How to Book a Hotel in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

One of the distinctive features of Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the wall-to-wall celebrations that take place in the streets. The parades and parties that erupt in the French Quarter each February pour from the streets onto the sidewalks and hotels. You need to book a hotel in New Orleans that allows you quick access to Mardi Gras festivities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Arrange Accommodations

1. Peruse hotel listings in Metairie to save money and enjoy the Southern comforts of New Orleans. This suburb is located approximately 10 miles from the French Quarter and offers a variety of stylish hotels for travelers. Look for a Metairie hotel with a shuttle service to Mardi Gras festivities.
2. Budget a significant amount of money for nightly stays at hotels in the French Quarter. Most hotels on Bourbon Street and other central streets in the Quarter can cost several times more than hotels in suburban areas. These hotels offer antique touches that reflect the French, Native American and African-American roots of the city.
3. Travel down riverfront streets in the French Quarter as you book your hotel for Mardi Gras. There are relatively inexpensive hotels located southwest of the French Quarter on Decatur Street and North Peters Street.
4. Look to major chain hotels around the Louisiana Superdome and City Hall when you book accommodations in New Orleans. There are several bus lines that take you from the Superdome to Mardi Gras festivities all day long. These hotels provide good amenities and allow you easy access to the airport as your trip ends.
5. View the beauty of New Orleans from a streetcar as you leave your Garden District hotel. This section of New Orleans has a number of small hotels that combine classic French architecture with Southern hospitality. The Garden District is located about 20 minutes from the French Quarter by streetcar.
6. Plan a long stay in New Orleans by checking into a hotel in the Warehouse District. This district features hotels located within minutes of Harrah's Casino, Canal Place and the Mississippi River. You can find good rates in the Warehouse District with some advance planning.

Tips & Warnings

• Search for accommodations in New Orleans that feature a sizable balcony area. There are a number of hotels with premium pricing that have individual balconies that allow visitors to throw their own Mardi Gras parties. You can save money by finding a hotel with a balcony on each level.