Transportation and Accomodations in New Orleans

[DISfirstTimer]

We just booked to sail out of New Orleans in February! I know nothing about this port. We plan to fly in a day or 2 in advance and are wondering best options for transportation and hotel prior to the cruise.

 

[Happy99]

If you have never been to New Orleans and want to be in walking distance to many places take a look at French Quarter hotels. Transportation, knowing how many people you are will determine the best option. Taxis have a set price from airport to city, however it is based on two people, additional people will be charged slightly more. Uber and Lyft are all over the city and the airport is not far. Other areas that are popular to stay in are the Garden district, Convention center area and Warehouse district. the last two times we stayed at the Hyatt Centric French Quarter and liked the hotel and easy access to sightseeing in the French Quarter and a ton of restaurants all in walking distance. We are not partiers going to the bars and hanging out on Bourbon Street type of people but like the French Quarter for easiness of getting around and proximity to many great restaurants.

 

[squirk]

We just booked to sail out of New Orleans in February! I know nothing about this port. We plan to fly in a day or 2 in advance and are wondering best options for transportation and hotel prior to the cruise.

It depends on what you want to do with that day or 2 in advance. Did you want to stay right next to the cruise terminal? French Quarter? Garden District?

 

[bearette]

Uber is the best price typically, but I have gotten lucky with taxi that will take the Uber cost.

As far as hotels, for family’s I recommend the Drury Inn. It is not too far from the French Quarter and they have larger rooms that can take up to six if needed. They include breakfast, and have an evening happy hour ( with alcohol and soft drinks) that is basically dinner. They have things like chicken nuggets and spaghetti, it varies each day. They also have a street car that picks up right outside, too. A rooftop pool tops the amenities for families. (A coin laundry is also there too) About 20-30 minutes to the airport and 10 minutes or less to the port.

Otherwise check TripAdvisor reviews for hotels. Homerentals are strict in New Orleans so if you have a large group you will have to be farther away, which I don’t recommend for a short stay.

 

[Magical_Suitcase]

If you take a cab, make sure the driver starts the meter. I had an issue with one a few years ago in NOLA when I was traveling alone with my daughter. I was focused on her and did not notice that he did not turn on the meter. I had priced the trip before calling for a cab, $6 from hotel to train station. He tried to charge me $18. He finally backed down once I took down his name and number and told him I was reporting him to his company. I know, this could happen anywhere. Just be aware.

 

[bearette]

Most cabs in New Orleans have a set price- you’d have to research the current price but it was like $15 per person to French Quarter and $8 for over three or more in a cab (they charge for kids). I am not sure what 1-2 is because I had three or more. My cab had the current rate listed in the car- so know what it is and quote it before getting in. That happens anywhere taxis are- poor cabbies have horrible reputations. If you don’t know they will take advantage so know the going rate and check that their license is viewable. 9/10 or more are going to be honest.

 

[DISfirstTimer]

It depends on what you want to do with that day or 2 in advance. Did you want to stay right next to the cruise terminal? French Quarter? Garden District?

I guess I better do a little more research of what we want to do while there before searching for a hotel. I wasn’t sure if I would need a rental car but it’s looking like I can get by with just an Uber or 2!

 

[squirk]

I guess I better do a little more research of what we want to do while there before searching for a hotel. I wasn’t sure if I would need a rental car but it’s looking like I can get by with just an Uber or 2!

If you want to stay in NOLA proper and just see Uptown/Downtown/French Quarter for a day or two, Uber/Lyft will do just fine.

The touristy spots are all pretty close together. The FQ is right by the Mississippi River, the aquarium and insectarium, the casino, the Riverwalk mall, the Convention Center and the cruise terminal. And all that is really close to the St. Charles streetcar line that takes you through the Garden District.

The only big draws apart from that “cluster” where you'd need a ride, are Audubon Zoo & Park.

 

[HappyontheLake]

I guess I better do a little more research of what we want to do while there before searching for a hotel. I wasn’t sure if I would need a rental car but it’s looking like I can get by with just an Uber or 2!

you absolutely do not want to use a rental car or going out and about in New Orleans. Very limited and very expensive parking (typically $35 + night to valet your car at any hotel) So much is walkable and Ubers are everywhere. If you don't like the price the app give you, wait 15 minutes and it will change. I don't stay in the French Quarter, but just off the quarter on the other side of Canal. Better prices and much quieter. My current favorite place to stay is a Marriot property, Q&C hotel and bar (Queen and Crescent) Very easy to get prices around $80 a night It is less than a mile to cruise terminal (but I wouldn't try to walk with luggage -- the roads and sidewalks are horrid)

 

[DISfirstTimer]

you absolutely do not want to use a rental car or going out and about in New Orleans.

Yeah!! We have never UBER before as we live a very rural area. Can you reserve one in advance for example from the airport? We won’t be flying in until about 11pm at night.

 

[squirk]

Yeah!! We have never UBER before as we live a very rural area. Can you reserve one in advance for example from the airport? We won’t be flying in until about 11pm at night.

You can do that. Look for the "Schedule a Ride" option on the app.

Just be sure that when the Uber driver arrives, the vehicle, the license plate and the driver all match what the app tells you.

One reason parking in New Orleans is at a premium is that we cannot build underground garage space due to the high water table. So where most other major cities can "build down" to add sub-level parking, we can only do street-level and up. And since the city is surrounded by the Mississippi RIver and Lake Pontchartrain, we can't "spread out" as much, either.

 

[Cruise Diva]

We booked our New Orleans Cruise thru Dreams Unlimited. We are on the February 14, 2020 Western Caribbean Cruise. You can arrange your transportation and Hotel stay thru Disney. Disney will pick us up at the airport , transfer us to the hotel and pick us up at the hotel and transfer us to the ship the next day. They will also transfer us from the ship to the airport at the end of the cruise. There is a charge for this service but it is worth it. We are flying in to New Orleans on February 13, 2020.

 

[HappyontheLake]

Yeah!! We have never UBER before as we live a very rural area. Can you reserve one in advance for example from the airport? We won’t be flying in until about 11pm at night.

Uber at the New Orleans airport is super easy. They have a dedicated area in the parking structure where the Ubers have to come to do pick up, when you get your luggage just order your Uber from the app and it will let you now the car, the license plate, and the drivers name. The driver will verify your name before you get in the car. I like how you can see their rating and you know exactly how much it will cost before your book. Please tip your driver (you will be prompted) they work very hard in New Orleans.

 

[squirk]

They have a dedicated area in the parking structure where the Ubers have to come to do pick up

I see a lot of folks not pick up on this fact: once you get your luggage, you must go outside and walk across the street to said parking structure. Signage about this in the baggage claim area could be better, frankly.

The best door to walk out of to start crossing the street is the one by the pop-up liquor store. Walking out there gives you a straight shot across the street to the garage and the Uber/Lyft pickup area.

 

[DISfirstTimer]

We are on the February 14, 2020 Western Caribbean Cruise

We are too! We just booked and it’s our 1st Disney Cruise and 1st time in NOLA. We are hoping to come in late on the 12th.

 

[LNMom]

Definitely ride the st Charles streetcar, pickup beignets and cafe au lait from cafe du monde (I pick up from the take out window and eat across the street in Jackson Square). The WWII Museum is exceptional. If your cruise overlaps with Mardi Gras, then plan on parades (Google the parade schedule) and make dinner reservations now for restaurants you want.
If you are in New Orleans during Mardi Gras , then I recommend not staying in the French Quarter. It will be too crowded and crazy and seedy. Stay in the CBD (also there is a lovely Hampton Inn on St Charles uptown).

 

[squirk]

If you are in New Orleans during Mardi Gras , then I recommend not staying in the French Quarter.

Mardi Gras is not until Feb. 25th, 2020. The Quarter will be (relatively) fine on Feb. 12-14.

@DISfirstTimer - There are Hiltons, Hyatts and Marriotts on Convention Center Blvd. right by Erato Street cruise terminal. A bit removed from the Quarter, but if you want to be “right there” at the port on embarkation day, you have several options.

 

[disruptor32]

I just went to NOLA for the first time in May. It's a great city, you're going to have a lot of fun. Definitely get beignets at Cafe Du Monde. They are so good they defy all logic and reason. For a nice fancy meal, eat at Josephine Estelle. For breakfast/brunch, eat at Willa Jean. We stayed at the NOPSI Hotel, which is a relatively new hotel near the French Quarter. It was gorgeous, the staff were excellent, and there is a gorgeous rooftop pool. NOLA is a very walkable city, but there are also the streetcars and Uber/Lyft is very plentiful, so there is no need for a rental car. Oh, and go down Bourbon Street so you can say you've been there, but Frenchmen Street is less crazy and the live music there is SO GOOD.

 

[Henwen88]

I like to just hotwire it, pick 4 star and above, cross my fingers and have an adventure! Nola has sooooo many awesome places to stay (corporate/chain, independent, boutique, airbnb). I do not recommend renting a car - buy a streetcar pass for tourist stuff and uber to port. The port is very, very close to downtown and the majority of hotels.

There will absolutely be parades in the 2 weeks leading up to Mardi Gras - most will have the St. Charles/end on Canal route, so you may want to catch one... so much fun It's a very fun time to be a tourist in the city - if you have small kiddos may want to research places to avoid at night (Bourbon, etc).

 

[Henwen88]

I just went to NOLA for the first time in May. It's a great city, you're going to have a lot of fun. Definitely get beignets at Cafe Du Monde. They are so good they defy all logic and reason. For a nice fancy meal, eat at Josephine Estelle. For breakfast/brunch, eat at Willa Jean. We stayed at the NOPSI Hotel, which is a relatively new hotel near the French Quarter. It was gorgeous, the staff were excellent, and there is a gorgeous rooftop pool. NOLA is a very walkable city, but there are also the streetcars and Uber/Lyft is very plentiful, so there is no need for a rental car. Oh, and go down Bourbon Street so you can say you've been there, but Frenchmen Street is less crazy and the live music there is SO GOOD.

I liked the NOPSI too. Stayed in March, lovely rooms, pool, staff, and bar/restaurants. Very close to St. Charles line and few blocks from Canal.