The best cheap hotels in New Orleans

Located right on St. Charles Avenue, this delightful hostel is the perfect base for exploring the city’s bars, restaurants and night spots. If you’re too tired to head out, there’s always the option of a 24-hour on-site bar that’s ideal for an oh-go-on-then last drink of the night. Although The Quisby keeps luxury to a minimum, it’s cutely decorated and not without its own charms. Inside, you’ll find a lovely mixture of vintage and contemporary flourishes, ensuring the whole place has a quirky, personalized feel.

The mood? Friendly, fierce and fun.
Location perks? Right on the parade route during Carnival.
Budget range? Mid-range for a hostel in a key location.
Time Out tip: You're not far from the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, where you can explore the rich and varied history of visual art in the South.

This Creole townhouse, built in 1833, might just be the house famously known as “The House of the Rising Sun.” And if you believe that, then you’ll also be keen to know the joint’s former Madame is said to haunt it. Whether or not that’s true, it’s certainly a lovely, idiosyncratic place to stay at a great price.

The mood? A pinch of gothic brings out the best in old-school New Orleans style.
Location perks? Live it up in the French Quarter enjoying the calm of a slightly less hectic street.
Budget range? Mid-range, great location.
Time Out tip: Grab breakfast at the patisserie—a longtime local fave—across the street.

Le Marais is so peaceful and serene, it’s easy to forget that you’re actually in the thick of the French Quarter. This reprieve sits quietly next to the Bourbon Street hustle and the Royal Street bustle, offering guests full hotel amenities and comforts. It draws its name, ‘marais’—which translates to “marsh," a nod to New Orleans swampland—from the famous Parisian neighborhood.

The mood? Poolside cocktails or early morning gym sesh–you decide.
Location perks? Right in the French Quarter but so peaceful you might (occasionally) forget that.
Budget range? Book in advance, and you can grab a bargain.
Time Out tip: Freshen up with a dip in the hotel’s saltwater pool.

With its shabby chic décor, stone-paved courtyard, whimsical garden and views of the Mississippi River, this French Quarter hotel is a gem. Issued in 1772 to a baker by the name of Dreux, the ground floor functioned as a boulangerie for many years. The Baroness Pontalba converted the bakery into an inn in the 1830s. Staying in a historic French Quarter hotel for cheap is a tough ask, but booking one of the value rate rooms here is one of the best deals in town. Plus, it helps that the rooms are effortlessly charming, with exposed brickwork, muted tones and plush features aplenty.

The mood? Vintage decadence.
Location perks? Everything the Vieux Carré has to offer—and more.
Budget range? Great price for a pretty hotel in a prime location.
Time Out tip: Take a seat in the courtyard and enjoy a quick snack to refuel.

Located at the edge of the French Quarter in a renovated historic building, this hostel offers a unique blend of social, cozy and budget-friendly accommodations. Designed for those seeking to fully experience the city, it’s more than just a place to sleep. The hostel features modern, shared spaces, including a fully equipped kitchen, stylish lounge areas and a courtyard that's perfect for mingling with fellow travelers. With both dorm-style rooms and private suites, it caters to everyone from solo adventurers to groups.

The mood? Friendly, communal atmosphere.
Location perks? Hop on the Canal St. streetcar to get to the action.
Budget range? Hostel prices so you can spend on fun.
Time Out tip: Ask about the self-guided tours on offer so you can discover more of the city.

This cozy hostel is clean, accommodating and offers a mix of shared and private rooms for the common wanderer. Like all hostels, it’s great for those looking to make new friends. The Auberge is located in Central City, and it's conveniently located between historic uptown and downtown NOLA.

The mood? Student vibes at a friendly, lo-fi hostel.
Location perks? Super close to the Garden District and not far from the French Quarter.
Budget range? Cheap and very cheerful.
Time Out tip: Looking for new pals? You’ll have a few more after a stay here.

Made by Marriot with millenials in mind, the hotel is known for sleek and tech-forward rooms. The New Orleans Moxy stands apart for its infusion of city-specific flavor. Guests are welcomed with a cocktail at check-in and can hang out in the sleek lobby. Bonus? Moxy is pet-friendly! 

The mood? A hipster hangout with all the pluses of a large hotel.
Location perks? A Downtown dream not far from the French Quarter.
Budget range? Savvy bookers can get some really great rates here.
Time Out tip: Finish (or start) the night in the hotel’s own stylish bar.

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Hotel Provincial is an elegantly decorated dwelling for a traveler looking for a transporting experience. But all those plush drapes and curtains might be hiding something sinister, as the hotel is believed to be haunted by a Civil War soldier from the days when the plot of land was home to a military hospital. With various buildings making up the hotel, this ghost has quite a bit of roaming to do. But with such good prices on offer, we might just tolerate a ghostly visit or two during the night.

The mood? Resident ghost and secluded drinking spots for an ‘only in New Orleans’ experience.
Location perks? A French Quarter location that still allows for a good (and quiet) night’s sleep.
Budget range? Pay a little more for a genuinely unique hotel.
Time Out tip: We love that courtyard pool–and so will you.

The Alder is doing all the right things to make sure their guests have a pleasant stay. High standards of cleanliness and comfort go without saying, but this place in particular likes to go the extra mile in those departments. There is also space for guests to get some work done, as well as a mini market, launderette and 24-hour front desk to really boost their marks for convenience. 

The mood? Pleasant and practical. 
Location perks? The hotel is further Uptown for a very quiet stay. 
Budget range? A great price. 
Time Out tip: Bustling Freret Street, with its buzzy restaurants and bars, is just steps away. 

An affordable option from the Marriot group of hotels, Aloft is a modern and stylish chain that offers the comforts of a big hotel but at a much slimmer price. Located in the Central Business District and near the Superdome and the Smoothie King Center, this is a great choice for anyone coming in for a game or a concert.

The mood? Big city sheen with artsy flourishes.
Location perks? The Superdome is super close.
Budget range? From ‘a real steal’ to mid-range depending on dates and room type.
Time Out tip: If you’re bringing a pooch, this place is one of the city’s pet-friendly hotels.

Appropriately named given its distinguishable wrap-around balcony, this Marigny B&B is a home away from home. It sits above Silk Road Restaurant, which offers a unique fusion of Indian-Asian-Creole cuisine, and is a short cab ride to Frenchmen Street venues like The Spotted Cat and Snug Harbor. For best prices, book a room in the summertime.

The mood? Your home away from home, but with a better balcony.
Location perks? In the heart of the Marigny with easy access to the French Quarter.
Budget range? Reasonable rates for a very comfortable stay.
Time Out tip: Morning coffee on–where else?–that lovely balcony.

For those looking to avoid the downtown fray and stay in a comfy, affordable hotel, look no further than Hotel Tonnelle. Located in the Garden District on St. Charles Avenue, this spot is near Commander’s Palace as well as the shopping and dining destination that is Magazine Street. The venue offers spacious rooms, snuggly beds and a fantastic breakfast.

The mood? Bright and buoyant with colorful furnishings and a nice bar.
Location perks? The streetcar stop just outside the hotel will take you right to the French Quarter.
Budget range? Great prices for this level of finish.
Time Out tip: If you’ve got the stamina, the hotel’s fitness center is ready and waiting.

If you're looking for rooms with modern features and plenty of space, The Jung Hotel and Residences has you covered. The lobby bar and on-site coffee shop will satisfy your drink needs from day to night, whether you want to end your evening with a craft cocktail or draught beer. The rooms are simply designed so as not to distract from all the excitement going on outside the hotel doors. There's also a rooftop pool and bar you can escape to unwind. 

The mood? Stripped back while still feeling lavish. 
Location perks? You'll be right near the French Quarter, Bourbon Street and the Mississippi River.
Budget range? Cheaper than you'd think. 
Time Out tip: There are a variety of rooms and suites, and some even come with a kitchen. 

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With burnt rouge hues and rich shrubbery that recall past eras, The Olivier House Hotel and its unique rooms make up one of the best budget hotels in New Orleans. Beginning life as a private home to Madame Olivier, the Creole Greek revival style home passed around a few families until 1970, when it was acquired by the Danner family to be run as a boutique hotel. And though it may be just a tad pricier than the other budget hotels in the city, the location is impressive.

The mood? Historic French Quarter home turned into a luxe boutique hotel.
Location perks? One block from Bourbon Street.
Budget range? Spend the little bit extra without regrets.
Time Out tip: Get your R&R fix in one of the interior courtyards.