New Orleans

Keep in mind that you likely won’t be spending much time hanging around your hotel in New Orleans—so save your money for your meals! 

We enjoyed our stay at the sprawling Lamothe House (621 Esplanade Ave., map), in the well-situated Marigny district at the edge of the French Quarter. The hotel has a variety of rooms—some modern and refurbished, some ornate and antique, some out across Kerlerec Street in back of the main hotel—and a nice little pool in the center of it all. Bonus: It’s super close to the music bars of Frenchmen Street; in fact we were often treated to the strains of street music drifting over from there, drawing us near. Rooms from about $99.

It’s nothing special, but the Wyndham Garden Baronne Plaza (201 Baronne St., map) is moderately priced, very well located (one block from the French Quarter, in the CBD), and housed in a historic 1931 Art Deco building that was formerly the home of several department stores (most notably, a Sears Roebuck, from 1931-1991). Prices vary—the hotel often runs nonrefundable “last-minute deal” fire sales, so be on the lookout—but doubles can run around $99-$129 a night, depending on season. 

If you want some Southern-style romance in your lodging, consider the tranquil Chimes Bed and Breakfast (1146 Constantinople St., map) in the graceful Garden District (take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar to reach the Quarter, about 20 minutes). Friendly hosts, five rooms, French doors, tropical courtyard—it’s everything you’d think living in the Garden District would entail. Room rates vary by season, but often hover around $150-$180.