Some may say New Orleans is not a family friendly destination. I say, they’re wrong. Visiting New Orleans is a cultural experience, one that you can definitely have with your kids along for the ride. Knowing where to stay when visiting New Orleans with kids will definitely help keep your visit family-friendly. There are rougher parts of town, scarred from Hurricane Katrina. There are weirdos and whackjobs. And of course, there are some interesting goings on along Bourbon Street after dark. There’s a lot to do in New Orleans with kids outside of all of this though. The key to keeping your visit to New Orleans family-friendly is picking a great place to stay.
So, where should you stay in New Orleans with kids?
Where NOT to Stay in New Orleans with Kids
Before I can tell you where to stay in New Orleans with kids, I need to give you a warning. Don’t stay on Bourbon Street with your kids! Don’t stay in the French Quarter with your kids! I know, I know. This is what NOLA New Orleans is all about. I love NOLA but hear me out…
Bourbon Street is fun. The French Quarter is pretty. This part of NOLA oozes atmosphere… but it’s not an ideal place to pick a hotel if you’re travelling with a family.
There is a lot of action in the French Quarter after dark and, if you value sleeping, you’d be better off picking a neighbourhood that is French Quarter adjacent. You’ll still be able to stroll in and out of the French Quarter but you’ll get a better sleep.
Where to Stay in New Orleans with Kids
Let me help you with a great suggestion on where to stay in New Orleans with kids! If you’re travelling as a family, the most important thing after picking a good location is having a spacious room. Luckily for us, on our recent visit to NOLA we discovered that La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans has both.
While La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans is technically in the business district it’s only a short walk (less than 10 minutes) from the French Quarter, Jackson Square and right near the St Charles Streetcar trolley line. Despite being right near the thick of the action you won’t hear much street noise at all from your room. When you’re choosing where to stay when visiting New Orleans with kids finding a hotel in NOLA that is close to the French Quarter but doesn’t have a lot of night time activity around it is essential.
Our suite was incredibly spacious with a large entrance way and living area, a kitchenette with microwave & fridge, well-appointed bathroom and very comfortable master bedroom. The blackout curtains help you sleep in if you’ve been out late the night before or if your kids are operating on a different time zone due to jet lag. There’s a great free breakfast downstairs every morning and a swimming pool if you need to cool down on a hot day.
We drove to NOLA as part of our road trip across the Southern States. La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans does have valet parking but we really only used our car for sightseeing on one occasion (to visit the New Orleans Zoo). You just don’t need it because the location is so good.
La Quinta Inn & Suites Downtown New Orleans hosted us on our four-night visit to NOLA. Rates start at $79. You can check current rates and availability for your stay in New Orleans here.
More posts about visiting New Orleans with kids:
I have a couple more posts about visiting New Orleans with kids coming soon so stay tuned!
I love when it comes to rooms that are spacious for kids. Looks simple but definitely comfortable. A child safe zone area.