This is our first time in New Orleans and we're looking for a hotel in a safe, child-friendly area within a reasonable driving distance (5-10-15 minutes) to the French Quarter but not in the French Quarter. That assuming it's worth staying in an area a bit further away from the action and get better hotel rates in the New Year's Eve timeframe.
Thank you!
Most people recommend NOT getting a rental car and either staying in the French Quarter or nearby and using a very good public transportation system instead. There are lots of hotels in the FQ area. Start looking at rates and see if you can find something and then ask more specific questions:
Thanks, I'll take a look. We'll be driving in, so we'll have a car available, but we don't have a problem leaving it in the hotel parking lot and using public transportation.
Two hotels that offer RELATIVELY inexpensive secure self-park lots are Holiday Inn French Quarter and Le Richelieu. The former is very well located and fairly nice, if somewhat "plain Jane", larger hotel. The latter is a charming, if somewhat "retro", smaller hotel in a quieter corner of the French Quarter.
When figuring you budget keep in mind that parking in or close to the French Quarter, either hotel or day visitor, typically runs $20-30 per day.
Edited: 6:52 pm, December 03, 2012If that was my criteria, I wouldn't HESITATE booking Ashton's Bed and Breakfast. It rates 5 stars, has a GORGEOUS backyard and patio for kids, about a 5 minute drive into the Quarter (also public transportation--just down Esplanade) the loveliest host and hostess you'll ever meet...and one of the most beautiful homes on earth. Patrick had our Flok there for a crawfish boil and you'd think you died and gone to Heaven! It's one of my best memories of New Orleans EVER. Here's the link so you can check it out:
I have been surfing all night for a hotel or b&b -French quarter and looks like all booked up for feb 3-8th....any suggestions. We don't have vehicle. Coming off cruise on way home to Canada . Maybe other area is better?
Shidoll - You should start another thread for your question so that the answers don't get mixed up with the answers for rgrama's question. A quick answer for the reason things are booked up is that Mardi Gras is on Feb 12 this year and the weeks before Mardi Gras are very busy.
A lot of people with cars and kids stay at the Maison St Charles on the St Charles Ave Streetcar Line in the Lower Garden District. Honestly not crazy about it myself, but it is cheap, with free breakfast and free parking, and a Wendy's right next door if you want to save a little on meals.
Good luck finding a decent priced hotel during Mardi Gras. Rates are through the roof and most rooms are gone at this point.
