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🏨 Where to Stay in New Orleans - From A Local's Perspective

  • Cat Holladay
  • Oct 17, 2025
  • 6 min read

Updated: Nov 6, 2025

Greetings from NOLA brightly colored wall mural. Photo by Cat Holladay
Greetings from NOLA wall mural on Josephine Street in the Lower Garden District, New Orleans, LA. Photo by Cat Holladay

New Orleans is one of those cities that captures your heart instantly - the sound of jazz spilling into the street, the smell of powdered sugar from Café du Monde, and the feeling that every corner has a story.


But if you’re planning a family trip here, you’re probably wondering: where should we stay?


As a local mom obsessed with travel, I’ve helped plenty of friends (and readers) find the perfect spot - safe, walkable, and close to the magic without being in the chaos.


Here’s my honest guide to where to stay in New Orleans, with insights for families, couples, and anyone who wants to feel the soul of the city.


  1. 🌆 The French Quarter: Classic Charm for First-Timers

If it’s your first time in NOLA, staying in or near the French Quarter puts you steps away from everything you came to experience: street performers, live jazz, beignets, and architecture that feels like stepping back in time. It's not where I'd stay as a local, but with small children, the French Quarter puts you in the center of everything, and gives you maximum walkability. I'd recommend getting back to the hotel reasonably early with small children. Once the sun goes down, the party-goers come out in droves in this area.


Ornate ironwork on a balconied building in the French Quarter
Ornate architecture in the French Quarter

Pros: walkable, vibrant, historic, tons of food options.

Cons: can be loud and crowded at night, limited parking.


Family-Friendly Picks for where to stay in New Orleans:

  • Hotel Provincial - classic New Orleans charm and a peaceful courtyard pool.

  • Hotel Monteleone - another classic, this hotel has a famous carousel bar that SPINS! (Take the kids early in the day for a peek, and maybe a ride.)

  • Audubon Cottages – this quaint secluded hotel is a fabulous option with larger, family rooms and a private pool tucked away in a courtyard.


Insider Tip: Request a room facing the courtyards not the street, if you’re traveling with little ones - it can get pretty loud at night in the Quarter.


  1. 🌿 The Garden District & Uptown: Quiet, Shady, and Local

If you’d rather wake up to the sound of streetcars than nightlife, head Uptown. The Garden District is where locals (like us) actually live. It has huge oak-lined streets, grand old homes, and in my opinion, some of the best cafés in the city.


The famous green St. Charles Avenue streetcar in New Orleans.
The famous St. Charles Avenue Streetcar.

Perfect For: Families who want space, quiet, and great food nearby.


Favorite Spots:

  • St. Charles Coach House – modern amenities, right on St. Charles Avenue, so the streetcar drops you off right out front.

  • La Belle Cottage – set in a cute typical New Orleans structure in the Lower Garden District, this is a great option if you want more space as you get two bedrooms.


Don’t Miss: Riding the St. Charles streetcar, it’s a must for kids and the oldest streetcar in the nation!


  1. 🎭 The Marigny & Bywater: For the Artistic Souls

These two neighborhoods border the eastern side of the French Quarter but feel like another world — colorful shotgun houses, local art, and plenty of family-friendly cafés and parks.


Cute pink and baby blue shotgun home with gingerbread millwork in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans.
Cute, artsy shotgun homes abound in the Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods of New Orleans.

Why Stay Here: Local culture, walkability, and authentic NOLA vibes.


Top Pick:

  • Hotel Peter & Paul – a former church turned boutique hotel that’s equal parts cozy and cool.


Insider Tip: This areas is a great base for families who want an Airbnb-style stay with space to spread out.


  1. 🚲 Warehouse District / CBD: Central & Convenient

If you’re here for both sightseeing and modern comfort, the Warehouse District (just south of Canal Street) is perfect. You’re close to the Quarter, yet quieter at night.


Downtown New Orleans rooftops at sunset.
Downtown New Orleans rooftops

Family Perk: Many hotels offer suites with kitchenettes — a lifesaver with kids. This area also has the most chain hotels if that's more your style.


Recommended:

  • Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans – free breakfast and evening snacks = easy win for families.

  • Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery – artsy, pet-friendly, and near great restaurants.


💼 Local’s Packing Tip

Even if you’re staying near the Quarter, you’ll walk a lot. Comfortable shoes are non-negotiable. I swear by these lightweight sneakers, comfortable and stylish for every family member.

  • Moms: These leather Nike sneakers go with dressy or casual outfits and are comfortable despite miles of walking. Plus, because they are leather, your feet stay dry when there's a sudden downpour (which happens often in NOLA).

  • Dads: For those not into OnClouds (no judgment, my husband doesn't like them at either), these Nike shoes are a great option for style and comfort.

  • Brother/Sister: If your kids are 10 or under, I love this brand of shoes! They are nice-looking, EASY to slip on HANDS-FREE(!), wash well, and are reasonably priced. Both my son and daughter love these. They have multiple styles to fit every taste.


And don’t forget reusable water bottles — you’ll need them in the Louisiana heat.


🚲 Getting Around

  • Park your car at the hotel garage or lot and don't move it once you arrive! If you fly in, there is really no need to rent a car from the airport as you can get anywhere you need to go using public transportation or rideshare. Parking is pricey and can be difficult to find in certain locations.

    • NOTE: If you plan to daytrip from the city, to plantations for example, you can rent a car at several downtown hotels.

  • The streetcar is both charming and practical — kids love it. A daily RTA Jazzy pass is only $3 for adults and $1 for children ages 5-18. The pass includes streetcar, bus, AND ferry transportation throughout the city!

  • Rideshare is plentiful, but pricing surges during events and families larger than 6 people may have difficulty finding a vehicle to accommodate everyone.


🛡️ Safety in New Orleans with Kids

New Orleans is a welcoming, family-friendly city but like any urban destination, it’s smart to plan ahead. Here’s how we locals keep our kids safe while exploring:

  • Stick to well-traveled routes. Stay on main streets, especially at night. Areas like the French Quarter, Warehouse District, and Uptown are generally safe and well-patrolled during the daytime.

  • Avoid Bourbon Street after dark. While iconic and certainly a must-see, it’s not exactly stroller-friendly once the evening crowd arrives. Opt for Royal or Chartres Streets for a more relaxed vibe.

  • Use rideshare or the streetcar at night. Uber and Lyft are reliable; avoid walking long distances late in the evening.

  • Watch out for uneven sidewalks. Historic charm sometimes means cracked pavement, we're talking cracks and heaves so large it's comical.

  • Hydrate and beat the heat. New Orleans heat can sneak up on you. Carry refillable bottles and stop for breaks in shaded spots or air-conditioned cafés.

  • Trust your gut. If a street feels too quiet or off the main route, take another path or hop on a streetcar.

💡 Safety tip: Tell your kids to look for police call boxes (blue light poles) if they get separated — and snap a quick photo of what they’re wearing each day before heading out.

💼 Shop Our Faves/ What We Never Forget to Pack

🕶️ Lightweight polarized sunglasses - Everyone has their favorite brands of sunglasses, so for adults, pack your own. But for kids, we love these. Lightweight, stays on their small faces, and made of rubber so when dropped (because we all know everything ends up on the ground with kids) they survive the fall. Also love that they have multiple sizes to semi-customize the fit!

🎒 Compact daypack for kids

👕 Breathable tees and sundresses - Cotton and merino wool are your best friends when it comes to travel! Merino wool has a natural anti-odor quality, which enables you to re-wear between washes without smelling! If you prefer cotton, we like this brand.

💧 Collapsible water bottles - We love this brand because they are BPA free and easy to clean. We have also traveled with this brand, but found it to be heavier than the others, and more expensive.

🧴 Reef-safe sunscreen - We love this one because it can easily attach to your diaper bag, purse handle, stroller, etc.


❤️ Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in New Orleans

Whether you want the pulse of Bourbon Street, the quiet of Uptown, or the colorful corners of Bywater, New Orleans has a neighborhood for every type of travel family — even if just for a few days.


I always tell visitors: come for the food, stay for the people. No matter where you stay, you’ll leave a piece of your heart in this city. I always do.

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