Staying at hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter is easily one of the best ways to experience the city at its most elegant, whacky and exciting. But which hotels are the best options? We’ve got three potential choices for you.
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Where should I stay if I go to New Orleans?
The French Quarter is one of the best areas to stay in New Orleans, but it’s not the only choice. The Warehouse District, Downtown, Uptown — including the Garden District — and a couple of others are all great options offering a unique take on the NOLA experience.
The former is excellent if you’re looking for classic Southern charm in a historic setting, an intimate vibe and perhaps most critically, proximity to New Orleans’ most famous sights, eateries and bars.
Then you’ll find the ritziest (and often most contemporary) accommodations along or near Canal Street in Downtown. Although, the Warehouse District is definitely an up-and-coming area with some of the most stylish and unique places to stay in New Orleans, like Virgin Hotels New Orleans.
Finally, accommodations in Uptown and the Garden District offer a similar stay to those found in the French Quarter, with a couple key differences. First, the area is much quieter (except during parade season). Second, the hotels here tend to be smaller and more intimate. More often than not, these hotels were former 18th- and 19th-century mansions belonging to New Orleans’ more affluent denizens.
Is it better to stay in the French Quarter or Bourbon Street?
You actually don’t have to choose: Bourbon Street is within the French Quarter.
The street’s immense popularity has put it at the forefront of many travelers’ minds, perhaps to the point that many see Bourbon Street and the French Quarter as two completely separate areas. But in fact, most French Quarter hotels in New Orleans are also within a block or two of Bourbon Street. (It’s also worth mentioning that many of the best hotels in Downtown are very close to Bourbon Street.)
That being said, if you’re traveling with kiddos or looking for a quieter stay, the eastern half of the French Quarter — away from Bourbon Street — has options, too.
3 of the best hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter
Read on for our breakdown of three of the best hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
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1. Hotel Monteleone: a luxurious & authentic French Quarter hotel
Image courtesy of Hotel Monteleone
Just a few steps from Bourbon Street, Hotel Monteleone has long been regarded as one of the best hotels in New Orleans, let alone the French Quarter. The hotel first opened in the late 1880s as a luxurious choice for discerning travelers, and has since maintained both its upscale reputation and historic appeal.
The hotel still bears its original ornate façade and design, and much of the decor and furnishings are vintage. On the flip side, the hotel’s amenities have all been modernized to keep the hotel’s excellent reputation. (The Superior King Suites are especially lavish.)
Hotel Monteleone’s Criollo restaurant hosts a specialty jazz brunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on weekends. And the hotel's gorgeous Carousel Bar & Lounge — which literally rotates like a carousel — is a super cool New Orleans landmark. Here, you can catch live music and enjoy a variety of craft cocktails.
(P.S.: Hotel Monteleone is recognized as an LGBTQ+ friendly hotel.)
Fora Perks at Hotel Monteleone:
$100 hotel / resort credit.
Breakfast daily.
Upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.
2. Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans: a lavish French Quarter hotel featuring updated styles
The Royal Sonesta Hotel is similar to Hotel Monteleone in that there’s still an emphasis on Southern grandeur and elegance, but with more of a modern twist. The furniture and decor are newer, as is the hotel’s overall design. But, you’ll still find many hallmarks of classic New Orleans, like wrought-iron balconies, a vivid color palette and Jazz-era-inspired furnishings.
Location-wise, Royal Sonesta overlooks Bourbon Street, making it one of the best hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter for travelers who want to stay in the middle of the city’s party scene. But if you’re not the nightlife type (or want a break), don’t worry. The hotel’s interior rooms face its lush courtyard and pool scene, offering a lovely oasis away from the hustle of Bourbon Street.
Want to learn more about The Royal Sonesta? Plan your stay with Fora.
(P.S.: Desire Oyster Bar at The Royal Sonesta is one of the best oyster bars in the New Orleans.)
3. Audubon Cottages: a seemingly remote hotel near the heart of the French Quarter
From the outside, Audubon Cottages looks rather unassuming — you could literally walk right past it without even realizing it. The interior, however, is a different story. This charming boutique hotel features seven ritzy suites furnished with a variety of antiques from different eras of New Orleans’ past. The result has the effect of feeling comparatively homey, yet delightfully authentic.
This is the ideal French Quarter hotel for travelers who’d prefer a quieter setting along with the convenience of being close to New Orleans’ top sights. Bourbon Street is technically only a block away, for example, but the livelier sections of the street are three or four blocks to the west.
Need more recs for hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter? Ask Fora
Not sure these hotels in New Orleans’ French Quarter fit your style or budget? Plan and book your trip with Fora for personalized recommendations and access to VIP hotel perks and more.
Need more New Orleans travel inspiration? Check out these guides, too:
This article has been fact checked by Fora Advisor Lindsay Vaughn-Hintz, an expert on travel to New Orleans, Louisiana.