New Orleans with kids
By Jordan Estrada
Bienville House (Courtesy Bienville House)
Travelers do not have to sacrifice value, location or kid-friendly amenities when it comes to finding affordable lodgings in the Big Easy. Family-friendly budget hotels can be found throughout New Orleans. This includes its most historic neighborhood, the French Quarter, home to some of the city’s oldest landmarks and plenty of kid-approved attractions.
Here are our top favorite New Orleans hotels that are as wonderful as they are affordable.
(MORE: A Big Easy Family Vacation)
Bienville House
The historic Bienville House building has been renovated to include a full list of modern amenities while still retaining its vintage French Quarter vibe. Bask in traditional European art and decor, and enjoy easy access to kid-friendly attractions like the Audubon Institute Aquarium of the Americas, IMAX Theater and Jackson Square (a hotspot for street performers and artists). Hotel guests are treated to a free continental breakfast, have free Wi-Fi access during their stay, and are welcome to use the outdoor heated saltwater pool. Plus, rooms features luxury toiletries designed by Gilchrest & Soames. This is a pet-friendly establishment, so bring furry friends along for the family vacation. Rooms start at $150/night.
Dauphine Orleans Hotel
Dauphine Orleans Hotel (Courtesy Dauphine Orleans Hotel)
The Dauphine Orleans Hotel blends 19th century architecture with contemporary conveniences. This French Quarter boutique establishment is just a short walk from the New Orleans Streetcar line and Bourbon Street. Sit down to a daily deluxe continental breakfast in the breakfast room to start the day and make sure to take a dip in the saltwater pool. The hotel provides in-room bottled water, free Wi-Fi access and daily snacks and refreshments from 3pm to 5pm. If your kids are fans of ghost stories, look into the New Orleans Spirits family vacation package and take a tour of the hotel’s haunted hallways. Rooms start at $199/night.
Hotel Monteleone
Hotel Monteleone (Courtesy Hotel Monteleone)
Hotel Monteleone has been serving New Orleans since 1866 and is said to be haunted by more than a dozen spirits. But don’t let that scare you away. It’s timeless beauty has made it a popular site for decades, and it has been used as a filming location for several movies and television shows. The pet-friendly hotel provides a full list of amenities for four-legged guests. It also offers complimentary high speed internet access to guests and has a heated outdoor pool where they can enjoy stunning views of the cityscape. Family-friendly attractions like Jackson Square and the French Market are within walking distance, and the hotel has an All About Kids features available with its vacation packages. Rooms start at $169/night.
Hotel Provincial
Hotel Provincial (Courtesy Hotel Provincial)
Hotel Provincial is an isolated French Quarter hotel where families can truly get away from it all. Just a short a short walk from New Orleans’ top tourist haunts and historic neighborhoods, a number of kid-friendly attractions are always within reach. Personal service and genuine hospitality are staples of this stylish hotel, which has been family-owned and operated since 1961. Comfortable family rooms are completely non-smoking and feature free high speed wireless internet. Cribs can be provided upon request. The hotel has two private swimming pools for guest to enjoy, perfect after a hot day at Jackson Square. Rooms start at $180/night.
Omni Royal Orleans
The Omni Royal Orleans boasts a fusion of traditional style and modern luxuries just 12 miles from the Louis Armstrong International Airport. Award-winning service and a convenient French Quarter location make this a perfect base for your family vacation. Its rooftop pool and lookout deck are great places to catch uninhibited views of the city. The Omni Sensational Kids Program includes a backpack full of fun and educational games and healthy snacks. The hotel also delivers milk and cookies to the room on the first night. Craving a fresh, flavorful meal? Rib Room restaurant has been a local favorite for more than half a century and beloved by famous individuals ranging from rock stars to royalty. Rooms start at $200/night.
(MORE: Things to Do for Christmas with Kids in New Orleans)
Place d’Armes
Place d’Armes (Courtesy Place d’Armes)
The buildings of the Place d’Armes date back to the 18th and 19th century and have been carefully restored to maintain their classic ambiance. Along with a delightful pool and patio area, guests have access to manicured courtyards flourishing with vegetation and several fountains. Delight in a free daily continental breakfast before walking to Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, or Cafe Du Monde, a French Market Coffee Stand established in 1862. Free wireless internet access is available to guests. Kids 12 and under stay free. Rooms start at $160/night.
Jordan Estrada contributed this to MiniTime. He is a freelance travel writer from Southern California who spends him time gardening, studying music and performing with his band.
