Hotel recommendations for New Orleans
 

Hello,
We are planning a quick trip to New Orleans at the end of October. This is a last-minute decision. We will have 4 nights. Our tentative dates are to arrive on October 25 and depart on October 29. Based on some quick research, the French Quarter and the Garden District interests us the most. My husband visited New Orleans in the 1970's and I have never been. We prefer not to spend more than $200 per night. We prefer smaller (non-chain) hotels or inns. But will stay in a chain hotel if nothing else is available at this late date. We don't like pet-friendly places because my husband has allergies.

And I would appreciate restaurant recommendations, too. We love seafood, so gumbo, crawfish, jambalaya would be great. Creole and Cajun food. Prefer to eat where the locals eat.
Thanks!

I have not been to New Orleans, but a friend who has been several times likes to stay here:
https://www.frenchmarketinn.com/

Seems to be a good location and gets good reviews, but I don't immediately see info about pets on their website. Looks like they have availability on your dates.

It's been years and years since I was there but posters on another travel forum recommended Atchafalaya, Patois and Antoine's (1840).

We were in New Orleans in December. For classic restaurants, we would highly recommend Antoine’s. Galatoire’s food was fine but we found the main dining room too loud and party-ish (think bachelorette noise) and, when seated in a side room, we were forgotten for a long time. Near the excellent World War II museum are Cochon and Cochon Butcher where we enjoyed lunch—focus is on meats, cured meats, sausages—so not for the dieter or the delicate eater. My favorite dinner was at Brigtsen’s; you’ll need a cab from the French Quarter, worth the journey.

I was in New Orleans for a conference in June. We added a few days to the trip and managed to see and do quite a bit. For restaurants we liked Maypop, Marjie's Grill, Herbsaint and Cochon Butcher quite a bit, as well as Backatown Coffee Parlor for a light brunch and good coffee after a cemetery tour. I found Eater New Orleans very helpful. The Tripadvisor New Orleans forum also has a number of locals who post regularly.

Where did you stay in New Orleans? I will check out the TripAdvisor forum. Thanks!

And thank you to k_marie, Nelson and PrairieHiker1. Will check out your restaurant recs and the French Market Inn.

k_marie, where did you stay in NO?

Is anyone familiar with the Best Western Plus French Quarter Courtyard Hotel? I know I said we prefer non-chains, but I am finding prices to be a bit high. The Best Western is $204 on booking.com, and it looks very nice.

The hotels recommended on Trip Advisor are high, too. Well above $200.

I stayed at the hotel where my conference was, the JW Marriott. I didn't mention it because I'm pretty sure we had a special rate. Location was good for walking to the French Quarter and also taking the St. Charles and Canal Street streetcars.

The hotel Nelson listed looks nice. Have you looked at hotels in the Garden District?

Leely2, the French Market Inn looks very nice. I found a AAA rate of $210 so I might reserve it. The French Market Inn doesn't have a restaurant. We usually like to have breakfast at our hotel because it is faster. But on the other hand, it might be nice to try different restaurants nearby for breakfast.

I did look at the Ponchatrain and Henry Howard in the Garden District but they are pricey. What would be a better neighborhood, the French Quarter or Garden District? Are they close to each other? I could look for something less expensive in the Garden District. I am torn between the 2 locations.

Try Bourbon Orleans or Hotel Provincial. Both are well located and were reasonably priced when I stayed there, though that was several years ago.

Don’t stay in the garden district-too far from the Quarter. I love Hotel Monteleone (their beignets at breakfast as heaven). I also love Mr B for BBQ shrimp and it is right across the street.

I also love the Hilton on St Charles. Just outside the FQ so it’s quieter but everything is easy walking distance. Herbsaint is just up the street and one my my favorite restaurants. I am not a big fan of Galatoire’s, Arnaud’s or Antoine’s.

Hotel prices are higher in Fall so finding something nice for less than $200 is harder. The Central Business District is just across Canal St and will be less expensive. Very easy walk and quieter (in fact some of my fav restaurants are in the CBD). I often stay in the CBD instead of the FQ. You might take a look at Bienville House-my sister stayed there years ago and was happy with it. Another potential option is ST James Hotel on Magazine Street….again not in the FQ but very short walk.

I checked Bourbon Orleans and Hotel Provincial. They are both expensive, about $50 to $80 per night over our budget so that adds up for 4 nights. What I am finding is that hotel rates double on Friday nights. Unfortunately, our last night is Friday night. I can't change my plans because I have already made airline reservations.

Denisea, I have noticed the hotel prices are very high, and as I mentioned in my previous post, the rates double on Friday nights. I didn't realize hotel prices would be higher in the fall; I thought they would be lower.

Is the Central Business District also referred to as the Warehouse District? A friend suggested looking in the Warehouse District. She suggested Le Pavilion and the Pelham. How long would the walk be from CBD to the French Quarter? I had my heart set on the French Quarter, but I also notice that restaurant prices are quite high, too. My husband would rather spend less on accommodations so we can have more money for good food. We love Cajun, Creole, seafood, especially shrimp and oysters!

I will check out the 2 hotels you mention.
Thanks!

Still leaning towards French Market Inn.
One reason I am so indecisive is that I am reading reviews, and the same hotel will get awesome reviews and then some horrible reviews. Makes it hard to decide.

I'm afraid the $200 hotel is now the $300 hotel, these days. At least, that's what I've noticed. We just paid over $150 for a Holiday Inn Express on a Saturday night in small town USA.

For oysters, either Felix's or Acme. I love Bayona, it's just such a beautiful room and delicious food. Galatoire's for traditional old school NOLA experience. Oh, and Commander's Palace, it's old school as well, but just lovely and very special. So many places it's hard to stop with recommendations.

Everyone raves about the WWII Museum, we hope to see it next year. There are some nice walking tours in the FQ, the Cabildo has a good one.

Don't stray too far off the main streets in the evening. Have fun!

Sweetannie, you are right about the hotel room rates, unfortunately! I guess I am spoiled. We were in Greece last May, and the prices were so reasonable. Our most expensive hotel was $230 and that was on Santorini, which is notorious for being expensive.

Thanks for the restaurant recs. My friend recommended Felix's as well. And thanks for the walking tour rec. I definitely want to take a guided tour of the FQ and perhaps the Garden District.
Just looked up the Acme Oyster House. The price is right and the kind of food we love!

Fall and especially Fall weekends in NOLA are hotel pricey—better weather and football!

yeah-CBD and warehouse are kinda the same area but literally from the Hilton on St Charles it is not even a 5 minute walk. It’s a very compact area.

le Pavilon is gorgeous but it won’t be $200/night.

Peche is also great for seafood and I second Acme for seafood and red beans and rice

We are going in November and staying in the Warehouse District. It's less than a 15 minute walk to the restaurants we are going to: R'evolution and GW Fins, both of which are in the French Quarter. We'll also be walking to the Super Dome for a football game. We like the Warehouse District because it's not directly in the French Quarter but just outside. We are staying at the Virgin Hotel but that's going to be out of your price range.

Denisea and AustinTraveler, thank you for your restaurant recommendations. It's much appreciated. The menus at every restaurant sound so delicious and amazing.

Sure. I have been to NOLA a lot as I live in the Southeast and have had business there in almost every healthcare market I have been in. You are going at a great time weather wise so I am sure you’ll enjoy it.

let me know if I can answer anything else.

Not that you need another recommendation but I will throw mine on the pile for Acme Oyster. Queues for both lunch and dinner start early and I have been more than happy to take a seat at the bar to enjoy their fresh oysters. Multiple days.

We've stayed at the Hotel Monteleone on Royal Street the last three trips to NO in part b/c of its proximity to Acme. It's also close to Cafe Beignet, an outpost of French Truck Coffee, some sweet little antique shops, and walking distance to the WWII Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. There is a great supermarket, Rouses, on Baronne Street if you like having wine & snacks in your room. It's very close to the Virgin Hotel AustinTraveler mentioned.

I booked Le Pavillon!!!! I usually reserve through booking.com but decided to check out Le Pavillon's website. They are offering a special: stay 3 nights and get the 4th night free!!! Our 4th night is Friday night, and Friday night rates are double! I can't believe my luck. I know I said I wanted to stay in the French Quarter but I couldn't pass up this bargain. So we are paying $711.66 for 4 nights and that includes taxes. I have to pay a one-night deposit, which is refundable if we cancel 72 hours prior to arrival.

Approximately how long will the walk be from Le Pavillon to FQ?

October will be a beautiful time to be in NOLA. My husband was there in the 1970's during the summer, and all he remembers is being drenched in sweat and taking 3 showers a day!

Now we have more money to spend on food!:) If I sound too budget conscious, it's because we are old retirees!;)

Thank you everyone for all of your help! I really appreciate it.

Jackson Square will take you less than 20 minutes walking from Le Pavillon. Your hotel is located just at the edge of the FQ and just a few minutes walk to the Virgin, where I'm staying. I picked the location out because of the easy walking distances so you're good! If you use Google Maps, all you have to do is map out your hotel and then get walking directions to your destination by clicking on the walking man icon instead of car. Hope that makes sense.

AustinTraveler, thanks for your helpful information. My husband uses google maps when we are in new cities so your instructions make sense!

Have a great trip. The restaurants I listed above may be more contemporary/modern than what you're looking for, but no doubt you won't go hungry in NOLA no matter what you choose!

Leely2, thank you. We will have a great trip. For a splurge, Herbsaint looks great, along with Peche and a few others. Cochon Butcher looks like a nice casual and reasonable place for lunch. I like the sandwiches and small plates. Thanks for all your suggestions.

Years ago we stayed at the Dauphine Orleans and really liked it. I just checked and there are rates under $200 for Sunday through Wednesday at the end of October.

Later we stayed at the more private and very nice section across the street - the Hermann House. Much more expensive though.