It’s not hard to understand why the New York Times named New Orleans as the #1 place to visit in 2018. Between the endless options of soul, Cajun, and Creole food, the one-of-a-kind music scene and the heritage that was built on the backs of African slaves, New Orleans stands out as a unique destination that could only exist in America.
All great trips to New Orleans begin with accommodations, and when it comes to the “Crescent City,” where you stay is just as important as what you do. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action on Bourbon Street or prefer a quiet room in one of the local neighborhoods, we’ll tell you the best places to stay when you’re living it up in “The Big Easy.”
If You Want To Be In The Middle Of The Action…
Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans
When you want the energy of the French Quarter at your front door, the Royal Sonesta is the place to be. The hotel is elegant and stately, bringing French-meets-southern elegance to the 438 rooms, and even though the hotel is in the heart of it all, you’ll barely hear a thing in your gorgeous room.
W New Orleans – French Quarter
Want to ball out in “The Big Easy?” Stay at this hot hotel if you want to experience NOLA like a star, and it’s the best hotel to go to if you want to run into a celebrity. The courtyard pool is the place to see and be seen and the rooms all have the W’s signature contemporary cool design.
Provence-meets-New Orleans at this luxury hotel, where rooms are decorated with a French flair that’s elegant and inviting. There are nearly 300 rooms and suites including 15 private balcony rooms and 19 two-floor balcony suites, and even though it’s a full-service luxury hotel, rooms can be found for less than $250 a night.
If You Want A Boutique Hotel Experience…
For a city with plenty of successful black-owned businesses, black-owned hotels are surprisingly scarce. The Moor opened in summer 2018 and aims to provide the comforts of a hotel with the ease of simply being at home. One of the few black-owned hotels in the city, stay here to be a part of the culture while also investing your dollars back into the culture.
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
Operated by black-owned Salamander Hotel and Resorts, NOPSI is one of the city’s newest boutique hotels that is located in the Central Business District. Here guests are welcomed with a fruit and cheese tray and Mardi Gras beads, and the hotel’s lobby is a tribute to starlet-turned-princess Grace Kelly. The service is attentive-yet-relaxed and the rooftop pool and bar are an added bonus.
This gem is owned and operated by a couple, and is great if you want to feel like you’re in a local neighborhood while still staying in a hotel. The owners make a light breakfast every morning and the main house is filled with thousands of antiques that you’ll want to buy but can’t.
Another one of the city’s few black-owned hotels, Hubbard Mansion a B&B that’s regal in a way only southern mansions can be. With just five suites and two executive apartments, this place will make you feel like you live in a mansion that’s all your own, and the daily breakfast, friendly staff, and spa services will make you want to come back again and again.
If You Want To Live Like A Local With Airbnb…
Frenchmen St GEM For Music Lovers & Foodies
Frenchmen Street is a mecca for music, so if you want to get swept up in the New Orleans sound, this 1-bedroom home has everything you need to enjoy the area like a local. The house is trendy and minimal and the high ceilings and beautiful architecture just might inspire you to get a Creole cottage of your own.
Book this guesthouse in the Metairie neighborhood if you want to see what it’s really like to live in NOLA. The house can accommodate up to four guests, has a stunning sunroom and patio, and is just a 15-minute car ride for the French Quarter.
On a tight budget? Depending on when you book, $30 a night could get you this adorable house near Tulane, which has its own kitchen, washer and dryer, and quaint patio that’s begging to be an Instagram backdrop. The house is covered in gorgeous green foliage and is perfect if you plan on being in New Orleans for an extended period.
Studio in Historic Treme Neighborhood
Show the Historic Treme neighborhood some love by staying in this studio that’s a part of a century-old duplex. Enjoy neighborhood bars and eateries and take advantage of downtime by cozying up in this charming rental that has beautiful hardwood floors and a lush full-size bed.
Travel Noire is heading to New Orleans this fall with our TN Experiences, so reserve your space here.