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Looking for a musical getaway? Find it with the best hotels in New Orleans
New Orleans hotels are rich with art and history, making your stay in the Big Easy one to remember.
A melting pot of French, African and American cultures, New Orleans is known for its lively night scene, a selection of live music and a delectable selection of cuisine. Nicknamed the ‘Big Easy’ and ‘Crescent City’, the city offers beautiful 19th-century architecture and plenty of excursions focusing on art, music and history.
Whether you’re planning to take part in the famous Mardi Gras parade or looking to stroll the streets for good live music, picking the right New Orleans hotel can play a huge role in how your stay goes.
To help you get the best of this prominent city, we’ve curated our top selection of hotels for every purpose. From top New Orleans luxury hotels to a quiet stay perfect for families, you’ll find something for everyone on our list.
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Best New Orleans hotels
Best overall
Located next to the Mississippi River, The Westin offers a balanced mixture of comfort and luxury for those seeking a convenient stay. Each spacious room is designed with Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed for a guaranteed good night's sleep.
If you're seeking more R&R, a luxury spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center are ready to cater to your needs.
Planning a celebration? Choose from their 13 available meeting rooms or host your celebration in their ballrooms on the 11th and 12th floors overseeing the breathtaking French Quarter and Mississippi River views.
Relax with a cocktail or try American cuisine at the hotel’s Observatory Eleven, one of the premier circular bars in New Orleans. Their second restaurant Bistro at the Bend offers American and Cajun cuisine.
Want to explore other dining options? There are many restaurants located just a stone’s throw away. With all the convenience The Westin offers, it’s not a surprise that it’s one of the best hotels in New Orleans.
Top luxury stay
If you’re seeking luxury hotels in New Orleans, book your stay at The Ritz-Carlton. Set in the 1908 Beaux Arts Maison Blanche building, the interior is constructed to honor 19th-century elegance — even the indoor swimming pool is designed to look like a Greek bathhouse.
For entertainment, get ready to be serenaded by their in-house jazz musician, Jeremy Davenport, whose beautiful notes take over the Davenport Lounge.
The Ritz also hosts first-class special events, depending on the time of the year. Check out their calendar before you visit for a chance to experience happenings like their Crawfish Concierge, Snowball Sommelier and Oyster Butler.
The hotel’s luxury treatment doesn’t just stop there. Each room and suite is designed to provide you with a feeling of grace and sophistication. They’re also equipped with plush bathrobes, slippers and designer toiletries for a rejuvenating stay.
When it’s time to explore, head down by feet to Bourbon Street, a stretch famous for the growth of jazz and its vibrant nightlife.
Best for Mardi Gras
Everyone knows that the best views of the Mardi Gras parade are in the comfort of your hotel room, away from the crowd. So if you want to be part of the parade without fighting through the crowd, opt to stay at Hilton New Orleans.
Located on St. Charles Avenue, you’ll be at the heart of the action as the parade passes. The hotel is close to the World War 2 Museum and the Superdome, home to the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL).
A five-minute walk from The French Quarter, with Canal and Bourbon Street, you’ll have easy access to everything New Orleans has to offer. This hotel only has one in-house restaurant Luke, which serves Creole-inspired brasserie and local craft beer but dining will be the least of your worries, considering how close it is to Bourbon Street.
With its prime location, Hilton promises good times when you visit New Orleans.
Best budget stay
Sometimes, you’d rather spend more on discovering the Big Easy than on your accommodation and that’s why The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is the perfect place to stay on a budget.
Created from three 19th-century warehouses in the Warehouse and Arts district, this hotel features unique decor that embodies the heart and soul of the city. Exposed brick walls and curated artwork are some ways this hotel portrays the vibrant Crescent City.
Dining at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery is also an experience. Compère Lapin serves an array of Caribbean and Creole dishes and locally roasted coffee to keep your energy up before you go on your excursions.
They even have private dining rooms for celebrations.
For history lovers
Higgins Hotel is well known for housing one of Crescent City’s top rooftop bars, Rosie on the Roof. Named after Andrew Higgins, who designed and built over 20,000 boats in New Orleans, which were used in World War II, it’s conveniently located opposite The National WWII Museum.
Each room has era-inspired artwork and if you stay in the Presidential Suites, you’ll be greeted with Big Band Era 33LP Records and a Crosby Record Player. It’s no wonder that this hotel has paid homage to past presidents.
If you’re visiting on business, you’ll find it convenient that it has a second-floor conference center and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is just a walking distance away. And while you’re out for a walk, consider visiting the Sidecar Patio & Oyster Bar for a delectable selection of oysters, seafood and burgers.
A boutique experience
Out of all the boutique hotels New Orleans has, Hotel Monteleone stands proud as a historical landmark, serving luxury to guests since 1886. Reflected through its interior design is the elegance of the Beaux-Arts architectural style that never goes out of style.
Every room brings the French influence to life. Enjoy a quiet time at their heated rooftop swimming pool or quench your thirst at the Carousel Bar & Lounge — a must-see if you like exploring eclectic bars.
Located just a block away from Bourbon Street, you’ll rest easy knowing you’re staying in the best-rated area of New Orleans. The Audubon Aquarium is less than a mile away and you can even quickly walk to the Mississippi River for an evening stroll surrounded by street artists and musicians.
Best for families
Out of all the nice hotels in New Orleans, the Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension makes a great choice if you’re traveling with family or a large group. With one and two-bedroom villas available, there’s plenty of space to keep everyone comfortable.
Like most hotels in the city, this hotel prides itself on the eccentric and flamboyant culture of the city. Each villa has an authentic flair that can be seen, in its handcrafted headboards, handmade conversation pieces like mini-mausoleums, painted chairs posted to ceilings, and paintings mounted on salvaged materials.
The villas also have fully equipped kitchenettes for private dining. And if you prefer to dine out, the restaurant next door to the complex serves hearty Creole and Cajun cuisine.
If you’re feeling a little lucky, the hotel is only a five-minute walk to Harrah’s Casino.
FAQs
Which part of New Orleans is best to stay?
What is the best month to go to New Orleans?
What is the cheapest month to go to New Orleans?
What is the best hotel to stay in New Orleans?
All the top hotels in New Orleans on our list have their own charm and attraction. They’re also located strategically close to New Orleans' main streets.
If you want luxury accommodations that offer a complete in-house service, The Westin New Orleans should be at the top of your list.
Should you prefer to bask in the historical architecture and view the city skyline while sipping on cocktails, the Higgins Hotel is the one to go for.
If you’re on a budget, choose The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery as your home away from home as it offers a great selection of rooms without being pricey.
Ready to indulge in good music, history and great food in New Orleans? Make a hotel booking today!
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Prices updated on 05/13/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Afina Najib
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
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