Thousands of people flock to the city during Mardi Gras, so expect most hotels to sell out months before Carnival season. It is best to plan ahead and book early. Sometimes, rooms can be booked at the last minute, but don’t expect any last-minute deals. The ideal locations are in the French Quarter, CBD/Warehouse District and Garden District, specifically hotels along the parade routes. (neworleans.com has a great neighborhood guide, which you can view here!) About 80 percent of Mardi Gras happens within walking distance of these hotels. Leave your car parked at the hotel, or park it for the duration in a lot or unrestricted street outside of the French Quarter/parade route fray.
Some of the Best Affordable Luxury Hotels in New Orleans Near the Mardi Gras Parade Route
Old Hotel 77 - charming, rustic, unique; think exposed brick and wooden beams
The Troubador - chic, clean, rooftop bar, pet-friendly
Aloft Hotel - modern, clean, pet-friendly
Ace Hotel - beautiful rooftop pool and bar, lots of character
Bienville House Hotel - bright & airy, French chic
Hotel Provincial - beautiful courtyard, classic New Orleans
International House Hotel - elegant, black and white-themed rooms
Pontchartrain Hotel - amazing rooftop bar, charming; great restaurant and lounge
Catahoula Hotel - mix of old, refurbished & modern, rooftop terrace Hotel Monteleone - stunning hotel, home of the famous Carousel bar, historic, luxury
You can view all of these hotels on this map!
AirBnB is also a great option for the solo traveler! Rent a room, or rent a house – AirBnB allows you to live like a local. We recommend staying in an AirBnb on the parade route, riverside (in between St. Charles Avenue and the Mississippi River). This will allow you to stay close to the parade action, while staying in a safe, accommodating part of town. If you choose to rent out a room in a house, you will be greeted by welcoming locals who will be eager to share our beautiful city with you!
Other Mardi Gras solo travel tips and tidbits:
If you are planning on taking a cab, there is a $30 flat rate from Louis Armstrong International Airport to the city. It is about a 25-minute cab ride to Downtown. Uber and other ridesharing apps are also available. There is a $30 flat rate as well and you can even schedule a ride beforehand.
If you are planning on driving, make sure you have a reliable parking spot lined up. Parking on the street is near impossible during Mardi Gras, and you run the risk of getting ticketed or towed. Be wary of scam parking lots.
Pedicabs are a great option if you’re looking to get around the city quickly. They will be out in abundance during Mardi Gras. Most only accept cash.
Again, just trust us - do not park on the street. If for some reason you must, do not park within 25 feet of a stop sign or fire hydrant, do not park the opposite way of traffic, do not block driveways, and do not park on the parade route.
The streetcars stop service two hours before parades roll. Make other plans!
For other tips specifically on safety, visit this blog post!
If you are headed to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, please let us know in the comments section below and share this post with someone who might enjoy it! Follow us on social media and listen to the Solo Travel Talk Podcast for more affordable luxury solo travel tips, tricks, stories and advice. Click on the links below!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you book a hotel through one of these links, Astrid Solo Travel Advisor receives a commission. This comes at no additional cost to you, and it helps keep this website running, and full of free ideas and tips!
Mardi Gras, a.k.a. Fat Tuesday, is the final day of celebration of the Carnival season. Read on to find out which parades roll on this very special day, and about their rich history!