It’s Not Too Late to Reserve These Hotels in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras is among the most sought-after times to visit New Orleans, so it’s never too early to start planning your hotel stay. But if you haven’t booked yet, don’t worry—it’s not too late.

The Carnival season kicks off each year in early January and culminates on Mardi Gras day, which falls on Tuesday, February 13, in 2024. The most vibrant times to visit are typically the two weekends leading up to the big day. For those of you who are last-minute planners, you’re in luck! As of now, these hotels still have limited availability in February, including the final weekend of Mardi Gras from Friday, February 9, to Wednesday, February 14, 2024.

Besides when you visit, your choice of neighborhood is crucial. If you want to be near the Mardi Gras parades on St. Charles Avenue, consider hotels in the Uptown and Garden District areas, as they’ll place you at the start of the routes, away from the French Quarter’s hustle. Most parades also pass by some of our favorite hotels in the Warehouse District, all within walking distance of the French Quarter. (Before heading out, be sure to download the WDSU Parade Tracker app for iPhone or Android for parade schedules, maps, and live updates.) If you need to use a ride-share service, be cautious of road closures that might box you in. Check out this helpful guide from nola.com for optimal pick-up spots just beyond the parade routes.

With that in mind, here are eight of our top hotel picks for your home base during Mardi Gras in New Orleans—plus details on special cocktails, events, and more they’re offering this Carnival season.

Kimpton Hotel Fontenot

For prime viewing of the grandest Mardi Gras parades, the 235-room Kimpton Hotel Fontenot is perfectly situated at the intersection of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets, right on the main parade routes and just a five-minute stroll from the French Quarter. Four parades will roll past the hotel: the Krewes of Morpheus (February 9), Endymion (February 10), Bacchus (February 11), and Orpheus (February 12). During these events, the outdoor terrace above King Brasserie and Bar will host exclusive ticketed events featuring food, drinks, and swag bags filled with beads. On January 20, for example, you can participate in a Carnival Sip & Shop from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the rooftop terrace of King Brasserie, showcasing local vendors such as Lab & Lounge, which will provide themed manicures and hair tinsel.

The hotel’s vibrant cocktail bar, Peacock Room, will serve an official ‘parade potion’ known as the Patron Saint, crafted with Patrón tequila, Nonino Amaro, kumquat, and honeydew. It's not just delicious but also visually stunning, with stripes of purple, yellow, and green. Throughout the season, don’t miss pastry chef Lanna Talley’s creative takes on king cakes available at both King Brasserie and Gospel Coffee.

Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans

Opened in 2021 within the historic World Trade Center in New Orleans, the 341-room Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans offers a luxurious retreat with views of the Mississippi River, featuring an outdoor pool and acclaimed restaurants helmed by Alon Shaya (Miss River) and Donald Link (Chemin à la Mer). Its prime location on Canal Street places it just a few blocks away from major parade routes, including the Krewes of Endymion, Iris, and Tucks.

While staying here, you'll encounter a festive Mardi Gras installation in the lobby, showcasing vibrant papier-mâché flowers made by local float artists. At the Chandelier Bar, you can indulge in a special milk punch, and for the first time, the pastry kitchen will provide a limited selection of king cakes. Additionally, true to the Four Seasons’ commitment to providing opulent experiences, the hotel offers a balcony package for parade viewing at Herbsaint, Donald Link’s renowned restaurant located directly on St. Charles Avenue.

The Pontchartrain Hotel

Positioned right on the Uptown parade route along St. Charles Avenue in the Garden District, the Pontchartrain Hotel has been a favorite of celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Truman Capote since its opening in the 1940s. A renovation in 2016 preserved its vintage allure while modernizing the space with 106 rooms adorned with a charming blend of European and Caribbean furnishings.

The hotel's communal areas are where it truly excels, drawing both locals and visitors. Before securing your spot along the parade routes, grab to-go cocktails and food from Bayou Bar (which opens early on parade days) and Silver Whistle Café. At Bayou Bar or Jack Rose, indulge in festive Mardi Gras–themed Jell-O shots available in unique flavors like ube, pandan, or passion fruit, all for just $6 each.

Jack Rose, named after characters from Tennessee Williams’ The Rose Tattoo, will host a unique lunch on Friday, February 9, featuring performances by two Mardi Gras Indians. This celebration honors a vibrant tradition where revelers draw costume inspiration from Native American and West African cultures. The following day, the restaurant will present an Iris Saturday lunch, themed after the Krewe of Iris, the oldest and largest all-female krewe in New Orleans, featuring a menu with special purple-themed drinks and dishes.

Hotel Saint Vincent

Originally established as an infant asylum in 1861, Hotel Saint Vincent was converted into a 75-room hotel in 2021. Now under the ownership of MML Hospitality, helmed by hotelier Liz Lambert along with Texas chefs Larry McGuire and Tom Moorman, this hotel is a delightful retreat year-round. However, it particularly shines during Mardi Gras, featuring psychedelic marble wallpaper in the rooms, an outdoor pool, and eye-catching neon lighting in the exclusive Chapel Club cocktail bar. Situated at the intersection of Magazine and Race Streets in the Lower Garden District, it’s just a two-block stroll from the main parade routes on St. Charles Avenue.

During your stay, you'll discover numerous ways to immerse yourself in the festivities of the Lower Garden District. As part of its ongoing Sounds of Saint Vincent series, the hotel will host live music performances in Chapel Club featuring Plomo on January 25, and James Bangura & Tiss with NSDOS on February 4; you can RSVP for free online.

On January 21, the hotel will host the return of Little Flea Nola, featuring its beloved Mardi Gras Market (also free with online RSVP). This market will showcase everything from antiques and vintage furniture to handmade costumes, headpieces, and jewelry, along with a variety of king cakes and pastries.

Ace Hotel New Orleans

Situated just a block from the parade routes on St. Charles Avenue in the Warehouse District, the Ace Hotel on Carondelet Street provides convenient access to parades from renowned Krewes of Orpheus, Bacchus, Endymion, and Muses, among others. With 234 rooms available in various sizes and price ranges, along with multiple bars, restaurants, and music venues, the Ace is an excellent choice for group getaways.

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, there are many reasons to include the Ace in your Mardi Gras plans this season. On February 3, musician Joshua Starkman will perform his show “Have a Great Mardi Gras” at the Ace's venue Three Keys; a week later, the venue will host the lively Sum’n Good dance party.

Maison de la Luz

For a more secluded getaway, Maison de la Luz is situated directly across from its sister property, the Ace. This 67-room hotel, which opened in 2019 in a former City Hall annex, encourages guests to visit the Ace to enjoy the rooftop pool bar or indulge in a crawfish roll or a dozen Gulf Coast oysters at Seaworthy, set in a charming Creole cottage built in 1832. However, back at Maison, the common areas are exclusive to overnight guests, providing a serene escape from the bustling streets outside.

Given its private atmosphere, there are no special events scheduled at the hotel during Mardi Gras. Nevertheless, in previous years, the hotel has surprised guests with complimentary grandstand seats for the parades.

Virgin Hotels New Orleans

The Virgin Hotels New Orleans is just two blocks from the St. Charles Avenue parade routes, and only one block from the Ace Hotel and Maison de la Luz. Guests can easily stroll over to catch the Krewes of Bacchus, Endymion, Morpheus, and Muses as they pass by, yet retreat from the lively crowds when it’s time to unwind. While some of the 238 rooms may have uninspiring views of the building’s air shaft, this also means you’ll enjoy a quieter stay during the bustling season. For those eager to partake in the festivities, Virgin offers a $299 Mardi Pardi Ice Chest room upgrade, which includes a personal cooler filled with ice, four local beers, soda, water, finger sandwiches, and a king cake.

In true Virgin style, the hotel is organizing a range of Mardi Gras celebrations at its restaurants and bars. Highlights include a drag and burlesque brunch at Commons Club before the sci-fi-themed Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus parade on January 20, a headpiece-making tutorial with Sorella’s Nola on January 27, and a Carnival Couture fashion show featuring designs by Laura Citron on January 28. Additionally, Commons Club will host special Carnival at Commons brunches on January 28 and February 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering seasonal dishes, cocktails, and music from DJ Rusty Lazer.

Hotel Peter and Paul

For a unique and off-the-beaten-path Mardi Gras adventure, consider booking a stay at the 71-room Hotel Peter and Paul located in the relaxed Faubourg Marigny, just east of the French Quarter. This charming hotel was once a 19th-century church, rectory, schoolhouse, and convent, and it now features the Elysian Bar, managed by the same team behind the popular local wine bar Bacchanal.

While the French Quarter is only a 10-minute walk west of the hotel, the Marigny boasts its own vibrant Mardi Gras festivities. Unlike the larger, tractor-pulled floats seen on St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street, the Marigny parades provide a more intimate and artisanal atmosphere, all within walking distance. On January 28, from 3 to 7 p.m., the hotel will host a complimentary block party featuring a live band, a DJ, food-and-drink vendors, and a Carnival crafting workshop in the hotel’s church venue, built in 1861 and adorned with stunning stained-glass windows. This celebration will align with the beloved ‘tit Rex mini parade, named after the Cajun word for “small,” showcasing incredibly tiny floats crafted from shoeboxes.

This article was originally published in 2023 and updated on January 12, 2024, with contributions from reporter Nicholas DeRenzo.