Super Bowl Lodging

Question

Yikes, I have been looking for lodging for the Super Bowl. Either sold out or ridiculous rate for a econo lodge type hotel. Any suggestions? Looked at VRBO and Airbnb too. Will more rooms get released as it gets closer? Need a creative solution.

Answer

It sounds like you're feeling the pressure of trying to secure a place to stay for the Super Bowl in New Orleans, which can be tough with the influx of visitors for such a big event. Hotel rooms can sell out quickly, and prices often skyrocket, but there are still some strategies you can try. Here are a few creative solutions that might help you find lodging without breaking the bank:

1. Look Outside the Immediate French Quarter

The French Quarter is the most sought-after area for visitors, and as you’ve noticed, hotels there are either sold out or priced ridiculously high. But New Orleans is a city with many neighborhoods, and some of them are still very convenient for accessing the Super Bowl events.

Garden District: This neighborhood is a bit more residential but still very accessible to the Quarter, with a lovely mix of Victorian homes, boutique hotels, and inns. It’s a quieter area with more reasonably priced options.
Mid-City: Known for its local vibe, Mid-City offers a variety of accommodations from small hotels to charming B&Bs. It's a quick streetcar ride to the French Quarter, and you can usually find more affordable options here.
Marigny/Bywater: This area is a little farther from the main action but still very close to downtown via a short Uber or Lyft ride. It’s also known for being less touristy, with a laid-back atmosphere and often lower rates.

2. Consider Short-Term Rentals

If you're having trouble finding a traditional hotel, short-term rentals through platforms like VRBO or Airbnb can be a great alternative. While you’ve already checked those platforms, there are a few tips to maximize your chances:

Book Early: The sooner you book, the better. Super Bowl weekend is high demand, so waiting for last-minute availability might not be the best strategy.
Look for Larger Spaces: Sometimes booking an entire house or apartment can be more affordable (per person) than booking multiple hotel rooms. This could be a great option if you’re traveling with a group.
Expand Your Search Radius: Don't just search in the immediate downtown area. Consider nearby neighborhoods that might not be as popular but are still close to the main event sites.

3. Explore Non-Traditional Accommodations

If you're open to something a little different, New Orleans has a variety of non-traditional lodging options that might be available, especially during high-demand periods like the Super Bowl:

Hostels or Budget Hotels: While they might not be ideal for everyone, some hostels or budget chains outside the Quarter could still offer clean, affordable rooms. Try checking less-known options on booking platforms like Hostelworld or Booking.com.
Houseboats or Boats: New Orleans is situated along the Mississippi River, so renting a houseboat or boat might be a unique and affordable option for lodging. Many people rent out their houseboats or floating homes on platforms like Airbnb or local rental websites.
College Dorms: Depending on the time of year and availability, some local colleges or universities might offer dormitory-style rooms for rent, especially during big events when the students are away. It’s worth checking out.

4. Keep Checking for Cancellations or Room Releases

While hotels are likely sold out now, it's worth checking back periodically. Sometimes, hotels will release more rooms closer to the date of the event as they finalize their bookings. People may cancel last minute, or properties might release block-booked rooms. Here’s how you can stay on top of this:

Use Price Alerts: Set up price alerts on booking platforms like Expedia, Hotels.com, or Kayak. This way, you’ll be notified if rooms become available or if the price drops.
Call Hotels Directly: If you’re eyeing a specific hotel but it shows as sold out, try calling the hotel directly. Sometimes they have rooms available that aren’t listed online.

5. Look for Alternative Lodging on the Outskirts of New Orleans

If you’re willing to stay a little farther from the heart of the action, there are plenty of options in the surrounding areas. The metro area offers a lot of hotels that are still accessible to the city by public transportation or a short drive:

Metairie: Just outside the city, Metairie offers a good selection of affordable hotels and is a 15-20 minute drive from the French Quarter.
Kenner: Located near the airport, Kenner offers more budget-friendly options. It’s a little farther out but still accessible by car or public transport.
Slidell: About 30-40 minutes from downtown New Orleans, Slidell has more affordable lodging options, though you’ll need to account for the extra travel time.

6. Consider Shared Rooms or Group Rates

If you’re traveling with a group, you might find better rates by splitting the cost of a larger suite, penthouse, or even a shared room in a hostel-style property. Group rates might also be available, so it’s worth reaching out to some of the larger hotels or booking agencies to inquire about any deals or discounts for Super Bowl weekend.

Summary: The Super Bowl in New Orleans brings a lot of competition for lodging, but there are still ways to find affordable accommodations. Expand your search beyond the French Quarter, consider short-term rentals or alternative accommodations like houseboats, and keep checking back for cancellations or new releases of rooms. With a little creativity, you'll find the perfect place to stay and enjoy the big game!