New Orleans is an iconic and fascinating southern city that attracts millions of visitors each year, from its rich cultural history to world-famous cuisine and music – offering something for every taste in this vibrant southern metropolis. However, with so many neighborhoods and accommodation options to choose from, deciding where to stay can be challenging; we will explore some of the top places in which to stay as we explore their offerings in this article.
The French Quarter
The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carre, is one of the most iconic neighborhoods in New Orleans. Boasting colorful architecture, wrought-iron balconies, and a lively atmosphere – not surprising that tourists visit this historic district every year! Home to Jackson Square, St Louis Cathedral, and Bourbon Street, among many other landmarks, visitors can stroll leisurely through its streets admiring the architecture, browsing local shops, or stopping in one of many restaurants or cafes for food and refreshments.
One drawback of staying in the French Quarter can be its bustling tourist season crowds and higher accommodation costs; parking may also be challenging to locate here; however, for anyone seeking an authentic New Orleans experience, the French Quarter should certainly be your destination of choice.
Top Accommodation Options in the French Quarter include:
- Hotel Monteleone: Since 1886, this iconic New Orleans landmark has been located at Royal Street in the French Quarter and features luxurious rooms and amenities, including its rooftop pool and Carousel Bar & Lounge.
- Soniat House: Situated on Chartres Street, this elegant hotel boasts luxuriously appointed rooms and suites with stunning decor and impeccable service. Known for its tranquil courtyard setting and impeccable staffing.
- Bourbon Orleans Hotel: Situated on Bourbon Street and featuring spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and an ideal location near the French Quarter.
Garden District
New Orleans’ Garden District is renowned for its impressive mansions, tree-lined streets, and lush greenery. Just west of the French Quarter and easily accessible via streetcar or taxi service, visitors to this charming neighborhood can explore it by taking a self-guided walking tour, admiring homes and gardens along with discovering shops, restaurants, and cafes within its charming confines.
One advantage of staying in the Garden District is that it offers a more tranquil and less hectic experience than its bustling neighbor, the French Quarter. Furthermore, accommodation prices tend to be less costly here while there are numerous parking options nearby.
Top Accommodations Options Available in the Garden District:
- The Pontchartrain Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue and offering stylish rooms and suites as well as a rooftop bar – The Pontchartrain Hotel boasts an enviable location at the center of the Garden District.
- Henry Howard Hotel: Situated on Prytania Street, this charming hotel features beautifully restored rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities. Renowned for its friendly staff and tranquil courtyard setting.
- The Columns Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue and featuring elegant rooms and suites, an inviting bar, and an ideal setting in the Garden District, The Columns Hotel has long been one of the premier accommodations available in Chicago.
Marigny/Bywater
This neighborhood lies to the east of the French Quarter and is famous for its bohemian atmosphere, colorful architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors to Marigny/Bywater will find galleries, studios, and performance spaces showcasing artwork by many local artists as well as unique dining options such as farm-to-table restaurants or trendy cafes – an experience that visitors should not miss!
Marigny/Bywater offers an intimate local experience compared to the more tourist-oriented French Quarter, accommodation prices tend to be less costly, and there are numerous parking spots nearby.
Marigny/Bywater Offers Numerous top Accommodation Options, Such as:
- Hotel Peter and Paul: This historic hotel, housed within a former Catholic church and school, boasts beautifully renovated rooms and suites featuring modern amenities. Renowned for its stunning architecture and tranquil courtyard setting.
- The Quisby: Situated on St. Claude Avenue, this stylish hostel/hotel hybrid features affordable dorm and private rooms for rent as well as a rooftop terrace in a prime Marigny/Bywater neighborhood location.
- The Mazant: Situated on Mazant Street, this cozy bed and breakfast offers beautifully appointed rooms and suites, an idyllic courtyard setting, and an ideal position in the Bywater neighborhood.
Central Business District
New Orleans’ Central Business District, commonly referred to as the CBD, lies south of the French Quarter and houses many of its leading companies and institutions. However, it’s also a popular tourist spot due to its closeness to Superdome events and convention centers like Ernest N. Morial Convention Center; visitors can explore shops, restaurants, and cafes or take a short walk over to French Quarter or Warehouse District neighborhoods for additional fun and shopping!
Staying in the CBD offers several advantages over staying in the French Quarter. Accommodation prices tend to be significantly less, yet still within walking distance to many popular attractions, and parking facilities are plentiful – plus, this area tends to be quieter overall!
Top Accommodation Options in the CBD:
- The Roosevelt New Orleans: Situated on Roosevelt Way, this iconic hotel boasts luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop pool located right in the CBD.
- The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery: Situated at Tchoupitoulas Street, this stylish hotel features elegant rooms and suites as well as an on-site restaurant and bar in its prime central business district location.
- Ace Hotel New Orleans: Situated on Carondelet Street, this hip hotel features modern rooms and suites, an on-site restaurant/bar, as well as an idyllic rooftop pool/bar with breathtaking city views.
Uptown
Uptown lies just west of the Garden District and is home to some of New Orleans’ prestigious universities, such as Tulane and Loyola. This neighborhood is famed for its beautiful homes, lush greenery, charming shops, and cafes, as well as access to Audubon Park for golf, zoo visits, nature trails, or strolls along Magazine Street lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and restaurants – visitors to Uptown should not miss it.
Uptown offers many advantages for visitors. First and foremost is its more residential atmosphere compared to the more touristy French Quarter, yet still offering easy access to many popular attractions. Furthermore, accommodation prices tend to be significantly less expensive there, and plenty of parking options exist nearby.
Top Accommodation Options in Uptown:
- The Columns Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue and offering luxurious rooms and suites as well as an inviting bar in Uptown New Orleans, The Columns Hotel boasts an exceptional historical legacy.
- Park View Historic Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue, this enchanting bed and breakfast offers beautifully appointed rooms and suites equipped with modern amenities – not to mention stunning views of Audubon Park and the Mississippi River from many rooms and suites! This bed and breakfast has become known for its warm hospitality and stunning location.
- Henry Howard Hotel: Situated at Prytania Street, this boutique hotel boasts stylish rooms and suites as well as an inviting courtyard in Uptown, New York.
Garden District
The Garden District lies just west of the French Quarter and is famous for its impressive historic homes, lush gardens, and tree-lined streets. Visitors to this neighborhood can take a self-guided walking tour to appreciate its stunning architecture or explore Magazine Street for shopping, restaurants, and cafes.
One advantage of staying in the Garden District is its more residential feel than in the French Quarter while still being easily accessible to many popular attractions. Furthermore, accommodation prices tend to be less costly there, and there are ample parking spots nearby.
Top Accommodation Options in the Garden District:
- The Pontchartrain Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue, this iconic hotel is known for its luxurious rooms and suites, as well as a rooftop bar that provides breathtaking city views and offers convenient access to Garden District activities.
- Queen Anne: Situated on Prytania Street, this charming bed and breakfast offers modern rooms and suites that boast luxurious furnishings and amenities. Additionally, guests are drawn to its lush courtyard that serves as the center of Garden District life.
- The Park View Historic Hotel: Situated on St. Charles Avenue, this historical hotel boasts elegant rooms and suites, as well as an idyllic courtyard in the Garden District.
Conclusion
New Orleans is a bustling metropolis full of life, history, and culture. No matter your travel goals – be they exploring the French Quarter, experiencing local flavor in Marigny/Bywater, or admiring beautiful homes in Garden District – there’s sure to be an area or accommodation option suitable for you.
When selecting where to stay in New Orleans, it’s essential that your priorities are taken into account, such as your budget and desired style of accommodation. Researching potential neighborhoods and accommodation options ensures your visit will be memorable.
