There is nothing quite like waking up in New Orleans, sliding open your French doors, and stepping out onto a wrought-iron balcony that overlooks the beating heart of the French Quarter — Bourbon Street. The music floats up from below, the smell of Cajun spices lingers in the air, and there’s always the faint sound of laughter, jazz, and life.
When I first decided to splurge on a hotel with a balcony over Bourbon Street, I thought it might just be a gimmick — a touristy “checklist” experience. But my stay changed the way I see New Orleans. A balcony here isn’t just a hotel perk; it’s a front-row seat to the city’s soul.
I’ll share one hotel I personally stayed at — my unforgettable first-person experience — and four other luxurious hotels that I would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone seeking that perfect mix of comfort, history, and atmosphere in New Orleans.
My Stay at the Royal Sonesta New Orleans
The Royal Sonesta New Orleans, located right at 300 Bourbon Street, was the first hotel I ever booked in the French Quarter that had one of those iconic wrought-iron balconies. And let me tell you: it was worth every penny.
Booking & Price
I booked directly through their website after comparing prices on Booking.com and Expedia. On average, a Balcony Room on Bourbon Street runs around $350–$450 per night depending on the season. During Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest, that price easily doubles, but I visited in late April and found a mid-week deal closer to $375.
My Room Experience
When I opened the door, I was welcomed by high ceilings, classic French Quarter décor, and a king-sized bed with crisp white sheets. The bathroom had marble countertops and a rainfall shower — a small luxury that felt heavenly after long walks through the Quarter.
The highlight, of course, was the balcony. Two French doors led me outside to my very own perch above Bourbon Street. I sat there for hours, watching street performers, listening to jazz drifting from nearby clubs, and people-watching as parades of tourists, musicians, and locals flowed beneath me.
Facilities & Services
• Outdoor pool: Tucked in the courtyard, the pool area felt like an oasis away from the chaos of Bourbon Street.
• Restaurants: I had breakfast at Desire Oyster Bar, located inside the hotel. Their oysters Rockefeller ($18 for half dozen) were some of the freshest I’ve had in the city.
• Bars: The Jazz Playhouse, also within the hotel, had live music every night. It was surreal to go from my balcony overlooking Bourbon Street to an intimate jazz performance without leaving the building.
The staff went above and beyond. They arranged a swamp tour for me and gave insider tips about the quieter streets for morning strolls.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
• Prime location directly on Bourbon Street.
• Beautiful wrought-iron balconies (some overlooking Bourbon, some overlooking the courtyard).
• Live jazz on-site.
• Spacious rooms with luxury touches.
Cons:
• Noise. Even with the balcony doors shut, Bourbon Street’s music seeps in until late at night. (If you’re a light sleeper, request a courtyard balcony instead.)
• Higher price compared to nearby boutique hotels.
Still, my stay here made me feel like I was living in a New Orleans postcard. Every time I think of Bourbon Street, I picture the view from my balcony at the Royal Sonesta.
Recommended Hotels with Balconies on Bourbon Street
1. Hotel Monteleone
Location: 214 Royal Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
Overview: Hotel Monteleone is an iconic French Quarter hotel combining historic charm with modern luxury. While not directly on Bourbon Street, its location just a block away gives guests easy access to the nightlife while remaining slightly quieter.
Highlights:
- Carousel Bar & Lounge: Famous rotating bar where guests can enjoy cocktails while slowly spinning in a vintage carousel setting. Signature cocktails include the Vieux Carré (\$14) and French 75 (\$12).
- Rooftop Pool & Terrace: Offers panoramic city views and a comfortable lounge area, perfect for morning coffee or evening cocktails.
- Dining: The hotel’s Criollo Restaurant serves Southern cuisine, including Shrimp & Grits (\$22) and Cajun Catfish (\$28).
- Rooms & Pricing: Balcony rooms range from \$280–\$400/night; suites may exceed \$600/night during peak season.
- Nearby Attractions: Steps from the French Market, Jackson Square, and St. Louis Cathedral.
Tips:
- Ask for a Royal Street-facing balcony for a quieter experience compared to the more bustling Bourbon Street.
- Weekdays tend to be less crowded, making the pool and bar areas more relaxing.
2. Bourbon Orleans Hotel
Location: 717 Orleans Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70116
Overview: A historic hotel dating back to the 1800s, originally a convent and ballroom, Bourbon Orleans blends classic French Quarter architecture with modern amenities. Many rooms feature balconies directly overlooking Bourbon Street.
Highlights:
- Balcony Rooms: Some overlook Bourbon Street while others face the quiet courtyard, perfect for morning coffee or evening drinks.
- Saltwater Pool & Courtyard: Secluded oasis ideal for families or couples seeking privacy.
- Dining Options: On-site Royal Orleans Restaurant offers Cajun-Creole cuisine with standout dishes like Crawfish Étouffée (\$26) and Bananas Foster for dessert (\$12).
- Rates: Balcony rooms average \$300–\$380/night; packages sometimes include breakfast or cocktail credits.
- Ghost Tours: Known for its haunted history, the hotel often offers evening ghost tours through the Quarter.
- Nearby Attractions: A short walk to Frenchmen Street for live jazz, Café du Monde, and historic Preservation Hall.
Tips:
- Request a balcony with Bourbon Street view if you want the full vibrant atmosphere.
- Early reservations are essential during festival seasons like Mardi Gras.
3. Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter
Location: 541 Bourbon Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70130
Overview: Housed in a historic building that was once the French Opera House, this Four Points hotel offers modern comfort with direct balcony views of Bourbon Street. Its central location makes it ideal for visitors wanting to be in the heart of the action.
Highlights:
- Balcony Rooms: Many rooms feature wrought-iron balconies directly facing Bourbon Street for that quintessential French Quarter experience.
- Courtyard & Pool: Central courtyard with a small pool, offering a quieter retreat from street-level noise.
- Dining & Drinks: On-site restaurant serves breakfast and light bites; local favorites like beignets are just steps away.
- Rates: Typically \$220–\$320/night for balcony rooms; suites can reach \$450/night during peak periods.
- Nearby Attractions: Minutes from the French Market, Audubon Aquarium, and historic riverfront.
Tips:
- Weekday stays reduce crowds on the balconies and in the streets below.
- Balcony rooms on higher floors offer slightly better privacy and quieter nights.
4. Hotel St. Marie
Location: 827 Toulouse Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, LA 70112
Overview: Hotel St. Marie offers charming French Quarter accommodations at an affordable price, with wrought-iron balconies that provide views of the Quarter without being directly above Bourbon Street’s busiest sections.
Highlights:
- Balcony Rooms: Wrought-iron balconies with views of the Quarter; some overlook quiet side streets.
- Courtyard Pool: Small, tranquil pool area perfect for unwinding after a day exploring the French Quarter.
- Decor & Amenities: Traditional French Quarter style with brick walls, chandeliers, and period-inspired furnishings.
- Rates: \$200–\$280/night for balcony rooms; seasonal promotions sometimes include breakfast or happy hour vouchers.
- Nearby Attractions: Walking distance to Jackson Square, French Market, and iconic eateries like Café Beignet.
Tips:
- Ideal for couples or travelers seeking a balcony experience without the noise or cost of Bourbon Street frontage.
- Request upper-floor rooms to maximize street views and minimize balcony noise.
Booking Tips & Platforms
- Booking.com & Expedia: Competitive rates with free cancellation options; ideal for comparing multiple hotels.
- Hotels.com: Great for loyalty rewards and accumulating free nights after multiple bookings.
- Direct Hotel Booking: Royal Sonesta, Bourbon Orleans, and Monteleone sometimes provide exclusive perks like breakfast or cocktail credits.
General Advice:
- During Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and major conventions, balconies sell out fast. Book at least 4–6 months in advance.
- Consider weekday stays to enjoy quieter streets and better access to hotel amenities.
- Verify if the room includes Bourbon Street or courtyard balcony; some rooms look out over side streets.
Staying in a hotel with a balcony overlooking Bourbon Street is not just about convenience — it’s about immersion. From my balcony at the Royal Sonesta, I felt like I wasn’t just visiting New Orleans; I was living it. I could hear jazz drifting through the air, watch the colorful parades of people below, and still retreat to a luxurious room when I needed rest.
For travelers who want the full French Quarter experience, I’d recommend splurging at least once on a Bourbon Street balcony room. If you want elegance and a touch of quiet, Hotel Monteleone is perfect. For historic charm, the Bourbon Orleans will captivate you. And if you’re balancing budget and atmosphere, Four Points or Hotel St. Marie are excellent choices.
No matter which you choose, a balcony in New Orleans isn’t just a hotel feature — it’s your private stage overlooking one of the most vibrant streets in America.
