Budget Accomodations in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

For the parades and the events preceding Fat Tuesday, here are some cheap hotels, hostels and B&Bs.

Hostels
India House Backpackers Hostel. Located in Mid-City, this hostel offers dorm style accommodations as well as private rooms starting at $17 per night for a 10 bed male dorm to $55 to a private room with two beds. Having personally stayed here during Mardi Gras, I can highly recommend this accommodation for the budget and solo traveler, as long as you know to expect basic rooms and accommodations. The hostel is about 2.5 miles from Bourbon Street (or a 45 minute walk), but it barley felt this far. There is the option of taking a street car that run outside the hostel, but from personal experience schedules for streetcars during Mardi Gras tend to be sporadic and rarely on time. The hostel is the highest rated of all the ones in the city and only a $15 shuttle from the New Orleans airport.

AAE Bourbon House Hostel. Another budget option, located in the Garden District of New Orleans, rooms range from $16 for a 6 female dorm ensuite, to $35 for a single private with shared bathing facilities. The hostel is also approximately a 45 minute walk to Bourbon street. The hostel offers a free shuttle upon arrival at the Amtrak station or at the greyhound bus depot. There is a $20 shuttle from the airport. During Mardi Gras there is a 3 night minimum stay, but this shouldn't be an issue if you are coming for Fat Tuesday and the events preceding it. Much like India House, accommodations are basic, but more than ample for a place to crash while hitting the parades.

Hotels
Travelodge New Orleans Westbank Located outside of New Orleans, in New Harvey, LA, this budget hotel is the cheapest you will find in the NOLA area during Mardi Gras starting at $89 per night, but still remains 10 miles from the french quarter. The hotel has Internet access, a pool, includes breakfast although based on the ratings of the hotel I wouldn't expect much. If you are looking for a cheaper hotel to crash at, and don't mind being outside the city, then this is the cheapest option available.

Super 8 Hotel The best budget hotel in the area, prices start at $109 per night, and far higher ratings then the Travelodge. The hotel boast free breakfast, free wifi, an outdoor pool, fitness center, and everything else in your standard super 8. The hotel is 6 miles from Bourbon Street, which is the biggest downside.

Bed and Breakfasts
Oakview Bed and Breakfast. This B+B renovated after hurricane Katrina, has rooms for only $139 per night during the height of Mardi Gras. This includes a full breakfast with a 3 night minimum stay. The location is about an hour walk, or 3 miles from Bourbon Street.

St Vincent's Guest House. Located in the lower garden district on Magazine Street, this extremely basic accommodation has 70 hotel rooms and 3-6 bed dorms. The property is also located about 40 minutes walking distance from Bourbon Street. Rates start at $100 per night for a room with 1 king bed ($50 per person) and $34 per night for a bed in a 25 bed mixed dorm.

Basic Advice: If you are staying in budget accommodations bring your own blanket as it can be chilly in February in New Orleans, and facilities tend to only have space heaters in dorm rooms. Often it may be worthwhile to bring a small pad to use as a mattress as thin and old mattresses are often cited.