Hotels on the Mardi Gras Parade Route
Front-row stays from Napoleon Avenue to Canal Street
Mardi Gras Parade Route at a Glance
When: Mardi Gras Day is Feb. 9, 2027, with the biggest parade nights in the days just before
The main route: St. Charles Avenue from Uptown to Canal Street
Do parades go through the French Quarter? The major float parades don’t
When to book: As early as possible; route-facing rooms and the final weekend go first
Viewing: Street viewing is free; some hotels offer guest viewing stands
(1) Columns, (2) Walking into The Chloe on St. Charles Avenue, (3) Hotel Henrietta - Guest Room, (4) Pontchartrain Hotel - Exterior, (5) Bacchus Rolling Down St. Charles Avenue
Mardi Gras Parade Route Map: Where the Floats Roll
Most major Mardi Gras parades follow the Uptown route, beginning near Napoleon Avenue and St. Charles Avenue before heading downtown along St. Charles. From there, the route continues past Harmony Circle and through the Central Business District before turning toward Canal Street, where many parades conclude.
Endymion follows a different route. The Saturday parade rolls through Mid-City before heading downtown to Canal Street, where it finishes near the French Quarter.
Keep in mind that not every krewe follows the standard Uptown route. Some parades have different starting points, turns and endings, so check the Mardi Gras parade schedule here before choosing a viewing spot or planning your stay.
Uptown Hotels Near the Start of the Route
St. Charles Avenue is the spine of the Mardi Gras parade route. Nearly every major parade follows this stunning tree-lined street for miles, and this is where you’ll experience more local flavor and family-friendly celebrations.
Napoleon Avenue
Hotels closer to Napoleon Avenue, such as boutique picks like The Chloe and Columns, put you at the start of the route and almost feel like you’re staying at a private residence, albeit one that comes with turndown service.
Garden District
Further down into the Garden District, you’ll find everything from national brands like Hampton Inn & Suites or Marriott-owned Hotel Tonnelle to the historic Pontchartrain Hotel, all of which offer a perfect balance of being centrally located, with access to dining, shopping, and entertainment. The crowds all along the Uptown route tend to be more relaxed than downtown, with better sightlines and a genuine neighborhood vibe. Check out Hotel Henrietta, a new boutique property from the folks behind Columns. The Warbler is also a new hotel nestled further into the Garden District with sweeping views of St. Charles Avenue, just across the street from the St. Charles Coach House Hotel.
(1) A Streetcar Rolling By InterContinental on St. Charles, (2) A Balcony View of St. Charles Avenue at Hotel Indigo New Orleans French Quarter, (3) Hilton New Orleans St. Charles Avenue, (4) The Krewe of Rex on Mardi Gras Day, (5) Sheraton New Orleans on Canal Street, (6) Marriott New Orleans on Canal Street
Downtown Hotels on St. Charles Avenue
Once parades make the turn around Harmony Circle, you’ll find a mix of larger, well-known hotels mixed in with boutique brands. Many of the hotels along this stretch also offer viewing stands for guests, so be sure to ask if you’d like an elevated vantage point of the passing floats. The InterContinental New Orleans, Hilton New Orleans/St. Charles Avenue, and Hotel Indigo New Orleans - French Quarter all are great downtown hotels perfect for parade season. As we get closer to Carnival season, check to see which offer tickets to parade stands.
Canal Street Hotels at the End of the Route
The final turn of most parades occurs at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Here, you’ll find wider sidewalks and neutral grounds and easy access to the French Quarter and post-parade nightlife. The Sheraton and New Orleans Marriott are two of the largest properties along this stretch. You'll also want to check out the Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, and Astor Crowne Plaza. Staying on Canal Street downtown ensures quick French Quarter access (by foot) and access to the Krewe of Endymion, which is the only parade right before Mardi Gras that doesn't follow the St. Charles Avenue parade route but does go down Canal.
Insider Tip
Contrary to popular belief, most Mardi Gras parades with floats don’t actually go into the French Quarter. The celebrations absolutely spill into the streets of the Quarter before, after, and during parades, and the neighborhood is accessible by foot from downtown hotels. Check out our hotels with balconies overlooking Bourbon Street here if you'd like to get in on the action.
Which Stretch of the Parade Route Is Right for You?
Where you stay along the Mardi Gras parade route can shape your Carnival experience. Consider these neighborhoods based on your travel style:
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Families: Uptown and the Garden District offer a more neighborhood-oriented atmosphere, with opportunities to catch parades along St. Charles Avenue.
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Groups of friends: The CBD and Warehouse Arts District put you close to multiple parade routes, restaurants and bars.
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Couples: The Garden District and Lower Garden District offer historic charm, romantic restaurants and convenient parade access.
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A quieter stay: Look farther Uptown or just off the main parade routes for a more relaxed setting between festivities.
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Limited mobility: Consider the CBD, where accessible transportation and hotel amenities may be easier to coordinate. Ask hotels about accessible viewing options and parade-day access before booking.
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Nightlife seekers: The French Quarter and CBD offer easy access to Bourbon Street, Frenchmen Street and late-night entertainment.
Balconies, Viewing Stands and Mardi Gras Hotel Packages
Some parade route hotels offer rooms overlooking the action, private viewing stands or special Mardi Gras packages. However, a route-facing room doesn't guarantee a parade view, so contact the hotel directly to confirm room location and balcony access.
Hotel viewing stands may require wristbands, advance registration or an additional fee. Ask whether access is included with your reservation and whether extra wristbands are available.
Grandstand seating is another option for visitors who prefer a designated viewing area. Availability and pricing vary by parade and location.
Check with individual hotels for current Mardi Gras packages, viewing access, and special accommodations.
Tips for Booking a Parade Route Hotel
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Book early: Popular hotels can fill up months ahead of Mardi Gras. Reserving early gives you the best selection, particularly for major parade weekends.
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Know your parade routes: Bacchus rolls the St. Charles Avenue route on Sunday night, while Endymion rolls through Mid-City on Saturday. Find our parade schedule here for all the latest information.
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Ask about street closures: Confirm how parade-day closures affect hotel access, parking, luggage drop-off, and rideshare pickup.
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Confirm viewing access: Ask whether balconies, viewing stands, or wristbands are included in your reservation or require additional fees.
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Consider multiple parade routes: A CBD hotel can be a convenient home base if you plan to attend several parades throughout Carnival. Not all parades follow quite the same route.
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Review hotel policies: Check minimum-night stays, cancellation policies, and parking fees before booking.
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Prepare to walk: Even near the route, you may need to walk several blocks around parade closures. Comfortable shoes are a must.
Browse All Parade Route Hotels
Mardi Gras Parade Route Hotel FAQs
Do Mardi Gras parades go through the French Quarter?
The large float parades closest to Mardi Gras Day do not. Most roll down St. Charles Avenue and turn onto Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter, and Endymion travels through Mid-City before reaching Canal. A few smaller krewes, including Krewe du Vieux, do parade through the Marigny and French Quarter.
Where is the best place to stay to watch Mardi Gras parades?
Hotels on the St. Charles Avenue parade route see the most parades. Uptown and the Garden District suit families and anyone who wants better sightlines. Downtown and Canal Street put you closer to the French Quarter.
Can you watch Mardi Gras parades from a hotel balcony?
Yes, at select hotels on St. Charles Avenue and Canal Street. Ask for a room facing the parade route when you book, since many rooms face elsewhere. Balconies on Bourbon Street overlook French Quarter street life, not the major float parades.
How far in advance should I book a hotel on the parade route?
As early as you can. Rooms facing the route and stays over the final weekend before Mardi Gras Day tend to sell out first. If a hotel is full, ask whether it offers day passes or wristbands for parade viewing.
Is the St. Charles Avenue parade route good for kids?
Yes. The Uptown stretch of St. Charles Avenue is where many local families set up for parades, with more space and calmer crowds than downtown. Day parades on the weekends are especially kid-friendly.
Do you need tickets to watch Mardi Gras parades in New Orleans?
No. Watching from the street is free along the entire route. Some hotels offer guest viewing stands, and reserved grandstand seats are sold separately.
