New Orleans Airport (MSY) often has inexpensive flights through Southwest and Spirit Airlines. American, Delta, and United also fly to New Orleans.

Do I Need to Rent a Car?

Definitely not if you are staying in the French Quarter! Even if you're farther out, Uber and Lyft are accessible and inexpensive. Most people should not need to rent a car for the weekend.

Getting To/From the Airport

Uber and Lyft are typically $36 to or from the airport. Regular cabs are the same but will charge $1 per bag.

The official NOLA Airport travel page has details on shuttles, busses, and a family-friendly rideshare service.

French Quarter Or Not

French Quarter hotels are generally older, louder, and more expensive. The advantage is that you will be able to walk to everything.

We will probably stay near but not in the Quarter.

Hotel vs. Airbnb

We really like Airbnbs in New Orleans but there are not many in the French Quarter. There are plenty of options for both hotels and Airbnb and they cost about the same!

We don't have a formal hotel block, so book through any service you like. These links are for Friday-Monday stays.

Hotel St. Pierre: On a quiet side street but near all the action. ($187/night as of Aug 2024)

Hotel Provincial: One of the nicer (but still affordable) hotels in the Quarter. ($246/night as of Sep 2024)

Best Western Plus French Quarter: Very close (but not too close) to the Quarter, this Best Western is right across from Louis Armstrong park. ($266/night as of Aug 2024)

Hotel Pontchartrain: Upscale property in the Upper Garden District with a trendy roof bar. A short cab ride from the Quarter.

Neighborhood Recommendations

Short version: Marigny if you want to walk to the Quarter and The Upper Garden if you dont mind a short cab to the quarter and want nicer and quieter accommodations.

Long version:

French Quarter: Close to venue; great for first time New Orleans visitors, but busy/touristy and not good for cars

Marigny: Adjacent to The Quarter, still walking distance but a little quieter, cute neighborhood vibe. Bywater is very similar but a little farther out.

Central Business District: Convenient with less expensive hotels but also not much of a neighborhood feel. Close to a lot of museums. Very little parking.

Garden / Lower Garden District: Charming, quieter neighborhoods with good street parking. Inexpensive Uber / Lyft to the Quarter and some parts are still walkable (we really like St Charles by Erato just South of Highway 90)

Other Areas: If you haven't been to NOLA before and are thinking of staying elsewhere, feel free to check in with us as neighborhoods vary greatly.