6 Best Hotels in New Orleans (Updated 2024)

New Orleans One of my favorite places in the world (and that's saying something). There's just something magical about this city. The people and energy make it impossible not to have a good time here. It really recovered from Hurricane Katrina (I went there afterward and it was completely different). I'm glad to see this city thrive.

It’s a popular destination, and not just for Carnival. It also hosts many conferences, music festivals and bachelor parties. There is a lot to see and do hereTherefore, there are many hotels to choose from. But not all of them are worth staying in.

So, to help you save time on research and ensure you have a good experience, here are my favorite hotels in New Orleans based on my countless visits:

1. Monastery Villa

Villa Convento has a lot of history. Located in the famous French Quarter, the building was once a convent and is said to be the inspiration for the famous 1960s song “House of the Rising Sun” by the band Animals. Personally, I loved the old-world charm of this hotel: the impressive arched check-in desk, the wood panels and exposed brick walls, the chandeliers in the hallway. It's gorgeous. There's no breakfast here, but free local coffee and tea are available in the lobby all day. I liked that the standard check-out time is 12 noon (you'll also like this if you're here to party).

The villa features loft, balcony, and patio rooms, as well as suites if you're traveling with family or friends. All rooms are furnished with antique furniture, such as beautiful wooden headboards and nightstands, and art on the walls. The rooms and en suite bathrooms are a bit small and don't have a lot of amenities (this is a budget inn, after all), but all rooms have flat-screen TVs, seating areas, and free toiletries. Some rooms have mini-fridges, but there is also a fridge and microwave in the lobby for all guests to use. This is perfect for budget travelers who want to stay in the heart of the French Quarter.

2. The Old Gaol Hotel

As the name suggests, this Victorian-style building and National Historic Landmark was a real prison in 1902. It later became a library, then a boutique hotel, and is now run by two brothers. While not everyone wants to stay in a former prison, I personally love its history and think it's very unique. There are also great amenities here, like a rooftop terrace and a fully equipped guest kitchen (there's no restaurant on the property, so no breakfast is served).

Each of the nine rooms here has its own character. If you're not too scared, stay in their most affordable room – literally “The Cage” – and you'll find a former inmate's name carved into the wall. Other than that, the rooms have high ceilings, original hardwood floors, and the wood wainscoting on the walls comes from recycled Hurricane Katrina debris (which I think is really nice). All rooms are furnished with antique furniture and queen beds with memory foam mattresses. The bathrooms have shower/tub combinations, classic subway tile on the walls, and free toiletries.

This hotel is located in Tremé. Areas off the typical tourist trailI particularly like this place because you can find a variety of traditional Creole and Cajun food here. It is a great choice for foodies.

3. St. Charles Carriage House

This 3-star hotel on historic St. Charles Street in the Lower Garden District was built in 1921. The hotel has just undergone a renovation throughout the property, so the rooms have a warm, modern design, while the lobby and other public spaces retain historic elements such as exposed brick. The hotel does not offer breakfast, but Avenue Café (less than a block away) serves a delicious breakfast that suits all tastes.

The rooms are spacious, with soft colors, minimalist design, and lots of natural light. All rooms have desks, comfy chairs, Keurig coffee makers, flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and thick mattresses. I loved the newly renovated bathrooms, which had lots of counter space, bright fun tile floors, free toiletries, and a walk-in shower with great water pressure (always a plus for me). This is a great, inexpensive place to stay in the leafy Garden District. Plus, the tram stops right in front of the hotel, so it's easy to get around the city.

4. Creole Garden Inn

This friendly inn is located in a historic 19th century antebellum mansion in the Garden District. The warm and welcoming couple who run the inn offer a hearty breakfast each morning (included in the room rate) that includes freshly baked quiche, fruit, yogurt, and freshly baked sweet pastries such as sticky bread and apple pie. The peaceful inner courtyard, shaded by banana trees, is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring.

The funky rooms vary from tiny rooms in the lodge to spacious suites in the mansion. (One room is even said to be haunted!) All feature walls painted in bold colors, unique local artwork, hardwood floors, and eclectic furnishings 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 lots of light. I'd say if you're looking for a bed and breakfast where you can experience some true Southern hospitality, this is a great choice!

5. Tranquility in Marigny

Serenity is like a cross between a high-end B&B and a resort. The rooms are located on the first floor, and there is a full-service spa on the second floor. There, you can enjoy a variety of massages or saunas. There is even a rooftop hot tub and lounge to relax in. Being a B&B, breakfast is included. I loved the abundance of fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, pastries, and homemade hot dishes like pancakes or waffles. I also really liked that you can chat with the owners at breakfast and learn about local attractions and activities (and places to eat). It really makes the whole experience more personal.

The rooms are chicly designed with modern art on the walls and unique chandeliers lighting up the space. Each room even has its own private entrance. Although the rooms are small, they come with comfortable pillow-top mattresses, smart TVs, and desks. The spacious bathrooms are beautifully tiled and have rain showerheads with good water pressure. They also provide plenty of towels and free toiletries. This is a truly relaxing and peaceful place to stay in Marini.

5. Craftsman's House

If you're after luxury but want to stay in a larger hotel with more amenities, this is the place for you. This five-star hotel is located in the warehouse district and is absolutely gorgeous. The highlight for me, though, was the eccentric cocktail bar inside the hotel, which you access through a secret bookshelf (it used to be a library). It's also a really cool bar with red built-in bookshelves, colorful furniture, patterned rugs, and great drinks. There's also a cocktail bar in the classically designed lobby, and every evening they offer free wine, cheese, charcuterie, and fresh fruit.

While breakfast was not included in the room rate (and I thought it was a bit pricey), it was delicious and served in another beautifully designed room with lots of natural light. As a hotel guest you have 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 also amazing, with deep soaking tubs, walk-in showers, tile floors, and free toiletries. In-room amenities include a 55-inch TV, mini-fridge, blackout curtains, and a seating area with a sofa/chair. Another nice touch is that you can have coffee or tea delivered to your room every morning (complimentary). I absolutely love this hotel. It perfectly captures the combination of fun and sophisticated luxury. And it's in a great location too!

New Orleans is one of the must-visit places in the world. It has an unparalleled rich culture and unique vitality. In addition, There is a lot to do (Not including iced beverages on rowdy Bourbon Street.) No matter how you spend your time in New Orleans, choose one of the hotels listed above and you're sure to have a great time!