safe areas to stay around New Orleans?

[luvmyfam444]

Heading to N.O. in a couple of weeks - looking for a safe area nearby - up to an hour away. Any recommendations?

 

[teawar]

Slidel has some decent hotels. It’s across the big lake from NO.

 

[Travel60]

Metarie? Just to west or Kenner near airport.

Are you staying outside City to save $ or because you think it is unsafe? I've never thought of NO as unsafe with normal precautions of any big city.

 

[Southernmiss]

What are you going to New Orleans for?

We loved
Hotel Provincial- blocks from the French Quarter easily walkable.
It's a small boutique hotel with all the New Orleans vibes.

And we felt perfectly safe.

 

[hertamaniac]

Drury Inn on Poydras. And while there catch a Saints game, eat at Mother's, Daisy Dukes and the Gumbo Shop.

Actually, near the airport is perfectly fine.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Metarie? Just to west or Kenner near airport.

Are you staying outside City to save $ or because you think it is unsafe? I've never thought of NO as unsafe with normal precautions of any big city.

money

 

[Southernmiss]

What do you want to see, do or be near in New Orleans?

 

[JLTraveling]

You really don't want to be outside the city, especially in a cheap motel. How do you feel about hostels? There's a nice newly renovated HI hostel just outside the French Quarter for as low as $26 per person, depending on which nights. https://www.hiusa.org/find-hostels/louisiana/new-orleans-1028-canal-street

If your budget is slightly higher, try the Valentino Hotel Group https://www.valentinohotels.com/ or the French Quarter Guesthouses. https://www.frenchquarterguesthouses.com/ Both are small local chains of really nice but not crazy expensive properties right in the historic district, and all of the properties have that genuine New Orleans character.

From someone who's lived in the city off and on for 20 years, if you're driving in from an hour away, you're not going to feel like you're in NOLA.

 

[happybaker]

Drury Inn on Poydras. And while there catch a Saints game, eat at Mother's, Daisy Dukes and the Gumbo Shop.

Actually, near the airport is perfectly fine.

We stayed at that Drury Inn two years ago when we went with my dad; it was a great location!! I would stay there again next time we go. I've also stayed at two Marriott locations on Canal (below Rampart) and twice on Frenchmen years ago when it was cheap. I felt safe in all of those locations.

 

[#1hoosierfan]

We stayed at Hotel Provencial in March. Loved it!

 

[leebee]

French Market Inn.
The problem with staying outside of NOLA is that you'll need a rental car, and the parking will kill you every time you come into the city. PLUS it's just so much fun to be in the Quarter! You don't need a rental car (that would be a ROYAL pain), cab fare from MSY is regulated (so you don't have to worry about getting ripped off). Once you factor in not having to pay for a car and the convenience of being in the Quarter, so not paying for parking all the time, you might find it just as cost-effective to stay IN NOLA.

 

[Darcy03231]

We like to stay in the Warehouse/Arts district. Never felt unsafe and it's an easy walk to the French Quarter. Usually stay at the Marriott Convention Center, but the last time we went the prices were crazy high and we stayed at the Hampton Inn. It was clean, comfortable, and included breakfast.

 

[kyton]

My son and I stayed at the JW Marriott in Canal St last December. As first timers from Australia (53yo woman with a then 16yo son) I was a little concerned going there however soon realised that you just had to be aware of your surroundings - just like we do when we are in Chicago / NYC / Austin / Dallas. We had a great time walking around the city - I thought it was one of the most interesting places we’ve been.

 

[karen4546]

If you don't mind an hr or so drive you may try Biloxi/Gulfport, MS or one of the neighboring cities. Amite, Hammond, Slidell, those are a bit over an hr also from N.O. There is a good safari in Loranger - not one of those drive throughs-you take their transportation out-love it in cooler weather.

But, if you want the full experience, stay downtown. Don't leave ANYTHING in view in your car-NOTHING- no matter what.

I live in NELA but used to live NOLA and visit my daughter often, so I know what I am talking about.

 

[luvmyfam444]

Thanks we booked a hotel in Slidell