Best Family-Friendly Hotels in New Orleans
New Orleans is a great place to explore with kids. There’s a lot to do, see and explore, like Audubon Aquarium, Mardi Gras World and the Insectarium. We spent a couple of days in kid-friendly New Orleans at the start of our cross-country road trip back in June. I wish we could have spent more time in this city.
One look online and you’ll find loads of hotel options, including many hotels in the French Quarter. We stayed adjacent to the French Quarter – in the Central Business District – which I thought was ideal. It was nice to be close to the French Quarter, but not too close (it can get loud, even outside of high season). Take a look at my picks for the best family hotels in New Orleans.
Sheraton New Orleans Hotel
We stayed at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel on Canal Street, the street that divides the Central Business District (CBD) and the French Quarter. The Canal Streetcar (one of four primary streetcar lines) goes right down Canal Street, making the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel even more convenient for travelers.
Even better, the hotel is just a few blocks from Jackson Square and Café du Monde, a must-visit for powdered sugar-covered beignets and café au lait. This place is busy all the time, so be strategic about when you go for beignets. We went at around 10 am, which appeared to be the gap between the before-work and the late-morning-just-getting-going tourist crowd, so we didn’t need to wait in a line.
While in the French Quarter, hook up with French Quartour Kids for a 60- to 90-minute kid-friendly walking tour around the French Quarter. Then, grab the free shuttle to Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World to see parade floats and learn all about the history of Mardi Gras. On your return, the shuttle will drop you off only a block or two from the Sheraton.
On drop-off, we learned that the hotel was across the street from the Insectarium, which featured a delightful Bug Buffet several times a day (the Cinnamon Bug Crunch was definitely interesting). The Sheraton New Orleans Hotel is also easy walking distance from the Audubon Aquarium, as well as multiple fast food and casual family restaurants. This hotel easily earns a spot on my list of the best hotels for kids in New Orleans.
Clearly, I love hotels that are convenient to everything you need. Parking at the Sheraton is by valet only, so it’s nice to be able to park the car and forget about it until it’s time to check out. The views at the Sheraton are fantastic too. Floor-to-ceiling windows are a nice touch. From our room on the 33rd floor we had fantastic views of the Mississippi River.
The Sheraton boasts a number of suites that come with a king-size bed (a comfy Sheraton Sweet Sleeper Bed) and a pull-out sofa. Since there were five of us, we also needed a roll-away bed, but there was plenty of space. The suite was the perfect place to relax after splashing and playing in the rooftop pool.
We also loved that there was a Starbucks inside the hotel, as well as Roux Bistro, which serves breakfast and lunch every day. As a bonus, Starwood Preferred Guest members (it’s free to join), can enjoy complimentary breakfast each morning on the 42nd floor. Definitely a plus when traveling as a family. It’s not hard to see why this is one of the best family hotels in New Orleans.
Click here for more details and the latest rates at the Sheraton New Orleans Hotel.
Loews New Orleans Hotel
Located walking distance from the French Quarter and the Riverfront, the Loews New Orleans Hotel boasts newly renovated guest rooms, including 12 suites. There’s also free wi-fi in every guest room and throughout the hotel – a must for tablet-toting kids and tweens. Even better, all guest rooms offer fantastic views of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans skyline.
Little ones will love the complimentary Loews Loves Kids activity booklet that they receive upon arrival (for children under age 10). Parents will love the “Kids Closet” with toys, car seats, baby bathtubs and outlet protectors available for use during their stay. Cribs are available for in-room use, too. Can you see why I picked this as one of the best hotels for kids in New Orleans?
The Loews New Orleans Hotel can also provide parents with a listing of nearby kid- and teen-friendly tourist attractions and activities, as well as pharmacies and pediatricians. At the end of a long, fun day, enjoy dinner at Café Adelaide, then head to the lending library for video games, DVDs and board games.
Click here for more details and the latest rates at the Loews New Orleans Hotel.
Omni Royal Orleans Hotel
The Omni has long been considered a kid-friendly hotel thanks to its award-winning Omni Sensational Kids program. At check-in, kids receive a backpack loaded with fun activities, including an activity book (with healthy snack recipes), memory cards, crayons and a twisty straw. On the first night of your stay, the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel will even deliver milk and cookies to your kids.
Located in the French Quarter, the Omni is an easy walk from a number of kid-friendly attractions, including Audubon Aquarium, Jackson Square and Entergy IMAX Theatre. The wharf where you can pick up a sightseeing cruise aboard the Steamboat Natchez is just two blocks away. For New Orleans’ signature Po’ Boy sandwiches, look just one block from the Omni to Johnny’s Po-Boys.
Kids will love the heated rooftop pool on the 7th floor at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel, another easy pick for my list of the best hotels for kids in New Orleans. There’s even a poolside bar and restaurant whether you want a snack or a light lunch after a swim. Or, try the Rib Room for local fare, like fried oysters. You’ll also want to check in with the helpful concierge who has plenty of kid-friendly ideas to help you make the most of your stay in New Orleans.
Click here for more details and the latest rates at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel.
Windsor Court Hotel
Located in the Central Business District, the Windsor Court Hotel boasts more than 250 suites, each with a private balcony or bay window to take in the scenery of New Orleans. Kids will love the free wi-fi throughout the hotel, as well as the heated rooftop pool that’s open year-round and afternoon tea service.
The Windsor Court Hotel has a 24-hour suite service and a menu of children’s items families may need when they travel, like cribs, high chairs and playpens, even DVD players. The hotel also offers sweeping views of the Mississippi River and the Crescent City Connection Bridge.
Enjoy meals at The Grill Room, which has a children’s menu that can be customized to fit the needs of a guest. Or, be entertained by nightly live music that you’ll find throughout the Windsor Court Hotel. Little ones will also enjoy taking in the lovely murals that decorate one of the best family hotels in New Orleans.
Click here for more details and the latest rates at the Windsor Court Hotel.
DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans
Located on Canal Street, which straddles the French Quarter and the Central Business District, you’ll love being so close to the Insectarium, Audubon Aquarium and Jackson Square. Enjoy in-room wi-fi, a heated outdoor pool and a warm chocolate chip cookie on arrival at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans.
For little ones, look for a children’s menu at WoW Café, a family-friendly restaurant located inside the hotel offering lunch and dinner. There are also cribs, high chairs, playpens, even children’s videos available for check-out at the DoubleTree to help families feel more at home.
The DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans offers a mix of guest rooms and suites, including suites with kitchenettes for those who want to cook or keep cold food that they’ve brought with them. When it’s time for bed, you and your kids will love the signature Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree bedding. It’s the perfect way to relax after a fun day spent exploring New Orleans.
Click here for more details and the latest rates at the DoubleTree by Hilton New Orleans.
You might also be interested in these 15 fun Things to Do With Kids in New Orleans!
