Named for the French Duke of Orleans in the early 1700s, New Orleans is one of America’s most intriguing tourist destinations. Located in Louisiana alongside the Mississippi River, this sizzling city seamlessly blends together influences from Creole, Spanish, French, and African-American cultures. Guests from around the world come to “The Big Easy” to experience the best in Creole cuisine, live jazz music, and French Colonial architecture.
The most popular time to visit this city is, of course, during the world famous Mardi Gras festival right before Ash Wednesday. If you’re interested in taking a trip to “The City That Care Forgot” then you’ll need to find the perfect hotel to stay in. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to stay in New Orleans.
The 5 Best Places to Stay in New Orleans
1. Andrew Jackson Hotel
One of the oldest and most luxurious hotels in the city, the Andrew Jackson Hotel on Royal Street has been delighting tourists four centuries. Inside this authentic 18th century hotel, you’ll feel like you just walked back into the sophisticated French Colonial era. Every room in the Andrew Jackson is complete with period ceiling fans, 18th-century furnishings, French toiletries, a cable TV, and free Wi-Fi.
You’ll also get a complimentary in-room breakfast each day you stay here. Besides this hotel’s history and Southern charm, what truly makes this hotel one of the best places to stay in New Orleans is its convenient location. Staying at the Andrew Jackson will put you within walking distance to many of the French Quarter’s top tourist attractions. For example, Bourbon Street is one block away, St. Louis Cathedral is about 2 blocks away, and the National World War II Museum is only 1.5 blocks away from the Andrew Jackson. So, if you have a bit of money to splurge, why not spend a few days at the Andrew Jackson on your trip to New Orleans?
2. The Roosevelt
Originally opened in 1893, The Roosevelt is one of the most lauded hotels in the city’s Central Business District. Just a few of the legends that have performed and/or stayed at The Roosevelt include Ray Charles, Jack Benny, and Louis Armstrong. After suffering major in 2004 due to Hurricane Katrina, this hotel went through a major renovation. In 2009, The Roosevelt
In 2009, The Roosevelt finally opened to the public again with great fanfare. Now everyone can marvel at the totally refurbished lobby, complete with gaudy chandeliers and art deco designs. Guests at The Roosevelt are instantly transported back into the “Roaring 20s,” an era in which The Roosevelt was the hottest spot in town.
Located on Roosevelt Way right off of the busy Canal Street, all of the rooms at The Roosevelt provide guests with a flat-screen TV, a mini-bar, bathrobes, and an ottoman. The rich history alone makes The Roosevelt one of the best places to stay in New Orleans.
3. Dauphine Orleans Hotel
For those out these who want to be pampered on their trip to New Orleans, look into the Dauphine Orleans Hotel on Dauphine Street. Although this hotel is located in the center of the French Quarter, you’ll feel like you are in a tropical getaway once you walk around this hotel’s palm tree-filled courtyard. The Dauphine Orleans is well known for its hospitality, and the hotel staff here will offer you a complimentary bar beverage as you walk through the entrance doors.
Built during the early years of the 19th century, this hotel boasts a famous painting by ornithologist John James Audubon in its breakfast room. As you’d expect from any other hotel in the area, each room has all the modern amenities like Wi-Fi, complimentary bottled water, flat screen TVs, and air conditioning. You’ll also get a free deluxe breakfast every morning at this hotel.
Just like the Andrew Jackson Hotel, this hotel’s central location in the French Quarter makes it one of the best places to stay in New Orleans for tourists. Guests at the Dauphine Orleans will be within walking distance of the Mississippi riverfront, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and Bourbon Street.
4. Grand Victorian Bed & Breakfast
The Grand Victorian is one of the finest hotels in New Orleans’ tranquil Garden District. Designed by Thomas Sully in 1893, this hotel has been fully restored to its pre-Hurricane Katrina glory. Located right on St. Charles Avenue, the hotel is only a few minutes away from the fabulous French Quarter. All of the rooms here are gushing with Old South opulence.
In addition to getting served breakfast every morning, you’ll also have access to central air and heating, a private bath, and a TV in your room. To keep the allure of history alive here, you’ll find that all the bedrooms have been named after a different famous plantation in Louisiana. All of these little touches make the Grand Victorian one of the best places to stay in New Orleans. This hotel is perfect for those in the mood for both a relaxing vacation and a true taste of the Antebellum South.
5. Degas House
Art fans coming to New Orleans should really consider staying at the Degas House on Esplanade Avenue. As most people are aware, Edgar Degas was one of the most famous French Impressionist painters. You’ve probably seen one or two of his renowned ballerina paintings. People not into art might not know that Edgar Degas’ mother, Célestine Musson Degas, was actually a Creole from New Orleans. Also, Degas spent a few years of his life living and working in New Orleans.
At this bed & breakfast establishment, guests can learn all about this remarkable artist and the works he produced while staying in this house. Full of history and class, this hotel is both a fabulous place to stay and a highly respected museum. Located only a 10-minute drive from the French Quarter, the Degas House is also quite convenient for tourists. This hotel/museum is certainly one of the best places to stay in New Orleans if you or a loved one is an unashamed art history buff.
All five of these grand hotels have thrived for centuries in The Big Easy, and they all will certainly be around so long as New Orleans is still on the face of the earth. Any of these historic hotels will provide you with unparalleled service and great access to the top tourist destinations in the city. The next time you plan on visiting New Orleans, be sure to take a serious look into at least one of these magnificent hotels. You won’t be disappointed.