Looking for Clean/Inexpensive Hotel in NOLA

[JTBCruiser]

DW and I are flying into NOLA the night before embarkation. We are looking for a decent place to stay to get a good night's sleep without breaking the bank. Hopefully a restaurant or two within walking distance of the hotel. I'd like to find one with a shuttle service from the airport then take a taxi to the ship the next day. Any suggestions?

[Clarea]

I would also try posting your question on the Gulf Coast Departures forum:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=414

[blondie from arizona]

Sorry, more thoughts than answers for you. First, you may want to check on the NOLA board, or they may just move this question over there. Second, you may want to ask the question on your roll call. They may have a better idea about what is available the specific date you are there. Third, when are you going to be there? We are leaving on the 4/11/15 sailing and there is a festival there that weekend, so it is VERY expensive downtown. Good luck!

[JTBCruiser]

Sorry, more thoughts than answers for you. First, you may want to check on the NOLA board, or they may just move this question over there. Second, you may want to ask the question on your roll call. They may have a better idea about what is available the specific date you are there. Third, when are you going to be there? We are leaving on the 4/11/15 sailing and there is a festival there that weekend, so it is VERY expensive downtown. Good luck!

 

Thank you to you and Clarea. I didn't even realize that board existed. Will post and check there.

[NightOne]

I would also try posting your question on the Gulf Coast Departures forum:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=414

 

Did you forget about the New Orleans section? :)

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=21

[NightOne]

DW and I are flying into NOLA the night before embarkation. We are looking for a decent place to stay to get a good night's sleep without breaking the bank. Hopefully a restaurant or two within walking distance of the hotel. I'd like to find one with a shuttle service from the airport then take a taxi to the ship the next day. Any suggestions?

 

It all depends on your travel date. At times I see awesome hotels for great prices but other times I see only decent hotels at super-high prices.

 

Hilton Riverside is a popular choice among cruisers. If you can get in for $149 or under then jump all over that.

 

Most of the places along Canal Street are good.

 

Convention area/Warehouse district is a compromise between being close to the quarter as it is close to other venues (Museum, Convention Center, etc.)

 

Suburbs (Metairie) and near Airport (Kennner) are normally going to be best priced but add transportation costs. Some of the airport hotels will have a shuttle to the port option which may work for you.

 

Across the river East is Gretna which is a really good price but not such a great area. (some people recommend --- others totally avoid)

 

Personally, if you have never been to NOLA I recommend you stay down in the French Quarter, eat a Po-Boy, have some gumbo/jambalaya, go to Bourbon Street that night, get staggering drunk, wake up just in time for checkout, make your way to the ship, and brag to everyone at the sail away party how hungover you are as you grab a drink a mumble something about having a hair of the dog. (The true NOLA experience) :D :D :D

[Grandma Dazzles]

A couple of years ago we were scheduled to say at the Holiday Inn French Quarter. They messed up the reservation and we received a message to call them when we landed at the airport. They had to switch us to the airport location ...... we really didn't care that much ......it was late afternoon and just wanted dinner and a bed.

 

The whole thing turned out to be a great deal for us! They heavily discounted the room and gave us complimentary dinner at the hotel. Food was great and the staff were so apologetic and wonderful.

 

We took a cab to the port the following morning and everything worked out well. Would definitely stay at the airport location again. It wasn't fancy, standard Holiday Inn, but the people are what I remember the most.

[jules815]

We did a road trip to NOLA in 2012 to attend Jazz Fest. Stayed at the Courtyard Iberville and loved it. Technically not in the Quarter, but just a block (if even that) away, so everything was very close and within walking distance. Since we drove, I can't comment on whether or not they had shuttle service. I agree that if you're going to be spending the night in NOLA pre-cruise, it would be worth taking in the sights, even if just walking to a restaurant for dinner. The food there is awesome, too.

Edited December 29, 2014 by jules815

[yogimax]

Just got the Marriott Convention Center, across the street from the cruise terminal, for a total of $100 bidding on Priceline.

[Jmhodg]

We just got back from a cruise out of NOLA. We stayed at the Hampton Inn and Suites Convention Center. It was very clean and had a very good breakfast included. We got it for just under $100/night for a large corner room with 2 beds and a sofa bed. You can walk to the cruise port at the outlet mall or they also have a free shuttle. We were very happy there and would stay there again. Enjoy your cruise!!! :)

[joandian]

We were in New Orleans with family last weekend and we stayed at the Mariott Springhill Suites Downtown. It's about a 1/4 mile from the port and easy walking distance. We paid $109 per room and while it wasn't a large room, it was clean and the beds were good.

[Human Speedbump]

I travel to Nola for 2 or 3 nights a month. My suggestion is to go ahead and Pay the $33 cab fare (for 2 people) and book a room in the Warehouse District on Priceline or Hotwire. Here is why.

 

You can book a room out by the airport (Country Inn & Suites, Crowne Plaza, Hilton, Comfort Inn St Rose, Doubletree, Fairfeild Inn all have complimentary hotel shuttles), I personally would pick the Fairfeild Inn Kenner if it was me (Close to the esplanade mall and all its eateries).... BUT...frankly your gonna miss all of the charm of one of the most eclectic cities in the world, AND, your still gonna have to pay the $33 cab fare in the morning to get to the cruise port and you have effectively missed some great scenery and dining options.

 

OR

 

You can grab a cab at the airport and head straight downtown NOLA. If its a weekday you can almost always snag a 4 star room in the Warehouse District for about $70 or $80 on priceline (look at the express deals and bid 20% lower and you will almost always get it). Frankly...there is not a 4 star hotel in the warehouse district that I would not stay at...and you dont have to pay for parking because you arrive in a cab. From your warehouse district hotel you have AT LEAST 3 dozen fantastic dining options (Just ask...I am a Foodie and Ive tried them all). From there you can do some laid back barhopping (Barcadia, Lucy's, Fulton Street Harras casino and all its offerings). Get up the next morning and skip breakfast as you are gonna stuff yourself stupid as soon as you get on the ship. Take a cab to the port ($7-$9) and get dropped off at the curb. ;)

 

If its a weekend and nothing is going on in the city.. you can snag the 4 star room for $55-$60. If you cant get a good room rate because of a athletic event or festival in the city that weekend... go back to the Airport hotel option. As for me...If im going to NOLa, Im staying Dtown or Warehouse District or not at all. :D

Edited January 3, 2015 by Human Speedbump

[JTBCruiser]

This is great info, Thank You!! I'm going to do just as you suggested. On the express deal they have rooms for $95 so I'm going to give it a shot and bid down. :D

[Human Speedbump]

I would bid $80....I bet you get it. If not wait 24 hours and bid $81 and so forth.

 

The only 4 star hotels in the WHD are Lowes, Marriott by the CC, Renaiance Arts Hotel (My favorite NOLA hotel...location ) and maybe the new Omni Riverside (not sure of their star ranking...just reopened as Omni). Harras Casino Hotel is also in the WHD but its almost never on PL.

 

All are good accomadations, not a bad one in the bunch.

[JTBCruiser]

I would bid $80....I bet you get it. If not wait 24 hours and bid $81 and so forth.

 

The only 4 star hotels in the WHD are Lowes, Marriott by the CC, Renaiance Arts Hotel (My favorite NOLA hotel...location ) and maybe the new Omni Riverside (not sure of their star ranking...just reopened as Omni). Harras Casino Hotel is also in the WHD but its almost never on PL.

 

All are good accomadations, not a bad one in the bunch.

 

 

I just snagged the Marriott Convention Center for $85.00 so it all worked out. Thank you sooo much for the advice.

[Human Speedbump]

I stay there often... I always ask for a Accesible King room upon check-in. They almost always have them available and they are the corner rooms with the great big roll-in shower.

 

There are literally dozens of great restaurants within a 10 minute walk of this hotel. My choice would be Peche. You will need reservations though for that one. Other great options are Cochon's, Cochon Butcher (less pricey but very yummy), Grand Isle (on Fulton St at Harra's... try the bbq shrimp), Emerils (overrated imo).. and the list goes on and on.

 

After dinner head to Barcadia or Lucys for libations. Barcadia has great music and 2 rooms full of 80's full size video games, they have air hockey, Skee Ball and Plinko on the patio. Lucy's is cool and you can find Saints players in there sometimes. Down the block from Lucys is the District... they are waayyy laid back and on some nights they have some really fun bar games going on.

 

At least that what i do in Nola...lol

[NightOne]

I would bid $80....I bet you get it. If not wait 24 hours and bid $81 and so forth.

 

The only 4 star hotels in the WHD are Lowes, Marriott by the CC, Renaiance Arts Hotel (My favorite NOLA hotel...location ) and maybe the new Omni Riverside (not sure of their star ranking...just reopened as Omni). Harras Casino Hotel is also in the WHD but its almost never on PL.

 

All are good accomadations, not a bad one in the bunch.

 

+1 on the great info

 

Is it too soon to bid on March dates? If so, what is the best time to bid on those?

 

The express deal for a 4 star Convention/Warehouse is $228 for my desired date. :(

 

I already have the Staybridge at 501 Tchoupitoulas reserved for $161 (taxes included) but continue to look for a better deal with a decent location.

[Human Speedbump]

+1 on the great info

 

Is it too soon to bid on March dates? If so, what is the best time to bid on those?

 

The express deal for a 4 star Convention/Warehouse is $228 for my desired date. :(

 

I already have the Staybridge at 501 Tchoupitoulas reserved for $161 (taxes included) but continue to look for a better deal with a decent location.

 

There may be a big convention going on during your dates. Just keep watching closer to your date... the rooms that are unsold will end up on PL a couple weeks before you get here, just maybe at $120 instead of $80. I have never paid over $90 in Nola and always stay 4 star.

That being said... there is nothing at all wrong with the Staybridge Suites on Poydras, its a block away from my favorite hotel and generally in a great and pretty safe area. I would keep that reservation until I found something more reasonably priced.

 

ALSO... Check 3.5 star garden district. The only 3.5 star in the Garden District is the Hotel Indigo and it is a GREAT place to stay. The streetcar stops in front of the hotel and for $3 pp you can ride all day and it will take you to the foot of Bourbon Street and anywhere in between.

 

 

Check the Earnest Morial Convention Center website for your dates and that will tell you whats up in Nola.

Edited January 3, 2015 by Human Speedbump

[NightOne]

There may be a big convention going on during your dates. Just keep watching closer to your date... the rooms that are unsold will end up on PL a couple weeks before you get here, just maybe at $120 instead of $80. I have never paid over $90 in Nola and always stay 4 star.

 

Check the Earnest Morial Convention Center website for your dates and that will tell you whats up in Nola.

 

Looks like on the Auto Show which I expect would be 95% locals.

 

I will check when it gets closer.

 

Thanks

[JTBCruiser]

I stay there often... I always ask for a Accesible King room upon check-in. They almost always have them available and they are the corner rooms with the great big roll-in shower.

 

There are literally dozens of great restaurants within a 10 minute walk of this hotel. My choice would be Peche. You will need reservations though for that one. Other great options are Cochon's, Cochon Butcher (less pricey but very yummy), Grand Isle (on Fulton St at Harra's... try the bbq shrimp), Emerils (overrated imo).. and the list goes on and on.

 

After dinner head to Barcadia or Lucys for libations. Barcadia has great music and 2 rooms full of 80's full size video games, they have air hockey, Skee Ball and Plinko on the patio. Lucy's is cool and you can find Saints players in there sometimes. Down the block from Lucys is the District... they are waayyy laid back and on some nights they have some really fun bar games going on.

 

At least that what i do in Nola...lol

 

Any suggestions on where to buy wine for the cruise within walking distance of this hotel? Again, thx for the great suggestions on how to get the best deal on a hotel in the warehouse district.

[Chalker Guy]

Looks like on the Auto Show which I expect would be 95% locals.

 

I will check when it gets closer.

 

Thanks

I like Fairchild House B & B. It's old, creaky floors, antiques, but clean and convenient location 1 block from St. Charles streetcar stop. Prytania Park across the street is similar.

[Human Speedbump]

There is a great Rouse's grocery store about a 8 block walk from the hotel. UT has an outstanding wine selection and great bakery deli too.

[JTBCruiser]

There is a great Rouse's grocery store about a 8 block walk from the hotel. UT has an outstanding wine selection and great bakery deli too.

 

You "Rock"!! Thx for the wonderful tips. :D

[SOMEBEECH]

I stay at the Crown Plaza when I'm in NOLA. You can usually get it for around $99. There also a great restaurant next to it called Red Fish.

 

 

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[JTBCruiser]

Just got the Marriott Convention Center, across the street from the cruise terminal, for a total of $100 bidding on Priceline.

 

I'm staying there too. How did you like it? Did you walk to the terminal, we are on RCI.