The development of the first cruise terminal was in 1984. When Hurricane Katrina hit, Port Nola suffered $300 million in damages, but reopened 12 days later.
Now, as the United States' sixth largest cruise port, Port NOLA serves as a modern multi-modal gateway for national and international commerce on the Mississippi River. The proximity with the Gulf of Mexico helps, as do the connections with around 14,500 miles of waterways to over 30 inland destinations like Chicago, Memphis, and Canada. Port NOLA generates around $100 million in annual revenue.
When you visit, plan your trip between January and May or October and December as the weather is pleasant in this period. However, it is also the tourist season, so it may be hard to find a good deal as hotels tend to raise their rates then. If you wait until December through February, when tourism is slow, you may get more affordable room options.
What are Some of the Affordable Hotels Near the Port of New Orleans?
There are many affordable hotels near the Port of New Orleans. The Quisby is at 1224, St. Charles Ave., and is a three-floored property with 30 dorm-style and private rooms. They offer a complimentary breakfast between 8 and 10 a.m., free local phone calls, and free Wi-Fi. After a long day out sightseeing in the historic Garden District and Central City neighborhoods, relax in the fully stocked, 24-hour lobby bar.
The Staybridge Suites New Orleans is at 501 Tchoupitoulas St. The hotel has four floors and 208 rooms, with interior hallways and fully equipped kitchenettes. The rooms have king, queen, or sofa beds, and amenities like hair dryers, televisions, radios, and telephones. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool and a fitness center. You can also enjoy a complimentary breakfast and use the hotel's free Wi-Fi.
Are There Luxury Hotels Near the Port of New Orleans?
For a luxury hotel stay, consider the many options near the Port of New Orleans. The Green House Inn on 1212 Magazine St. combines architecture from 1840 with modern amenities to provide guests with a relaxing, welcoming atmosphere. There are three floors with nine rooms named Anthurium, Bougainvillea, Heliconia, Orchid, Hibiscus, Plumeria, Mandevilla, Lotus, and Bird of Paradise. You can also choose to stay in the antique-furnished Royal Ponciana Suite, which occupies the entire third floor, or in the apartment, which is on the first floor and has a separate entrance.
The hardwood-floored rooms all have private baths with showers, writing desks, and deluxe king-size beds with deluxe duvets, sheets, and down and fiber-filled pillows. Other amenities include towels, natural bath products, bathrobes, hair dryers, mini fridges, flat-screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, and ceiling fans. The suite and apartment have all the room amenities as well as a sitting room with a king sleeper sofa, and you also get some grand views of New Orleans.
While the first floor rooms have direct access to the hotel's beautifully maintained tropical garden and the clothing-optional salt-water pool and hot tub, there is stairway access for the second-floor rooms.
Loews New Orleans is on 300 Poydras St. in the downtown Business District. The high-end hotel has 21 floors, 13 meeting rooms, the Louisiana Ballroom, and 285 spacious guest rooms including 12 suites and grand views of the New Orleans skyline and the Mississippi River.
The hotel's Grand Luxury room is the biggest hotel room in New Orleans. All the rooms have elegant decor with interior hallways, workspaces, and king or queen beds. Additionally, there are amenities like refrigerators, ice makers, minibars, tea and coffee makers, televisions, radios, and telephones.
You can have some excellent meals at the hotel's Cafe Adelaide and the Swizzle Stick Bar. At the complimentary fitness center, you can swim in the indoor pool, relax in the whirlpool and sauna, or get beauty ministrations at the Balance Spa. The family-friendly hotel offers free Wi-Fi, a teens-only food bar, and a Kids Club menu. The hotel also welcomes pets.
What are the Best Discounts Near the Port of New Orleans?
For some of the best discounts available near the Port of New Orleans, head for Hotel Modern New Orleans at 936 St Charles Ave. in the Arts & Warehouse District. The hotel offers its guests AAA, AARP, military, government, state government, and senior rates discounts. A stylish, 10-floored property with a comfortable lobby, the hotel has 135 air-conditioned rooms with interior hallways, kitchenettes, safes, hair dryers, radios, televisions, and telephones. You get a complimentary continental breakfast as well as free local calls and free Wi-Fi.
The Maison Saint Charles by Hotel RL, which is at 1319 St Charles Ave., offers AAA, government, and senior discounts to its guests. Along with three floors and 130 rooms, the hotel has three meeting rooms and a banquet space for 100 people. The rooms come with fully equipped kitchenettes, televisions, telephones, and hair dryers. When you're not out sightseeing, you can try out the fitness and health center and the outdoor swimming pool.
The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi, free local calls, and a complimentary breakfast. As the hotel has a pet-friendly policy, you can bring your pet when you visit and pay a non-refundable pet fee when you check in.
What Are theNightlife Options Near the Port of New Orleans?
There is no shortage of nightlife options near the Port of New Orleans. If you are in the city in November, don't miss the Bloody Mary Festival. You will be able to sample some of the best Bloody Marys that the local bars and restaurants have to offer. Go to the Howlin' Wolf at 907 South Peter St. in the Warehouse District. The venue, which was once the New Orleans Music Hall, gets its name from the legendary blues musician Chester Burnett and has an extraordinary exterior mural of New Orleans' music history, created by the famous muralist Michalpoulos.
The dynamic interior is put together from historic pieces salvaged from demolished structures. The hand-carved mahogany bar, for instance, comes from Al Capone's The Lexington hotel, and the black theater curtain lining the inner walls come from The Orpheum Theater.
The Howlin' Wolf Main Room hosts live music, and has, in the past, hosted musical luminaries like Alison Krauss, Harry Connick Jr., and The Foo Fighters. The Den Bar & Grill, which is adjacent to the Main Room, is also a popular venue for live music as well as comedy shows, movie screenings, and art exhibits. You can enjoy some mouthwatering Creole-style fare here seven days a week and try their locally brewed beer.
If you would like to try seafood, head for Mr. Ed's Oyster Bar & Fish House on St. Charles Avenue. It offers daily lunch and dinner and specializes in raw, fried, and grilled oysters. Its menu includes delicious fare like Crawfish Beignets, Southern Fried Fish Dinner, Chicken & Andouille Gumbo Soup, Crispy Oyster Spinach Salad, Creole Jambalaya, and Peach Cobbler. The restaurant is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Lower Mississippi River makes up the world's busiest shipping complex, and the Port of New Orleans is at the heart of it. The vast inland waterway of the Mississippi and rivers that pour into it meet the Gulf of Mexico and worldwide access.
New Orleans is one of the most colorful cities in the United States, with deep cultural traditions. The city and port was founded by the French in 1718. It was ceded to Spain for a time, regained by France, then sold to the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase. The buying of vast sections of land meant New Orleans was part of the United States. From 1820 to 1870, New Orleans was second only to New York City for the number of immigrants coming in from overseas.
The cruise port sees departures leave for shorter cruises in the Gulf of Mexico or down to the Mexican coastal cities of Cancun and Cozumel as well as longer cruises taking in the wider Caribbean. The Crescent City is also a great addition to your cruise itinerary.
The French Quarter and Bourbon Street are famous for their food and nightlife. The National World War II Museum provides a look back at one of the most decisive events in human history. Other fine museums and the Audubon Zoo are close by. Don't forget Mardi Gras if you can get to the Big Easy that time of year.
Taking a cruise out of the Port of New Orleans is a great way to experience some of the best destinations and vessels in cruising while taking in some New Orleans culture.
FAQs about hotels near Cruise Line Terminal
How much does a cheap hotel near Cruise Line Terminal cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel near Cruise Line Terminal can be as cheap as $75.62 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel near Cruise Line Terminal cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel near Cruise Line Terminal has been $115.82 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a luxury hotel near Cruise Line Terminal cost?
In the last year, the average 4 star hotel near Cruise Line Terminal has been $160.08 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)