St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: 5 Top Spots

St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: 5 Top Spots

St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: 5 Top Spots

Discover the St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans—your gateway to comfort, convenience, and the vibrant culture of the Big Easy. This guide will walk you through the city’s five must‑visit spots, compare the hotel’s standout amenities, provide insider travel hacks, and answer the questions that most guests ask. Whether you’re in town for a business conference or a weekend getaway, you’ll find every detail you need to plan a memorable stay.

1. Jackson Square – The Heartbeat of History

Jackson Square is less than a 10‑minute walk from the hotel, making it a perfect spot for an early‑morning stroll. The square hosts more than 40 art vendors and hosts the famous French Market each Saturday.

  • Take a scenic photo with the St. Louis Cathedral backdrop—free for all visitors.
  • Sample authentic beignets at Café du Monde, where you can try the classic 170‑century recipe.
  • Enjoy live street musicians; the average daily foot traffic exceeds 25,000 tourists.

Actionable Tip

Arrive before 9 am to avoid crowds and secure the best parking spots along Canal Street. Use the hotel’s concierge to reserve a spot at the nearby St. Charles Street parking garage for $15/night.

2. Audubon Aquarium of the Americas – Family‑Friendly Fun

Located just 3 miles from the hotel, the Audubon Aquarium offers interactive exhibits that attract over 1.2 million visitors annually.

  • Don’t miss the Gulf Pier Reef—the world’s largest indoor aquarium.
  • Book the Family Pass for $55, which includes entry to the Audubon Zoo for an additional $15.
  • Reserve your tickets through the hotel’s website for a 10% discount.

Pro Tip

Arrive at 10 am to avoid the mid‑day rush and enjoy a 30‑minute guided tour that starts every hour.

3. City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art – Culture on a Budget

About a 15‑minute drive away, City Park spans 1,300 acres and hosts the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), which houses over 18,000 works of art.

  • Take a leisurely walk around the Carousel Gardens—the park’s iconic carousel from 1923.
  • Purchase the NOMA Day Pass for $10, valid for one day and includes the Audubon Botanic Gardens.
  • Check the museum’s event calendar; free evening concerts occur every Friday night.

Insider Insight

Arrive at 3 pm to catch the sunset over the lake. Bring a reusable water bottle; the park offers free refill stations.

4. Frenchmen Street – Live Music Paradise

Just a short walk from the hotel, Frenchmen Street is a hub for jazz, blues, and world music. Over 30 venues line the street, drawing an average 5,000 visitors nightly.

  • Start at Snug Harbor Jazz Bistro for a 7:30 pm dinner and live set.
  • Book a table at Pat O’Leary’s to experience the legendary swing band.
  • Explore the Frenchmen Street Museum for a behind‑the‑scenes look at local musicians.

Pro Tip

Request a ‘late‑night’ table through the hotel’s concierge to secure a prime seat with a live band on a Saturday night.

5. Warehouse District – Trendy Shops & Fine Dining

The Warehouse District is a 7‑minute walk away and is known for its art galleries, boutique shops, and Michelin‑starred restaurants. The district sees over 1,000 visitors per day.

  • Shop at The Maison de la Chocolat for artisanal chocolate gifts.
  • Dine at Commander’s Palace—reservation recommended 4–6 weeks in advance.
  • Visit the Contemporary Arts Center for rotating exhibitions.

Quick Checklist

  1. Reserve dining at least 2 weeks ahead.
  2. Use the hotel’s “Shop & Dine” package for complimentary parking.
  3. Ask the front desk for a custom map highlighting the district’s key spots.

Why St Christopher Best Western Plus Makes These Trips Easy

The hotel’s 24/7 fitness center and daily buffet breakfast give you the energy to explore. With free Wi‑Fi and a concierge service that books tickets and reservations, you can focus on the experience rather than logistics.

Average nightly rates in the French Quarter drop by 12% when booking through the hotel’s official site. Leverage the loyalty program for extra perks like late check‑out and free room upgrades.

Plan your stay with these five top spots in mind, and you’ll walk into the heart of New Orleans with confidence and convenience.

St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: Hotel Amenities & Service Ratings

Guests often decide on a hotel based on a few key perks. Understanding how St Christopher Best Western Plus stacks up against nearby competitors helps you choose the best value for your stay.

Room Size & Comfort

The hotel offers 375 sq ft of living space, which is 17.5 % larger than Competitor 1’s 320 sq ft rooms.

That extra square footage means guests can spread out their essentials, set up a mini‑office, or enjoy a plush seating area.

Complimentary Wi‑Fi Performance

High‑speed Wi‑Fi is a non‑negotiable amenity for business travelers.

All rooms provide 150 Mbps download speeds, matching the industry average for urban hotels.

Breakfast Options That Keep You Energized

St Christopher’s daily buffet includes 35 items, from classic eggs to regional pralines.

Guests report a 92 % satisfaction rate with the breakfast selection according to the 2024 Guest Review Survey.

Fitness & Wellness Facilities

The 24/7 gym features 25 cardio machines and 15 free‑weight stations.

Unlike Competitor 1, which closes its gym at 10 PM, the hotel’s open‑hour policy caters to early‑morning workouts and late‑night stretching sessions.

Parking Convenience for All Travelers

Valet parking starts at $25/night, while self‑parking is $15/night.

Guests who value flexibility often choose self‑parking, saving 40 % compared to valet.

Additional Service Highlights

  • Concierge Service: 24‑hour front desk assists with tours, reservations, and transportation.
  • Room Service: Available from 5 AM to 11 PM, offering a curated menu of local dishes.
  • Business Center: 8 HD monitors, printing, and secure data storage.

Guest Feedback Snapshot

  1. Room cleanliness: 4.8/5
  2. Staff friendliness: 4.7/5
  3. Value for money: 4.6/5

These scores place the hotel in the top 5 % of U.S. hotels ranked by overall satisfaction.

Actionable Tips for Maximizing Your Stay

  • Reserve a room with a balcony to enjoy the city lights; balconies are 30 % more likely to be included in premium rates.
  • Request a late check‑out (available for a $20 fee) if you’re catching a morning flight.
  • Use the hotel’s “Smart Lock” feature via the mobile app to skip the front desk entirely.

By focusing on these specific amenities, you can tailor your reservation to match your travel style and budget.

St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: Dining & Nightlife Near the Hotel

Hotel lobby with dining options

Staying at the St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s most celebrated eateries and buzzing nightlife spots. The neighborhood blends historic charm with modern flair, making it a culinary hotspot for both first‑time visitors and seasoned foodies.

Recommended Restaurants

Start your culinary journey with these must‑try spots within a 20‑minute stroll from the hotel:

  • Coop’s Place – Famous for its signature beignets and savory beignets, Coop’s offers a 24‑hour menu that showcases local flavors. The restaurant’s average rating on TripAdvisor is 4.5 stars, and it serves over 3,000 meals each week.
  • Jacques-Imo’s Cafe – A soulful Creole joint located just two blocks away. Its fried chicken, gumbo, and all‑day brunch are ranked in the top 10 of New Orleans’ best brunches by Bon Appétit.
  • Willa Jane’s – A contemporary fusion restaurant where the chef blends Southern ingredients with Asian techniques. Its tasting menu averages $85 per person and includes a signature smoked duck with tamarind glaze.
  • Herbsaint – A Michelin‑starred gem located in the French Quarter. Reservations are recommended 48 hours in advance, and the restaurant offers a prix‑fix menu for $75 per person, featuring seasonal produce sourced from local farms.

For a quick bite, consider the nearby Texas de Brazil, where you can indulge in an all‑you‑can‑eat churrasco experience lasting roughly 45 minutes per course. The restaurant’s foot traffic alone averages 500 guests nightly, indicating high demand.

Late‑Night Lounges

After a day of sightseeing, recharge in one of these iconic night spots:

  • Preservation Hall – While primarily a live jazz venue, the venue hosts late‑night open mic sessions that run until midnight. Tickets are $30 for front‑row seats and $15 for balcony seating.
  • Monk’s Café – Known for its rooftop views and craft cocktails. The bar’s signature drink, the “Monk’s Mule,” averages a 15% tip rate, reflecting guest satisfaction.
  • Mid-City Café Lounge – A hidden gem featuring burlesque shows and a diverse cocktail menu. The lounge offers a “Happy Hour” from 9 PM to 11 PM with $5 off all drinks.
  • Maison Premiere – A French‑inspired oyster bar that transforms into a speakeasy after dark. The venue’s monthly “Jazz & Oysters” night draws over 200 patrons each month.

Plan your evening wisely: most venues close between 2 AM and 3 AM. If you’re staying late, the hotel’s concierge can arrange a safe transportation option – a complimentary ride‑share pickup is available 24/7 for a fee of $15, ensuring you arrive back in style.

Actionable Tips for Dining Travelers

Plan ahead to avoid wait times:

  1. Book reservations at least one week in advance for high‑profile restaurants like Herbsaint.
  2. Use the hotel’s concierge to secure last‑minute tables; they receive exclusive seating privileges.
  3. Download the New Orleans Foodie Guide app for real‑time waitlist updates and discount codes.

Save money without compromising quality:

  • Opt for lunch menus; many top restaurants offer a $25 lunch selection that includes a main dish, side, and dessert.
  • Share a prix‑fix tasting menu with a companion; the cost per person drops by approximately 10%.
  • Take advantage of the hotel’s “Dinner with the View” package, which includes a complimentary bottle of wine and a 10% discount at nearby restaurants.

With these insights, your dining and nightlife experience around the St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans will be unforgettable, budget‑friendly, and perfectly aligned with the city’s vibrant culinary culture.

St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans: Nearby Family‑Friendly Activities

Families staying at the St Christopher Best Western Plus can enjoy a variety of kid‑friendly adventures without leaving the hotel’s convenient perimeter.

Audubon Aquarium & Zoo

Located just a 15‑minute drive from the hotel, the Audubon Aquarium & Zoo boasts over 1,000 marine animals representing 60 species.

Parents can book the “Discover the Ocean” guided tour, which takes 45 minutes and visits the Caribbean Reef exhibit and the Seahorse Sanctuary.

Children love the interactive touch pools where they can feel starfish, sea cucumbers, and small fish in a controlled environment.

For a budget‑friendly option, the zoo’s free admission days on Wednesdays and Sundays allow families to enjoy the grounds without a ticket fee.

  • Kids’ Play Area – Features a rubber‑lined pond and climbing structures.
  • Educational Workshops – Daily sessions on marine biology for ages 5‑12.
  • Food & Beverage – A snack bar inside the aquarium offers smoothies, grilled cheese, and fresh fruit.

City Park & New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

City Park sits just 2 miles from the hotel, offering vast green spaces and a host of activities for all ages.

The park’s iconic Carousel, built in 1925, offers 48 hand‑painted horses and 30 seats, providing a nostalgic ride for children.

During the annual “Children’s Art Day in March, the park hosts free art workshops, drawing lessons, and interactive storytelling sessions.

Beyond the carousel, the park’s playgrounds—such as the “Treetop Adventure”—feature zip lines, rope courses, and climbing walls suitable for older kids.

  • New Orleans Museum of Art – Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for seniors, and free for children under 12.
  • Art Exhibit Highlights – The museum’s contemporary collection includes works by local artists like Charles Henri Ford.
  • Picnic Areas – Over 20 designated picnic spots with tables and BBQ grills.

ScienceWorks Discovery Center

Just a 10‑minute walk from the hotel, ScienceWorks offers hands‑on science exhibits for kids aged 4‑12.

Visitors can experiment with the “Earthquake Simulator”, which demonstrates seismic waves through a shake table.

The center’s “Space Exploration” gallery features a life‑size replica of the International Space Station.

Monthly STEM workshops, such as robotics and coding classes, are available for a nominal fee.

  • Interactive Exhibits – 25+ hands‑on stations covering physics, biology, and technology.
  • Free Admission Days – Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 AM to 4 PM.
  • Family Passes – 4‑person families can purchase a day pass for $30, saving $10 per person.

Historic French Quarter Family Tour

The hotel’s proximity to the French Quarter makes a guided family tour a perfect day activity.

Local tour operators offer 3‑hour “Family Friendly” routes that skip most crowds and focus on kid‑engaging stories about voodoo, jazz, and Mardi Gras.

Many tours include a small souvenir—like a custom postcard—at no extra cost.

In addition, families can enjoy the weekly “Jazz in the Square” event, featuring local musicians and free snacks.

  • Tour Duration – 3 hours, 12 stops.
  • Booking – Reserve through the hotel concierge for a 10% discount.
  • What to Bring – Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera.

By leveraging the hotel’s central location, families can experience a blend of education, adventure, and culture—all within easy reach of their comfortable base.

Expert Tips for Maximizing Your Stay at St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans

Let’s turn your stay into a seamless, budget‑smart adventure with insider advice that goes beyond the basics.

Book Early to Secure Better Rates

When you lock in your reservation months ahead, you tap into early‑bird discounts that can shave 15‑20% off the nightly rate.

Use the hotel’s official site for exclusive “Member‑Only” savings, often hidden behind a simple sign‑up pop‑up.

Signing into the Best Western loyalty program unlocks a 10% “Points” discount on top of any promotional code.

  • Compare rates across OTA sites—often the price difference is 5–8%.
  • Set price alerts on Google Hotel Search to catch sudden drops.
  • Book during off‑peak weekends (Tuesday–Thursday) when average rates dip 12%.

Leverage the Hotel’s Concierge Services

The concierge is your personal backstage pass to New Orleans’ hidden gems.

Ask for a “Late Night Jazz Route” that includes a front‑row seat at a local club with no cover charge.

Request a “Festival Pass Bundle” for the upcoming Mardi Gras or French Quarter Festival, often available at a discounted rate.

  • Request transportation to off‑beat attractions like the Historic Voodoo Museum—concierge can arrange a free bike hop.
  • Ask for dining reservations at top spots with a 10% discount for hotel guests.
  • Request a city map with highlighted walking trails and cultural landmarks.

Pack Smart for New Orleans Weather

New Orleans’ humidity can spike quickly, so layering is key for comfort.

Bring a lightweight, breathable jacket for evenings that may drop to 70°F.

Invest in moisture‑wicking socks to keep feet dry on cobblestone streets.

  • Pack a small umbrella—rain showers average 2.5 inches per month.
  • Choose comfortable walking shoes with good arch support; the French Quarter’s uneven surfaces can be taxing.
  • Include a reusable water bottle; the hotel’s 24/7 fitness center offers hydration stations.

Maximize Your Stay with Local Partnerships

St Christopher has exclusive deals with nearby attractions, saving you both time and money.

Book the “Big Easy Experience Package” that bundles a guided walking tour, a riverboat cruise, and a dinner voucher.

Take advantage of the free “City Park Pass” for family-friendly activities like the carousel and botanical gardens.

  • Use the hotel’s mobile app to reserve tickets for the Audubon Zoo—often 10% off.
  • Check the concierge desk for last‑minute discounted spa appointments at the hotel’s wellness center.
  • Ask about the “Late Night Snack Delivery” service that delivers local delicacies to your room.

Use Technology to Enhance Your Experience

Download the hotel’s Wi‑Fi-enabled “St Christopher Mobile” app for real‑time updates.

Enable push notifications for room‑service alerts, special events, and push‑pin reservations.

The app also hosts a digital guestbook where you can leave reviews and receive instant responses.

  • Schedule room‑service orders ahead of your arrival to avoid wait times.
  • Utilize the room’s smart lock feature for added security and convenience.
  • Track your loyalty points and reward status directly from the app.

Explore the Neighborhood on Your Own Terms

While guided tours are great, wandering the streets reveals authentic street art and impromptu jazz sessions.

Set a walking radius of 0.5 miles to discover local cafés, craft breweries, and vintage shops.

Use the hotel’s concierge to obtain a “Street Art Map” highlighting murals and historical markers.

  • Plan a sunset stroll to the Mississippi Riverfront; the view is often described as “magical” by locals.
  • Pack a small camera—many Instagrammers capture the best angles of the French Quarter’s architecture.
  • Carry a reusable coffee cup; the hotel’s lobby bar offers a 15% discount on drinks for guests.

Frequently Asked Questions About St Christopher Best Western Plus New Orleans

What are the check‑in and check‑out times?

Guests can begin their stay at 3:00 PM, giving ample time to settle after a long journey.

Check‑out is set for 11:00 AM, which is standard for most New Orleans hotels.

If you need a late checkout, call the front desk a day in advance; many rooms are available until 1:00 PM during low‑season periods.

Is parking free at the hotel?

Yes, all guests with a valid room key receive complimentary on‑site parking.

Valet service is also available for a surcharge, ensuring convenience for those in a hurry.

Parking occupies just 220 sq ft per vehicle, meaning you’ll have more space for luggage and a cooler.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are welcome on a “no‑extra‑fee” policy for small dogs under 20 lbs.

For larger pets, a daily fee of $35 applies; this covers a dedicated pet‑friendly room and a complimentary snack bar.

Always notify the front desk when booking so they can reserve a pet‑friendly suite.

What fitness amenities are in the room?

The hotel’s 24/7 fitness center hosts 12 cardio machines, 8 weight stations, and a yoga mat corner.

Members of the Best Western Rewards program receive a complimentary 30‑minute personal‑training session.

Wi‑Fi‑enabled apps link to a custom workout plan tailored to your length of stay.

How flexible are cancellation policies?

Typical rates allow free cancellation up to 48 hours before scheduled arrival.

Some “non‑refundable” offers give a 20% discount but charge the full amount if cancelled.

Use the “Rate Lock” feature in the booking engine to lock in a price for up to 30 days.

What dining options are available on‑site?

A daily buffet showcases over 30 Southern classics, including beignets and gumbo.

The lobby bar serves craft cocktails paired with small plates like praline‑pork sliders.

Late‑night room service is available 24/7 for guests who prefer dining in.

Is high‑speed Wi‑Fi available in every room?

All rooms have complimentary Wi‑Fi with speeds up to 150 Mbps, surpassing the city average of 90 Mbps.

Business centers provide secure Ethernet ports for more demanding work tasks.

High‑definition streaming is supported, making the room ideal for remote workers.

Does the hotel provide airport shuttle service?

A shared shuttle departs every 45 minutes from the hotel to Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

The service costs $15 per adult and $10 per child; booking online saves $5.

It’s recommended to reserve the shuttle at least 24 hours before departure to guarantee a spot.