How do I get a decent hotel reservation for mardi gras in new orleans?

Susan P: How do I get a decent hotel reservation for mardi gras in new orleans?
I thought I was starting early enough by looking now, but all the french quarter hotels are either booked or you have to stay there for a certain number of nights. Is there a secret to getting into one of these places? Or should I just go to a travel agent and see what they can come up with? Also, if I do end up in a hotel that isn’t walking distance, is it realistic to think that I will be able to take a cab to bourbon street and then back home?

Answers and Views:

Answer by Darlene
you are lucky if you get a reservation. People are booked since lastyear. Good Luck!

Answer by traveler
During all festival weekends I think most hotels require a minimum 3 night stay (some 2) and rates go up. I would think you can still find some good hotels or B&Bs in the quarter although the ones right at canal might be harder. I would not recommend catching a cab though. Most of the streets are blocked off and its very hard to get around in a car during peak parade hours. You will walk faster than a car could go. I come to town often and always stay at Maison DuBois Bed and breakfast. Its walkable to the parades on Canal, 1 block from bourban but on the other end of the quarter so gives you a chance to relax and get away from the crowds too. They have a wonderful saltwater pool/spa and tropical courtyard too which is great. Nice large suites too. Here is their site. Good luck.

Answer by nolajazzyguide
Yes, most hotels downtown DO require at least a 3-night minimum stay for the week-end before Mardi Gras. The streets to the heart of the French Quarter have restricted access during that time. No, if you are not staying within walking distance of the Quarter, you will NOT be able to take a cab to Bourbon Street because of crowds and the parades coming to Canal St. There are no major parades that go thru the Quarter. Your best bet to getting around is on foot because a lot of streets will be blocked due to all the parades. Street blocking starts 2 hours before and goes until 2 hours after parades. St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street are the parade routes. The parades will start on St. Charles and head to Canal St.
You can try staying in a bed and breakfast; you might have better luck. Here’s a website to check out: www.HistoricLodging.com. and there is the St. Charles Guest House, located on Prytania Street, close to downtown and one block from St. Charles. www.stcharlesguesthouse.com If you want to stay in the French Quarter, you will pay a premium rate during the climax of Carnival season, and just a little warning–YOU WILL NOT GET THE REAL MARDI GRAS EXPERIENCE IN THE FRENCH QUARTER.

Answer by Antionette M
The only way you’re gonna get lucky is if you go really cheap, or extremly pricey.

Or if you just have an Uncle thats works at one of the best hotels in the French Quarter like me!

Answer by Jeff
If you want something a little different, stay in Metairie.

There are parades almost every evening for two weeks, including some big ones close to Mardi Gras day.

Look on a map for Causeway Blvd and I-10.

Answer by Barry
Try www.priorityclub.com – the website for Holiday Inn. They show vacancies for several properties downtown, including hotels in the French Quarter. They also don’t seem to have an advance purchase requirement or a minimum stay requirement. That will probably change as MG approaches.

Last MG, I stayed at the Staybridge Suites (Poydras Street) which is in the city center about 2 blocks from the Saint Charles Avenue parade route and about 4 blocks from Canal Street (a boundary of the French Quarter). It was not cheap but I did not have to pay in advance or buy a minimum number of nights.

nolajazzyguide is right and no parades go through the FQ. MG is also much more than just Bourbon Street. However, staying at a hotel in the FQ or CBD is really convenient as you can use the hotel as a base and walk everywhere.

Check https://www.mardigras.com/ for more info on MG in New Orleans.

Answer by DeeLee
You need to get reservations several years in advance.

Answer by susan e
there are plenty places to stay for mardi gras,in the city and suburbs.how long are you coming for and whats your budget like?
I’ll give you all the info if you need ,send me an email with the dates that you need.don’t wait too long or the prices will go up,I deal with some people who rent out apartments and rooms,and do work with the convention center.
if you’re coming with a group let me know how many.

Answer by taylor w
i think you should register a year or more earlier than when you plan to go

Answer by alphonse v
book years in advance–literally

–good luck