Famed for its music, Creole cuisine, and year-round festivals, New Orleans attracts thousands of visitors each year. With the city’s size and popularity, though, choosing where to stay in New Orleans can get confusing.
In the best areas to stay in New Orleans, you’ll find accommodations close to the top tourist attractions and entertainment. There’s something to suit every style of traveler in The Big Easy. The best hotels in New Orleans range from 5-star luxury hotels & artsy boutique hotels to family apartments.
Looking for the perfect New Orleans accommodations? Get your search started with this complete guide to the best places to stay in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Looking for more ideas for your trip? Check out our other hotel & accommodations guides and our New Orleans Travel Guide and Louisiana Travel Guide for recommendations on when to visit, where to go & what to do!
Best places to stay in New Orleans, LA
The largest city in Louisiana and its most exciting destination, New Orleans doesn’t disappoint. The lively city is famed for its Mardi Gras celebrations and historic quarters. Spread throughout NOLA, visitors will also enjoy top-notch restaurants, bars, and jazz clubs.
For travelers, New Orleans offers a wide selection of areas close to the action. Unless it’s Mardi Gras season, you should be able to find plenty of great lodgings to choose from.
The French Quarter is the most popular area to stay in New Orleans. The neighborhood is close to all of New Orleans’s action. But thanks to its famed Bourbon Street, the French Quarter doesn’t sleep.
If you prefer more sedate accommodation, the Garden District or Mid-City might be more appealing. Both districts are still centrally located. Their famous streetcar lines offer visitors easy access to the top tourist attractions in New Orleans.
If you’re in town for business, the Central Business District (CBD) may suit you better. In this area, the newly transformed Warehouse District offers art and theatre, along with plenty of entertainment.
The best areas to stay in New Orleans are:
French Quarter
✓ Best area to stay in New Orleans for first-time visitors
The French Quarter is the oldest and most popular neighborhood in New Orleans. The area boasts a vast array of splendid historic buildings. Among them, you’ll find the oldest Cathedral in North America, St. Louis Cathedral.
The French Quarter surges to life at night. It bustles with tourists, but it can get quite noisy, especially around Bourbon Street. Bourbon Street is one of the oldest streets in North America. Running from Canal Street to Esplanade Avenue, it’s known for its all-night parties, strip clubs, bars, and music halls. Into New Orleans jazz or the blues? Stopover at nearby Frenchmen Street to enjoy its live music venues, open every night of the week.
The French Quarter is also a haven for food lovers. In the district, amazing restaurants offer delicious cuisine from across the globe.
Find time to stroll around the French Market. This top NOLA tourist attraction started as a Native American trading post. Today, you’ll find arts and crafts, restaurants, neighborhood bars, and music venues around the market.
Hotel Provincial
Located 300 meters from St. Louis Cathedral, the Hotel Provincial occupies one of the best locations in New Orleans. This historic hotel exudes classic French Quarter charm. Guests will love its large comfortable rooms. You’ll also enjoy an on-site restaurant and outdoor courtyards, including a courtyard pool.
Grenoble House
Restored to its 19th-century roots, Grenoble House combines modern convenience with old-world charm. Close to Bourbon Street, this amazing hotel has 17 suites equipped with a lounge and kitchen. Enjoy a complimentary breakfast before you head out for a day on the town. The pool in the outdoor courtyard offers a relaxing end to the day.
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
For 31 years, the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel has been one of the best New Orleans hotel options. Winner of the 4-star luxury award, it offers guests a pampered stay from start to finish. Enjoy cocktails around the heated rooftop pool and end your day at the award-winning Rib Room. The restaurant has served New Orleans celebrities for more than 50 years. After dinner, work it off in the well-equipped Wellness Center.
The Westin New Orleans
Towering over the Mississippi River, the Westin New Orleans offers guests fantastic views of the city. Enjoy the contemporary monochromatic decor and a full suite of amenities. Extras include 24-hour room service and an on-site restaurant & bar. With access to a fully-equipped fitness center and steps away from the Royal Street boutiques, it’s one of the best hotels in New Orleans.
Central Business District (CBD)
✓ Best district to stay in New Orleans for arts & culture lovers and foodies
If you’re a business traveler, the Central Business District (CBD) is the most logical choice for your New Orleans accommodations. The glossy district forms the most distinctive part of the NOLA skyline. It’s home to the headquarters of several prominent local businesses.
But don’t be fooled by its façade: The Central Business District is a fantastic place to stay in New Orleans for any traveler. Besides hosting some of the best New Orleans hotels, the area is also home to the Warehouse District. The refurbished neighborhood is chock-loaded with superb restaurants, art galleries, and museums.
Upgrades to the Warehouse District started in the 1980s. Today, it’s one of the city’s hippest places to hang. Home to the Mercedes Benz Superdome and several theatres, it’s become one of the city’s most coveted areas to stay.
The top tourist attraction in the Central Business District is the excellent National WWII Museum. Apart from the exhibitions and relics, it also has a theatre that stages WWII musicals. The Ogden Museum of Southern Art across the street is also worth a visit for art lovers.
Hampton Inn Downtown French Quarter
Two blocks from the French Quarter, the Hampton Inn Downtown sits in a prime location. Enjoy a free hot breakfast before you step out and explore the area. Also on offer is a complimentary reception on Wednesday nights. After the event, finish off with an evening on busy Bourbon Street. NOLA’s most famous street is just 0.6 miles away.
Ace Hotel New Orleans
Resplendent in Art Deco decor, the Ace Hotel New Orleans is located in the Warehouse District. The towering ceilings, comfortable furnishings, and local works of art give the hotel special appeal. Enjoy cocktails at the rooftop bar or indulge yourself at the on-site coffee shop or Italian and seafood restaurants.
InterContinental New Orleans
One of the best luxury hotels in New Orleans, the towering InterContinental is within walking distance of the French Quarter. The luxury hotel offers modern facilities and large comfortable rooms. Rooms delight with stunning views of the surrounding city. An outdoor pool, on-site restaurant, and a fully-equipped fitness center round off the amenities.
JW Marriott New Orleans
A block from the French Quarter, the JW Marriott New Orleans occupies a convenient central location. This top luxury hotel offers modern comfort and noteworthy luxurious amenities. Sip cocktails at the outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace. Start the day with a complimentary breakfast. Don’t forget to try fire-roasted meats from the on-site Brazilian restaurant.
Windsor Court Hotel
Half-block from Canal Street, Windsor Court Hotel has everything that you would expect from a 5-star hotel. The spacious rooms charm with floor-to-ceiling windows offering spectacular city vistas. One of the best accommodations in New Orleans, the hotel boasts the city’s only 4-diamond restaurant. The Polo Lounge serves craft cocktails and live jazz. The outdoor pool and full gym round off the set of amenities.
Faubourg Marigny & Bywater
✓ Best neighborhood to stay in New Orleans for jazz lovers
Looking for something a little less developed than the French Quarter? Faubourg Marigny & Bywater has the charm and vibe of the French Quarter, but is less commercialized.
Famed for its jazz clubs and blues & rock music venues, Frenchmen Street draws music lovers from across the city. Though music venues dominate, there are also plenty of cozy pubs and restaurants. Many of the area’s top eateries are housed in colorful Creole buildings.
For some quiet time, slink down to Crescent Park. The riverfront park offers long walks along the Mississippi. Enjoy its tranquil green spaces and chill out away from the hustle & bustle of town.
Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar
Bask in 4-star luxury when you book in at the Royal Frenchmen Hotel and Bar. At the hotel, located across the street from Washington Square Park, you can book yourself a room with a private balcony. The lovely, historic building boasts splashes of color thanks to the local artwork throughout. Enjoy its charming outdoor courtyard and popular bar.
Hotel Peter and Paul
Lovingly restored from an old church, rectory, and school, the Hotel Peter & Paul brings history to life. Quaint antiques and bespoke furniture, complete with canopied beds, highlight the lovely architecture. A bar in the rectory serves coffee, wines, cocktails, and an exquisite dinner menu.
Frenchmen Orleans at 519
Prefer your own cooking? The Frenchmen Orleans offers apartments complete with a fully equipped kitchen. Relax in the garden, take a splash in the outdoor swimming pool or languish in the on-site hot tub. There’s also an available barbeque.
Garden District
✓ Top area in New Orleans for families and couples
Located upriver from the French Quarter, the Garden District is quieter and more sedate. The leafy area is the perfect spot for families and couples. Serviced by the St Charles Avenue Streetcar, the suburb combines good living with access to all the top tourist attractions.
The Garden District is a romantic getaway. In the neighborhood, tree-lined streets host stately historic mansions. And it doesn’t lack modern amenities. Magazine Street is lined with some of the city’s best antique and art shops. You’ll also sweep past classy boutiques, pubs, restaurants, and cafes.
Craving the outdoors? Audubon Park, with its expansive green spaces, lagoons, and ancient oaks, is a great place to have a picnic. The park also caters to joggers, cyclists, and other sporting activities.
Carve some time in your New Orleans itinerary for a visit to the Lafayette Cemetery No. 1. No ordinary place, the cemetery was founded in 1833. At the burial ground, stately mausoleums, crafted from marble, bear witness to the city’s historical past.
Hotel Indigo New Orleans Garden District
Located on the St Charles Avenue Streetcar line, the Hotel Indigo is one of New Orleans’s best accommodation options. The comfortable rooms have contemporary decor with everything to suit the modern traveler. An on-site restaurant serves local cuisine as well as beer, wine, and cocktails. The hotel also has a well-equipped fitness center.
St Charles Coach House
The St Charles Coach House is in a convenient walking area close to the streetcar line. The hotel delights with modern amenities and large comfortable rooms. Enjoy the city breeze on the terrace. Help yourself to a snack from the vending machines. If you need parking, it’s free of charge.
Pontchartrain Hotel St. Charles Avenue
Step out of the door at the Ponchartrain Hotel into a streetcar to whisk away to almost anywhere in the city. This award-winning hotel offers full-service luxury, combining architectural charm with modern amenities. Choose to relax in one of four restaurants and bars. One of them includes a rooftop bar with spectacular views of the river.
Mid-City
✓ Top neighborhood in New Orleans for a more local urban experience
Quirky Mid-City has a limited selection of accommodations, but it doesn’t lack things to do. The district sits near the midway point between the Mississippi River to the south and Lake Pontchartrain to the north.
Quieter than some of the other New Orleans neighborhoods, Mid-City still offers a fair share of pubs, music venues, and restaurants. Mid-City is known for some of the best Vietnamese food in New Orleans.
While in Mid-City, stop off at the City Park. The landscaped gardens sprawl across 1,300 acres of beautiful greenery and botanical gardens. At City Park, you’ll also find the New Orleans Museum of Art. The top-notch art gallery is well worth a visit. The park also has a children’s amusement park and a lake where families can enjoy boating trips throughout the day.
In the area, visitors will also enjoy a walk in charming Bayou St. John. Located along its namesake waterway, Bayou St. John shows off plenty of handsome architecture. Rent a kayak and paddle along Bayou St. John itself to enjoy the city from a different angle.
1896 O’Malley House
Located on the streetcar line, 1896 O’Malley House is the perfect spot for getting around the city. The hotel exudes charm with its Colonial Revival design. One of the top ten B&Bs in the US, the hotel prides itself on supplying the little extras. You’ll love enjoying a hot breakfast complete with freshly baked pastries.
Canal Street Inn
A small luxury hotel, the Canal Street Inn has just eleven rooms. So, even when the hotel is full, you’ll enjoy special treatment. Each room is individually crafted and beautifully appointed. There is also a lovely outdoor terrace. Breakfast is served each morning. Tea and hot chocolate are on tap.
New Construction Luxury Villas
Perfect for families, these duplex apartments are a great springboard for your NOLA adventure. The luxurious accommodation includes a living room, dining room, and fully equipped kitchen. Contemporary furnishings and modern amenities ensure your comfort. Parking is free.
