Nestled on the banks of the Mississippi River is the eclectic and beautiful city of New Orleans in Louisiana. Also known as the ‘Big Easy’, this fascinating city is world-renowned for its exciting nightlife, vibrant live music scene, and exotic cuisine.
With a mixture of French and American cultures, there is so much to explore – from museums and art galleries to fabulous restaurants and live music venues to take you late into the night.
With a relatively small population compared to other US cities, New Orleans is easy to explore. Use the streetcar or bus services to get around all New Orleans’ different neighbourhoods and, of course, stay in some brilliant hotels.
1. The Westin New Orleans Canal Place
Source: www.booking.comThis is a stylish, modern hotel with fantastic views to the Mississippi River from most of the rooms.
The two on-site restaurants can serve you a delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner, or you can quickly head out into town to get a bite to eat. There’s also a fitness centre if you want to be woken up before a day of exploring.
Location: Situated in the French Quarter, you’ll be close to all of New Orleans’ most celebrated attractions.
Jackson Square is just a five-minute walk away, and Bourbon Street is even less – only 700 yards away.
2. Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
Source: booking.comIn a beautiful old building, this award-winning hotel will give you one of the most luxurious stays to be found in New Orleans.
There are two swimming pools with terraces to enjoy a cocktail in the hot weather. There’s a fitness centre if you want to burn some sweat at the start of the day, and a restaurant on-site for you to enjoy some great local food.
Location: The hotel lays on an airport shuttle to get you here, and once you are, you’re right in the heart of the city. The Mississippi River is just five minutes away by foot, and the central shopping area the same distance in the opposite direction.
3. NOPSI Hotel
Source: www.booking.comThis is an exquisite hotel with some brilliant assets, including a swimming pool and rooftop terrace with a bar.
Each room has superfast Wi-Fi access, a private bathroom, and great views of the western side of the city.
Location: This hotel is a tiny bit out of the city centre, but Bourbon Street at the centre is still only 0.6 miles away. NOPSI lays on car and bike hire for all its guests, so you can get around the city easily. Louis Armstrong International Airport is just over 11 miles away.
4. Maison de la Luz
Source: www.booking.comIf you’re looking for avant-garde style décor in a gloriously grand building, then this is the choice for you.
With several reception rooms to enjoy, loads of space, and a complimentary breakfast, this hotel will make you feel extra special.
Location: As Maison de la Luz is on the St Charles streetcar line, you can easily get around the city on public transport, but you can opt to walk to attractions like the National WWII Museum within ten minutes. The airport is just over 15 miles away. Other areas of the city, like the gorgeous Garden District, are just a few stops away on the streetcar.
5. Hotel Peter and Paul
Source: www.booking.comIf you’re looking for something quirky and original, then Hotel Peter and Paul is the choice for you. The beautifully assembled rooms have an authentic style. This hotel is the place to stay if you want something original and interesting.
Each room has a private bathroom and TV, and the hotel lays on a delicious breakfast every morning.
Location: Although a little out of the centre of the city, everything you could want is within a few miles. Bourbon Street is just 1.3 miles away and can be accessed either by walking or jumping on the streetcar. The airport is just over 16 miles away and super easy to access.
6. La Galerie French Quarter Hotel
Source: www.booking.comThis retro and trendy hotel right at the heart of the French Quarter exudes New Orleans’ vibrant French history.
With excellent on-site facilities, there’s a lovely bar area, and every room has a flat-screen TV and Wi-Fi access.
Location: Bourbon Street is just a five-minute walk away, along with all the great venues and shops found there. If you’re looking to find out more about New Orleans’ history, head to St Louis Cathedral, just a five-minute walk away.
7. The Higgins Hotel New Orleans
Source: www.booking.comThis is a modern, swanky hotel with spacious rooms and a fantastic bar and on-site restaurant.
Fill up on a full American breakfast or have a solid workout in the state-of-the-art fitness centre on-site before heading out to explore the city.
Location: Located on the edge of the trendy Warehouse District, this hotel has great access to the business district of the city, as well as some of its best venues. The Mercedes-Benz Superdome is 1.7 miles away, and Bourbon Street is just 1.5 miles away.
8. Omni Riverfront New Orleans
Source: booking.comThe clue is in the name with this one: if you want to be on the riverfront with spectacular views across the Mississippi River, then this is the hotel for you.
Not only will you have a comfortable room and excellent service, but you can also sample some brilliant food form the award-winning on-site restaurant.
Location: Less than two miles away from the famous French Quarter, you can take a scenic walk along the river to the centre or jump on the streetcar. If you’re here to catch a game, the Superdome is just under two miles away.
9. International House Hotel
Source: www.booking.comThis gorgeous old building is home to one of the most stylish hotels in New Orleans, with brilliant photography on every wall and large, comfortable rooms.
Superfast Wi-Fi is handy if you’re here on a business trip or you’re planning where to visit in the city.
Location: Here, you’ll be less than a mile away from the French Quarter, so New Orleans’ eclectic centre is just a short walk away. If you’re keen to make some underwater friends (or have the kids with you), a great place to take them is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, which is just a ten-minute walk from the International House Hotel.
10. W New Orleans
Source: www.booking.comThis is a vibrant and bright hotel with loads of fun to be had- whether it’s in the pool or in the living room, which has loads of games and books for you to lose yourself in.
The outdoor restaurant serves up some delicious grub that you can enjoy in the glorious Big Easy sunshine.
Location: The Riverwalk is just a short stroll away, so you can enjoy the beauty of the Mississippi effortlessly. The hotel is also next door to the historic Jackson Square, so it’s great for getting to know the history of the city.
11. Hotel Monteleone
Source: www.booking.comThis is a grand old building jam-packed with character and history. Every room has a towering ceiling and great period features, but don’t worry; it has all the modern facilities you could need.
Enjoy a plethora of spa treatments or a workout at the top of the range fitness centre.
Location: Just one block from the famous Bourbon Street, you don’t need to worry about being away from the action here.Even though you’re right at the hustle and bustle end of the city, the river is still only a ten-minute walk away, so you get the perfect balance.
12. Best Western Plus French Quarter Courtyard Hotel
Source: booking.comFuel yourself with a complimentary breakfast before exploring the city at this reasonably priced, centrally located hotel.
You can access a lovely courtyard pool and enjoy a cocktail on the terrace by the fountain.
Location: Bourbon Street is a ten-minute walk away, and the Superdome is 1.6 miles away. If you’re hoping for somewhere to get a breath of fresh air, this hotel is adjacent to Louis Armstrong Park, which is as impressive as the man himself.
13. Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Source: www.booking.comIn yet another gorgeous period building, you’ll find this delightful space, with grand old décor, fabulous access to the city and, if you’re lucky in your room choice, a balcony from which to enjoy lovely views.
There’s an on-site restaurant and a gorgeous courtyard complete with swimming pool and lounging area, where you can soak up the sun with a drink in hand.
Location: Situated in the French Quarter, Louisiana State Museum and St Louis Cathedral are just a short walk away for you to get to know the history and culture of this fascinating city. If you want to get some fresh air and lovely natural views, Louis Armstrong Park is just five minutes away by foot, and the Riverwalk along the Mississippi isn’t much further.
14. Hilton New Orleans Riverside
Source: www.booking.comThis trusted brand of hotel will bring you a modern and stylish stay with every amenity you can think of.
Start your day with a swim or a workout in the kitted-out fitness centre before enjoying a full American breakfast at the brilliant on-site restaurant.
Location: As the name suggests, this hotel puts you right next to the gorgeous Mississippi River, with lovely views and of course, the Riverwalk.If you want to get into the city, that’s not far either. It’s about a ten-minute walk to Bourbon Street and St Louis Cemetery No1. The airport is just over 15 miles away.
15. Windsor Court Hotel
Source: www.booking.comTraditional décor, a large outdoor pool and a four-diamond restaurant that often has live jazz players – what more could you want?
This hotel offers the perfect mixture of period and modern, giving you a feel of the history of the city without missing out on the convenience of a modern getaway.
Location: Just on the fringes of the French Quarter, this hotel gives you quick access to the city centre as well as the river.Windsor Court is just a four-minute walk from Harrah’s Casino and the Aquarium of the Americas. The airport is just a 20-minute drive away.