This page contains links to Third Party websites. Clicking on the Third Party links within will transfer you to their websites and may result in commission paid to Gwen's Getaways. Gwen's Getaways does not warrant or guarantee the products, services, or information provided on their websites. Purchasing decisions should be made at the purchaser's discretion.
New Orleans
Laissez les bons temps rouler!​
Pass a good time!
Why
The Why, When & How to visit...
New Orleans is oozing with charm and culture from its food to its music, history and architecture, celebrations and traditions. It packs a big punch for a small city with a lot to offer.
When
How
The Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is located a 30 minute drive from the main areas of the city. Amtrak also services New Orleans with connections to major cities and a train station in the center of town.
Winter is a good time to visit New Orleans with highs in mid-60s F and lows in the mid-40s. Summer is probably the worst time to visit with humid highs in the 90s and 10-12 average days of rain. Winter is also when Mardi Gras celebrations occur from January 6 with Three Kings Day (12 days after Christmas) to Fat Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday and first day of Lent).
Where
to stay...
So many beautiful hotels opened in New Orleans in the last few years that it was hard to pick only a few.
​
Outside the French Quarter:
1) The Pontchartrain Hotel - The Pontchartrain Hotel is beautifully decorated with elegant vintage charm utilizing its historic building from 1927. Rooms are spacious and lux with homey details and Le Labo toiletries (yes, please!). The hotel has a cafe, restaurants, and rooftop bar. The hotel is located in the Lower Garden District to which the historic St. Charles Street Car Line stops right outside, providing easy transportation to the rest of the district. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
2) Maison de la Luz - Maison de la Luz has a similar chic French vintage vibe with a bit more edge. Located a short walk from the French Quarter, Maison de la Luz provides intimate accommodations with only 67 rooms. The hotel is decorated impeccably with a gorgeous lobby, bar, and restaurant serving a breakfast buffet. The design features carry through to the spacious rooms and bathrooms complete with a deep soaking tub. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
3) Hotel Peter and Paul - There are similarities in the design aesthetic of these three hotels with the vintage chic charm. Hotel Peter and Paul, however may be the most unique. That's because it's located in a historic church that was also a former schoolhouse, rectory, and convent - reborn. The hotel utilizes its history with room design features inspired by each one. The hotel has beautiful sitting rooms and bar, courtyard, and restaurant. Rooms are also spacious with claw foot tubs. Hotel Peter and Paul is a creation from the same group as the gorgeous The Siren highlighted for Detroit, MI. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
Inside the French Quarter:
1) Hotel Monteleone - Hotel Monteleone is that beautiful, classic hotel that is emblematic of the French Quarter. Rooms are spacious with luxurious, classic finishes. The hotel has a restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor courtyard pool, but the highlight is really the Carousel Bar. The Carousel Bar has a rotating carousel of seats around the bar, which is a highlight of the French Quarter. For more information and the ability to book, click here.
2) One11 Hotel - If you're looking for a more modern hotel in the French Quarter, One11 Hotel may be your answer. On the edge of the French Quarter overlooking the Mississippi River, One11 provides a modern, airy hotel in a loft building with exposed brick, high ceilings, and wood beams. The hotel has spacious rooms, an outdoor courtyard pool, bar and restaurant. More details on the hotel, along with the ability to book is accessible here.
​
*Looking for an apartment stay? Click here to see what chic apartments Sonder has available.
What
Do
to...
1) Explore the French Quarter - Yes, New Orleans is an entire city beyond the French Quarter, but it's a historically significant and unique part of it. Start your journey with a beignet and chicory coffee at one of the cafes in town with the most famous being Cafe du Monde. Wander through Jackson Square and admire the beautiful St. Louis Cathedral. Take a horse drawn carriage ride through the French Quarter from Jackson Park.
Indulge in some of New Orleans' finest food at some its classic, historic restaurants: Brennan's, Broussard's, Antoine's, Galatoire's, or the Court of Two Sisters. Enjoy a New Orleans' specialty cocktail at one of the places highlighted in the Drinks section below. Check out the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture to see ornate Mardi Gras costumes close up.
2) Take a Steamboat River Cruise - After you're done exploring the French Quarter, head over to the water to catch the Steamboat Natchez. Sail down the Mississippi River on a classic steamboat for a 2 hour tour. The boat has indoor and outdoor space to enjoy, along with an optional creole lunch or jazz brunch on Sundays. For more information and the ability to book through Viator, click here.
3) Experience Mardi Gras World - A visit to Mardi Gras World is a must do while in New Orleans. Mardi Gras World is a massive warehouse housing dozens of Mardi Gras parade floats. Admission provides access to view the floats up close on a self-guided tour. It is open 7 days a week 9am-5:30pm with the last tour at 4:30pm and has a free shuttle that picks up from Canal Street. For more information to plan your visit, click here.
Eat
Beignets and chicory coffee at Cafe du Monde. Gumbo, crawfish, muffaletta, alligator on a stick and other indulgences at classic, historic restaurants like: Brennan's, Broussard's, Antoine's, Galatoire's, or the Court of Two Sisters.
Drink
Sazerac is the official drink of New Orleans to enjoy. Try one at The Sazerac Bar in The Roosevelt Hotel. For the traditional Bourbon Street experience, try a Hurricane or other festive drink at Pat O'Briens. My favorite bar is The Carousel Bar with a rotating carousel in the Hotel Montelone (if you can snag a seat). *If of legal drinking age to drink responsibly
Wear
French inspired with some festive pizazz
Watch
A Street Car Named Desire by
Tennesse Williams
Listen
"Drop Me Off In New Orleans"
by Kermit Ruffins
Gift
Click here for Gift ideas