How many nights to stay and what to pack for New Orleans

How many nights for a first-time visit?

Two to four nights covers downtown New Orleans highlights from the InterContinental New Orleans: a walk or short streetcar ride to the French Quarter, a riverfront stroll, and time for one or two museums or an evening of live music. The hotel sits two to three blocks from the French Quarter and directly on the St. Charles streetcar line, so it’s easy to see main attractions without long transfers. Photo: 0

• 2 nights — quick city sampler: French Quarter, a riverwalk, evening live music.
• 3 nights — comfortable pace: add the National WWII Museum or an extra restaurant and a streetcar ride to the Garden District (~1 mile).
• 4 nights — allows a half-day swamp tour or longer museum visits; better for families or slower travel.

Staying longer: when to add nights

Add nights if you plan organized day trips or festival attendance. Swamp tours and many plantation sites launch 25–60 minutes from downtown; booking a morning slot often makes an extra night useful. The hotel sits on the Mardi Gras parade route, so if you want front-door parade access plan extra nights around parades you want to attend.

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• If you want Oak Alley or Whitney Plantation (1+ hour drive) — add a night and plan a full day.
• For festival crowds (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest) add nights because transportation and availability tighten.
• If you prefer slow mornings and several restaurant meals (Trenasse, Pete’s, pool time) add an extra night.

Which room to pick at InterContinental New Orleans

Choose a room based on how you use the space. Classic Room, 1 King Bed or Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds are standard options; families can also look at Suite, 1 Bedroom which includes a Double Sofa Bed. If you want outdoor air during your stay, consider a Premium Room, Balcony or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony when available.

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• Common room choices to consider:
• - Classic Room, 1 King Bed — standard single-room layout for couples or solo travelers.
• - Classic Room, 2 Queen Beds — convenient for families or friends sharing a room.
• - Suite, 1 Bedroom — larger living area and a Double Sofa Bed for extra sleeping space.
• - Premium Room, Balcony or Suite, 1 Bedroom, Balcony — choose if you prefer a private outdoor space.

What to pack — basics

Pack for walking, weather variability, and local dining. New Orleans is humid in summer with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; fall and spring are milder, and winter is generally cool but rarely extremely cold. The hotel is smoke-free and offers a rooftop pool (open daily 7:00 AM–10:00 PM) and a 24-hour fitness center, so bring swimwear and workout gear if you plan to use them.

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• Comfortable walking shoes — many streets are brick or uneven in historic districts.
• Light layers: T-shirts or short sleeves for day, a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings (especially Oct–Nov and Dec–Feb).
• Rain layer or compact umbrella — afternoon showers are common in summer.
• Swimwear and flip-flops for the rooftop pool (pool hours 7:00 AM–10:00 PM).
• Plug adapters or chargers and a small daypack for walking tours.

Packing extras for special plans

If you’ll attend parades or festivals, bring small portable items that make standing or seated viewing easier. The hotel sits on the Mardi Gras parade route; guests often bring foldable chairs, ponchos, and small cushions for long viewing sessions. For day trips outside the city, bring insect repellent and sunscreen.

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• Portable folding chair or stadium seat for parades (check local rules for street occupancy).
• Poncho or disposable raincoat for parades and sudden showers.
• Small binoculars for parade throws and riverfront views.
• Insect repellent and sunblock for swamp tours and plantation visits.

Hotel practicals to consider before you pack

Note the property’s check-in and check-out times when planning arrival and departure: standard check-in is 4:00 PM and check-out is 11:00 AM. The hotel offers valet parking (fees apply) and does not provide an airport shuttle — arrange taxi, rideshare, or shuttle from MSY. If you travel with a pet, the hotel requires a pet waiver and deposit.

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• ID and card deposit: a government photo ID and card or cash incidentals may be requested at check-in.
• Valet parking: available on-site (daily fees noted on the hotel site).
• No airport shuttle: plan ground transport from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY).
• Pet travelers: a pet waiver and deposit are required by the property.