Cheap Hotels for Mardi Gras 2026 New Orleans — Real Prices
Mardi Gras 2026
February 17, 2026
Price spike: 200-500%
This is the most extreme price spike in the US hotel market. Budget hotels that normally run $60-80/night jump to $200-400+ for Mardi Gras weekend. Many require 3-4 night minimums. Book 3-6 months ahead.
💡 Tip: Stay in Kenner near the airport and take a rideshare downtown ($20-30). You'll save $150-300/night. Parades run along St. Charles Avenue — accessible from anywhere on the streetcar line. Book 6 months ahead minimum.
New Orleans' legendary Carnival celebration culminating on Fat Tuesday. Parades, parties, and revelry across the city. The biggest hotel price spike in New Orleans by far.
Super 8 by Wyndham New Orleans
2.5 mi from the French Quarter
Budget base outside downtown. Free parking and breakfast. You'll need a car or rideshare to the French Quarter ($8-12 each way). Clean but basic.
Travelodge by Wyndham New Orleans
0.8 mi from the French Quarter
Cheapest walkable option to the Quarter. Rooms are small but acceptable. Pool is a nice bonus. Parking on-site for $15/night is cheaper than downtown garages.
Quality Inn & Suites Kenner
12 mi from the French Quarter
Airport-adjacent hotel with free shuttle. Great for early flights or late arrivals. Pool, breakfast, and free parking. 20-minute drive to French Quarter.
Sleep Inn & Suites Downtown
0.6 mi from the French Quarter
Newer property with clean, modern rooms. Great breakfast. 10-minute walk to Bourbon Street. One of the best budget picks in the CBD.
La Quinta Inn New Orleans Downtown
0.4 mi from the French Quarter
Best value walkable to the French Quarter. Clean, modern rooms. No resort fee — unusual for this area. Continental breakfast included.
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This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you book through our links, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown were last verified on 2026-02-13 and may have changed. Event pricing reflects our best estimates and may vary.