Accommodation will always be one of your biggest travel expenses…but what if it wasn’t? What if you could reduce the cost of your accommodation to zero while still enjoying the comforts of home? That’s what house swaps promise. House swaps have been around for decades. It was the entire premise of the movie The Holiday (starring Cameron Diaz and Kate Winslet). They became all the rage but then were soon eclipsed by sites like Airbnb. But as travel prices skyrocketed post-COVID, more and more people have turned back to house swaps as a means of saving money while they travel while still getting a local experience (but without the hassle of an Airbnb). House swaps are exactly what they sound like. You sign up, list your home, and then swap with someone else in another city. They stay in your place and you stay in their place. The biggest and most popular platform for swaps is HomeExchange . And, in this post, I’ll go over everything you need to know to get started with a house swa...
New Orleans is one of my favorite places in the world (and that’s saying something). There’s just something about this city. It’s magic. The people and energy make it impossible not to have a good time here. It’s really bounced back from Hurricane Katrina (I visited right after, and it was a completely different city). I’m glad to see the city thriving.
It’s a popular destination too, and not just because of Mardi Gras. A lot of conferences, music festivals, and bachelor/bachelorette parties are held here. There’s a lot to see and do here too. As such, there are a ton of hotels to choose from. But not all are worth staying at.
So, to help you save time researching and ensure you have a great experience, here are my favorite hotels in New Orleans based on my countless visits:
1. Villa Convento
Villa Convento is steeped in history. Located in the famous French Quarter, the building once housed a convent and is also rumored to be the “House of the Rising Sun” from the famed 1960s song by the Animals. Personally, I love the hotel’s Old-World charm: the impressive arched check-in desk, the wood-paneled and exposed brick walls, the chandeliers in the hallways. It’s gorgeous. There’s no breakfast offered here, but complimentary local coffee and tea are served throughout the day in the lobby. I appreciate that the standard check out is at 12pm too (if you’re here to party, you’ll appreciate that too).
The villa has loft, balcony, and courtyard rooms, as well as suites if you’re traveling as a family or with friends. All rooms are bedecked with antique furniture like beautiful wooden headboards and nightstands, as well as artwork on the walls. The rooms and accompanying bathrooms are a bit small and don’t have a ton of amenities (this is a budget-friendly guesthouse after all), but all rooms have a flatscreen TV, a seating area, and complimentary toiletries. Some rooms have minifridges, though there’s also a fridge and microwave in the lobby for all guests to use. This is the perfect choice for budget-conscious travelers looking to be in the heart of the French Quarter.
2. Inn at the Old Jail
As the name suggests, this Victorian building and national historic landmark was an actual jail in 1902. It then became a library before being transformed into a boutique hotel that’s now run by two brothers. While not everyone will want to stay in a former jail, I personally love the history and think it’s super unique. There are also great amenities, like a rooftop deck and a full guest kitchen to use (there’s no restaurant and thus no breakfast available on site).
Each of the nine rooms here are distinct. If you aren’t easily creeped out, you can stay in their most budget-friendly room — literally called The Cage — where you’ll find a former inmate’s name carved into the wall. Otherwise, the rooms feature high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and wood-panel wainscoting on the walls that comes from reclaimed Katrina debris (something I find really neat). All rooms have antique furniture and queen beds with memory-foam mattresses. The bathrooms have joint shower/tub combos with classic subway-tiled walls and complimentary toiletries.
The hotel is located in Tremé, an area that’s off the typical tourist trail. I love this area in particular because of all the traditional Creole and Cajun fare you can find here. It’s a great choice for foodies.
3. St. Charles Coach House
Located on historic St. Charles Street in the Lower Garden District, this three-star hotel was built in 1921. They just renovated the entire place, so the rooms have a warm contemporary design, while the lobby and other common spaces feature historic touches like exposed brick. There’s no breakfast served at the hotel, but Avenue Café (less than a block away) serves tasty breakfast options for every palate.
The rooms are spacious, with soft tones, a minimalist design, and lots of natural light. All rooms have a desk, comfy chair to sit in, Keurig coffee maker, flatscreen TV, fridge, and thick mattresses. I like that the newly updated bathrooms have a lot of counter space, bright and fun tiled floors, complimentary toiletries, and walk-in showers with great water pressure (always a plus for me). This is a great, budget-friendly place to stay in the leafy Garden District. Plus, the streetcar stops right out front so it’s easy to get around the city from here.
4. Creole Gardens Inn
This friendly guesthouse is located in a historic 19th-century antebellum mansion in the Garden District. The couple who run the place are warm and welcoming, and every morning there’s a fantastic (and included) breakfast spread featuring freshly baked quiches, fruit, yogurts, and freshly baked sweet pastries like sticky buns and apple fritters. The tranquil inner courtyard is shaded with banana trees and the perfect place to relax after a long day exploring.
The funky rooms are all different, from small rooms in the cottage to sprawling suites in the mansion. (There’s even a room that’s supposed to be haunted!) All rooms have boldly painted walls adorned with unique local artwork, hardwood floors, and eclectic furniture like four-poster beds and large wooden wardrobes. While the amenities are fairly basic, the beds are thick and comfortable, and the large windows let in a lot of light. I’d say this is a great choice if you’re looking for a bed and breakfast where you can experience true southern hospitality!
5. Serenity in the Marigny
Serenity is like a cross between a high-end bed & breakfast and a resort. The rooms are on the first floor, and on the second floor, there’s a full-service spa. There, you can get a variety of massages or spend time in the sauna. There’s even a rooftop hot tub and lounge to relax in. As a B&B, breakfast is included. I like that it’s a healthy spread of lots of fresh fruits, yogurt, granola, pastries, and homemade hot dishes like pancakes or waffles. I also really enjoy that you can chat with the owners over breakfast to get local tips on what to see and do (and where to eat). It really makes the whole experience that much more personal.
The rooms have a chic design, with modern art on the walls and unique chandeliers brightening the space. Each even has its own private entrance. While the rooms are a bit on the smaller side, they have comfy pillow-top beds, Smart TVs, and a desk. The big bathrooms are beautifully tiled and have rainfall shower heads with good water pressure. They also provide tons of towels as well as complimentary toiletries. This is a really relaxing and tranquil place to stay in the Marigny.
5. Maison Métier
This place is perfect if you’re looking for luxury but want to stay in a bigger hotel with more facilities. Located in the Warehouse District, this five-star hotel is absolutely gorgeous. The highlight for me, though, is that there’s an eclectic cocktail bar on-site and you enter through a secret bookcase (it used to be a library). It’s a really cool bar too, with red built-in bookcases, colorful furniture, patterned rugs, and excellent drinks. There’s also a cocktail bar in the classically designed lobby too, where every evening they offer complimentary wine, cheese, charcuterie and fresh fruit.
While breakfast isn’t included (and I find it kind of expensive), it’s delicious and served in yet another beautifully designed room with lots of natural light. As a hotel guest, you get access to the fitness center and pool across the street.
As for the rooms, they are spacious and elegant, with high ceilings, large windows, and unique artwork on the walls. The huge bathrooms are stunning too, with deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, tiled floors, and complimentary toiletries. In-room amenities include a 55” TV, mini-fridge, blackout curtains, and a seating area with sofa/chair. Another nice touch is that you can get coffee or tea delivered to your room every morning (for free). I absolutely love this hotel. It perfectly hits the mark of being both funky and interesting yet refined and luxurious. And it’s in a great location too!
The Big Easy is one of those must-visit places in the world. It’s got a rich culture and unique energy that can’t be beat. Plus, there are tons of things to do (that don’t involve frozen drinks on rowdy Bourbon Street). No matter how you spend your time in NOLA, choose from the hotels above and you’re sure to have an excellent stay!
Book Your Trip to New Orleans: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- SafetyWing (best for everyone)
- InsureMyTrip (for those over 70)
- Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)
Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.
Need a Guide?
New Orleans has some really interesting tours. My favorite company is Take Walks. They have expert guides and can get you behind the scenes at the city’s best attractions. They’re my go-to walking tour company!
Want More Information on the United States?
Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the United States for even more planning tips!
Photo credit: 2 – Villa Convento, 3 – Inn at the Old Jail, 4 – St. Charles Coach House, 5 – Creole Gardens Inn, 6 – Serenity at the Marigny, 7 – Maison Métier.
The post The 6 Best Hotels in New Orleans appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.
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