I'm sure Metafilter will be able to recommend a clean place, reasonably priced.

September 17, 2010 5:33 PM

Where is a good, inexpensive place for a spur of the moment trip to New Orleans this Saturday?

I'm making a solo trip to New Orleans tomorrow and I need to find a relatively inexpensive hotel/motel, preferably some place within easy walking distance of a good part of town to get inebriated in. So that's what I need, a clean place, reasonably priced.

Oh, and does anyone know if Alex Chilton is buried in New Orleans?

posted by HSWilson to travel & transportation around New Orleans, LA (14 answers total)

What's "relatively inexpensive"?
posted by liketitanic at 5:38 PM on September 17, 2010

I don't really have a dollar figure in mind. I don't want to pay $150 to stay there, but I don't want a flea bag roach infested death trap, either. Under $100 would be nice. Really, the cheaper the better, but see above about fleas, roaches, and death traps.
posted by HSWilson at 5:44 PM on September 17, 2010

The Hotel Le Cirque, in Lee Circle (so a mile or so from the FQ) seems to be having a sale for $79 a night for this weekend, via kayak.com.
posted by liketitanic at 6:13 PM on September 17, 2010

That looks promising, thanks. How does it compare to the Ambassador (which was the same price and also sounded nice)? It's been over a decade since I've been to New Orleans, so I don't know what anything is like down there now.
posted by HSWilson at 7:18 PM on September 17, 2010

I've stayed at the Ambassador several times--it's closer to the Quarter than the Lee Circle place and overall not a bad choice.
It's very safe, nice and clean but....some of the rooms don't have windows to the outside. Think of a big tall box with the hallway circling the perimeter, your room may be on the interior.
That didn't bother my friend and me at all; we were seeking sanctuary after weathering a self-imposed storm in the FQ.
What did bother us--in the early morning hours, like 3, 4 or 5 am, something that sounded like bowling began directly above our room. We laughed, each guessing what in the 'ell it was; we never ask but we did sleep in.
I recall thinking they might have a cooking kitchen (w/ dumb waiter to the entry level restaurant), right now I kinda wish I'd asked. Enjoy your trip!
posted by Twist at 8:03 PM on September 17, 2010

You probably want to stay in the French Quarter, Warehouse District/CBD, or on St. Charles Ave in the Garden District. I did a quick Kayak search and all the places that come in under 75 look decent. Just make sure you stay IN New Orleans (not "5 minutes away" in the suburbs).
posted by radioamy at 8:19 PM on September 17, 2010

I think the Prytania Park Hotel is one of the best deals in NOLA. It's in the upper garden district a block off of St. Charles. It's not right by the French Quarter, but the St. Charles street car will take you there, and there are also several bars within walking distance. I've stayed there myself and it's attractive, quiet, friendly, and safe.
posted by unsub at 9:05 PM on September 17, 2010

You want to be in the quarter or very close to it. I stayed at the Queen & Crescent. It's not as nice as it looks on their website, but it's only a block or two from the quarter, a safe walk, and the price is right.
posted by TurkishGolds at 9:08 PM on September 17, 2010

Err, make that in the lower garden district. Sorry.
posted by unsub at 9:10 PM on September 17, 2010

I actually hate the Ambassador. Horrible service. Probably fine for one night, but I had an awful time there.
posted by liketitanic at 9:52 PM on September 17, 2010

I've never been a fan of "Country Inn and Suites" but their Tripadvisor reviews were great a year ago. Got a super deal and it was a very nice and convenient property, in the quarter.
posted by cyndigo at 11:15 PM on September 17, 2010

I think Alex Chilton is laid to rest in Memphis; I know they had a services there rather than here.
posted by CheeseLouise at 7:56 AM on September 18, 2010

Thanks to everyone. Haven't made up my mind yet, but I'll probably end up marking everyone as best answer.
posted by HSWilson at 8:05 AM on September 18, 2010

CheeseLouise: "I think Alex Chilton is laid to rest in Memphis; I know they had a services there rather than here."

Thank you. I didn't see this comment when I posted earlier.

Also, any of you New Orleans folks want to have a drink tonight?
posted by HSWilson at 11:38 AM on September 18, 2010