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A New Orleans Mardi Gras should have a spot reserved on even the most audacious bucket lists. It’s a chaotic mix of culture, food, and unadulterated fun, drawing millions to the streets of Nola every year.
Unfortunately, as Peter Parker found out, with great popularity comes soaring hotel prices. Did I get that wrong?
Spiderman’s woes aside, visiting New Orleans over the Mardi Gras season is an expensive endeavor. Finding a quality hotel for under $300 a night is a feat in and of itself, and many hopeful revelers find themselves priced out.
But, if you’re hoping for a last-minute Louisiana adventure, look no further, as we’ve curated the most affordable hotels in New Orleans over the rest of the Mardi Gras season. At the time of writing, everything was under $300 a night. But move fast, as they might creep up again.
Location: Saint Charles Avenue, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $74 for four people
Vibe: Bare-bones hostel in the thick of the action
The rundown: For sheer affordability, you can’t beat The Quisby. While it is a hostel, it has plenty of private, double, and quadruple rooms, so you don’t have to submit to the pitfalls of a big dorm room. It’s well designed, with bright and light decor, so you’ll stay comfortable on a budget, just steps from the party.
A quadruple room runs at just $74, so a small group could pay as little as $18.50 per person a night. Let’s face it; you won’t be in your room much anyway.
Location: 701 Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $160
Vibe: High comfort, low price, arm’s length from the party
The rundown: You’re in Nola to party, but you do want some sleep at the end of the day, right? The Omni Riverfront has you covered. With rooms starting at just $160 a night, you’ll find yourself in a generous guest room with a tremendous restaurant in the lobby and a wonderful location in the atmospheric warehouse district.
You’re only two miles from the bulk of the Mardi Gras celebrations, so it’s easy to get there but just as simple to retreat to some peace and quiet.
Location: The French Quarter, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $109
Vibe: Edgy fun at great value
The rundown: Moxy already has a reputation as an edgy hotel chain. While each property is an unmistakable member of the range, the designers take liberties to impart a little individuality to their hotels. The French Quarter location is no exception.
The downstairs bar is cool enough to linger a little longer before you head out, and the rooms have edgy decor and generous bathrooms that speak to hotels far more expensive.
Location: The French Quarter, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $94
Vibe: Historic comfort
The rundown: The St. Christopher Hotel is a stunner, inside and out. Its splendid facade and smartly designed guestrooms lean into its history, with exposed brick a highlight of the decor. It’s a high-value hotel but has invested in all the right places in its recent renovation.
There’s no restaurant on-site – another way they’ve managed to cut costs and direct it to the stylish rooms – but they will give you a grab-and-go lunch. Gumbo and King Cake should be in your culinary crosshair anyway.
Location: Downtown New Orleans
Price: Starting at $159
Vibe: Reliable style and comfort
The rundown: Hilton has been hitting the mark with its new openings recently, and the Canopy in Downtown New Orleans is no exception. You’re in safe hands, from the stylish bar to the functional high-end guestrooms.
Prices do fluctuate a little more than some of the other hotels on the list, but you know what you’re getting with this excellent hotel. Its central location can’t be beaten for a comfortable retreat from the madness.
Location: The French Quarter, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $80
Vibe: Historic Louisiana at its finest
The rundown: The Four Points is spectacular. Once the Old French Opera House, the building is steeped in history. The interior courtyard pool is a delight, and its location on Bourbon Street is unmatched. Wood finishes in the rooms and restaurant carry the historic feel throughout the stay, and the service is exceptional.
It’s a little pricier than some of the other options, but it’s arguably the pick of the bunch.
Location: Bywater, New Orleans
Price: Starting at $105
Vibe: Quaint, private exploration base
The rundown: For something completely different, check out The Lookout Inn. The tiny property functions as a BnB, a few miles from the bustle of Bourbon Street. You’ll need a ride or a long walk to get to the festivities, but you’ll be rewarded with privacy and a delightful historic neighborhood.
It could be the perfect option if you’ve already visited the city and are looking for a different experience.
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