The Best Affordable Hotels for Mardi Gras in New Orleans

mardi gras


The Daily Navigator strives to help you make the best personal finance decisions. While we produce content according with strict editorial integrity this post may contain references to partner products. Here’s a full explanation for how our team makes money.

This post contains one or more references to our advertisers. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. For our full advertising policy, click here.

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.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone. This post contains references to products from one or more of our partners and we may receive compensation when you click on links to those products.

Stay in the know

Get expert insight into credit cards, loyalty programs, financial tips, and more delivered right to your inbox.

Related Stories

Smart Points Logo

Stay in the know with
Smart Points Newsletter

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Get expert insight into travel credit cards, loyalty programs, points tips, and more. Recent edition →

Advertiser Disclosure

This article contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. The relationship may impact how an offer is being presented. Our site doesn’t include all the offers available. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

DFC Partner Perks App Link Image
Special Discounts for Our Members

Save Big with Perks

Get $5,000+ in immediate travel savings with Perks. Unlock next level travel benefits, for life. Get discounts from the world’s best travel brands you won’t find anywhere else. No credit required.

DFC Concierge App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

93% off lifetime access

Save $1,200 and 10 hours of your time on every vacation. With Lifetime access to DFC Concierge, get fully customized trip itineraries to make every vacation unforgettable.

Dollar Flight Club App Link Image
Special Discount for Our Members

50% Off PREMIUM

You can save up to $500 on your next adventure without lifting a finger get email alerts when we find flights up to 90% off leaving your home airport. Just let us know your departure airport and we’ll do the rest.

The Daily Navigator Commitment

The Daily Navigator is an integral part of the larger DFC Media family. Through each of our brands, we’re dedicated to helping our readers travel, spend, and live smarter.

With products dedicated to affordable travel, educational content, and personal finance, we deliver the day’s essential content with none of the filler — all in a way that’s fast, easy, and fun to read. Every day million of audience members trust us to deliver educational content so that they can make informed decisions faster. We hope you’ll join them.

We’re happy to have you here!