There are two kinds of people who come to New Orleans.
The first says, “We’re really looking forward to the history, architecture, museums, and cultural experience.” 
The second says:
“WE’RE GOING TO NEW ORLEANS!!!” 
And then there’s the first kind after approximately six hours in the French Quarter. 
Because New Orleans has a way of taking perfectly respectable adults, handing them a cocktail, putting music in the street and whispering:
“Go ahead. Nobody’s watching.” 
Well… somebody is watching.
Probably from a balcony. 
You Came Here to Behave?
Bless your heart. 
You booked the flight. 
Packed sensible shoes. 
Made an itinerary. 
Told everyone you were “really interested in the architecture.”
Adorable. 
Then you walked into the French Quarter.
Suddenly:
“Let’s just have one drink.”
became:
“We should probably hear this band.” 
became:
“OH MY GOD, WHAT STREET ARE WE ON?” 
And eventually:
“Why am I holding a slice of pizza?” 
Welcome to New Orleans.
You’re doing great.
The French Quarter Doesn’t Need Your Permission
The beauty of New Orleans is that you don’t have to manufacture excitement.
You walk outside. That’s it. You’re in it. 
The French Quarter has historic buildings, wrought-iron balconies, restaurants, bars, street performers, live music, cocktails and enough people-watching to qualify as a competitive sport. 
And yes, Bourbon Street is loud, ridiculous, colorful and occasionally sticky in ways nobody wants explained.
But here’s the secret:
You don’t have to stay directly in the middle of the chaos to enjoy it.
You just need to be close.
Enter Historic Mardi Gras Inn
This is where Historic Mardi Gras Inn comes in.
Our location is the sweet spot.
We’re just a 1½-block walk from the French Quarter, putting you close enough to walk to the action without having to sleep directly on top of it.
And when you want to explore more of New Orleans?
The streetcar is just a 2-minute walk from our front door. 
That means you can easily get out and explore beyond the Quarter without spending your vacation worrying about parking, driving or figuring out how to get back to your hotel.
Come back, drop your shopping bags, change clothes, recharge and head right back out.
That’s what a good New Orleans home base is supposed to do.
New Orleans Has a Schedule. You Don’t Have To.
Morning? Coffee. 
Brunch? Absolutely. 
Museum? Look at you being cultured.
Afternoon cocktails? Obviously.
Live music?
HELL YES.
Dinner? Somehow you’re hungry again. 
Nightlife?
Well, you’re already dressed.
Then somebody asks:
“Where are we going next?”
Nobody knows.
Nobody cares.
You’re going.
Make It a Long Weekend
Don’t squeeze New Orleans into 48 hours.
Make a long weekend of it.
Come Thursday and stay through Sunday. Or arrive Friday and stay until Monday.
Give yourself time for the French Quarter, incredible food, live music, museums, shopping, nightlife and all the beautiful chaos that makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
Sleep in.
Have brunch.
Explore.
Go back out.
Repeat.
That’s vacation.
NOW STOP READING AND BOOK THE ROOM.
You already know you’re coming.
So make Historic Mardi Gras Inn your home base for your next New Orleans long weekend.
1½ blocks from the French Quarter Streetcar just a 2-minute walk from our front door Close to the food, music, nightlife and everything New Orleans does best
Call us:
504.949.5815
1.800.209.9408
BOOK THE LONG WEEKEND.
Bring comfortable shoes.
Bring an appetite.
Bring your dancing shoes.
Bring your sense of humor.
And maybe a little dignity.
You probably won’t need it.
HISTORIC MARDI GRAS INN
Your Home Base for New Orleans Chaos.
Come for the French Quarter.
Stay for the memories.
Leave with stories you absolutely cannot tell at work.