Where is a great hotel to stay in New Orleans that won't destroy my bank account?
One close to the French Quarter is preferred.
John - I am going to tell you a secret that I dont tell too many people, so try to keep it quiet.
Call business traveler hotels in the area and let them know that you are going to be in town working for the local hospital (Ochsner Hosp. is in NO)and you want their rate. Hospitals have a slew of auditors/consultants/nurses etc. that travel from out of town to work onsite, therefore they have multiple rates set up at different hotels in the area. Sometimes the rates are cut up to 40-60% off.(not exaggerating)
My first call would be to Homewood Suites, downtown New Orleans.
Oh and dont worry about showing evidence that you are working for the hospital, I have never been asked.
15 Answers
I agree with the last post.. but if you're set on the quarter I would recommend The Olivier House (http://www.olivierhouse.com/). Every room is different and it has a lot of character.
I think that the Olivier House is great, with one caveat, it is an old hotel with a little bit of decay, but the parking is free, which is a huge plus . If you do stay there ask for an upgrade, and ask to be put away from the street, it gets really loud by the street cause you are a half block off Bourbon. If you want to try another small hotel try Villa Convento, near the convent, supposedly the original House of the Rising Sun, it is in a much quieter part of the Quarter.
Might be helpful if you set a price point. "Won't destroy my bank" account means different things to different people.
I agree with some of the others posts. Desired price points would be helpful and whether or not being in the Frence Quarter is essential. For many people, New Orleans is synonomous with the Quarter and for others it is not. You didn't ask for opinions about that, so no need to go there.
One hotel that I would recommend is in the Quarter, one block from Bourbon Street. It is the Hotel Royal(http://www.melrosegroup.com/melroseroyal/). It offers the historic charm that most people want to experience when visiting NOLA with "reasonable" rates and acceptable service.
The Inn on Bourbon Street.
If you want fun, get a balcony room overlooking Bourbon. You'll only be there to crash, but at least you can crawl your way back without any hassle.
The Inn on Bourbon Street.
If you want fun, get a balcony room overlooking Bourbon. You'll only be there to crash, but at least you can crawl your way back without any hassle.
Here's my advice as a resident of New Orleans:
Stay in the Marigny, the up-and-coming neighborhood just north-east of the French Quarter. Its home to lots of bistros, galleries, and funky stores.
Hotels in the Quarter are generally overpriced. Most hotels that advertise as being "just blocks from the Quarter" are actually located in the Central Business District - a place with nothing to do, nowhere to eat, and several blighted buildings.
A great hotel choice would be Hotel de la Monnaie.
Reviews are very favorable over at trip advisor.