College visits with older teens - where to stay

Question

We will be in New Orleans for 4 nights visiting schools with 2 teenage girls who will want some freedom to wander around without parents. What is the best area to stay in? We are looking at Windsor Court, Ritz Carlton and Maison Metier. Would like somewhere that the girls can get off on their own to shop and wander safely during the day.

Answer

When visiting New Orleans with teenage girls who want some freedom to explore, the French Quarter and the surrounding neighborhoods are great options for accommodations. These areas are not only lively and full of things to do, but they also provide a good balance of safety and access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions that your daughters can explore independently. Below is a breakdown of your hotel options and the best areas for your family’s visit.

1. Windsor Court Hotel

The Windsor Court is a luxurious option located in the Central Business District (CBD), just a short walk from the French Quarter. While it’s a more upscale hotel, it offers great amenities, including spacious rooms, an outdoor pool, and an excellent restaurant. The CBD is very safe, with plenty of shops and restaurants nearby. It's slightly more business-focused than the French Quarter but still very accessible, and your girls can safely wander around the nearby shops and cafes during the day.

Location: CBD, walking distance to the French Quarter and many attractions.
Pros: Safe, upscale, close to shopping and restaurants.
Cons: A bit quieter at night compared to the French Quarter, which may limit nightlife for teens.

2. Ritz-Carlton New Orleans

The Ritz-Carlton is also located in the French Quarter and provides luxury accommodations with a bit more vibrancy and walkability. It's closer to Bourbon Street, which offers a lot of energy, though not necessarily family-friendly at night. However, during the day, the French Quarter is bustling with street performers, shops, and food vendors, making it a fun place for teens to explore. There are also plenty of parks, cafes, and shops that they can enjoy on their own. The hotel has a renowned spa, and there’s a lot of character in this part of the city.

Location: French Quarter, walking distance to everything.
Pros: Vibrant area, lots to explore, close to popular attractions.
Cons: Can get crowded, especially near Bourbon Street, but still generally safe in the daytime.

3. Maison de la Luz (Maison Metier)

If you’re looking for a slightly more boutique, yet still centrally located, option, Maison de la Luz (Maison Metier) is a great choice. This is a more contemporary, stylish hotel located just outside the French Quarter, in the Warehouse District. It's an easy walk to the Quarter, but the area is quieter, making it a good choice for teens who want a little more peace and quiet. The area is filled with galleries, trendy shops, and museums, providing plenty to do and explore on foot.

Location: Warehouse District, walkable to French Quarter.
Pros: Quieter, boutique vibe, lots of shops and attractions nearby.
Cons: Not quite as lively as the heart of the French Quarter, but still very convenient.

Best Areas for Teens to Explore Independently:

French Quarter: A must-visit for its historic charm, shops, cafes, and street performances. While Bourbon Street can get rowdy at night, during the day it’s more family-friendly.
Magazine Street: A lovely stretch with shops, cafes, and galleries. It's a bit quieter but still vibrant and within walking distance of the French Quarter.
Warehouse District: Great for art lovers, with plenty of museums, art galleries, and unique shops. It’s a quieter part of the city but still full of things to see.

Safety and Freedom for Teens:

New Orleans is generally a safe city for tourists, and the areas around the French Quarter and the CBD are quite walkable during the day. However, it’s always good to remind teens to stay in well-populated areas and avoid wandering too far from the main attractions. The French Quarter is busy, and the surrounding areas like the Warehouse District and Magazine Street offer a more relaxed vibe but are still close enough for easy exploration. Using rideshares like Uber or Lyft is also a convenient option for getting around quickly and safely.

Ultimately, the French Quarter is the best area to stay for accessibility, excitement, and independence for your teenage daughters, but the Windsor Court and Maison de la Luz are both great options depending on the type of experience you’re looking for.

College visits with older teens - where to stay

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