Concert at Smoothie King Center late Oct. '25

Question

Planning a trip for concert at Smoothie King Center in late Oct. I will be traveling with 5 other adults. Any suggestions for staying in the CBD area? Just staying for concert mid-week, 2 nights. Looking for hotels/VBRO/AirBnB around $180 a night. Also, is it safe to walk back to room after concert or should we take transportation back?

Answer

For a mid-week concert at the Smoothie King Center in late October, staying in the Central Business District (CBD) of New Orleans is convenient because it puts you within walking distance of the venue, restaurants, and some nightlife. Since you are traveling with a group of 6 and your budget is around $180 per night, you have several options including hotels and short-term rentals.

Hotel Options in the CBD:

Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome: Just a few blocks from the Smoothie King Center. Comfortable rooms, often within your budget mid-week, and walking distance to restaurants and bars.
Drury Plaza Hotel New Orleans: Located near Canal Street, about a 10-minute walk to the venue. Includes breakfast and evening reception which adds value for groups.
Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter: Slightly closer to the French Quarter, around a 10–15 minute walk to the arena. Rooms are typically in your budget for mid-week stays.

VRBO/Airbnb Options:

Look for short-term rentals along Baronne Street, Poydras Street, or near Canal Street in the CBD. Many offer 2–3 bedroom apartments suitable for a group of 6, sometimes with parking included.
Buildings with doormen or gated access increase security for group stays.
Some condos and lofts have amenities like kitchens, which can save on meals if your group prefers to eat in before or after the concert.

Safety Considerations:

CBD is generally safe during the day and early evening, but after concerts, crowds and limited lighting can make walking riskier.
It is recommended to arrange transportation back to your hotel after the concert, especially for a group of adults. Options include rideshare services like Uber/Lyft or pre-booked taxis.
Walking in well-lit areas along Poydras Street or Canal Street is manageable if your hotel is very close, but taking a vehicle is safer and less stressful.

Tips:

Book your accommodations early since October can be busy with events and mid-week concerts may have limited options.
If using Airbnb or VRBO, confirm the exact distance to the Smoothie King Center and check for parking availability if your group plans to rent a car.
Consider dining in the CBD or nearby French Quarter before the concert to maximize convenience and avoid rushing back for transport afterward.

In summary, CBD hotels like Holiday Inn, Drury Plaza, or well-located Airbnbs offer both convenience and affordability. For post-concert safety and ease, arranging rideshare or taxis back to your lodging is strongly recommended.

Concert at Smoothie King Center late Oct. '25

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