Canal Street runs through the French Quarter of New Orleans, occupying a strip of land originally intended to be a canal connecting the Mississippi River to Lake Pontchartrain. The canal plans were scrapped, and the street is now home to a vibrant collection of hotels, shops and restaurants. In addition to the major chain hotels you will find in most large cities, Canal Street offers a selection of hotels that are unique to and inspired by New Orleans.
The International House Hotel has rooms with balconies overlooking the Mississippi River and the French Quarter, two blocks away. The design of the rooms, suites and penthouses is inspired by the city of New Orleans, with photographs of New Orleans jazz artists decorating the walls, ceiling fans spinning lazily overhead and wrought iron furniture reflecting the material seen throughout the city. The hotel's Rambla Restaurant serves French and Spanish cuisine inspired by tapas bars in Spain, while the Loa bar serves spirits in a richly-decorated, softly lit atmosphere. The hotel also features a fitness center, spa services, meeting facilities, valet parking and free wireless Internet access.
International House Hotel
221 Camp St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-553-9550
ihhotel.com
The Canal Street Guesthouse calls itself "a nice place for nice people" and offers an atmosphere closer to renting an apartment than a hotel room, letting you feel like you are a resident during your stay. This 15-room guesthouse dates back to the 19th century and rents rooms by the week for a budget price. Guests share a community kitchen, barbecue area, patios and balcony. All rooms are nonsmoking and furnished with one double bed or two twin beds, a small refrigerator, a ceiling fan and a table with chairs. Air conditioning is available in most rooms for an hourly fee, and five rooms have televisions. As of 2010, rates begin at $160 per week.
Canal Street Guesthouse
1930 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
504-400-0104
bestguesthouse.com
The New Orleans Marriott rises high above Canal Street, just off Bourbon Street. The 1,275 non-smoking rooms mix modern design with touches of New Orleans style, and some offer views of the Mississippi River or the city. Business travelers will appreciate the hotel's meeting facilities, business center and secretarial services, while leisure travelers can enjoy the heated outdoor pool and fitness center. Dining locations at the hotel include the 5 Fifty 5 Restaurant, 55 Farenheit wine bar and lounge and a Starbucks for coffee and snacks to go.
New Orleans Marriott
555 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70130
504-581-1000
marriott.com
