Parking in the French Quarter made easy

If you're driving here or decided to rent a car, there are a couple of insider local secrets that I would like to share with you so that you can avoid some headaches.

Parking in New Orleans is easier said than done, especially if you’re staying in the French Quarter – an area notorious for its many bars and no room for cars. And we’re not just talking about street parking; even pubic garages are scarce. You can except to pay at least $30 a day in the French Quarter and a little less in the Central Business District. This is comparable to other metro areas. You can try to find off street parking, but I can't promise that those spots will be easy to find. You don't have to pay the meters between 6 and 9 pm, so these spots are a deal if you find one. In other words, you might want to leave the car behind.

If you still want to bring a car you're in luck. There are a few hotels that offer parking 

Some hotels offer free parking, like Hotel Villa Convento. Rumor has it that this hotel is the legendary House of the Rising Sun, and located right in the heart of the French Quarter, parking isn’t always easy. Free parking is a steal anywhere in this area, but it’s an especially good deal when it comes to a hotel as infamous as this one.

Hotel Provincial is another hotel you’ll want to check out if you’re driving into New Orleans. Located steps away from Bourbon and Royal Streets, this hotel has prime real estate. Which is why it might be surprising that for $26 a day, guests can have their vehicles valet parked in a secure, on-site lot.  Very few hotels in this area have on-site parking, so this is a deal.

If you’re looking for an upscale, yet warm hotel with parking the French Quarter, The Maison Dupuy might be it. It’s also only a couple of blocks northeast of the Louisiana Superdome and the Central Business District. Secure valet parking is available for $36 a day.

Other great hotels in the French Quarter that offer parking are:

Le Richelieu Hotel

Hotel Royal

Lafitte Guest House

French Quarter Landmark Hotel

Have you stayed at any of these hotels? Let us know on our Facebook page.

Free parking is abundant in the Garden District or in the suburb of Metairie if you're willing to stay a little further out.