4Sleeping
Because the bedrock of the New Orleans economy is tourism, accommodations are generally of a high standard. Hotels are found in the French Quarter and CBD. These are large, multistory affairs kitted out with amenities; hotels in the French Quarter tend to have a more boutique, historical feel, while CBD properties are more modern.
More intimate (and quirky) guesthouses and B&Bs are the norm in the Garden District, Uptown, Faubourg Marigny and the Bywater. There is one hostel in Mid-City.
Hotels
New Orleans hotels come in all the standard shapes and sizes. Most commonly you’ll find either large purpose-built properties or cozier lodgings in older buildings. Figuring out which is which by an establishment’s name alone is impossible (an ‘inn’ here might have five rooms or 500), so read reviews carefully. The two areas where you’ll find large hotels are the French Quarter and the CBD; in the latter in particular, you’ll find more modern accommodation geared at the convention crowd. Boutique hotels tend to crop up in the CBD and art-gallery heavy Warehouse District.
B&Bs
For charm, you can’t beat the Crescent City’s hundreds of B&Bs, which are housed in everything from colorful Creole cottages to stately town houses and megamansions. B&Bs provide intimate surroundings, interesting architecture and, in many cases, a peaceful courtyard in which to escape the madding crowds. The complimentary morning meal at B&Bs is almost always a continental breakfast, although in a city with this many great breakfast spots, there’s no need to settle for juice and toast. Each of the city’s residential neighborhoods is brimming with B&Bs and guesthouses; there’s a particularly large glut in Faubourg Marigny and the Bywater.
Room Rates & Seasons
Lodgings in New Orleans generally charge by room, rather than per person. The city is peculiar in that it’s busy during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall (February through May and September through November) and slow during the summer months (due to seriously oppressive heat from June through August).
Rates usually drop like a stone from June until August. Most hectic and high-priced times are Mardi Gras (February or March), Jazz Fest (late April to early May) and other holidays and festivals. At these times rates can triple or more, and you may find places requiring three-night (or more) minimum stays. We list prices for high spring and fall.
Parking
Parking can seriously add to your bottom line (an extra $20 to $45 per night) if staying in the Quarter or the CBD. Parking in other neighborhoods is usually free; street parking is rarely an issue in the Garden District, Uptown, Mid-City, the Marigny or Bywater. If you like your car accessible in a dedicated, on-site lot, look for the parking icon in our reviews.
Lonely Planet’s Top Choices
Audubon Cottages Gorgeous, deceptively spacious cottages in the French Quarter.
Soniat House Hotel Quintessential French Quarter historic hotel.
Park View Historic Hotel Beautiful mansion at the edge of lovely Audubon Park.
Melrose Mansion A gorgeous villa on the edge of Faubourg Marigny.
Best B&B
Bywater Bed & Breakfast Eccentric house decked out with folk art.
La Belle Esplanade Oozing character and warm hospitality.
Ashton’s Bed & Breakfast An elegant B&B dripping with historical accents.
Best by Budget: $
Bywater Bed & Breakfast Occupies the golden mean between funky and cozy.
India House Hostel Well-run hostel with a fun clientele.
City House Hostel You can’t beat the location of this spotless hostel within the French Quarter.
Best by Budget: $$
La Belle Esplanade Gorgeous historical home managed by an original New Orleans character.
Cornstalk Hotel Famous for its gate, the Cornstalk is stately and well located.
Dauphine House An elegant B&B with good service in the Marigny.
Best by Budget: $$$
Audubon Cottages Gorgeous Creole suites in the French Quarter.
Ace Hotel A bastion of contemporary cool in the CBD.
Saint Sleek and stylish accommodations that are near heavenly, pun intended.
Best Contemporary Cool
Ace Hotel As modern as anything, but has thoughtful historical touches.
NOPSI Hotel Plenty of hip swag within the CBD.
Loft 523 Almost perfectly fits the contemporary boutique label.
Best for Families
Prytania Park Lower Garden District at your family’s fingertips.
Olivier House A French Quarter standby that’s good with kids.
Dauphine Orleans Boutique-hotel style with family-friendly amenities.
Embassy Suites Hotel A central location gives young ones lots of activity options.
Best Historic Stays
Hotel Monteleone Has hosted some of the nation’s top literary luminaries.
Columns Hotel A stately facade and a lobby with decades of stories.
Lafitte Guest House Boasts a great location within the historical Quarter.
Degas House Named for the painter who stayed and worked here.
Where to Stay
| Neighborhood | For | Against |
|---|---|---|
| French Quarter | Centrally located, so no need for a car. High competition means high standards of accommodations. | Touristy and loud, sometimes bordering on obnoxious. If driving, it is difficult to find parking and maneuver in the narrow streets. |
| Faubourg Marigny & Bywater | Cozy, independently owned guesthouses and B&Bs. Some have an authentic bohemian vibe going; all are gay-friendly. Low-key, but close to some great live music. | Small properties means inconsistent access to major modern amenities such as 24-hour room service. Less privacy than larger hotels. |
| CBD & Warehouse District | Best area for modern amenities. Many hotels here have excellent attached bars and restaurants. Many family-friendly spots. | The least quintessentially ‘New Orleans’ part of New Orleans. Many hotels are boring, convention-style places. Parking can be expensive. Potentially far from French Quarter and Uptown. |
| Garden, Lower Garden & Central City | Charming B&Bs set in wonderful historic homes, plus a few larger hotels on St Charles Ave. Walking distance to Magazine St shopping. | Not for folks who need funkier edges to their accommodations. Having a car really helps if you stay out here. |
| Uptown & Riverbend | Posh hotels and smaller (but just as opulent) guesthouses for those needing beauty and quiet. Within striking (sometimes walking) distance of the most exciting restaurants in the city. | Far from French Quarter and Marigny, so having a car is recommended. |
| Mid-City, Bayou St John & City Park | Smaller guesthouses with character in beautiful historic neighborhoods far from the French Quarter’s bustle. | You need a car out here. Sights and activities are scattered around rather than centralized. No larger hotels and their reams of amenities. |
| Tremé-Lafitte | Main accommodations are small B&Bs with personalized service and a lot of character. | You won’t have much in the way of luxury amenities, and you’re not within walking distance of some major sights. |
4 French Quarter
City House Hostel New OrleansHOSTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; 
%504-571-9854; www.cityhousehostels.com/new-orleans; 129 Burgundy St; dm $21-28, d $165; 
n
a
W)
This newcomer can be meat-locker chilly if the temperature dips suddenly, but if it’s warm you can’t beat the spic-and-span, friendly hostel that’s right in the French Quarter. Nightly activities, a huge TV and game console, and the spotless kitchen and bathrooms seal the deal. There are even private toilet-and-shower rooms, with locks and hooks for your towel and toiletry bag.
The main downside is the inability to alter the heat settings easily, meaning that, if they haven’t planned weeks in advance to turn on the heat for the season, it’s going to be freezing cold for hours or days.
One final drawback is that the dorms have no windows, meaning you don’t know if it’s 8am or 3pm until you look at your clock. It’s a minor complaint though, all things considered, when you can stay affordably in the French Quarter and save your pennies for Bourbon St.
Historic French Market InnHOTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-561-5621; www.frenchmarketinn.com; 509 Decatur St; r $90-$340; 
paW)
This hotel has pleasant rooms with crisp linens, but not much daylight (consider it a boon if you get in late). Hidden within the complex is a pleasant courtyard and small pool that’s better for drinking by than swimming. You’re also not far from aromatic coffee at iconic Café du Monde.
Room rates are as all over the map as a reveler stumbling home from a night on Bourbon St, but can be very reasonable at certain times and with online booking.
Bienville House HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-529-2345; www.bienvillehouse.com; 320 Decatur St; r/ste from $150/250; pnaW
s
#)
The Bienville is the definition of a well-executed historic French Quarter hotel. The wrought-iron balconies that ring the tiled lobby give way to a lovely courtyard with swimming pool; interior period design matches the promise of the Federal-meets-French-Creole exterior. Rooms are pretty, and a good size for the Quarter, which tends to offer rooms on the small side.
Hotel RoyalBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-3900; www.hotelroyalneworleans.com; 1006 Royal St; r from $150; naW)
Lace-like ironwork balconies, gas lanterns and decorative topiaries – everything an 1833 New Orleans home should be. Inside, renowned architect and designer Lee Ledbetter has infused each of the individually decorated guest quarters with subtle, softly contemporary touches. A modern, dark-wood four-poster bed contrasts nicely with the rough, white-plaster walls and plantation shutters in the king suite.
Rooms can drop to $99 at certain times of year.
Chateau HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-9636; www.chateauhotel.com; 1001 Chartres St; r incl breakfast $242; pnaWs)
Nothing is cookie-cutter here; rooms range in size and have varying floral motifs. Though they’re on the smallish side, we’d opt for the courtyard rooms, which are cool and open up to a pool. In the late spring and summer low season, rates can fall as low as $99 per night.
Gentry QuartersB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-4433; www.gentryhouse.com; 1031 St Ann St; r from $185; naW)
This charming old Creole house contains five homey rooms with kitchenettes. Modest but comfortable furnishings give the rooms a lived-in feel, while linens and towels are fresh and clean. Most rooms open onto a lush garden patio, where you might be visited by Caesar the Great Dane. Some rooms are large enough for families. There’s a two-night minimum.
Guests get free pastries from Wednesday to Monday.
Nine-O-Five Royal HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-523-0219; www.905royalhotel.com; 905 Royal St; r/ste $194/569; naW)
On a particularly scenic block, the Nine-O-Five eschews the usual NOLA shtick and opts for the timeless comfort you’d expect to find if this house belonged to a dignified aunt. Front rooms with balconies are the choice for those who want to survey always-entertaining Royal St, but for seclusion, get a room off the cute courtyard out back.
Inn on St PeterHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-9232; www.frenchquarterguesthouses.com; 1005 St Peter St; r from $187; naW)
This inn is located in a 19th-century treasure built during the Spanish Colonial period. Wraparound iron balconies and a lovely facade conceal rooms with surprising character – a carved bed here, exposed brick there. The St Peter is a little beyond tourist central, which has advantages (quiet) and disadvantages (you might want to take a cab home).
Hotel ProvincialHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-581-4995; www.hotelprovincial.com; 1024 Chartres St; r/ste from $169/249; pnaWs)
Behind its stately stucco facade, this hotel fills much of the block with a series of finely restored buildings and a large parking area. The best rooms have high ceilings and open onto the interior courtyards. Others can be cramped and dark. Decor ranges from commercial standard to ornately historic. The back courtyard is a revelation, as is its lovely pool.
Its bar, the Ice House, is a nice spot to unwind after you unwind elsewhere. Room prices include breakfast.
Olivier HouseHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-8456; www.olivierhouse.com; 828 Toulouse St; d $229; aWs)
The main house was built in 1838 by Marie Anne Bienvenu Olivier, a wealthy planter’s widow, and is an uncommon beauty with Greek Revival touches. Rooms range from the relatively economical to the elaborate, with balconies and kitchens; most have furnishings evoking the early 19th century. The main courtyard is lush with trees and flowers; another courtyard has a small pool.
Le RichelieuHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-529-2492; www.lerichelieuhotel.com; 1234 Chartres St; r from $205; pnaWs)
Le Richelieu’s red-brick walls once housed a macaroni factory, a furniture store and a barracks, but extensive reconstruction in the 1960s converted it to a good-value hotel. Spacious rooms are decorated with standard synthetic floral spreads and can be musty, but the price includes parking (a big plus); you’re within an easy walk of Frenchmen St; and there’s a pool.
Prices drop precipitously in the slow summer season.
Hotel St MarieHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-561-8951; www.hotelstmarie.com; 827 Toulouse St; r from $189; paWs)
The St Marie was built to look historic from the outside, but is up-to-date on the inside. Its best feature is the inviting courtyard, which has a swimming pool and umbrella-covered tables amid lush plantings. The neocolonial guest rooms are comfortable and well appointed, and their spacious dimensions do the trick. Just around the corner is Bourbon St at its most extreme.
Hotel Villa ConventoHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-522-1793; www.villaconvento.com; 616 Ursulines Ave; r from $179; naW)
Classic New Orleans, the Villa occupies an 1833 town house in the residential part of the Lower Quarter, complete with a three-story red-brick facade and wrought-iron balconies. Out back in the annex (probably former servants’ quarters) are more rooms, all with traditional decor, from comfy quilts to lacy canopies. Prices for budget doubles fall as low as $99 when demand dwindles.
Even if you can’t stay here, it’s worth taking a quick peek at ‘Mr Bones and Buffet’ in the lobby, so named because the iconic singer Jimmy Buffet once lived here.
Bourbon Orleans HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-523-2222; www.bourbonorleans.com; 717 Orleans St; r from $245; naWs)
A polished-marble classic whose gray exteriors and white trim are almost as stately as the grand foyer. It combines several buildings, mostly dating from the early 1830s, and some street-side rooms access the classic wrought-iron balconies. (Bourbon St, needless to say, can get noisy.) Traditional rooms feature comfortable beds and ergonomic desks, but note that standard rooms are on the small side.
Prince Conti HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %800-366-2743; www.princecontihotel.com; 830 Conti St; r/ste from $209/231; naW)
The three floors of this 19th-century structure house a glut of guest rooms decorated with early-20th-century-style furnishings and a general sense of dignified understatement. The lobby and parlor areas might have been plucked from a Jane Austen novel, but otherwise the property is suffused with modern amenities such as a turn-down service and cable TV.
oAudubon CottagesHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-561-5858; www.auduboncottages.com; 509 Dauphine St; cottages $350-1200; pnaWs)
At the Audubon Cottages, you get to sleep in one of seven immaculately restored historical buildings, ranging from two-bedroom suites with private courtyards and walk-in showers to a former storage shed once used as a studio by John James Audubon. You’ll have your own saltwater pool, attentive staff and the satisfaction of having privacy and quiet within the Quarter.
oSaintHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-522-5400; www.thesainthotelneworleans.com; 931 Canal St; r/ste $242/874; na
iW)
The Saint has the whole Heaven thing going on: apples in a bowl at the reception desk; feathered wings on the chairs; and clean duo-chromatic color schemes (white walls, dark wood floors) offset with little azure accents – quite contemporary, yet alleviated by the historic property’s elegance. It’s a luxury stay with some genuine friendliness, well worth the splurge.
If you’re feeling more sinner than saint, dine at Tempt, the hotel’s restaurant, where pitchforks and darkness surely await.
oSoniat House HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-522-0570; www.soniathouse.com; 1133 Chartres St; r/ste from $400/600; naW)
The two houses here epitomize Creole elegance at its unassuming best. You enter into a courtyard filled with ferns and a fountain; some rooms open onto the courtyard, while winding stairways lead to elegant upstairs quarters. Singular attention has been paid to the art and antiques throughout, with gas lamps adding more ambiance.
Note that rates often dip weekdays.
Lafitte Guest HouseBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-581-2678; www.lafitteguesthouse.com; 1003 Bourbon St; r $389; naW)
This elegant, three-story 1849 Creole town house is at the quieter end of Bourbon St. The guest rooms are lavishly furnished in period style, although the antique washbasins and fireplaces seem an odd contrast with flat-screen TVs. Many rooms have private balconies. Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, one of the street’s more welcoming (and some say haunted) taverns, is on the opposite corner.
Room rates include breakfast.
Hotel MonteleoneHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-523-3341; www.hotelmonteleone.com; 214 Royal St; r $190-270, ste from $370; naWs#)
Perhaps the city’s most venerable hotel, the Monteleone is also the Quarter’s largest. Not long after it was built, preservationists put a stop to building on this scale below Iberville St. Since its inception in 1866, the hotel has lodged literary luminaries including William Faulkner, Truman Capote and Rebecca Wells. Rooms exude an old-world appeal with French toile and chandeliers.
Ritz-Carlton New OrleansHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-1331; www.ritzcarlton.com; 921 Canal St; r from $399; naWs)
Sip tea surrounded by neoclassical antiques and French fabrics; dip into a magnolia-scented bath; or retire to the library. An ample number of smiling staff waits to attend, whether you’re ready for turn-down service or need a complimentary shoe shine. The solid wood floors, tall beds and brick fireplaces would fit in at an English manor house.
Trivia factoid: the spa here is the largest in Louisiana.
W French QuarterHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-581-1200; www.whotels.com; 316 Chartres St; r/ste from $176/572; pnaiWs)
Like all W hotels, this one wears its style on its trendy sleeve, but not all Ws have tarot cards. Where the French Quarter has colonial charm, this is all palatial grandeur, even if understated in places. Rooms vary, but all boast contemporary sleekness; the best open onto an inner patio, where you can ponder the pool’s azure waters.
Westin New Orleans at Canal PlaceHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-566-7006; www.westinneworleanscanalplace.com; 100 Iberville St; r from $290; pnaiW#)
At 29 stories high, the Westin has some of the city’s best views of the Mississippi River. Watching the parade of freighters, tankers and barges in the wee hours beats TV. Rooms are large and modern, with Westin’s signature ‘heavenly beds’, as well as sitting areas.
Dauphine OrleansHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-586-1800; www.dauphineorleans.com; 415 Dauphine St; r from $300; pnaWs)
Through a lush courtyard are these bright-yellow Creole cottage-style rooms with exterior access (once part of a carriage house). Request one of these, or one with exposed cypress beams and brick across the road in the former home of merchant Herman Howard. Other rooms have less character, but similar appointments, including earthy color schemes and high-thread-count sheets. Prices include breakfast.
The bar was once an infamous brothel.
Omni Royal OrleansHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-529-5333; www.omnihotels.com; 621 St Louis St; r from $269; naiWs#)
The Omni Royal is hard to miss; its massive structure was actually the center of a preservation battle during its construction. Everything here screams opulence and grandeur, including the marble-tiled lobby, the heated rooftop pool and the dignified rooms that combine historical furnishing with handsome frilliness. Pets are welcome.
Inn on UrsulinesHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-8509; www.frenchquarterguesthouses.com; 708 Ursulines Ave; r $368; aW)
This Spanish-era Creole cottage is one of the oldest buildings in the French Quarter. It’s located in the laid-back Lower Quarter, and, despite its historical roots, has some tastefully modern rooms. Those located in front are a short step up from the sidewalk, perhaps too close to the neighborhood’s stream of yammering late-night pedestrians. Those out back are much quieter.
Steep discounts are offered at certain times of year.
Cornstalk HotelHISTORIC HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-523-1515; www.cornstalkhotel.com; 915 Royal St; r $228-319; pnaW)
The Cornstalk is known as much for its exterior as its interior, which makes sense once you see its famous maize-bedecked gates. Pass through the cast-iron fence and into a plush, antiqued boutique hotel, where the serenity sweeps away the whirl of the busy streets outside. Rooms are all luxurious and clean. Limited parking. No breakfast is served.
Astor Crowne PlazaHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-962-0500; www.astorneworleans.com; 739 Canal St; r/ste from $253/426; naiWs)
An $11-million renovation buys you some stylish design details. Look for stacked-silver-bubble lamps and tall, tufted headboards with pops of purple in a primarily neutral color scheme. Business is this hotel’s primary pleasure, but tourists, too, will enjoy the grand lobby, pool terrace and Dickie Brennan’s Seafood Bar.
Hotel Maison de VilleHISTORIC HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-324-4888; http://maisondeville.com; 727 Toulouse St; r $486; naW)
A quintessential 10-room French Quarter property, dripping with tropical, historical accents and built around a lushly landscaped courtyard that feels plucked out of time. Bourbon St is just a quick stumble away. They usually require a two-night minimum stay, and guests must be 21 or older. Rates can be substantially lower at certain times of year.
Royal SonestaHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-586-0300; www.sonesta.com/royalneworleans; 300 Bourbon St; r from $249; naWs)
Don’t the doormen look fancy in their blue royal-guard-look tux and tails? Most times of year this hotel exudes a gracious charm, but the location is ground zero for Bourbon St excesses (staff grease pillars to keep revelers from climbing to the balconies). Still, the 483 rooms provide classy retreats from the strip clubs and cover bands.
Book online for steep discounts.
HAUNTED HOTELS
An eerily cold 14th-floor hallway leads to a vision of children playing; cafe doors open and shut on their own; despite the bar being locked, guests see a patron who isn’t there… Andrea Thornton, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Hotel Monteleone, had heard dozens of first-hand accounts of supernatural sightings when she decided investigation was in order. In 2003 the hotel invited the International Society of Paranormal Research (ISPR) to come spend several days, during which they identified 12 disparate spirits on the property, one a former employee named ‘Red.’ And, indeed, hotel records showed that an engineer who went by the nickname Red worked at the hotel in the 1950s.
Hearing or seeing children is the most common of the mischievous-but-benign activities people experience in the historic hotel. Numerous guests have reported seeing a little boy in a striped suit (aged about three) in room 1462. Speculation is that it’s Maurice, son of Josephine and Jacques Begere, looking for his parents. While Maurice was in the hotel being watched by a nanny, his father was thrown from a coach and died instantly; his mother passed a year later.
In a town with such a strife-torn history – slavery, war, fever, flood – hauntings (if they exist) are hardly a surprise. And the Monteleone is far from the only hotel in the Quarter to report sightings. Among others, ghostbusters might want to check out the following:
Bourbon Orleans Hotel Once an orphanage and an African American convent; children have been seen and heard playing on the 6th floor.
Dauphine Orleans Bottles appear rearranged at May Bailey’s bar, site of a once-infamous brothel, and moans and sounds of beds moving at night have been reported.
Hotel Provincial Building 5 was constructed on the site of a Civil War hospital; guests report sometimes-gruesome visions of wounded soldiers and bloody sheets.
Lafitte Guest House ‘Marie,’ a little girl who died of yellow fever, is said to appear in the mirror in room 21, where her mother stayed.
Le Pavillon (MAP GOOGLE MAP) Apparitions materialize bedside in this 1907 hotel, where the ISPR identified at least four resident spirits.
4 Faubourg Marigny & Bywater
oBywater Bed & BreakfastB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-944-8438; www.bywaterbnb.com; 1026 Clouet St; r without bath $100-150; W)
oDauphine HouseB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-940-0943; www.dauphinehouse.com; 1830 Dauphine St; d $125; W)
The Dauphine only has two rooms, but it’s actually a pretty big house, a classic Creole Esplanade Ridge–style mansion that’s located in Marigny. The place is quite plush and evocative of decadent good times. Which is pretty much what New Orleans is, right?
The owner is thoughtfully attentive and knows a ton about the city.
Lookout Inn of New OrleansGUESTHOUSE$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-947-8188; www.lookoutneworleans.com; 833 Poland Ave; d $99; Ws#)
This cozy little inn is located at the end of Bywater, a few blocks’ walk from some excellent bars and restaurants. Four suites are individually appointed; your room may feature Elvis, dragons, a zebra-print sofa sleeper or Spanish-mission-style furnishings. There’s a mini-pool and a hot tub if you need a soak. The property welcomes dogs.
BurgundyB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-261-9477; www.theburgundy.com; 2513 Burgundy St; r $110-200; W)
This vibrant, red-and-white 1890s double-shotgun house is a fine B&B that’s located on the quieter residential edge of Marigny. You’re within a quick walk of local nightlife and the music scene on St Claude Ave. Four color-coded rooms (red, green, blue and coral) surround an attractive courtyard, parlor, library and sitting area.
Lions Inn B&BB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-945-2339; www.lionsinn.com; 2517 Chartres St; d $119-145; Ws)
Situated on a quiet Marigny block, Lions Inn has nine simply furnished guest rooms that are painted in splashes of vibrant color. Jump into the swimming pool or Jacuzzi, or stroll five blocks to the edge of the Quarter. Solo travelers may wish to note that there is a single room with a twin bed and shared bathroom for $75.
Crescent City GuesthouseB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-944-8722; www.crescentcitygh.com; 612 Marigny St; d $85-130; pW)
This laid-back B&B is a great choice for those who want peace and quiet but don’t feel like surrendering the option of walking into the French Quarter, or onto Frenchmen St. The rooms are simple but cozy, and the owner is a treasure trove of New Orleans knowledge. The back garden is a great spot to chill with a book.
Melrose MansionBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-944-2255; www.melrosemansion.com; 937 Esplanade Ave; d/ste $160-220/245-449; Ws)
An exquisite 1884 Victorian mansion, Melrose stands out even among its stately neighbors. This is a retreat for the well-heeled and for honeymooners. Rooms are luxurious, airy spaces, with high ceilings and large French windows. Fastidiously polished furnishings strike a balance between modern simplicity and historical elegance.
Pierre Coulon Guest HouseGUESTHOUSE$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-250-0965; www.pierrecoulonguesthouse.com; 714 Spain St; r 1-2 person $150, 3/4 person $225/300; W)
This guesthouse is located in a gorgeous Creole cottage that feels like the home of an eclectic professor. The property manages to blend a sense of historic coziness with an eccentric edge, and is within walking distance of Marigny’s finest bars and restaurants. A lovely outdoor courtyard is perfect for an afternoon of lazy reading.
Auld Sweet Olive Bed & BreakfastB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-947-4332; www.sweetolive.com; 2460 N Rampart St; r $145-160, ste $180-290; nW)
Tropical artwork and bohemian excess seem to infuse this B&B, which is filled with artifacts from New Orleans history. Individual rooms are suffused with decorative touches – faux wood and magnolia blooms. The outside courtyard has a shaded, relaxing patio, and the owners have worked at almost all levels of the local hospitality industry.
Balcony Guest HouseGUESTHOUSE$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-810-8667; www.balconyguesthouse.com; 2483 Royal St; r $144-181; W)
In a neighborhood full of adorable chintz, the Balcony is full of clean lines, understated decor and subtle prettiness. The four rooms all balance warm wooden accents and cool white bedding. The eponymous balcony overlooks one of the most charming intersections in the city, adjacent to good bars and coffee shops.
Maison de MacartyB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-267-1564; www.maisonmacarty.com; 3820 Burgundy St; r/ste $150-200/225; Ws)
This 19th-century ruby-red Bywater mansion conceals a surprising number of historical heritage rooms. The interior is stuffed with all kinds of cozy antiques; it’s not as eccentric as the average Bywater property, but by no means dowdy either. There’s a pool out back, and you’re a 10-minute bike ride from the Quarter.
Lamothe HouseB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %800-535-7815; www.frenchquarterguesthouses.com; 621 Esplanade Ave; d/ste $164-189/205-359; pWs)
Lovely, oak-shaded Esplanade Ave is a prime jumping-off point for prowling Frenchmen St and the Lower Quarter. Antiques lovers will appreciate the vintage furniture in the guest rooms, while those wanting to sleep off a big night can take advantage of the thick curtains. If you’re determined to revive early, take a dip in the pool after your continental breakfast.
B&W CourtyardsB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-324-0474; www.bandwcourtyards.com; 2425 Chartres St; r $145-165; W)
The B&W is tastefully bohemian, but it also has the right amount of historical accents. There are six individualized rooms, all with bright, broad tropical color schemes. Service is friendly and unobtrusive.
Frenchmen HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-945-5453; www.frenchmenhotel.com; 417 Frenchmen St; d/ste $119-179/179-289; pWs)
The three thoroughly refurbished 1850s houses that comprise this hotel are clustered around a courtyard with a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi. High ceilings, balconies and some rustic exposed brick are remnants from the buildings’ more elegant past. Mix-and-match furnishings have limited antique appeal. The real selling point is the hotel’s proximity to everything that Frenchmen St has to offer.
4 CBD & Warehouse District
Loft 523BOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-200-6523; www.loft523.com; 523 Gravier St; d $219-259, penthouse $679; piW)
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to sleep inside a piece of modern art, now’s your chance. Top design magazines have recognized the industrial-minimalist style of this spot, where whirligig-shaped fans circle over low-lying Mondo beds. If you’re looking for style, privacy and a freestanding half-egg tub – this is the place.
For drinks and posh lounging, guests have access to the mod, London-inspired Gravier Social Club beside the lobby. Since International House is a sister property, you share their fitness center. The front door is so hip it’s invisible, but look close and you’ll find it between the Omni and Lucky Dogs.
Embassy Suites HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-1993; www.embassyneworleans.com; 315 Julia St; incl breakfast d $189, ste $239-489; pnaiWs)
Great for an annual group getaway, every room here is a large suite and no two are exactly the same. Most have balconies; higher floors have views of the city and the river. Adjoining historic loft-building rooms, in what was once a cotton warehouse, have tall ceilings and exposed-brick walls.
Beyond the rooms, the architecture astonishes with its vast size and a cacophony of angles, but the eccentric design grows on you. The soaring atrium is indeed impressive.
La Quinta Inn & Suites DowntownHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-598-9977; www.laquintaneworleansdowntown.com; 301 Camp St; r/ste incl breakfast $189/229; pnaiWs#)
This shiny high-rise is not necessarily what you’d expect from the mid-level La Quinta hotel chain. Rooms are efficient but stylishly modern, with flat-screen TVs and oversize graphic art. An outdoor pool, laundry facilities and continental breakfast all add to the value – and it’s just a few blocks from the Quarter.
Moxy Hotel New OrleansBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-6800; http://moxy-hotels.marriott.com; 210 O’Keefe Ave; d $199-239; pnaW#)
The Moxy is Marriott’s bid for the youth hotel demographic, as evidenced by scads of graffiti murals, pop art accents, giant Jenga sets, and physical objects marked with hashtags. Rooms have an industrial-chic vibe, dark-leather headboards and low lighting.
Aloft New OrleansHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-581-9225; www.aloftneworleansdowntown.com; 225 Baronne St; d $200; naWs#)
Effectively a total departure from the historical hotel model, the Aloft chain’s New Orleans outpost has rooms rounded out by pop art and the brand’s semifunky blue/violet color palette. This spot has a good rooftop pool, a ton of accommodations packages and the reliable amenities and service of a major hotel brand, plus a central location.
While there are many pet-friendly hotels in New Orleans, the Aloft is one of the few that will not charge extra to accommodate your furry friend (no animals above 40lb).
Hotel ModernHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-962-0900, reservations 800-684-9525; www.thehotelmodern.com; 936 St Charles Ave; d $129-159, ste $259-459; pnaiW#)
The eye-catching Hotel Modern isn’t exactly a ‘hidden gem,’ but if you want welcoming, reasonably priced accommodations near the Arts District and the National WWII Museum, this hip number is a great choice. Rooms are spartan and the smallest can feel cramped. Look for monochromatic accent walls, clean lines and an old book or two for whimsy.
Lafayette HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-4441; www.lafayettehotelneworleans.com; 600 St Charles Ave; r $183-207, ste $215-233; pnaW#)
Pleasant and small, this 1916 hotel is steps from Lafayette Sq and within easy walking distance of the Julia Row Arts District and the National WWII Museum. Surrounding blocks have a classic feel that’s generally lacking in the modern CBD. The rooms are furnished with dark wood, antiques and king-size beds. Bathrooms are roomy and finished in marble.
There is a one-time, nonrefundable $65 fee for pets.
Drury Inn & SuitesHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-529-7800; www.druryhotels.com; 820 Poydras St; r incl breakfast $170-210, ste $220; pnaiWs#)
Come for the helpful tips and the local map given at check-in, stay for the way this outpost of the Drury embraces New Orleans’ fun-loving, welcoming spirit. Rooms are stylish, comfy and come with 37in flat screens, pillow-top mattresses and a microwave and refrigerator.
Free drinks are served nightly at 5:30pm along with light fare such as hot dogs and baked potatoes. Hot breakfasts are included and there’s a guest laundry. Check the online eSaver rate for the best price. Parking is $25 per night. Pet fee is $10 per day.
oLe PavillonHISTORIC HOTEL$$$
(MAP; %504-581-3111, reservations 844-656-8636; www.lepavillon.com; 833 Poydras Ave; r $233-260, ste $599-699; pnaWs)
Le Pavillon exudes an old-school joie de vivre that’s easy to love. Fluted columns support the porte cochere off the alabaster facade, and the doorman wears white gloves and a top hat (and somehow doesn’t look ridiculous). Both private and public spaces are redolent with historic portraits, magnificent chandeliers, marble floors and heavy drapery.
At the same time, Le Pavilion has a sense of fun, best exemplified by the nightly serving of peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwiches in the lobby at 10pm. It’s worth noting that during slow periods, Le Pavillon offers some astounding deals. The breakfast buffet is famously good.
oRoosevelt New OrleansHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-648-1200; www.therooseveltneworleans.com; 123 Baronne St; r $259-309, ste $329-2000; pnaiWs)
The majestic, block-long lobby harks back to the early 20th century, a golden age of opulent hotels and grand retreats. Swish rooms have classical details, but the spa, Domenica, storied Sazerac Bar and swanky jazz lounge are at least half the reason to stay. The rooftop pool is pretty swell too. It’s an easy walk to the French Quarter.
Catahoula HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-603-2442; www.catahoulahotel.com; 914 Union St; d $230-480, q $300; naW)
More than its many boutique competitors, the Catahoula does a good job of mixing up contemporary style with the historical vibe that is such a powerful New Orleans tourism draw. Clean lines and solid colors get the old exposed-brick and warm-wood accents, topped with a stylish roof lounge and slick murals.
Bunk rooms can accommodate four people if you’re in a group.
International HouseBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-313-4955; www.ihhotel.com; 221 Camp St; d $239-359, penthouses $379-1059; paiW)
Lavish rooms at this boutique crashpad offer an array of amenities, from marble desks to iHome stereos to two-headed showers. Should the budget allow, go for the penthouse rooms and their sweeping terraces. Be aware that 11th-floor ‘Rockstar’ rooms are windowless and may come with a pull-chain hatch that leads to the roof – or perhaps a parallel New Orleans?
The fashionable Loa bar sits amid soaring columns and plush, tufted ottomans. There’s even an iMac for those who want to check their email.
Ace HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %front desk 504-900-1180, reservations 504-941-9191; www.acehotel.com/neworleans; 600 Carondelet St; d $300-360, ste $500-1100; naWs#)
The Ace is a chain that really wants to impart a boutique, local experience. The New Orleans result is a stylish hotel with Louisiana accents that still feels like most contemporary, minimalist-with-a-touch-of-swag, design-conscious boutique hotels the world over. It’s exceedingly pretty, and popular with pretty people, and every austere accent is shareworthy on the social-media platform of your choice.
The on-site bar and rooftop lounge are a big hit with local hip kids. You can find significant discounts by booking online.
Loews New Orleans HotelHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-595-3300; www.loewshotels.com; 300 Poydras St; r $244-324; pnaiWs#)
They say the enormous windows were installed so that steamship executives, who once occupied the building, could watch their ships on the Mississippi. Big views are just part of the fun at this snazzy hotel. The breeziness starts in the lobby with upbeat, eye-catching photos of New Orleans. The 285 elegantly modern rooms are larger than average.
All rooms on the 11th floor and above, many with superb river views. There’s an indoor lap pool and health center, plus a noted spa. The Swizzle Stick Bar off the lobby regularly hosts live jazz. Loews is pet-friendly and charges a $100 pet cleaning fee, plus $25 per day. Parking is $39 per night.
NOPSI HotelHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %844-439-1463; www.nopsihotel.com; 317 Baronne St; d $333-445; pnas#)
A gorgeous grand dame of a lobby lifted from a Jazz Age fantasy, a twinkling rooftop pool and a handsome exterior contain a series of beigey rooms that aren’t quite as exciting as their packaging. There’s a spa on site and a staff that is helpful and eager to please.
What’s in a name? The acronym is a callback to New Orleans Public Service Inc, a historical civic utility and transportation company.
Windsor Court HotelHOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-523-6000; www.windsorcourthotel.com; 300 Gravier St; r $296, ste $398-555; pnaWs)
The sparkling lobby, with its portraits of noblemen and their Brittany spaniels, could double as a drawing room in the real Windsor Court. Guest rooms are decked out with elegant furniture and come with Italian-marble bathrooms, toile with aristocratic prints, butler’s pantries and Frette linens. There’s also a 4500ft spa.
4 Garden, Lower Garden & Central City
oCreole GardensB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-569-8700; http://creolegardens.com; 1415 Prytania St; d/ste $140/240; naW#)
Friendly, knowledgeable hosts, a rainbow-hued property with individualized rooms and plenty of New Orleans bordello-esque vibe, and they’re cool with pets? Of any size? Hey, sign us up. This is a winning B&B that’s dripping with character and out-of-the-box charm (one room is literally called Countess Willie Piazza’s Hall of Splendors).
Garden District B&BB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-895-4302; www.gardendistrictbedandbreakfast.com; 2418 Magazine St; d $115-135; nai)
This inviting B&B is a great budget-to-midrange option for an extended stay. The private four-suite town house is like your own character-filled efficiency apartment. Each spacious room (most sleep three) has a separate entrance, kitchenette and table seating plus brick walls, tall ceilings and homey antiques such as a 1950s (nonworking) stove. Fresh-made breads and fruit are set out every morning.
The Patio Suite includes a wonderful little private courtyard. The innkeeper provides loads of local restaurant info, and respects guests’ privacy. It’s close to the Irish Channel neighborhood and within walking distance of good Magazine St shopping. Prices include breakfast.
Fairchild HouseB&B$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-0154; www.fairchildhouse.com; 1518 Prytania St; d $89-119, ste $129; naW)
This B&B is attractively understated, which cuts against the grain of most properties of this type. The warm colors, scads of brick and hardwood floors (with the exception of some carpeted standard rooms) are appealingly simple. Standard rooms are a good price for private digs in this part of town.
Atlas HouseHOSTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-400-4851; www.theatlashouse.com; 1354 Magazine St; dm/d/tr/q $31/77/86/97; naW)
A clean, colorful hostel that provides that good old backpacker vibe, albeit a more laid-back version than you may expect in New Orleans. If you’re older, look elsewhere (or book a private room); the dorms are only available to international or out-of-state travelers under the age of 33, or American students with a student ID.
Prytania ParkHOTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-0427; www.prytaniaparkhotel.com; 1525 Prytania St; r $89-139, ste $189-219; pnaW)
It’s rare to find a large, high-volume ‘hotel’ in this part of town, where B&Bs proliferate, but the Prytania Park is a good exception to this rule. There’s a large variety of rooms, and not all are up to snuff, but many have brick walls, red pine floors and general historical beauty. Prices include breakfast.
Kids will get a kick out of the loft rooms that come with a spiral staircase. Complimentary parking is available in a guarded lot behind the property.
Green House InnB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-525-1333; www.thegreenhouseinn.com; 1212 Magazine St; r $179-199, ste $269; pnaWs#)
The house’s striking color – a tropical rubber-tree green – certainly stands out on a still-gentrifying section of Magazine St, near the Warehouse District. Things stay green within the landscaped pool and garden (clothing optional), which is surrounded by palms and exotic blooms. Though named after flowers, the guest rooms are far from delicate, with clean lines, hardwood floors and exposed brick.
Terrell HouseB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-237-2076; www.terrellhouse.com; 1441 Magazine St; r $185-275; naW)
Southern hospitality is what impresses most at this stately 1858 Georgian Revival house with cast-iron galleries, a spacious courtyard and exquisite touches. Original art adds to the freshness of the simple but tasteful carriage-house rooms. Think high-thread-count linens, colorful spreads and clean-lined wooden or iron beds. Suites in the main house are more antique in nature, with period furnishings and Oriental rugs.
Common rooms are galleries filled with art, antiques and potted plants. Other amenities include in-room minifridges stocked with soda and bottled water. Breakfast is included, and the menu is divine. Owner Linda O’Brien is a warm host who’s on top of the details. No children under 12.
Parisian CourtyardB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-581-4540; www.theparisiancourtyardinn.com; 1726 Prytania St; d $172-220; naiW)
This handsome B&B encompasses 10 individually appointed rooms that are all historically aglow with their hardwood floors and old-school furniture. Some rooms are a little plainer than others, but all come with private bathrooms and climate control – a nice touch in an older property.
Hotel IndigoHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-522-3650; www.hotelindigo.com; 2203 St Charles Ave; d $172-181, ste $216-604; pnaiW#)
Hotel Indigo, we like your finger-popping style. In the guestrooms, New Orleans–themed photographic murals root you firmly in the city, while bright pillows and bold prints add an artsy sense of fun. The hotel is steps from the St Charles Avenue Streetcar line, and the big-windowed lobby overlooks Mardi Gras parades and the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon route.
Parking will cost you $23 a day, while pets are $50 per stay. We had no problems with free public parking along Jackson Ave.
The Queen AnneB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-524-0427; www.thequeenanne.com; 1625 Prytania St; d $129-179; naW) This B&B in a historical home, operated by the folks at nearby Prytania Park, is charming without being too overtly lace curtain. It’s an ‘adults only’ property – guests must be over 25 – which presumably cuts down on the bad behavior folks tend to associate with New Orleans. All rooms have coffee makers, TVs and fridges.
Henry Howard HotelBOUTIQUE HOTEL$$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-313-1577; http://henryhowardhotel.com; 2041 Prytania St; d $199-359; naW)
In a neighborhood dripping with historical accommodations, the Henry Howard is…well, historical. But it’s got a cool, contemporary design scheme, with deco-style accents, vintage and contemporary furniture, original art, hanging instruments and a general inviting airiness. A two-night minimum-stay rule is often enforced, and rates can wildly swing up or down depending on season.
4 Uptown & Riverbend
Alder HotelHOTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-207-4600; http://alderhotel.com; 4545 Magnolia St; d from $109; pnaW#)
Although it lacks the boutique chic of a B&B, the Alder is clean, comfy, quiet and very reasonable for the price. An added bonus is being just steps away from the fun of Freret St, with some other Uptown spots – like Gautreau’s restaurant! – within walking distance, and the ambitious can even walk from here to the St Charles Ave trolley.
Rates include breakfast.
oPark View Historic HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-861-7564; http://parkviewguesthouse.com; 7004 St Charles Ave; r $194-251; niW)
The breakfasts are amazing (oh, those cheese grits) at this well-appointed three-story inn, where everyone seems glad to see you. Beside Audubon Park, this ornate wooden masterpiece was built in 1884 to impress people attending the World Cotton Exchange Exposition. The rooms and guest lounge are heavy with antiques, and the verandah overlooking the park and St Charles Ave is lovely.
Tulane and Loyola Universities are just blocks away – many of the hotel’s frequent guests are visiting parents. Complimentary wine is served in the afternoon and there’s a computer for guest use. No surprise, it’s listed in the National Historic Places registry. Rates include breakfast.
ChimesB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-899-2621, 504-453-2183; www.chimesneworleans.com; 1146 Constantinople St; r $158-198; niW)
Five pleasant little rooms here each have outstanding individual touches, such as a floating staircase made from 4in-thick cypress slabs, or a sunken stone tub. Rooms surround a lovely patio and gardens, creating a courtyard community of sorts. Breakfast (included in rates) consists of fresh-baked goods and local Community Coffee. Eight namesake wind chimes hang on the front porch of the main house.
Chimes is located in a quiet residential neighborhood, but is quite close to Magazine St. Two- or three-night minimum stay required on weekends, depending on the season.
Columns HotelHISTORIC HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-899-9308; www.thecolumns.com; 3811 St Charles Ave; r $165-288; naiW)
This white-porched Southern manse, built in 1883, is a snapshot from the past. Fortunately that past doesn’t take itself too seriously. A magnificent mahogany staircase climbs past a stained-glass window to the rooms, ranging from smallish doubles to the two-room Pretty Baby Suite (named for the 1970s Louis Malle film shot here). The environs aren’t exactly posh, but they’re well loved.
Elaborate marble fireplaces, richly carved armoires and claw-foot tubs are among the highlights. To absorb the late-night revelry, take a front room on the 2nd floor. A lavish hot breakfast is included. Guests enter through the columned front verandah and continue past two wood-paneled parlors that double as a bar-cafe.
4 Mid-City, Bayou St John & City Park
India House HostelHOSTEL$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-821-1904; www.indiahousehostel.com; 124 S Lopez St; dm $22-26, d/q $50/99; naiWs)
This colorful place is larger than it looks. Half a block off Canal St in Mid-City, the hostel is a minicomplex of subtropically themed good times. The grounds include an above-ground pool, a cabana-like patio and well-worn old houses used for sleeping. And the ambience? India House has a free-spirited party atmosphere that got you backpacking in the first place.
Bunk beds include linen and tax. Guests can use the washer and dryer. Children not permitted.
oThe Drifter HotelHOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-605-4644; https://thedrifterhotel.com; 3522 Tulane Ave; d $143-184, q $225; naWs)
Enormously popular with the hip New Orleans kids, the Drifter is a mid-century party that happened to get thrown on Tulane Ave. Sleek, rounded accoutrements and a Mad Men-esque furniture and design sensibility are enlivened by clean, modern rooms and a pool where frequent parties are thrown and pictures are hashtagged.
4 Tremé-Lafitte
oLa Belle EsplanadeB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-301-1424; www.labelleesplanade.com; 2216 Esplanade Ave; r incl breakfast $190-230; naW)
A little quirky, a little saucy and the co-owner wears a jaunty fedora – a devil-may-care touch that ties the whole colorful shebang together. Furnishings in the five themed suites vary, but have chunky headboards, plush chairs, Gibson Girl portraits and claw-foot tubs. Bright, monochromatic walls keep it all pretension-free. Savor crawfish pie and other tasty Southern fare for breakfast.
Degas HouseHISTORIC HOTEL$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-821-5009; www.degashouse.com; 2306 Esplanade Ave; r $189-250, ste from $300; pnaW)
Edgar Degas, the famed French Impressionist, lived in this 1852 Italianate house when visiting his mother’s family in the early 1870s. Rooms recall his time here through period furnishings and reproductions of his work. The suites have balconies and fireplaces, while the less expensive garret rooms are cramped top-floor quarters that once housed the Degas family’s servants.
During his time here, Degas produced the city’s most famous painting, The Cotton Exchange in New Orleans. Easels are available, bien sûr.
Ashton’s Bed & BreakfastB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-942-7048; www.ashtonsbb.com; 2023 Esplanade Ave; r incl breakfast $178-208; naW)
Looking at the detailed plaster ceilings, ornate stained glass and crisp paint and trim at this wonderful mansion, it’s very hard to imagine it had a 60ft hole in the front of it after Hurricane Katrina. Nothing to worry about, though; the innkeepers meticulously restored this 1861 Greek Revival building. Luxe furnishings include half-tester canopy beds and claw-foot tubs.
A hot Creole breakfast and complimentary refreshments throughout the day are included. Ashton’s is well situated if you’re in town for Jazz Fest. Festive decorations – such as fancy pumps from the Muses parade – fill the home before Mardi Gras.
HH Whitney HouseB&B$$
(MAP GOOGLE MAP; %504-948-9448; www.hhwhitneyhouse.com; 1923 Esplanade Ave; incl breakfast r $125-185, ste $250-435; naW)
Common areas are not as spiffy as those in other B&Bs in the neighborhood, but this 19th-century Italianate house is a convenient choice if you’re attending Jazz Fest. Each room has its own style, but all include vintage furniture and antique embellishments. The back garden is a nice spot in which to lounge under the shade of leafy oaks.
If you’re a Gone with the Wind fan, there’s an entire suite themed for Scarlett O’Hara, complete with a Vivien Leigh portrait.