New Orleans hotels and places to stay

Travel Tips for New Orleans

About the city

New Orleans, founded by the French in 1718 through it's period of Spanish control, is a unique destination for two main reasons: as the hometown of jazz music and the Mardi Gras parade, usually held in February. Therefore, the majority of tourists come here for Jazz Fest and the festival season. This is a fabulous city with colorful beads, weekly costume parties and daily music in the air.

Things to do in New Orleans

1. Canal Street.

   Canal Street is the main downtown street. All parades are held here, and of course it's the area of shopping, theaters and shows. The streetcar service can be used along its entire length. By booking one of the hotels near Canal Street, you will be close to many attractions in New Orleans. Try NO Marriott Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton, or Crowne Plaza NO French Quarter.

2. Jackson Square.

   It is one of America’s great town squares. It both anchors the French Quarter and is the beating heart of this corner of town. Today you’ll see street performers, artists, bands and tourists taking in the atmosphere.

3. French Quarter.

   If you're looking for a historical part and want to see Creole architecture — your choice is French Quarter with its French market, boutique shops and small cafés. Moreover, it's a compact neighborhood with historical preservation, incredible dining and great nightlife. Here lies the infamous Bourbon Street. Most visitors begin exploring the city here and some never leave the area.

   Here you will certainly find what to see, and choosing one of the hotels near French Quarterwill help you stay close to many activities in the area. The best accommodations are Hotel Monteleone, Royal Sonesta NO Hotel and Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

4. Garden District.

   The Garden District is filled with historic mansions, lush greenery, chichi bistros and upscale boutiques. Charming B&Bs are set in wonderful historic homes, plus a few larger hotels on St Charles Ave. It's within walking distance of Magazine St, so it's a perfect neighborhood for those who enjoy shopping. Having a car really helps if you stay at one of the hotels near Garden District. The most popular are Maison St. Charles, The Prytania Park Hotel and The Green House Inn.

5. City Park.

   The largest, most beautiful green space in the city of New Orleans. The Singing Oak is the only tree here which survived Hurricane Katrina, while many other priceless species were lost. The arboreal life is magnificent and includes bald cypresses and Southern magnolias. Our selection of City Park hotels include such top options as Gorgeous Historical Gem Near French Quarter, Near The Quarter 2020 Renovated Nola Classic Bed & Breakfast NO and Warwick Hotel NO.

6. Audubon Zoo

   A very popular attraction in New Orleans worth visiting with kids. The zoo is located inside Audubon Park and contains numerous sections, including African, Asian and South American landscapes and fauna, and many of the popular animals from elephants to giraffes. Hotels near Audubon Zoo include great accommodations, such as Park View Historic Hotel, Sonder — Magazine House Aparthotel NO and Alder Hotel Uptown NO.

7. Preservation Hall

   Preservation Hall is one of New Orleans’ most storied live-music venues, where you can see the resident performers (the Preservation Hall Jazz Band) — they regularly tour the world. There is a possibility to reserve seats online. Hotels nearby include Bourbon Orleans Hotel, Hotel Le Marais NO and French Market Inn NO.

8. The National WWII Museum

   Another place to visit in the city, an enormous institution that provides fascinating insights into the largest armed conflict in history. Here you can find wall-sized photographs, exhibits, personal recollections and heat-of-the-action displays. For museum lovers, our selection of properties nearby include top options like The Higgins Hotel, Luxury Arts District Apartments and Stylish Warehouse Apartments.

9. Frenchmen Street.

   New Orleanians listen to music here, so it's often called “the locals’ Bourbon St”. Bars and clubs are located close to each other in several city blocks in one of the best live music venues in the country. Hotels on Frenchmen Street include such great deals as B&W Courtyards, The Mansion On Royal and Lions Inn Bed & Breakfast.

10. Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World.

    One of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. Guests have an opportunity to visit a working warehouse where Mardi Gras is made. Located on the banks of the Mississippi River, Mardi Gras World is adjacent to the New Orleans Morial Convention Center, the sixth largest convention facility in the USA that can host an event of every variety. So if you're planning an event during your trip or just looking for one more place to visit, consider staying at one of the convention center best hotels including Hyatt Place NO Convention Center Hotel, Hilton Garden Inn NO Convention Center and Hampton Inn and Suites NO Convention Center.

11. St. Louis Cemetery No.1

    For those tourists who don't know what else to see in the city or simply interested in history and wandering amidst the tombs of the city’s long-passed residents, this is one of the most famous cemeteries in the city, opened in 1789. A tour group can be organized (one of the most popular is Save Our Cemeteries).

Where to stay in New Orleans?

If you're traveling for work or just for a weekend, make sure you've checked our selection of hotels near Louis Armstrong NO International airport. Great options for both business and leisure travelers:

• Hilton NO Airport Hotel - Kenner;
• Days Inn NO Airport - Kenner;
• Holidays Inn NO Airport North - Kenner.

For those who prefer central location and non-stop parties, Bourbon Street with its neon lights, music and bright decorations would be the best location to stay in New Orleans. Check one of the hotels near Bourbon Street:

• Bourbon Orleans Hotel NO;
• Bon Maison Guest House;
• Place D'Armes Hotel.

If you want to be smart about expenses, yet stay in the city center, choose one of these cheap downtown hotels:

• Empress Hotel;
• New Orleans Courtyard Hotel;
• French Quarter Suites Hotel.

To stay near the New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal, which is also known as Union Station, have a look at these hotels nearby:

• Hyatt Regency NO Hotel;
• Hyatt House NO Downtown Hotel;
• The W.G. Creole House 1850 Hotel.

Best time to visit New Orleans

• The best time to visit New Orleans is between December (around 15 C) and May (around 26 C) for the most comfortable temperatures.

• Mardi Gras is usually held in February/early March, while Jazz Fest is on the last weekend of April/the first weekend of May. Plan in advance: 3 months before book a hotel room if you’re arriving during Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest.

• Watch out for the hurricane season, which officially begins June 1 and ends November 30.