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Where to stay in New Orleans: Best areas for travelers

• Central Business District: If you're considering this area, you can't go past the Homewood Suites by Hilton New Orleans, the Le Pavillon Hotel and the Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans. If you're looking for something to do, make sure you check out Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It's a big reason so many people come here.

• Mid-City District: If you feel like doing some sightseeing here, you'll want some cozy digs to return to. The Tremé Hotel, the Esplanade Villa Blocks From French Quarter - Five Bedroom Villa, Sleeps 10 and The Benjamin are a few options in the area. This is a wonderful location for history fans, with sights like Congo Square and Gayarre Place Monument to visit.

• Uptown and Carrolton District: When organizing your stay in this neighborhood, start by choosing where you'll spend the night. The Beautiful Uptown Apartment by Audubon Park, Tulane and Loyola Universities, the 2 Bedroom, 1 Bath- Quiet Uptown Neighborhood Apartment -walk to Tulane and Loyla and Historic Uptown Cottage - 1 Mile to Tulane & Loyola are a few choices. Once you've checked in, get out and see well-known sights like Audubon Park. Put it on your must-see list!

• Uptown Historic District: If staying up until all hours is something you hope to do while on vacation, this neighborhood is the place for you. Renowned for its vibrant nightlife, it's where you'll find Prytania Theatre. The Historic Uptown Cottage - 1 Mile to Tulane & Loyola, the Fantastic Spacious Garden Apartment and the Spacious 2 Bedroom 1 Bath are a few places to sleep off those good times.

• French Quarter: With Jackson Square in this area, it's no surprise many people set up base here. The Bourbon Orleans Hotel, the Place d'Armes Hotel and the Maison de Ville and Audubon Cottages are a few places to rest your head in here.

New Orleans Vacations

There’s enchantment afoot. Known for its European atmosphere, festive spirit, multifaceted history, and love of the arts, New Orleans has no shortage of things to see, do, and savor. Let Crescent City take you through centuries-old architecture and mystical traditions as it curves around Lake Pontchartrain. You’ll soon find that New Orleans vacations are unlike any other as you join in the shenanigans of a city celebration or sit down to cup of coffee and sweet beignets. Keep reading for a taste of the activities and hospitality that await you—each vacation package in New Orleans is bundled with magic, just like NOLA.

Top Hotels in New Orleans

Mix and match convenient flights and luxury hotels like a ghostly cocktail. As you plan your exquisite getaway, consider these guest favorites:

• Astor Crowne Plaza New Orleans: Stay here on the south side of the French Quarter to be in proximity to Saenger Theatre and the Central Business District. With crystal chandeliers and intricate tapestries reflecting off glossy marble floors, the Astor Crowne is nothing short of opulent. Take advantage of nearby fine dining or enjoy a gourmet meal delivered with 24-hour room service.
• Le Pavillon Hotel: In the heart of the CBD, Le Pavillon is an ode to New Orleans’ French heritage, which you’ll discover as you step through the columned entrance and face the Lobby swathed in rich brocades. Stay within walking distance of icons like the McDonogh Monument and Lafayette Square, and relax by the pool and order 24-hour room service to your gorgeous suite.
• Bourbon Orleans Hotel: As you enter through the columned portico and stand in the center of rich colors and sumptuous furnishing, you may never want to leave. But you must wander through the historic streets to nearby Preservation Hall, Le Petit Theatre Du Vieux Carre, and the Historic Voodoo Museum. The Bourbon Orleans will cast a spell on you.
• Omni Royal Orleans Hotel: Don’t be surprised if you see a horse-drawn carriage pull up to the door of this wrought-iron laced hotel. This, like gilt sculptures and 24-hour room service are daily details at this Omni. Walk to the Historic New Orleans Collection and the New Orleans Musical Legends Park, or sip some bubbly at the poolside bar.

Major Attractions

The French Quarter has a large concentration of hotels in New Orleans, and features many of the city's most well-known landmarks. In the center of the Quarter is Jackson Square, a central gathering space surrounded by local artwork, horse drawn carriages, and the St. Louis Cathedral. The city's spacious City Park is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, Sculpture Garden, and bike paths. If you don’t book your New Orleans package deals for Mardi Gras, visit Mardi Gars World any time during the year to see the famed floats up close and learn about the city's favorite holiday.

You could spend your entire vacation in New Orleans without ever leaving the French Quarter, it’s true, but you’ve got to follow the Mighty Mississippi south to the Garden District and Audubon. True to its name, the Garden District is a quiet and lush corner of the city center where Victorian homes and historic cemeteries are overgrown with palm trees and nostalgia. Farther to the southwest, Audubon Park is otherworldly. Nibble on a picnic among antique fountains as winged creatures perch on the edge of whimsical bird baths. These moments must be why they call it The Big Easy.

Festivals and Events

As we’ve noted, Mardi Gras is the city's most famous festival. The weeks-long event includes parades of elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, dancing groups, and coveted beads. After Mardi Gras come two of the city's best known music festivals. Beginning in April dance to the melodies of the French Quarter Festival, which is four days of live music. Come the last weekend of April and first weekend of May, when the Jazz and Heritage Festival sweeps through the city. Festivals truly span from January to December in this city of celebration, and many of them are free to join, which enriches any cheap vacation in New Orleans with culture and comradery.

Embrace the fanciful architecture and spicy creole cuisine with reckless abandon, but first, save on hotels and airfare when you book a vacation package in New Orleans, LA. Travelocity’s price-matching guarantee means we’ll offer or meet the best price you can find. Now, that’s the big easy.

Tours and Activities in New Orleans

Travel isn't just about chilling out and relaxing; it's about heading away from your comfort zone and learning different things. Are you ready for some awesome new experiences?

Getting ready for some exciting activities while you're in New Orleans? We suggest trying some of these things:

• Guided Tour of Oak Alley or Laura Plantation
• 90-Minute Express Segway Tour
• Guided Oak Alley Plantation & City Bus Tour
• Big Easy Aerial Tour
• NOLA Brewery Bus Tour with Tastings
• New Orleans French Quarter & Garden District Bike Tour