The Absolute Best Places to Stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras
No matter where you stay, remember two things: Book your hotel as early as possible (and be prepared to pay inflated rates); Mardi Gras isn't just one day, or even one weekend. When planning your visit, consider that there's a full calendar of parades and celebration in the two weekends leading up to Fat Tuesday.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
Why it made the list
The Sheraton, or any of the chain hotels facing Canal Street in the CBD, is for those who want a Mardi Gras experience right in the thick of things. Cons: crowded lobbies, slower service, and lots of drunk tourists. Pros: You can literally step out the door onto the parade route, and you're surrounded by Mardi Gras spirit 24/7 with the throngs of tutus, wigs, and beads that fill the streets for many days leading up to Fat Tuesday.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans
Why it made the list
Carnival spirit is high in this section of the French Quarter, and nearly every parade route is within quick walking distance. Rooms with Bourbon Street-facing balconies give you a chance to throw your own beads at throngs of people down below.
Ace Hotel New Orleans
Why it made the list
A Mardi Gras location for those who want to see-and-be-seen, the Ace is a quick walk to most major parade routes, and its Three Keys music venue throws excellent parties and performances throughout the Carnival season. Spend your off days soaking it up at the rooftop pool.
Pontchartrain Hotel
Why it made the list
This grand hotel faces the parade route on St. Charles Avenue, and you can go downstairs and beg for beads with the masses, or order room service and watch things unfold from the comfort of your room. The Lower Garden District has just the right amount of Carnival revelry.
1896 O'Malley House
Why it made the list
Stay here for the Endymion Parade, Mid City's Saturday afternoon event boasting the largest floats of the season. The neighborhood transforms for the festivities, with barbecues and familial gatherings on every porch, stoop, and driveway. Just down the block on Canal Street, you can catch the streetcar to the French Quarter for further celebrations.
Henry Howard Hotel
Why it made the list
Just a block from St. Charles Avenue, where major parades roll by, this gorgeous boutique hotel inside a Garden District mansion will provide a convenient and comfortable escape when you need a respite from the celebrations. Book this one early: Others might have the same good idea.
The Quisby
Why it made the list
An excellent combination of proximity to parades, value, and sense of place, this chic renovated hostel is on St. Charles Avenue, where almost all major parades pass by. Local families and in-the-know visitors love to watch in this section of town, where viewing is notably less crowded, and marching bands often stop under the overpass (one block away) for extended performances.
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