Armstrong Airport

When and where should I book a hotel in New Orleans for Mardi Gras 2010?

I go to Tulane University and my parents and siblings are coming down next year for Mardi Gras. I was wondering if it was a good idea to book a hotel near campus or near the french quarter. Any specific places? Also when is the best time to book so that the hotels don't fill up before we can get rooms?

Public Comments

1. There are only a couple of hotels close to Tulane - the Columns and a Best Western on Saint Charles Avenue. Both are uptown from Napoleon Avenue (where the parades start) so getting to/from them won't be much of a problem when Saint Charles is closed to traffic. There are obviously many, many hotel choices downtown. To stay uptown or downtown depends on what your family would want to do while they visit. If they are mainly traveling to New Orleans to visit you and do regular tourist things you can decide if them being closer to the campus would be more convenient. Obviously, the Columns would be a more dramatic place to stay. Many people who live in New Orleans get a hotel room downtown for Mardi Gras to use as a "base" while they watch parades and party, and staying close to Tulane can't accomplish that. If your family is visiting to attend Mardi Gras you really should use a hotel in the city center, preferably in the French Quarter. Most of the hotels in the FQ are inside the area that is a "no vehicles" zone for the last Friday to Tuesday of Carnival. Guests can theoretically still drive to/from their hotel by using a pass (printed by NOPD but issued by the hotel) and taxis are exempt from the restriction. However, the amount of people on the street often makes it impossible to get to/from a hotel except on foot. If that isn't a problem then stay at whatever hotel you like. Hint: Rooms that face the street are often very noisy > all night < during Carnival because of the crowds outside. That is extremely true of balcony rooms at the Royal Sonesta and the Ramada Inn on Bourbon. Ask for an interior or courtyard room unless you sleep while using earplugs. If money is no object, get a Bourbon Street balcony room to party and an interior room to sleep. If vehicle access for the hotel is a necessity, use a hotel inside the FQ but outside the "no vehicles" zone. Examples are the Provincial, the Le Richelieu, and LaMothe House. Most hotels in New Orleans demand a deposit + a multi-night reservation for a stay during the last 5 days of Carnival. If you have problems booking online then call the hotel and talk to a human. Check the travel sites like Expedia & Orbitz plus check the hotel websites once you narrow your choices. Go to www.frenchquarterhotels.com for some non-chain hotels in the FQ. NOW is not too early to make reservations for next Mardi Gras. It may actually be too late to get balcony rooms on Bourbon Street. If their trip isn't completely confirmed you should still make a reservation somewhere that doesn't require a deposit so you know you have a place to stay guaranteed. I believe the Holiday Inn Staybridge Suites (Poydras & Tchoupitoulas) does not require a deposit. It is not in the FQ but is in an acceptable location. Good luck!
2. Maybe you ought to go ahead and get an idea right now. I guess the London Lodge isn't good enough for your taste since it is on Airline Hwy, close to where Tulane Ave. and Carrollton converge. Anyways; here's the upscale list if you want it with contact info:
3. I don't think you can book a room just yet, it may be another month or two. Some hotels may allow you to book now. It really depends on where you want to stay and how close you want to be to everything. There are hotels on Bourbon but they are going to be pricey it all depends on how much you want to spend and where you want to be. The Sheraton on Canal is really nice and you aren't too far away from Bourbon and I don't think their prices are too high. It's a really nice hotel and you'll be able to party on Bourbon but be able to go to bed and get away from the noise. Royal St is a good place to look and so are the the streets that cross Bourbon, I'berville is close to Canal and far enough away from where the parties will be on Bourbon that you can get back to your room and some peace. There's also a parking garage that usually has coupons for half price parking during Mardi Gras that you can get on the Web. Good Luck!
4. It's like Disney World, you need to book a year ahead to get a good hotel. Unless you want to be staying three cities down from New Orleans! Do it now.