New Orleans Hotels

The New Orleans tourism and hospitality industry rebounded slowly after the 2005 hurricanes, and the local economy may take years to fully recover. In some ways this has proven to be an advantage to visitors, and hotels and other lodging options are more competitive with one another than they have ever been. That has meant added amenities, increased concierge services, upgrades, and more stable room rates; the best deals are usually found on hotels' individual Web sites.

Deciding where to stay in New Orleans has everything to do with what you want from your visit. To soak up the local color and experience the city's rich culture, a French Quarter hotel or bed-and-breakfast is your best choice. For a quieter, more serene experience in close proximity to major attractions, head to comfortable properties Uptown, in the Garden District, and in surrounding areas like the Faubourg Marigny. Business travelers will find the elegant, well-appointed Central Business District (CBD) hotels convenient, comfortable, and designed with business in mind. And if you appreciate the contemporary chic ambience of historic warehouses and commercial buildings that have been refashioned into elegant hotels, head to the Warehouse District, where massive spaces with exposed brick walls add distinctive atmosphere to both moderately priced and upscale hotels.

New Orleans honors its European heritage with facilities and services tailored for international travelers, and it attracts families with its diverse collection of tourist attractions. Many hotels are within walking distance of such area attractions as the Riverwalk shopping complex and Harrah's New Orleans casino. New Orleans, much like New York, is a "walking city." If you are visiting for the first time, try to book one of the hotels that is centrally located and within walking distance of major attractions. Lodging descriptions in this chapter frequently indicate centrally-located properties. Many hotels are also located near the city's streetcar lines. At this writing, streetcars were running along the riverfront and on Canal Street in the downtown area; parts of the historic St. Charles line were operating, and the entire line was due to be back up by the end of 2007.

When you book, remember to check the hotel's Web site for detailed descriptions or call local reservation services for lists of facilities that meet your price and location needs. Be aware that many hotels run Internet-only specials, and you may find price breaks by hotel shopping online. With respect to physically challenged travelers, all large hotels are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Some guesthouses and B&B inns in 19th-century structures are not fully equipped for people with disabilities.

If you plan to visit the city more than once, try to create a different lodging experience each time. For your first visit, try a large, bustling, downtown hotel; for your next visit, perhaps a romantic getaway in an outlying guesthouse, where old-world charm and atmosphere are so proudly preserved.

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