First timers- where to stay

Question

We are coming to NO for the first time on a girls trip and are rethinking our hotel. We’ve narrowed down our trip to what we want to do and have a few hotel options that don’t break the bank at the end of January. We are mobile and able to walk as needed. Most of the restaurants we want to visit are in Garden district, and cafe du Monde is on our list. We also would like to visit the FQ, WWII museum, Jackson Square, a cemetery (not sure which one), St Louis Cathedral and the Whitney plantation. We don’t plan to be out late at night and would like a quieter space so we are thinking staying in the FQ may not be for us. The hotels we are looking at are St Charles Coach House, Best Western St Christopher, or the Hotel Tonnelle. Would any of these be more convenient than the others for the things we want to see/ do? Obviously the Whitney requires transportation.

Answer

It sounds like you have a fantastic girls trip to New Orleans planned, with a great mix of sightseeing, dining, and historical exploration. Based on the locations you're interested in visiting, as well as your preference for a quieter stay, I’ll help you compare your hotel options to determine the most convenient and peaceful spot for your trip.

Hotel Options Overview

Here’s a quick breakdown of the three hotels you’re considering:

St Charles Coach House: This hotel is located in the Garden District, which is close to many of the restaurants and attractions you plan to visit. It's a quiet area compared to the French Quarter (FQ), making it a good choice if you’re seeking peace at night. The Garden District itself is quite beautiful and full of charm. However, it’s a bit farther from some of the FQ attractions like Café du Monde, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral. You’ll likely need to walk or take a short ride to those locations, but it’s definitely manageable. Additionally, the WWII Museum is about a 15-minute walk or a quick ride away.
Best Western St Christopher: Located just on the edge of the Central Business District (CBD), this hotel offers easy access to both the Garden District and the French Quarter. It’s walking distance to the WWII Museum (about 10 minutes) and Jackson Square (about 15-20 minutes). The location is more central and convenient for tourists who want to be in the heart of the action but not right in the noise of the French Quarter. This hotel could be a good middle ground between your desire for quiet and proximity to the attractions.
Hotel Tonnelle: Located in the French Quarter, this hotel might be a bit too close to the lively and sometimes noisy action, but it could still be a good option if you’re able to find a room on a quieter side. The benefit here is that you would be very close to Café du Monde, Jackson Square, the St. Louis Cathedral, and a number of bars and restaurants. However, as you mentioned, you’re looking for a quieter space, and the French Quarter can get very busy and noisy, especially on weekends. You may want to consider this one carefully if you're concerned about sleep quality.

Considerations for Your Itinerary

For the attractions you want to visit:

Café du Monde & Jackson Square: These are located in the heart of the French Quarter, so being closer to this area would make early morning visits to Café du Monde more convenient. Staying near the French Quarter (like at Hotel Tonnelle) or the Best Western St. Christopher (which is closer to the French Quarter but in a quieter area) would make it easier to access these iconic spots.
WWII Museum: This museum is located in the Warehouse District, which is within walking distance of both Best Western St. Christopher (around 10 minutes) and the St Charles Coach House (around 15-20 minutes). If this museum is a priority for you, staying at either of these two hotels would be ideal.
St. Louis Cathedral & Jackson Square: These are located in the French Quarter, so being closer to the French Quarter (as with Hotel Tonnelle or Best Western St. Christopher) will make these sights easier to access.
Whitney Plantation: As you mentioned, this plantation is outside of the city, and you will need to take a tour that includes transportation. None of these hotels are particularly close to the Whitney Plantation, so booking a tour that picks you up from your hotel will be your best option. Check with your hotel to see if they can help arrange transportation or tours to the plantation.

Best Fit for Your Needs

Given your interest in a quieter space, I would recommend the Best Western St. Christopher as the most balanced option. It’s in a good location near the French Quarter and the WWII Museum, but not directly in the busy, noisy parts of the city. From here, you can easily walk to most of the attractions you’re interested in, including Café du Monde, Jackson Square, and the St. Louis Cathedral. You’ll also be close to some of the great restaurants you want to try in the Garden District.

If you’re looking for a truly peaceful experience, St Charles Coach House is also a solid option. While it’s a bit further from the French Quarter, it’s still accessible by walking or a short ride, and it offers a quiet, charming atmosphere in the Garden District. It’s ideal if you prefer a more relaxed environment after a day of sightseeing.

Hotel Tonnelle, while convenient for its proximity to the French Quarter, may not meet your needs for a quieter experience. If you’re sensitive to noise and prefer a more serene atmosphere, you may want to reconsider this option.

In summary, the Best Western St. Christopher strikes the best balance of convenience, comfort, and quiet for your group’s needs, but both St Charles Coach House and Hotel Tonnelle offer their own unique advantages depending on your preferences for proximity to the French Quarter versus quieter surroundings.

Enjoy your trip to New Orleans! It sounds like you have an amazing itinerary planned!