Best hotels in New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

Question

What is the best hotel to stay at for mardi gras in new orleans? I want to be right up in all the action. Im going with a group of like 10-15 people all between 22 and 25 years old. We want a good party spot! Any other mardi gras tips welcome too!

Answer 1

The Andrew Jackson Hotel. it's also one of the cheapest too.

Answer 2

try to see about the Orleans, or possibly windsor court if you've got the money.

All the action is there, downtown.

Or if you're lucky you could rent an apartment in the Quarter from the owner.

good luck

Answer 3

You should try to book now as many hotels book a year in advance. You  best bet to be right there is something close to Canal. Anything in the french quarter will work as well but if you select something toward the canal side of the quarter you will be more in the thick of things. There are a few hotels that offer balconies overlooking Bourbon street. Although the parades dont actually come in to the quarter Bourbon street is hoping and where people filter through. Hotels which offer these rooms are again are probably booked but they are Inn on Bourbon, Royal Sonesta and Bourbon Orleans. There are also so options on the other side of Canal within a block which are nice. Much beyond a block or 2 you might want to rethink. Have fun.

Answer 4

Any of the hotels actually in the French Quarter are great for Mardi Gras.

The Royal Sonesta and the Inn on Bourbon are two hotels with balcony rooms that overlook Bourbon Street.  However, people who get those rooms and want to eventually sleep have problems with the crowd noise from the street.

Go to www.frenchquarterhotels.com for some non-chain options.  Also check the travel sites (Orbitz, Travelocity, etc.) and the hotel websited (Holiday Inn, Marriott, etc.).  Note that most hotels require a multi-night pre-paid booking during the last 5 days of Mardi Gras (Mardi Gras Day in 2009 is February 24th, and MGD is the LAST day of the celebrations - not the first or only.

Hotels in the Central Business District between the Convention Center and the French Quarter are also OK (but stay in the FQ if you can).

You don't need a car in New Orleans for Mardi Gras.  If you drive here or rent a car leave it in a lot or garage unless you travel away from the city.  Parking a car on the street in downtown New Orleans during Carnival is a recipe for having it towed away by parking Control.

Go to www.mardigras.com for more info on Carnival in New Orleans.  The FAQ eection may be particularly useful to you.

Go to www.frenchquarter.com for info on the FQ, and the site has an interactive map.

Hope you have a great time!