Where to stay

Question

My family of 3 are wanting to visit NOLA in March for 4 days (which includes getting there and leaving). My husband's main goal is to visit the WW11 Museum (possibly for two days). My daughter (age 19) and I would like to "explore/shop" while he is at the museum. At some point, we'd all like to do a tour of the gardens/mansions and take a walk down burbon street (although we do not drink). It would be great (an extra) if we could just see the beach as well. We will probablly drive, but just in case, we would like to stay in a very safe area with transportation nearby. Does anyone know if there is transportation by bus or trolly to the WW11 museum? Any suggestions on a central, safe location to stay kind of in the middle of the things that we would like to do? I would love recommendations of specific hotels. We are "middle class" people -- meaning a 3 star hotel with complimentary breakfast is the way we usually roll. :) Thank you in advance!

Answer

It sounds like you have a wonderful trip planned! New Orleans has so much to offer, and there are many places to stay that will be convenient for both sightseeing and relaxation. Here’s a breakdown of where you might want to stay, along with transportation options to the National WWII Museum and other attractions, as well as some specific hotel suggestions based on your preferences.

Transportation to the WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is located in the Warehouse District, which is a bit of a walk from the French Quarter but easily accessible by public transportation. You can take a streetcar or a bus to get there. The St. Charles Streetcar line is a popular option and runs through the Garden District and beyond, but it doesn't go directly to the museum. You can take a short walk or a bus from the streetcar stop. Alternatively, you can also use the RTA Bus that will take you directly to the museum from various parts of the city. For a more convenient option, taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber/Lyft are also widely available.

Best Areas to Stay

For your family’s trip, you’ll want a location that offers both safety and easy access to attractions. Here are a few central areas to consider:

The French Quarter - This is New Orleans' most iconic neighborhood, and staying here would put you in the heart of the city’s cultural and historical district. While it’s a bit touristy, it’s also extremely safe and vibrant, with plenty of shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Since you plan to take a walk down Bourbon Street, staying nearby makes sense, though the area can be busy at night.
The Garden District - Known for its beautiful, historic mansions and quieter atmosphere, the Garden District is perfect for exploring the architecture and gardens you’re interested in. It’s still very close to the French Quarter and the WWII Museum, and you’ll find plenty of shops, cafes, and green spaces. This area is generally safe and a good mix of residential and tourist-friendly.
The Warehouse District - This area is home to the WWII Museum, so if your husband wants to be close to the museum, this would be an excellent option. It’s also a great area for boutique shopping and dining, with a more modern, artsy vibe. It’s a little quieter than the French Quarter, but still centrally located and well-connected by public transport.

Hotel Suggestions

Here are a few 3-star hotels with complimentary breakfast and great locations:

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans (Warehouse District) - Located close to the WWII Museum and the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, this hotel offers free breakfast, comfortable rooms, and a great location for sightseeing. It’s a safe, middle-range hotel with good amenities.
Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown (Central Business District) - This hotel is near the French Quarter, providing easy access to all the major attractions. It offers a free breakfast and is located in a safe area with plenty of restaurants and shops nearby. It’s a great choice for both families and first-time visitors.
Best Western Plus St. Charles Inn (Garden District) - Located along the St. Charles Avenue streetcar line, this hotel offers easy access to both the Garden District and downtown New Orleans. The rooms are spacious, and the hotel provides free breakfast. The Garden District is quiet and safe, making it a great place to stay for a relaxing visit while being close to all the action.
Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott New Orleans Downtown (Central Business District) - This hotel is centrally located, close to both the French Quarter and the WWII Museum. It has modern amenities, including free breakfast, and is an excellent value for a mid-range family stay.
Maison Dupuy Hotel (French Quarter) - Located right in the French Quarter, this boutique hotel offers charm and easy access to Bourbon Street, the French Market, and other popular attractions. It provides free breakfast and is set in a quieter part of the Quarter, away from the more raucous sections of Bourbon Street.

Other Recommendations

Explore the Gardens: For the gardens and mansions, the Garden District is the perfect spot. You can take a self-guided walking tour of the district to see the historic mansions and lush gardens. Another great option is a visit to the New Orleans City Park, which includes the beautiful New Orleans Botanical Garden.
Beach: While New Orleans itself doesn’t have a beach, you can take a short drive to Gulfport, Mississippi (about 1.5 hours away) for a day trip to the beach. Alternatively, you can head west to Grand Isle, a barrier island off the coast of Louisiana, for a more natural beach experience.
Shopping: For shopping, head to the French Market in the French Quarter or the Magazine Street area in the Garden District, which is known for its eclectic mix of boutiques and local shops.

With these options, you’ll be in a central, safe location with easy access to all the attractions that interest your family. Enjoy your trip to New Orleans!