In a city with as much personality as New Orleans, deciding where to stay can be a real challenge. The Crescent City is a quilt of dynamic districts and charismatic quarters, each with its own unique charm and personality. You’re going to want to base yourself centrally if you want to take full advantage of all that’s on offer. It’s surprising then that many first-timers in the city overlook Central Business District hotels. Snuggly squeezed between the French Quarter and Garden and Warehouse districts, these upscale establishments are on the doorstep of the city’s best restaurants, live music venues, and historic sites.
With over 400 million annual visitors to HotelsCombined, we’ve compiled our favorite Central Business District hotels. All of these decadent digs are within walking distance of essential attractions like Jackson Square and Shops of the Colonnade. After dark, you’ll also have the best of New Orlean’s incredible nightlife on your doorstep, through proximity to iconic jazz institutions like Fritz’s European Jazz Pub and dance clubs like Republic and Metropolitan.
What’s Special about the CBD?
Unlike city centers elsewhere in the US, New Orleans’s central business district isn’t just a commercial powerhouse. This is the former American Quarter, a compact central pocket that was first settled by immigrants from out of state after the Louisiana Purchase.
As a result of this imported heritage, the neighborhood is a vibrant mix of architectural styles. In the same few blocks, you’ll find crumbling row houses, beautifully restored theaters like the Saenger and Orpheum, and happening rooftop spaces like Monkey Board. Discerning foodies, in particular, will love South Market District, a trendy dining and drinking area redeveloped out of four blocks of parking space.
Here’s Our Favorite Central Business District Hotels:
1. Le Pavillon Hotel New Orleans
Opened in 1907, this extravagant colonial-style hotel is a gloriously excessive New Orleans experience. The common areas of Le Pavillon are a romantic reminder of the Big Easy’s lavish past, with their marble columns and chandeliers. In particular, we love Cachette 1907, the hotel’s original rosewood bar. It’s the perfect place for signature NOLA cocktail before you adjourn to Bijoux for creative Louisiana twists on classic French cuisine.
To complete the experience, make sure you request one of Le Pavillon’s signature suites. Each is decorated according to the sensibilities of a different chapter in New Orleans history, from the chateau-inspired interior of the St Charles St. to the raw-brick bluesy decor of the Bourbon St. Don’t expect to be without any modern luxuries either. All of Le Pavillon’s rooms employ OpenKey® technology, meaning you can open your door through a smartphone. You can also use it to check on the status of your room before check-in, or notify the staff of a late checkout — a thoughtful extra in a city that never sleeps.
Attractions Nearby:
- Merchant, contemporary coffeehouse (550 meters)
- Congo Square, former gathering place for African slaves (1.6 kilometers)
- Jackson Square (2.6 kilometers)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 118 – USD 157
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 833 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
2. Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District
Located on the edge of the Warehouse District, Cambria Hotel feels right at home with its bohemian surroundings. This trendy art-filled hotel even boasts its own gallery, showcasing work by emerging New Orleans artists. With many of the works for sale, its the perfect place to pick up a bespoke souvenir. The creativity continues at the all-day bistro, which turns novel twists on classic New Orleans dishes like pork po’ boys, fried oysters and pickles, and chili butter shrimp and grits.
Custom rooms and suites feature industrial revival design with a couple of stylishly jazzy key changes. In particular, we love the Premier King Suite, with its humorous pop art paintings of celebrities like Ellen Degeneres wearing Tudor-era attire.
Attractions Nearby:
- Lafayette Square, green space with regular events (500 meters)
- The National WWII Museum (750 meters)
- Audubon Aquarium of the Americas (850 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 136 – USD 234
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 632 Tchoupitoulas Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
3. Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
A drink at Pelican Bar, Sheraton’s distinctive cocktail lounge, is essential while in New Orleans even if you’re not staying at the Sheraton. Anchored around a distinctive, cupola-shaped central bar, it’s known for its classic cocktails like Hurricane and Pimms Cup, which vastly outshine the sugar bombs you risk being served elsewhere in the neighborhood.
Of course, you could just stick around for a drink, but then you’d be missing out on the Sheraton’s generous guest rooms. Starting at 32 square feet in size, they feature plush bedding, spacious workspaces, and handfuls of thoughtful goodies in the bathroom. Ceiling-to-floor windows give you a great view over either the French Quarter or Mississippi River. When you need to cool off, there’s also a fantastic pool up on the roof.
Attractions Nearby:
- House of Blues, reputable live music venue (400 meters)
- New Orleans School of Cooking (600 meters)
- Woldenberg Park, breezy riverfront promenade (600 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 200 – USD 944
Guest Rating: 8.6
Address: 500 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
4. Hyatt Regency New Orleans
Saints fans will love Hyatt Regency’s location right next to the Mercedes Benz Superdome. This iconic arena is an incredible place to catch a game. If you can’t get tickets though, just head to the hotel’s James Beard Award-winning bistro, Borgne. A favorite hangout for local football fans, it boasts the longest bar in the city. Celebrate afterward with fantastic cajun fare and delicious Louisiana seafood.
Hyatt Regency’s rooms and suites present a contemporary take on Big Easy style, as well as unmissable stadium and city views from the upper floors. You’ll get the best panorama checking into the Superior Suite, whose separate living area features corner windows. In addition to its enviable vistas, the Hyatt Regency is one of NOLA’s only Central Business District hotels to have a salt-water pool and bar, perfect for a little you time come late afternoon.
Attractions Nearby:
- Mercedes Benz Superdome (650 meters)
- Smoothie King Center, sports and entertainment venue (650 meters)
- Saenger Theater (1.0 kilometers)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 145 – USD 272
Guest Rating: 8.9
Address: 601 Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113, United States
5. Harrahs New Orleans Casino & Hotel
Harrahs is one of the only of New Orleans’s Central Business District hotels where gambling is on the cards, with over 100 games from poker to craps. Try your luck at the tables before sitting down to a refined dinner at The Steakhouse of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. Both serve US-reared prime beef, broiled to perfection, and of course, there’s some classic NOLA-inspired seafood to round out the offerings.
Located in a skyline-snapping 26-story tower, the spacious rooms and suites have fantastic views of downtown and the French Quarter. The traditional interiors feature locally-inspired design flourishes such as accent walls and plush velvet smoking chairs. You’ll also be able to enjoy the use of pillow-top mattresses and flat-screen TVs.
Attractions Nearby:
- August, elegant Louisiana restaurant (400 meters)
- Spanish Plaza, attractive waterfront space (450 meters)
- French 75, historic cocktail lounge (1.0 kilometers)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 166 – USD 501
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 228 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
6. Loews New Orleans Hotel
With its proximity to Canal Street, Loew’s New Orleans is ideal for experiencing the thrills of Mardi Gras without having to stay somewhere too noisy. Its riverside location is a major plus. At 21 stories tall, the hotel guarantees fantastic views of the magnificent Mississippi from any of its 285 rooms and suites. Fittingly, the accommodations have NOLA-inspired interiors. Carpets that replicate the wrought iron fences of the Garden District are a thoughtful touch — though perhaps not quite as thoughtful as the boutique hair and skincare goodies that are waiting for you in the bathroom.
Attractions Nearby:
- Meril, new American restaurant (400 meters)
- Arthur Roger Gallery (600 meters)
- The Sugar Mill, event venue (850 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 115 – USD 593
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: 300 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
7. JW Marriott New Orleans
JW Marriott New Orleans is located on Canal Street, the historic palm-lined thoroughfare that separates the CBD and French Quarter. This gives you enviably easy access to some of New Orleans’s most iconic bars and music venues, including Preservation Hall.
As you’d expect with any of NOLA’s central business district hotels, JW Marriot New Orleans is very generous with the size of its rooms. Guest rooms start at 32 square meters, featuring city views and large marble bathrooms. If you’re traveling with a crowd, request a bi-level suite, with a kitchenette, twin bathrooms, and an occupancy of up to six people. If you’re making plans for an even bigger crowd, you’ll appreciate JW’s elegant indoor and outdoor event spaces, which exceed 2,200 square meters in total.
Attractions Nearby:
- Carousel Bar, whimsical fairground-inspired lounge (280 meters)
- Cafe Beignet, charming cajun bistro (400 meters)
- Museum of Death (500 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 199 – USD 501
Guest Rating: 9.0
Address: 614 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
8. The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel
Operating for 125 years, The Roosevelt New Orleans is a landmark in its own right. Located a block from Bourbon Street, this extravagant central business district hotel has hosted the likes of Sonny and Cher, Judy Garland, and Maralyn Monroe. Marlene Dietrich once performed here, while the historic Sazerac Bar was a favorite hang out of trailblazing Louisiana governor Huey P. Long. It remains an unparalleled venue for a classic NOLA cocktail, with murals painted by pivotal southern master Paul Ninas.
504 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites more than live up to The Roosevelt’s unique pedigree. Decorated in classic style, all feature plush bedding and luxury toiletries. An upgrade to one of the indulgent Astoria Suites is rewarded with a clawfoot tub, personal concierge, and 74 square meters of living space arranged in the “shotgun” layout of the traditional Louisiana home.
Attractions Nearby:
- The Jazz Playhouse, upscale establishment with retro vibe (600 meters)
- Royal Antiques Ltd, marvelous trove of period finds (650 meters)
- Hermann-Grima House, historic home (700 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 200 – USD 436
Guest Rating: 9.2
Address: 130 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
9. Windsor Court Hotel
Definitely one of the best dressed Central Business District hotels, Windsor Court Hotel knows a thing or two about style. They recently did a complete overhaul of the entire hotel, redecorating in a simply sublime palette of champagne and duck egg blue. We approve.
Starting at 37 square meters, the guest rooms feature a handful of functional upgrades, from bedside tables with built-in charging stations to Bluetooth-controlled alarm clocks. The rooftop pool is quite literally a level above the rest, offering enviable views of the NOLA skyline and libations all afternoon from the Waterman Poolside Bar.
Attractions Nearby:
- Lafayette Square (850 meters)
- Restaurant Rebirth, farm-to-table cajun-creole restaurant (1.1 kilometers)
- Willa Jean, retro-chic Southern cafe (1.6 kilometers)
Star Rating: 5*
Price: USD 296 – USD 671
Guest Rating: 9.4
Address: 300 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
10. InterContinental New Orleans
Located on mansion-lined St Charles Avenue, the Central Business District Hotel feels right at home with the other extravagant properties that share its address. The indulgent rooms and suites feature quintessentially NOLA interiors. They also offer fabulous views of the city if you decide to upgrade to a suite.
Treat yourself to sensational cajun-creole dishes at Trennase restaurant, accompanied by an extensive wine list. Save some room for nibbles at Pete’s, a jazzy take on traditional English pubs. Wile away idle moments at the rooftop pool deck, which affords unique views of downtown New Orleans.
Attractions Nearby:
- Bon Ton Café, classic 1953 cajun restaurant (210 meters)
- Palace Café, opulent creole restaurant (400 meters)
- Cigar Factory New Orleans (850 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 129 – USD 402
Guest Rating: 8.8
Address: 444 St Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
11. International House Hotel
Open to the public since 1906, International House Hotel derives its name from its past life as the world’s first World Trade Center. But that’s not the only reason you should keep this place on your radar if you’re planning a function in the city. The hotel’s multiple event spaces, known collectively as Entrepreneur’s Row, offer remarkably elegant settings for gatherings of up to 150 people per venue, as well as ultra-fast internet and catering kitchens.
Not in town on business? There’s plenty else to enjoy about International House. The hotel’s fantastic penthouse suites feature substantial beds and gorgeous living spaces for you to kick back in. All have private terraces with sweeping views of downtown, a feature that makes the suites particularly popular among guests on extended stays.
Attractions Nearby:
- The Dungeon, widely loved rock n’ roll dive popular since 1969 (1.0 kilometers)
- Trashy Diva Clothing Boutique, retro clothing boutique with great finds (1.1 kilometers)
- Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture (1.1 kilometers)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 95 – USD 314
Guest Rating: 8.7
Address: 221 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
12. Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter
Located on one of New Orleans’s most vibrant thoroughfares, this Central Business District Hotels blends comfort with southern class. Generous rooms feature contemporary fare and great views of the city if you book accordingly. This hotel also offers a wide range of entertainment options, including a casino and rooftop pool with charming city views.
Save one evening for Astor Crowne Plaza’s humorous onsite restaurant Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House and Beyond. Serving creative creole specialties and locally sourced seafood, its a great place to experience the full flavor of southern Louisiana dining. Take full advantage of the whiskey menu, which includes over 150 bourbons that hit the spot neat, or stirred into a specialty cocktail. Sip slowly and soak up the views of Canal Street, which the New York Times called some of the best in the city.
Attractions Nearby:
- Galatoires, fine dining in historic settings (170 meters)
- Criollo Restaurant, creole bistro (280 meters)
- Michalopoulos Gallery (400 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 109 – USD 453
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 739 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
13. Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue
No, it’s not putting on those airs of exclusivity. This local branch of Hilton Hotels was originally opened in 1926 as the Louisiana Masonic Temple and is a member of Historic Hotels of America. None of that glamor has tarnished with time, as you’ll be able to appreciate its exquisite marble corridors and gorgeous event spaces.
Settled into your generously sized room and indulged in the boutique goodies that have been laid out for you in the spacious bathroom. When you’re ready, descend to Luke, a Hilton’s classic New Orleans brasserie, helmed by chef John Besh. With its rustic interiors, belted ceiling fan system, and full-presentation kitchen, it’s a memorable place for dinner. If you do wish to dine out, however, the French Quarter and its many-faceted dining scene are right on your doorstep.
Attractions Nearby:
- Bon Ton Café (300 meters)
- Lafayette Square (400 meters)
- The National WWII Museum (1.1 kilometers)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 151 – USD 238
Guest Rating: 8.2
Address: 333 St. Charles Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
14. Magnolia New Orleans
Built in 1863, Magnolia New Orleans got a full facelift last year, and we have to say she’s never looked better. The timelessly trendy rooms are gloriously modish, with wood and steel accents and retro-radio inspired headboards that take us right back to the sixties. Boutique bath amenities are a nice touch. So are the large windows with views of the Central Business District, a nifty feature of the Deluxe King rooms.
If you ever get hungry and don’t want to make the two-block walk to the French Quarter, Magnolia has a fantastic restaurant onsite. Laurel Oak, a Southern Brasserie (we’d call it an upscale gastropub) looks great with its glazed subway tile bar and vibrant floral murals. Pull up a stool and order Vieux Carre (cognac, whiskey, Benedictine, vermouth, bitters) or any other of the specialty cocktails that pay homage to this great city. The food, too, is quite spectacular, particularly the brick chicken.
Attractions Nearby:
- Carousel Bar (600 meters)
- House of Blues New Orleans (600 meters)
- New Orleans School of Cooking (750 meters)
Star Rating: 4*
Price: USD 102 – USD 360
Guest Rating: 7.3
Address: 535 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States
Hotel Location
NOLA’s Central Business District Hotels in a Nutshell
They may boast the best locations in the city, but New Orleans’s Central Business District hotels offer much more than just well-placed pads from which to explore the city. Take your pick in this upscale neighborhood, and you’ll be guaranteed boutique accommodation, upscale onsite dining, and of course some of that unmistakable NOLA hospitality. From Bourbon-Street-inspired interiors to elegant cocktail bars once (and still) favored by the city’s elite, CBD hotels serve something from every chapter of the Cresent City’s vibrant history.
What’s your favorite thing about New Orleans’s Central Business District? Let us know in the comments below!
