Best Value Hotels in New Orleans

The Royal Sonesta is Bourbon Street's swankiest hotel, and guests can customize it to their level of party pleasure. Low-key travelers should ask for a hushed interior room deep in the property, while those who want a certain New Orleans experience can take a balcony room and watch an eclectic parade of people go by at all hours. Although it may not be the cheapest option within the city, Royal Sonesta comes with luxurious amenities, and has a little something for everyone.

A slate of business amenities, like an Executive Club Lounge, courier service, and on-site foreign currency exchange, make this Central Business District chain hotel popular with corporate travelers. The hotel's rooms are often less expensive than local competitors', and the InterContinental's place on the St. Charles line means that you'll feel the intermittent rumbling of the streetcar, a true New Orleans experience. During Mardi Gras, that proximity is priceless.

Straddling two busy French Quarter streets, the affordable Bienville House is as an urban oasis, with tropical rooftop terraces and a soothing courtyard. This boutique hotel has fewer than 100 rooms, a parlor-like lobby and friendly touches, such as free lemonade and cookies in the afternoon. High ceilings make the rooms feel spacious, but the decor is unremarkable, and Standard Rooms lack windows.