Spooked by hotel reviews

Question

My husband and I just decided to spend a long weekend in NOLA to celebrate our 30th anniversary. We will be there for three nights, arriving May 1.

I have been reading the hotel reviews on this forum, as well as those on the Tripadvisor hotel finder site. Whenever I spot a hotel I'm interested in, the reviews for the bathrooms, sleep, and/or AC scare me off. I'd love to hear from some of you about your personal experiences.

Here is our criteria:

Price: Prefer to stay under $275 per night, if possible.

Location: Walkable to the French Quarter. If the lodging is in the FQ, in a reasonably quiet location. I know what to expect (I've been to NOLA twice) but I am an extremely light sleeper. My earplugs only mask so much.

Room features: Good AC, decent bathroom with good shower.

Thanks for any advice you can provide!

Answer

Congratulations on your 30th anniversary! New Orleans is such a wonderful place to celebrate, and I completely understand wanting to find a hotel that meets your criteria, especially since you're a light sleeper. NOLA can be a lively city, especially in the French Quarter, but there are definitely options that can offer you a quieter experience while still being close to the action.

Here are a few suggestions based on your preferences for location, price, and room quality:

The Henry Howard Hotel – Located just outside the French Quarter, this boutique hotel offers a quiet, charming atmosphere with beautiful decor. It’s within walking distance to the FQ (about 10-15 minutes) but far enough to avoid the noise of Bourbon Street. The AC is generally well-rated, and the rooms are clean and comfortable with modern bathrooms.
Hotel St. Pierre – Situated in the quieter area of the French Quarter, this hotel is a hidden gem with an old New Orleans charm. It offers a peaceful courtyard and nice rooms, with some recently renovated bathrooms. Guests have commented on the helpfulness of the staff, and the location is convenient to walk to most attractions in the Quarter while being away from the loudest areas. The AC in the rooms is typically reliable.
Royal Sonesta New Orleans – If you’re open to a slightly higher price range, this one is an excellent choice. It’s located right on Bourbon Street but positioned in a way that the rooms facing inward or towards the back offer peace and quiet. The rooms are spacious, have modern bathrooms, and the AC works great. It’s a bit of a splurge but fits your criteria for being in the French Quarter while still having a great atmosphere.
The Olivier House Hotel – This historic hotel is located in the quieter part of the French Quarter and offers cozy rooms with comfortable amenities. It’s not far from the main attractions, but it’s tucked away enough that you won’t hear the late-night noise. The bathrooms are updated, and the AC works well. It’s a boutique hotel with a unique and intimate feel.
Hotel Provincial – Also located just outside the main party zone of the French Quarter, this hotel is known for its historic charm and relatively peaceful location. The rooms have modern amenities, and the bathrooms are generally well-kept. The hotel offers easy access to nearby restaurants, but it’s still far enough from Bourbon Street to ensure a quiet night’s sleep. The AC tends to be reliable, though it’s always good to check specific reviews before booking to ensure it’s working well for your dates.

Since you’re a light sleeper, I'd recommend calling ahead to ask for a room that doesn’t face Bourbon Street or any major intersections. Many hotels will offer quiet room options if you request them. Also, it’s a good idea to confirm that the AC is working well, as older buildings in the Quarter can sometimes have inconsistent climate control. But overall, these options tend to be quieter and well-kept. If you’re still worried about sound, you might also want to bring a white noise machine or a fan to help mask the ambient noise.

I hope this helps! New Orleans is such a special city, and I’m sure you’ll find the perfect spot to stay. Enjoy your trip!