Late March Prices
I'm turning the big 60 in mid-March and want to treat a friend with a three or four night jaunt to my favourite city in the last couple weeks of March (either March 18-22 or the 25th to 29th). We want two separate rooms so I will be paying for both of them. It's been a few years since I've been down there, but I can't help but notice how pricey hotels are for those two weeks. I'm Canadian and get that the CDN $ exchange sucks, but even then.
I like the CBD area as I head in all directions in New Orleans, so it's mid-location works best for me. I've stayed at the Lafayette Hotel, was decent and very reasonable, but since the Valentino group got out of there the recent reviews are pretty snarly, so that one is out, not taking any chances. I was then hoping to do the Cambria Hotel but prices are almost $100 more than a year ago, actually all months are expensive now (I had booked the first week of last April but had to cancel my trip) and they now charge a nightly $20 service fee. Like, when did that start to happen? How Vegas.
Are there any big conventions happening in that period or have things just really gone up that much? Thanks!
Happy early birthday, and what a fantastic way to celebrate by visiting New Orleans! I totally understand your frustration with the rising hotel prices, especially in a city like New Orleans where the exchange rate and extra fees can add up quickly. Let’s break down some possible reasons for the higher prices during your stay and explore some alternatives.
Price Hike in Late March: The last couple of weeks of March are definitely a peak time in New Orleans, especially as it is just after Mardi Gras, and spring break can also bring an influx of visitors. However, there may also be some larger events or conventions driving prices up. I’ll go over potential causes and then offer suggestions for alternatives.
Conventions and Events: Late March is still within a busy season for the city, and there are several conferences and events that could be causing price hikes. Some large events to consider around the timeframe you’re looking at include:
- Annual "French Quarter Festival" (March 25-28, 2023) – This festival is a popular local event, which often draws in crowds from around the region. While it’s not on the scale of Mardi Gras, it still brings in a significant amount of tourism.
- New Orleans Food and Wine Experience (March 23-26, 2023) – A popular culinary event, this could drive up demand in restaurants and hotels, especially in the CBD and French Quarter areas.
- Conventions and Trade Shows – The city frequently hosts conventions in March, particularly related to tourism, business, and healthcare. Check local event calendars or convention listings for specific events during those dates that may impact prices.
Rising Prices: Even if no major events are happening, the hotel industry has been experiencing rising costs in many cities, including New Orleans. The demand for tourism is recovering, and hotels are adjusting their prices accordingly. The $20 nightly service fee at Cambria may be an example of hotels adding "resort fees" or other additional charges that are becoming more common in many cities, especially those with heavy tourist traffic. These fees often cover amenities such as Wi-Fi, fitness center access, or a few other services, but they can certainly feel like a hidden cost.
Hotel Alternatives: Since you like the Central Business District (CBD) area and want a mid-range hotel with good access to all parts of the city, here are a few options to consider that might offer better value for money compared to some of the higher-priced hotels:
- Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans – This hotel is centrally located near the French Quarter and offers good rates for a mid-range property. They also include free breakfast and evening snacks, which can be a great value compared to other hotels that add on service fees.
- The Whitney Hotel – Located in the heart of the CBD, this historic hotel has reasonable rates and is within walking distance to the French Quarter, the Convention Center, and other main attractions. The building has character, and the service is highly rated.
- Holiday Inn New Orleans Downtown Superdome – A reliable and affordable option, especially for a short stay. It’s close to the Superdome and the French Quarter, and often offers promotions or packages for tourists. They don’t charge resort fees and provide free Wi-Fi.
- Le Méridien New Orleans – If you’re looking for something more modern with a touch of style, this hotel offers great amenities, and its location makes it easy to get to both the French Quarter and the Garden District. Le Méridien is a bit more upscale but still offers competitive rates for its location.
Other Tips: If you are flexible with your booking dates, sometimes you can adjust your stay by a day or two to avoid the busiest times or specific events. Additionally, consider using booking platforms that offer free cancellation policies—this way, you can monitor prices and re-book if you see a better deal pop up.
In summary, the combination of spring break, large events, and increased demand is likely contributing to the higher prices you’re seeing in late March. However, there are still plenty of options in the CBD area that can offer great access to the city without the high cost of hotels near the French Quarter. Be sure to check event calendars to see what’s happening around the dates you’re visiting, and I’d recommend considering the alternatives I mentioned above. Enjoy your 60th birthday celebration in New Orleans!
