tremé is the oldest Black neighborhood in the US and the birthplace of Jazz music.
Today the neighborhood features brightly colored homes and the beautiful Louis Armstrong Park, which includes plenty of green space, several theaters, and meeting halls.
Tremé is also home to my favorite coffee shop in New Orleans, the Tremé Coffeehouse.
As enticing as Tremé sounds, it’s not one of the most popular places to stay in New Orleans. There aren’t any big name hotels, as it’s a residential neighborhood.
You might find a lot of properties on AirBNB in Tremé, but I highly encourage against using AirBNB in New Orleans.
Why?
In a nutshell, businesses like AirBNB, VRBO, etc. are making rent more expensive and residential inventory smaller, as landlords can make more money off short-term rentals.
That said, if you’re looking to be close to the French Quarter, but far enough away to escape the noise at night, check out Tremé.
There are a handful of independent bed & breakfast properties in the neighborhood, if you don’t mind more intimate places to stay.
1. Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast
Ashton’s Bed and Breakfast is a beautiful Civil War era Greek Revival mansion turned bed & breakfast in 1989. It features 8 guest rooms and a relaxing backyard featuring a 300-year-old oak tree.
2. Inn at the Old Jail
The Inn at the Old Jail is literally that – an inn built inside a former New Orleans jailhouse!
This stunning inn includes 9 guest rooms, some of which are named after historic New Orleans Police Department members.
3. La Belle Esplanade
Located on Esplanade Avenue, amongst other gorgeous mansions and colorful B&Bs, La Belle Esplanade includes 5 beautiful suites.
Breakfast is included with your stay and always includes food from local shops and bakeries.
4. Jazz Quarters New Orleans
The Jazz Quarters New Orleans offers travelers the unique experience of staying in authentic Creole cottages.
It is located next to Armstrong Park, just across N. Rampart Street, quite close to the North side of the French Quarter.
Garden District
The Garden District is well-known for its gorgeous Southern mansions, but that’s not all! It is also home to Magazine Street, stocked with art galleries and boutiques.
I liken the Garden District as the posh older sister to the French Quarter’s college kid brother.
It’s an excellent spot for a fancy girls’ weekend or romantic weekend getaway.
Most of the properties in the Garden District are mansions-turned-inns, but there are a few hotels, too.
Check out my top 3 picks if you’re looking for a place in the Garden District of New Orleans.
1. Henry Howard Hotel
The Henry Howard Hotel is a gorgeous 18-bedroom boutique hotel located on Prytania Street, about a block off of St. Charles.
From this prime Garden District spot, you can hop on the street car to head further into the neighborhood or out to the French Quarter. A few blocks away is Magazine Street, as well.
The Henry Howard Hotel is a member of the Stash Hotel Rewards program, so you can rack up loyalty points to use for future stays at other Stash properties.
2. Pontchartrain Hotel
Located directly on St. Charles Avenue, the Pontchartrain Hotel is a much larger than other boutique hotels in the Garden District, with 106 rooms.
Although this takes away from the intimate vibe you get from a bed and breakfast or inn, it definitely has its perks
Aside from more privacy at the Pontchartrain Hotel, this larger property also has 4 restaurants and bars on property, including one of my favorite bars in New Orleans, Hot Tin.
3. Sully Mansion
The Sully Mansion is another lovely boutique property in the Garden District of New Orleans.
With only 9 rooms, Sully Mansion has a more personal vibe than the usual large properties you’ll find elsewhere in New Orleans.
Like Henry Howard Hotel, Sully Mansion is located on Prytania Street, so its location is perfect for those looking to explore different areas of New Orleans.
Superdome
The Mercedes-Benz Superdome (and its kid sister next door, the Smoothie King Center) is located at the top of the New Orleans neighborhood known as the Warehouse District.
If you’re in town for a sports game or concert, such as the New Orleans Saints football team or the Essence Festival, these are the places you’ll want to stay at.
1. Hyatt Regency New Orleans
The Hyatt Regency New Orleans is perfect if you’re in town for an event at the Superdome or Smoothie King Center, as it is located right next door.
Aside from its proximity to the Superdome and Smoothie King Center, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans is is massive, with over 1,300 rooms, and features a rooftop pool.
2. Hyatt House Downtown
Right next door to the Hyatt Regency is the Hyatt House Downtown.
The Hyatt House is an all-suite hotel and includes free breakfast with your stay. It’s a great pick if you want more of an apartment-type place to stay.
3. Dōmio Baronne St.
For a home-away-from-home type of feel, check out the Dōmio Baronne St., a vacation apartment.
Dōmio Baronne St. is a great pick for those of you used to booking AirBNBs, which I recommend against in New Orleans (see earlier in the post for why).
While not as close as the 2 Hyatt properties, Dōmio Baronne St. is a spot-on pick for groups and families looking to be close to the Superdome or Smoothie King center.
Cruise port
On my last trip to New Orleans, I met a few people who were heading to New Orleans a day or 2 early to check out the city before embarking on a cruise.
I had no idea before then that New Orleans was a popular cruise port in the US!
Cruises leave from a dock just outside the Riverwalk Outlets and New Orleans Convention Center.
If you’re in town to head out on a cruise, check out these spots near the New Orleans cruise port.
1. Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center
The Hampton Inn New Orleans Convention Center is geared toward business travelers and conventioneers, as it’s quite close to the New Orleans Convention Center.
That said, its proximity to the New Orleans cruise port makes it a top pick for cruisers too.
2. The Mercantile Hotel
The Mercantile is an all-suite hotel located on the edge of the Warehouse and Arts Districts.
The rooms at the Mercantile Hotel are absolutely adorable, with exposed brick walls, big windows, and minimalist furnishings.
It sits about 2 blocks from the Riverwalk Outlets, making it a perfect base if you’re in town for some shopping before embarking on a cruise from Port Orleans.
3. New Orleans Downtown Marriott
The Marriott Downtown New Orleans is another big chain located directly next to the convention center and cruise port. It features a Starbucks, as well as Wolfe’s, a Creole and French restaurant.
Romantic hotels in New Orleans
Speaking of romantic getaways, New Orleans is GREAT for honeymoons, anniversary trips, or a lovely getaway for couples.
If the Garden District isn’t your thing, check out these other romantic accommodations in New Orleans. Then, pack your suitcase and grab your boo for a fun-filled couples trip.
1. Hotel Provincial
The Hotel Provincial is located on Rue Chartres, between my 2 favorite streets in the French Quarter, Royal and Decatur streets.
As with many French Quarter hotels, it is a boutique hotel property, with luxurious furnishings with a touch of history.
Although it is located in the French Quarter, it is toward the residential side, so you’ll avoid the loud, party atmosphere, but enjoy quick access to plenty of restaurants and bars.
2. Le Pavillon
Le Pavillon, located in the French Quarter, is SUPER luxe, a top characteristic of most romantic hotels.
It’s also well-known for running some spectacularly romantic package deals, like rosé and chocolate covered strawberries, or even jewelry from Tiffany & Co. coupled with an Instagram-worthy breakfast-in-bed deal.
3. The Saint Hotel
Located at the corner of Canal and Burgundy Streets, is The Saint.
As you might guess, this place is based on a saints and sinners themes with Tempt restaurant and Archangel themed suites.
I stayed here on a trip to New Orleans in October 2017 in a deluxe king room. It was spacious, surprisingly quiet, and nicely furnished.
Also – and feel free to laugh at my basicness – but I almost never had to wait for the elevator, despite the large size of The Saint.
Pet friendly hotels in New Orleans
Sometimes you just can’t part with your pup, even on vacation. I totally get it!
Even though most of the accommodations in New Orleans are small, many are pet friendly!
Here are my top 3 suggestions for pet friendly hotels in New Orleans.
1. Ace Hotel New Orleans
The Ace Hotel New Orleans is a hip spot that hails from a small chain of boutique hotels across the US (with a property in London and another in Tokyo).
The Ace boasts a swanky rooftop pool and bar, as well as a shop stocked with local goods (also available online, FYI!).
It’s real gem is that it’s pet friendly! Pets under 25 lbs. are allowed, with a $25 per night pet fee. A small price to pay to take your fur baby to Nola, I’d say.
2. Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery
The Old 77 Hotel & Chandlery is one of the quirkiest places to stay in New Orleans.
The Old 77 has super hip and modern decor, including a room designed specifically for solo travelers. But that isn’t really unique in this quirky, artsy city.
What makes Old 77 a place you should support (read: book!) is its artist in residence program.
Each July, the Old 77 invites an artist to stay for a month and create artwork inspired by the city of New Orleans. How cool is that?
And if you thought it couldn’t get any better, they allow pets too! Per usual, there’s a pet fee, but at Old 77, it’s only a one-time $45 fee. There’s also a pet-specific room menu!
3. Q and C Hotel
Another top lodging in New Orleans that is pet-friendly is the Q & C Hotel.
Located just outside the French Quarter, the Q & C Hotel is a member of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, so you can earn loyalty points on your stay.
I love the decor here, with so many different textures, from exposed brick walls to velvet chairs and french-inspired wallpaper.
TIP: If you arrive Tuesday through Thursday, you’ll get a token to redeem for a wine tasting at their bar.
New Orleans hotels with pools
As fun as it is to wander around the French Quarter, New Orleans can get quite hot – not to mention humid.
Accommodations with a pool is perfect because you’ll have a place to cool off in the afternoon.
If that sounds like the perfect spot for your Nola trip, check out these 3 New Orleans hotels with pools.
1. Le Méridien New Orleans
If you’re looking for a more modern vibe compared to other luxury spots in New Orleans, check out Le Méridien New Orleans.
This well-known luxury chain’s New Orleans location features a clean, crisp design – a stark contrast compared to the typical frilly and ornate decor in most New Orleans hotels.
Head up to the rooftop for a refreshing dip in their pool or lounge poolside with your friends in a cabana.
Don’t forget, Le Méridien New Orleans is a Marriott property, so you can earn loyalty points when staying there.
2. The Roosevelt Hotel New Orleans
The Roosevelt is a Waldorf Astoria property within the Hilton Honors loyalty program.
If you know you’ll want respite from the hustle and bustle of the city, the Roosevelt has a large rooftop pool area, complete with cabanas and a bar.
In addition, it has several cafes, bars, and restaurants, perfect for a nightcap, quick meal, or leisurely cup of coffee.
3. W New Orleans French Quarter
I’m a huge fan of the W hotel chain in general. I find so many chains to have boring, stuffy, uninspiring decor. The W is always the opposite – bright, funky, and super slick.
The W New Orleans in the French Quarter is no exception.
On top of the hip decor, the W New Orleans features a courtyard with a heated pool – perfect for a dip no matter the weather. PLUS, the Studio rooms have private courtyards with outdoor whirlpools.
Haunted places to stay in New Orleans
Part of New Orleans’ quirky charm is its history as a haunted city. Many of the properties have a ghost story or two to enchant (or spook!) visitors.
While there are plenty of fun haunted tours and events in New Orleans, why not take it up a notch and stay at a haunted hotel?
If that sounds like the perfect vacation for you, check out these 3 haunted places to stay in New Orleans.
1. Andrew Jackson Hotel
Legend has it that the site of the Andrew Jackson Hotel in New Orleans was originally an orphanage for young boys. In 1794, a city wide fire destroyed the orphanage with 5 boys still inside.
A courthouse was built in its place. Prior to his presidency, General Andrew Jackson was famously charged with contempt of court and fined $1000 (a LOT of money now, but even more so back then!).
Today the site is a hotel that is supposedly haunted by the ghosts of the orphans and Jackson himself.
2. Cornstalk Hotel
The Cornstalk Hotel is one of the most well-known boutique hotels in the French Quarter.
Its beautiful fence in the shape of cornstalks and quaint front yard are a lovely contrast to the surrounding buildings in the French Quarter.
I absolutely adore the sullen cherub statue sitting in the fountain in the front courtyard. He looks as if he’s done something naughty enough to be grounded, doesn’t he?
Lastly, it is a registered historic home, and while there is not a specific story of its supposed paranormal occupants, many guests report seeing various ghostly figures here.
Who will you see when you stay? Guess you’ll have to book a stay to find out!
Hotels with balconies
What better way to people watch in New Orleans than from a balcony high above the madness.
Check out the best places to stay in the French Quarter, all of which have rooms available with balconies.
1. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
The Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter boasts balconies on Bourbon and Toulouse streets, as well as balconies overlooking their inner courtyard.
It’s a prime spot for people watching in the French Quarter, especially during big celebrations, like Mardi Gras.
With its connection to the Marriott reward system, you can earn points and fulfill a bucket list item of watching a Mardi Gras second line from a balcony all in one go.
2. Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta French Quarter is another property with balconies overlooking Bourbon street.
This recently renovated property also has an inner courtyard with a pool, as well as an on-property jazz club!
3. Soniat House
The Soniat House is a small boutique hotel in the French Quarter with 31 individually decorated rooms.
Most of the suite level rooms have balconies that overlook the French Quarter.
Aside from the alluring balconies, there is an antique shop on site, filled with furnishings similar to those used throughout.
Where is your favorite place to stay in New Orleans?
Whether you’re looking for the best neighborhood in New Orleans or lodging with the right amenities, I hope you’ve found the perfect spot to base yourself while exploring NOLA!
For more New Orleans travel tips, check out these posts next:
About the author
Meg Frost is a Boston-based travel blogger that helps people embrace technology to make vacation planning and traveling wicked easy, affordable, and fun.
She holds an M.A. in Journalism from Northeastern University and B.S. in Communication & American Studies from University of Miami.
This post was originally published on February 19, 2018. It was last updated on November 2, 2022.
qtravelers
Friday 23rd of March 2018
Thanks for all the recomendations! I'm currently planning yet another trip to New Orleans :)
Meg Frost
Wednesday 18th of April 2018
New Orleans is AMAZING! I'm glad you're planning another trip. It's definitely a city I recommend visiting more than once.