Where to Stay in Downtown New Orleans | Visitor Guide
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Choosing where to stay in New Orleans is about more than finding a room for the night. Your location can shape almost every part of your trip—from how easily you can reach the French Quarter to how much time you spend traveling between restaurants, entertainment, sporting events and the places you came to New Orleans to experience.
For visitors who want to stay close to the action without necessarily sleeping in the middle of it, Downtown New Orleans offers an ideal home base.
Downtown puts travelers near many of the city’s most recognizable destinations, including the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Canal Street, Caesars Superdome and the Central Business District. It also gives visitors access to restaurants, entertainment, public transportation and many of the neighborhoods that make New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
But location is only part of the decision.
The best accommodations should also match the way you plan to travel.
A couple spending two nights in New Orleans may have very different needs than a family staying for a week, a group attending a Saints game, or a professional coming to the city for an extended assignment.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to stay in Downtown New Orleans.
Why Stay in Downtown New Orleans?
New Orleans is a city made for exploring.
There are historic neighborhoods to walk, restaurants to discover, music to hear, games to attend and events happening throughout the year.
Staying downtown gives you a central starting point.
Instead of beginning each day with a long drive into the city, visitors staying in Downtown New Orleans accommodations can be much closer to many of the places already on their itinerary.
From downtown, travelers can conveniently explore destinations such as:
The French Quarter
Bourbon Street
Canal Street
Caesars Superdome
Smoothie King Center
The Central Business District
New Orleans restaurants and nightlife
Streetcar lines and public transportation
Entertainment and event venues throughout downtown
For many visitors, that means spending less time getting to New Orleans and more time actually experiencing it.
Downtown New Orleans or the French Quarter: Where Should You Stay?
One of the first questions visitors often ask is whether they should stay in the French Quarter or Downtown New Orleans.
There isn't one answer that works for everyone.
The French Quarter puts you directly inside one of the city's most historic and active neighborhoods. If your goal is to step outside your door and immediately be surrounded by the energy of the Quarter, that may be exactly what you're looking for.
Downtown can offer a different balance.
You can stay within walking distance or a short trip from many French Quarter attractions while having a little separation from the busiest sections of Bourbon Street.
That makes downtown especially appealing to travelers who want to experience the French Quarter during the day and evening but would prefer to return to a more residential-style space afterward.
At The California Building, guests stay at 1111 Tulane Avenue in Downtown New Orleans, approximately an 8-minute walk from the French Quarter and approximately a 10-minute walk from Bourbon Street.
You get convenient access to one of the world's most famous entertainment districts without having Bourbon Street directly outside your door.
Staying Near Canal Street
Canal Street is another useful landmark when comparing places to stay in New Orleans.
It serves as a major corridor through the city and sits along the edge of the French Quarter, making the surrounding downtown area convenient for visitors who want access to several parts of New Orleans.
Choosing accommodations near Canal Street can make it easier to move between downtown, the French Quarter and other areas served by the city's streetcar system.
For first-time visitors in particular, staying centrally can simplify a trip considerably.
Instead of learning the city from a hotel miles away, Downtown New Orleans becomes your starting point.
Visiting New Orleans for a Saints Game or Concert?
Location becomes even more important when your trip revolves around an event.
Visitors regularly come to New Orleans for:
New Orleans Saints games
College football
Concerts
Festivals
Conventions
Special events
Basketball games
Mardi Gras
Weddings and celebrations
If you're attending an event at Caesars Superdome, staying nearby can eliminate a major transportation headache.
The California Building is approximately a 6-minute walk from Caesars Superdome, making it an especially convenient option for travelers coming into New Orleans for a game, concert or other stadium event.
Instead of worrying about parking or navigating traffic immediately before and after an event, guests can make the Superdome part of a walkable downtown stay.
That combination of New Orleans accommodations near the Superdome and proximity to the French Quarter makes downtown particularly attractive for event-driven trips.
Look Beyond the Traditional Hotel Room
Once you've decided on a location, the next question is what kind of accommodations you want.
A standard hotel room isn't the only option.
Travelers increasingly look for accommodations that combine the convenience of a hotel with some of the features normally associated with an apartment or vacation rental.
That's where apartment-style hotel suites in New Orleans can offer an advantage.
Instead of spending your entire trip in a single room, a suite can provide separate areas for sleeping, relaxing, preparing meals and spending time together.
That becomes increasingly valuable as the number of guests—or the length of the trip—increases.
Consider a New Orleans Suite With a Full Kitchen
New Orleans has one of the great food cultures in America.
You should absolutely experience it.
But having every breakfast, snack, drink and meal at a restaurant isn't always convenient, especially during a longer stay.
A New Orleans suite with a full kitchen gives you options.
At The California Building, every suite includes a full kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave and kitchenware.
That means guests can keep drinks cold, prepare breakfast before heading out, reheat leftovers from dinner, make meals for the family or simply enjoy coffee without immediately leaving their suite.
For a weekend trip, that's convenient.
For a week or longer, it can completely change the experience.
In-Suite Laundry Matters More Than You Think
Another amenity that's easy to overlook when booking a trip is laundry.
Every suite at The California Building includes a private washer and dryer.
For travelers looking for an extended stay in New Orleans, that can be one of the most useful amenities available.
It allows guests to pack lighter, refresh clothing during the trip and avoid finding a laundromat or sending clothing elsewhere to be cleaned.
Families traveling with children may appreciate it even more.
The same applies to business travelers, festival visitors and guests staying in New Orleans during hot summer months.
Sometimes luxury isn't about something extravagant.
It's about having exactly what you need when you need it.
Where Should Families and Groups Stay in New Orleans?
Traveling with several people changes the accommodation equation.
Booking multiple traditional hotel rooms can separate the group and eliminate the shared space that makes traveling together enjoyable in the first place.
That's why larger New Orleans suites for groups and families can be worth considering.
The California Building offers a range of suite configurations, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, four-bedroom and penthouse accommodations.
A larger suite gives families and groups room to gather while still allowing guests to have their own space.
You can meet in the living area before heading out, keep everyone's food and drinks in one kitchen and return to the same accommodation at the end of the night.
For family trips, wedding groups, friends traveling together and special-event weekends, having more room can make the entire trip more comfortable.
What About an Extended Stay in New Orleans?
Not everyone visiting New Orleans is here for a weekend.
The city regularly welcomes people staying for weeks or longer because of:
Corporate travel
Temporary work assignments
Conventions
Film and entertainment production
Relocation
Medical travel
Construction and project work
Family visits
Seasonal events
When you're comparing extended-stay accommodations in New Orleans, priorities begin to change.
A bed and television may be enough for two nights.
After two weeks, a kitchen, laundry, Wi-Fi and separate living space can become significantly more important.
Apartment-style suites can provide a middle ground between renting a residential apartment and staying in a conventional hotel.
Guests have the privacy and everyday conveniences of a residence while still receiving the services and amenities expected from a hospitality property.
Business Travel Doesn't Have to Feel Like a Hotel Room
Downtown is also a natural choice for many professionals visiting New Orleans.
Business travelers may need convenient access to meetings, conventions and downtown offices while also having a comfortable environment to work from when necessary.
High-speed Wi-Fi, additional living space, a full kitchen and laundry can make a longer business trip considerably easier.
At the end of the workday, you're also already downtown.
Restaurants, entertainment and many of New Orleans' most popular attractions are nearby instead of being another commute away.
Planning a Mardi Gras Stay in New Orleans
Few trips make location more important than Mardi Gras.
During Carnival season, streets close, traffic patterns change, restaurants fill and hundreds of thousands of visitors move through the city for parades and celebrations.
If you're deciding where to stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, consider more than just the nightly rate.
Look at where the property is located in relation to the experiences you want to have.
Being downtown can make it easier to access celebrations and explore the French Quarter without depending on a vehicle for every part of the trip.
It also provides something extremely valuable at the end of a long Mardi Gras day:
A comfortable place to recharge.
Mardi Gras is one of New Orleans' busiest travel periods, so visitors should plan and book accommodations well ahead of their intended stay.
What Amenities Should You Look for in Downtown New Orleans Accommodations?
Before booking, make a list of what will actually make your trip better.
Depending on your travel plans, useful amenities may include:
Full Kitchen
Ideal for longer stays, families and travelers who want more flexibility with meals.
In-Suite Washer and Dryer
Particularly valuable for extended stays or guests packing light.
High-Speed Wi-Fi
Important for both entertainment and business travel.
Parking Options
If you're driving into New Orleans, knowing your parking options before arriving can make the experience considerably easier.
Fitness Facilities
Useful for travelers maintaining a routine during longer stays.
Outdoor or Rooftop Space
A place to relax outside your suite can add another dimension to your stay.
Guest Services
Access to knowledgeable local assistance can help visitors get more out of their time in New Orleans.
The California Building offers full kitchens, private in-suite laundry, high-speed Wi-Fi, valet parking availability, a fitness center and game room, a rooftop terrace and 24/7 guest support.
Is Downtown New Orleans Walkable?
For many visitors, yes—and that's one of the area's biggest advantages.
Exactly how much you walk will depend on your destination, the weather and your personal preferences, but choosing a centrally located property can put several major destinations within reasonable walking distance.
From The California Building at 1111 Tulane Avenue:
French Quarter: approximately 8 minutes walking
Bourbon Street: approximately 10 minutes walking
Caesars Superdome: approximately 6 minutes walking
Streetcar access: approximately 1 minute walking
Having restaurants, attractions, entertainment and transportation nearby means your accommodation can function as a true home base rather than simply somewhere you return to at night.
So, Where Is the Best Place to Stay in New Orleans?
The answer depends on what kind of trip you're planning.
But if you want a combination of:
Central location
French Quarter access
Proximity to the Superdome
Downtown dining and entertainment
Streetcar access
More space than a traditional hotel room
Full kitchens
In-suite laundry
Options for families and groups
Accommodations suitable for extended stays
then Downtown New Orleans deserves to be near the top of your list.
The goal isn't simply to find somewhere to sleep.
It's to choose a location and accommodation that make the rest of your New Orleans experience easier.
Stay in the Heart of Downtown New Orleans
Located at 1111 Tulane Avenue, The California Building combines the privacy and space of apartment-style accommodations with the amenities and guest services of a hotel.
Choose from spacious one-, two-, three- and four-bedroom suites and penthouse accommodations, all positioned in the heart of Downtown New Orleans.
Spend the day exploring the French Quarter.
Walk to a game at Caesars Superdome.
Discover New Orleans restaurants and nightlife.
Then come back to your own kitchen, living space and private suite when you're ready to unwind.
Whether you're planning a quick New Orleans getaway, traveling with a group or settling in for an extended stay, The California Building gives you room to experience New Orleans your way.
Ready to plan your New Orleans stay?
Explore available suites, compare accommodations and book directly with The California Building.
FAQ: Where to Stay in Downtown New Orleans
Is Downtown New Orleans a good place to stay for first-time visitors?
Downtown can be an excellent choice for first-time visitors because it provides convenient access to the French Quarter, entertainment, restaurants, event venues and public transportation while giving travelers several different types of accommodations to choose from.
Is it better to stay Downtown or in the French Quarter?
It depends on the experience you want. Staying directly in the French Quarter puts you in the center of its activity, while staying nearby in Downtown New Orleans can provide convenient access to the Quarter with some separation from its busiest streets.
Where can I stay near the French Quarter without staying on Bourbon Street?
The California Building is located at 1111 Tulane Avenue in Downtown New Orleans, approximately an 8-minute walk from the French Quarter and approximately a 10-minute walk from Bourbon Street.
Where should I stay in New Orleans for a Saints game?
Travelers attending an event at Caesars Superdome may want to consider Downtown New Orleans accommodations within walking distance of the stadium. The California Building is approximately a 6-minute walk from Caesars Superdome.
Are there New Orleans accommodations with full kitchens?
Yes. Apartment-style accommodations and suite properties can offer full kitchens. Every suite at The California Building includes a full kitchen with a refrigerator, microwave, dishwasher and kitchenware.
Can I find New Orleans accommodations with a washer and dryer?
Yes. Some suite-style accommodations offer private laundry facilities. Every suite at The California Building includes an in-suite washer and dryer, which can be especially useful for families and extended stays.
Where should larger groups stay in New Orleans?
Groups may benefit from multi-bedroom suites rather than booking several separate hotel rooms. The California Building offers accommodations ranging from one-bedroom suites through larger three- and four-bedroom suites and penthouses.
