A Garden District staple, the Pontchartrain Hotel is a historic luxury hotel with a 1920s vibe and modern creature comforts. Partygoers have access to the St. Charles Streetcar that quickly transports them to Bourbon Street and the Mardi Gras parade route goes right by the hotel’s front steps. Or you can always stay at New Orleans RV Resort & Marina.Limited sites are still available during Mardi Gras season. Plus, the BC Boys Band will take to the stage at The Lighthouse Bar & Grill on February 13th, between 6:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Come join in the fun and try their Mardi Gras Specials, including the King Cake Daiquiri, the Mardi Gras Mix-up and King Cake. If money and availability were not issues, as relates to private hotel room balconies (some hotel balconies are actually communal with adjoining rooms), a second floor Bourbon St facing balcony room at Sheraton Four Points French Quarter (formerly Inn on Bourbon) would best capture the mayhem and chaos. Bring earplugs if you want to sleep. The city of New Orleans is the place to be for Mardis Gras, the last hurrah of the carnival season before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. While much of the focus of the event is on the rowdy, debaucherous crowd that takes over Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, there is arguably more (family-friendly) fun to be had in other neighborhoods throughout the city, where parade 'krewes' toss beads Experiencing Mardi Gras in New Orleans is an unparalleled extravaganza, attracting revelers from across the globe. Securing the perfect accommodation can significantly elevate your experience of the lively parades, intricate costumes, and jubilant atmosphere. Opting for a hotel located directly on the parade route guarantees you prime viewing access and the convenience of nearby Kimpton Hotel Fontenot. Neighborhood: Warehouse District Book now; For a front-row seat to the biggest Mardi Gras parades, it’s hard to beat the 235-room Kimpton Hotel Fontenot’s location on the corner of Tchoupitoulas and Poydras Streets on the main parade routes (and only a five-minute walk from the French Quarter). Grandstands. If you want to be as close to the action as possible but don’t want to stand in crowds, then booking into one of the grandstands is an excellent idea.. When it comes to figuring out where to watch the Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans, you won’t be surprised to learn that the grandstands are highly popular. Tips for Attending Mardi Gras 2025. Attending Mardi Gras can be overwhelming due to large crowds and busy schedules; hence planning ahead is crucial. Consider booking accommodations early since hotels fill up quickly during this time frame. Arrive early at parade routes for optimal viewing spots—don’t forget your folding chairs or blankets. Best Hotels for Mardi Gras 2025: Planning your Mardi Gras 2025 trip requires careful consideration, especially when choosing accommodation. This guide navigates the vibrant landscape of hotels across key Mardi Gras cities, offering insights into pricing, amenities, guest experiences, and booking strategies to ensure a memorable celebration. There’s nothing quite like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. One of the world’s most iconic celebrations – and definitely one of the most well-known experiences in New Orleans – Mardi Gras is a mix of parades, music, food, and local culture that takes over the city for an experience like no other. For a hassle-free Mardi Gras experience in Mobile, staying in or near the downtown area is the best choice. Downtown Mobile is the heart of the Mardi Gras festivities, with parades rolling through the streets and plenty of nearby attractions. The first ball was held in 1857 by the Mistick Krewe of Comus. Comus hosted the first parade, followed by Rex in 1872, which debuted the king of Mardi Gras. The Rex parade gave Mardi Gras the official colors of purple to represent justice, green to represent faith, and gold to represent power. The three colors were to represent the “king.”
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |