Safe Places to Stay in New Orleans: Best Areas and Hotels for Your Peace of Mind
One of the biggest preconceived notions about New Orleans I’ve heard from travelers planning their trip is that the city is super dangerous.
And while crime in big cities is always, inherently worse than small towns or rural areas, New Orleans certainly has safer areas than others with lots of great options for where to stay so you keep that feeling of safety throughout your stay.
I’ve been to New Orleans a handful of times and stayed in a different area each time, so these hotel recommendations are coming from my personal experience. Here’s a deep dive into safe places to stay in New Orleans including the top areas and hotels for your peace of mind.
Summary of Where to Stay
🛏️ Safest stay in:
- French Quarter: Place d’Armes Hotel ($139+ per night) — historic building, in safer side of French Quarter, potentially haunted!
- Garden District: The Pontchartrain Hotel ($125+ per night) — near streetcar, beautiful location, boutique hotel
- Central Business District: The Eliza Jane ($121+ per night) — unique story, boutique hotel, newly renovated, Hyatt property
🥘 Don’t forget these top tours:
- Dr. Gumbo’s Food Tour (my favorite thing I did in New Orleans!!)
- Whitney Plantation Tour with Transit (the only plantation to focus on the lives of the enslaved, bring tissue)
- Ghost Tour at Night (great for exploring at night in a group)
Map of the Safest Hotels in New Orleans
Neighborhoods to Visit in New Orleans
The city of New Orleans can be broken down into neighborhoods and while I could write a whole blog post breaking them all down, I’d rather tell you which ones you’ll be spending the most time in as a visitor.
These aren’t necessarily where you should stay, but rather where you’ll likely find yourself sightseeing. Just so you can orient yourself when looking at neighborhood maps.
French Quarter
This is the ultimate tourist destination and for good reason. In the French Quarter you’ll find icons of the city like Bourbon Street, historic restaurants like Antoine’s and of course, Café du Monde (although I’d recommend an alternative location for better beignets).
Garden District
The Garden District is where the lavish historic homes are like Buckner Mansion as seen on American Horror Story, Anne Rice’s home, and the Cornstalk Fence Mansion. Some of the best food I ate in New Orleans was in the Garden District, too.
Marigny and Bywater
If you’re picturing an artsy, music-infested, hipster kind of vibe, this is Marigny and Bywater, which are neighboring areas. Marigny to the east of the French Quarter and Bywater is to the east of Marigny. The biggest attraction here is Frenchmen Street, which is the best spot in town for authentic jazz, particularly The Spotted Cat!
Lakeview and Gentilly
These two neighborhoods sit on opposite sides of City Park and while both are farther from the main attractions at the French Quarter, it’s a more calm, residential area. Plus, it’s nice to be near City Park where you’ll find the better Café du Monde, historic trees, and museums and attractions like mini golfing, a small amusement park, and botanic garden.
In which is the safest neighborhood to stay in New Orleans?
If I could recommend any neighborhood to you with the highest praise it would be the Garden District.
Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but the stays are unique and rival the beauty of the homes!
The Garden District has super easy public transit access with the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line to the northern end and buses that run along Magazine Street on the southern end.
As far as safety is concerned, in my experience traveling with my husband, I never felt unsafe. I never saw any altercations or anything, so take that how you will.
At night, I was glad to have my husband with me, but I feel that way everywhere I go as a woman 🙃
French Quarter – Best for first timers and haunted hotels
If you want iconic, the French Quarter is it. It’s within walking distance to the highlights of New Orleans and is a great base for exploring neighboring areas like Marigny.
Not to mention, the French Quarter is FULL of haunted hotels! So if you’re looking for a spooky stay, you can find it most easily here.
The biggest safety concerns in the French Quarter are twofold – one are the scams that run rampant, especially along Bourbon Street and within Jackson Square, and two are alcohol-related crimes/safety.
First, the scams. In the French Quarter there are a number of scams that you’ll see being run like men who try to hand you Mardi Gras throws (beads), CDs, or shots then once you accept, they demand payment. Others are men who try to clean your shoes without your consent then charge you afterwards. Remember that no is a complete sentence.
The second safety concern is related to the fact that the French Quarter is known for partying. Bourbon Street in particular is full of bars and tourists who get carried away. Women, watch your drinks, and most importantly, stay in control so you can keep your wits about you. Don’t leave yourself vulnerable.
I don’t say this to scare you, but it is a very real thing to happen because of overconsumption of alcohol.
Still, I would recommend staying in the French Quarter if you can handle those safety concerns, especially for the history, architecture, and spooky vibes and because you won’t need to worry about a lengthy trip back to your hotel after drinking, which staying in other neighborhoods would warrant.
Related read >> Is New Orleans safe to visit?
Gentilly — Best for bigger groups
Gentilly is more removed from the hub of the French Quarter, but the trade off is that you’ll find larger rental properties here, rather than hotels. If you’re part of a bigger group who’d like a kitchen and multiple bedrooms, Gentilly has great options.
It’s also on the safer end. That said, it’s one of the biggest neighborhoods, so it depends on where exactly in the neighborhood you are. When in doubt, use Google maps street view before booking!
Central Business District — Best for brand name hotels and solo travelers
While I haven’t stayed here myself, I’ve passed through it a number of times when traveling between the Garden District and French Quarter (since the CBD sits smack dab in between them).
I’ve toyed with the idea of staying here because it’s where you’ll find a ton of the brand name hotels, which means you can use travel hacking to your advantage to redeem points for stays.
You obviously can’t do that at the independently operated hotels and rental homes you’ll find elsewhere.
As far as safety, the CBD felt safe to me…again as a white/white-passing woman from a big city.
A perk here is that with big brand name hotels, you have a higher standard of security, which may be preferred for solo travelers. I know when I travel solo, I would rather be in 1 of 100 rooms in a hotel rather than the only person in a big rental property.
A note on parking
Before I share specific hotel recommendations, I have to tell you about parking in New Orleans…because *one does not simply* park in New Orleans.
Parking can be tough (read: impossible) in the French Quarter. These streets were not designed for modern cars and there are even a number of pedestrian only areas.
Therefore, parking your car requires you to pay extra (sometimes upwards of $60+ per day) at off-site lots that a valet will typically only have access to.
If you plan on driving in and having a car, I’d recommend you avoid the French Quarter and stay anywhere else! Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
Which hotels are best in New Orleans for safety?
Garden District Hotels
The Pontchartrain Hotel
Right along St Charles Avenue is the The Pontchartrain Hotel, a historic hotel built in 1927! It’s right by the streetcar so you’ll have easy access to the rest of the city.
It’s also in a pretty walkable area if you want to explore on foot. For example, Commander’s Palace (one of the city’s most notable restaurants) is only a 15 minute walk though the beautiful neighborhood.
If I wanted to stay in the Garden District again, I would stay here! But note, parking is valet only at $49 per night.
- Address: 2031 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price: $125+ per night
- Closest transit stop: St Charles Streetcar (route 12) at Josephine
- Book here
Parks Bowman Mansion
When we visited for Thanksgiving one year, we stayed at the Parks Bowman Mansion, specifically their library room.
It was one of those places that was on my hotel bucket list forever, so it was the perfect time to stay!
The mansion is a historic home privately owned where each bedroom is rented out. While we stayed in the library room, there were other guests in the home staying in the other rooms, similar to a bed and breakfast feel. One of the rooms is even said to be haunted!
We had a private bathroom and balcony, which was so lovely.
It was the perfect location too, within walking distance to both Magazine Street with a ton of great restaurants and St Charles Avenue to catch the streetcar. Plus, it was only 2 blocks from Lafayette Cemetery No. 1, which was a fun (albeit creepy) vibe at night.
Overall, I loved staying in a historic home and getting to know the host, Adrienne (and her pups!).
- Address: 2705 Chestnut St, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price: $225+ per night
- Closest transit stop: St Charles Streetcar (route 12) at Washington
- Book here
French Quarter Hotels
On my most recent trip (my fourth time in New Orleans!), I flew into the city, so I opted to stay in the French Quarter. No car = no need to deal with parking.
Hotel Provincial
My mom and I stayed in Hotel Provincial. It was once a civil war hospital and aside from rumors of being haunted, it’s a beautiful historic hotel.
What I really loved was the location in the French Quarter. It wasn’t just plopped in the center of the (loud) action. It was a bit on the edge and we found it very quiet. The rooms were nice and the beds were comfy!
- Address: 1024 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Price: $100+ per night
- Closest transit stop: Riverfront Streetcar (route 49) at Ursulines St
- Book here
Andrew Jackson Hotel
If I wanted the ultimate haunted getaway, I’d go with the Andrew Jackson Hotel. It’s historic and known for ghosts…of children. I know right?…so creepy.
I’ve only heard good things about the stay itself and no firsthand haunting accounts but I say, give it a go!
- Address: 919 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
- Price: $100+ per night
- Closest transit stop: Riverfront Streetcar (route 49) at Dumaine St or Rampart St Streetcar (route 46) at St. Ann St.
- Book here
Place d’Armes Hotel
The other hotel in the French Quarter I’d book is the Place d’Armes Hotel, which is also historic and potentially haunted. I’ll be honest, I’m convinced every hotel in New Orleans has claims that it’s haunted, so maybe don’t run screaming at every rumor.
The Place d’Armes Hotel consists of 9 restored 18th century buildings, so the architecture is beautiful and the interior meets modern standards.
What I love most about this hotel and why I’d book it is because of the balconies overlooking the French Quarter and the stunning courtyard. New Orleans has so many beautiful courtyards that I’d feel lucky to have one to return to each night.
- Address: 625 Saint Ann St, New Orleans, LA 70116-3287
- Price: $139+ per night
- Closest transit stop: Riverfront Streetcar (route 49) at Dumaine St or Rampart St Streetcar (route 46) at St. Ann St.
- Book here
Gentilly Places to Stay
Gentilly is a more unique area in that it’s more removed from the action and therefore, primarily residential. That means there aren’t really hotels here.
Instead, you’ll find rental properties in Gentilly that are best for groups or families.
For example, this Quaint New Orleans Cottage ($160+ per night) sleeps 6, has a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer!
Or this Extravagant Home has a jacuzzi, games, and sleeps 8.
The exact locations are protected for rental properties, but just know they’re all an easy ride share away from the French Quarter, or you can take bus lines 55 or 57 for easy access, or the city has Blue Bike rentals!
Central Business District Hotels
Here you’ll find a number of brand name hotels, which can be great for points redemptions.
Hilton New Orleans Riverside
I loved the Hilton New Orleans Riverside for its location right on the water and within walking distance to the French Quarter (literally blocks away). Plus, they have one of the best restaurants on site, Drago’s, known for their charbroiled oysters!
- Address: 2 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
- Price: $144+ per night
- Closest transit stop: UPT Riverfront Streetcar (route 49) at Canal Street
- Book here
The Eliza Jane (Hyatt)
The other hotel I would book if I had an upcoming trip is The Eliza Jane.
This Hyatt boutique hotel was built within 9 historic warehouses by combining them into one unique building. Each part of the hotel is inspired by the businesses that were once in those particular warehouse buildings like a newspaper, baking soda company, and a bitters factory!
Note that it is closer to the hub of French Quarter crime at Bourbon Street and Canal Street, but you can avoid that area and the security that a name brand hotel provides should be reassuring (it is to me, anyway).
- Address: 315 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130-2424
- Price: $121+ per night
- Closest transit stop: Bus route 11 at Poydras and Magazine
- Book here
Other hotel loyalties:
Some other options depending on your hotel loyalty are:
- Q&C Hotel and Bar ($110+ per night) — This Marriott hotel is super walkable, has very beautiful decor, and is highly rated by over 2000 travelers.
- Kimpton Hotel Fontenot ($125+ per night) — This IHG hotel is also very walkable with competitive rates and a very modern feel inside an historic building.
So which is best?
Short answer, if you have a car and/or a large group, a Gentilly rental home like this one, and if you are without a car, the Place d’Armes in the heart of the French Quarter.
Of course, there are many factors that might sway you in your final choice like if you’re traveling solo, if you want to use hotel loyalty programs, how close to public transit you care to be, etc.
So, save this for later and dive back in to make the best decision.
Planning a New Orleans trip? These posts will help:
My Travel Essentials
- Travel Insurance – Going on an international trip? Don’t forget travel and medical insurance with SafetyWing.
- Travel Card – If you’re new to travel hacking, fear not! My favorite card for beginners gives you $750 in rewards when you spend $4,000 in the first 3 months, plus lounge access, 10x points on hotel bookings, and free TSA pre-check!
- Get Your Guide – Check out Get Your Guide for a one-stop-shop for booking travel activities.
- Booking.com – This is my favorite hotel search aggregator, specifically for reading reviews. On Booking.com, the reviews can be searched for keywords like WiFi, breakfast, pool, amenities, etc.! So helpful!
- Anti-pickpocket bag – Worried about having your valuables swiped? PacSafe makes the best travel bags with zippers and straps that lock and with mesh steel enforced fabric.
- Give the Gift of Travel – This is the perfect gift for travelers in your life! Tinggly allows you to gift experiences around the world, perfect for birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries.
- Staycation Idea – Check out Resort Pass, which gives you day passes to resorts so you can use their pool, spa, and fitness center, a great staycation idea!
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