How to Choose a Bed and Breakfast in the French Quarter

Visiting the Big Easy can be a wonderful way to spend a weekend or a week, and with tons of things to do and spend money on, choosing a place to stay that fits your budget can be a vital part of planning the trip. The French Quarter is full of bed and breakfasts, so finding the one that is just right for you can take some time and thought. Whether it's just a place to lay your head after partying all night on Bourbon Street or an integral part of the New Orleans experience, choosing a good bed and breakfast may be the easiest part of your trip.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet access
• Map of the French Quarter

1. Start with a map of the French Quarter. Mark the sites and locations that you intend to spend the most time visiting. If Bourbon Street is the focus of your visit, you may want a bed and breakfast closer to the heart of the French Quarter. If you intend to take several of the walking tours, most of which begin on Decatur Street of near Jackson Square, you may want a place to crash closer to the water.

2. Check the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce website (see Resources). The website offers a directory to most lodging in the city and can help you match the location of a bed and breakfast with your price range.

3. Make a list of amenities that you want or need in a bed and breakfast. Many of the locations are old homes converted to lodging and as such are not wired for internet connections or even cable television. If these things are necessary to you, then you absolutely must double check with the bed and breakfast before booking to see if they offer these services.

4. Ask about off-street parking. If you are driving the New Orleans, parking will be an absolute must and since space is at a premium in the French Quarter, many hotels and bed and breakfasts do not offer off-street parking. Ask if it is offered and what the additional cost is. It almost guaranteed will not be included in your room price. If you are flying in or taking the train, ask the hotel about transportation. Many lodgings offer shuttles to the train station, the airport and various locations within the French Quarter.

5. Investigate discounts. Many of the bed and breakfasts offer discounts for multi-night stays or on tours booked through their concierge. Most also offer lower room prices during the off-season (during the summer or hurricane season).

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to ask about the breakfast offered. Some hotels offer a full sit down breakfast and the meal is a definite perk of the lodging and others offer an assortment of sweet rolls and coffee. Make sure that the lodging you choose fits your breakfast style.
• Since most of the French Quarter is within walking distance of the rest of the Quarter, consider lodging on the edges of the Quarter for the best price.
• Many of the older buildings that have been converted to bed and breakfasts lack the amenities of a more modern hotel, including elevators and in room air conditioning. If you have trouble climbing stairs, be sure to ask about the availability of an elevator and ask about temperature controls in the rooms.

Resources

• New Orleans Chamber of Commerce
• Creole House Hotel