
WHERE TO STAY IN NEW ORLEANS : HI NEW ORLEANS Wednesday 22 January, 2020

This post is sponsored by the HI New Orleans Hostel and The Network Niche. All opinions are my own.
One of my favoite cities to travel domestically is New Orleans. I have been to NOLA several times, and each time I have a different experience. I was happy to collaborate with HI NEW ORLEANS, a hostel company who has a new property in the heart of Canal St in NOLA. I was actally one of the 1st journalist to stay here and I am excited to share with you my personal experience of this amazing accommodation!
HI USA has just opened a brand-new hostel in the heart of New Orleans! The rich history and culture of this southern, Gulf Coast city made it an ideal choice for a HI USA hostel and we think you’ll agree. HI NEW ORLEANS is near the French Quarter. I will be honest I am more of a hotel girl than a hostel girl, but I was open to staying here because of how amazing the amenities were and in a prime location of NOLA. When most people think of hostel, they think of young college age travel abroad kids, but this place welcomes all ages! Solo travelers, couple travelers, group travelers – any type of traveler is welcome. Its an amazing place to feel at home and even meet new people along the way!
Located in the heart of New Orleans’s Central Business District, HI NEW ORLEANS is within walking distance to the French Quarter, museums, public transportation, performance venues, and diverse shops and restaurants. This state-of-the-art hostel features:
- 122 dorm beds
- 24 private rooms
- Bike storage
- Free wifi, breakfast, and activities
The HI New Orleans Hostel – like all HI USA hostels – is designed to foster interaction and build friendships among travelers from diverse backgrounds. Large common rooms, a self-serve kitchen, and regularly scheduled free or low-cost tours and activities help travelers build personal connections while immersing in the local culture.
UPSTAIRS KITCHEN & LOUNGE
The kitchen and lounge is upstairs that overlooks the downstairs lobby and common area. Upstairs is a whole new world and experience to eat, mix & mingle, lounge, do some work and even watch movies.
HI New Orleans prides themselves for having an amazing a self-serve kitchen. I loved this kitchen because it was a huge communal kitchen. Many hotels do not even make you feel home like this. Even though this is communal, it didnt seem over crowded and everyone was pretty respectable of space and personal items. You can put your food in the fridge which is stapled and labeled.
Now if you rather cook in NOLA (which is something I never do because I mostly come to this state to eat at their restaurants) you have the option. You can cook with top of the line appliances and cookware so for all culinary skill levels would appreciate this area.
. It is a large industrial kitchen with industrial appliances, storage and utensils that will make you feel right at home.
Another great perk of HI NEW ORLEANS is complimentary Continental breakfast daily! So choose between grits, cereal, fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, oatmeal, and more!
Once again, the large communial and lounge area is impressive upstairs as it is in the downstairs lobby. Upstairs is a little more relaxed because as people work on their laptops, eats and just wind down more up here. Downstairs is where guest can mingle and play more interactive games. Either way its a great place to meet new people.
ROOMS
Now each individual & dormitory rooms have something unique near each door. Each door has reading material which are named after a New Orleans neighborhood. For example, I was in room 404 and my room name was FRERET, which is named after Freret St. Freret is named after William Freret, a mid-19th-century New Orleans mayor. The Freret Commercial Corridor, located on Freret Street between Jefferson and Napoleon Avenue, has over 17 restaurants, 3 coffee shops, and 3 bars.
So its fun to see each room with their own fun facts about New Orleans, and learn some history and even encourage guest to explore these area before the end of their NOLA trip. Too bad I didn’t figure this out until my last night before my departure. Next time, I will take the challenge of reviewing all of the rooms Street Names and go visit the areas and expand my NOLA horizons.
Now I was in a single standard room that I shared with myself and my cousin. The room had 3 bed; a bunk bed with 2 beds and 1 full sized bed. I will be honest me personally, I never stayed in hostels with other people only ones that were singlar rooms such as this. So if you are like me, do not worry – this hostel room accomodation is set up similar to a standard hotel. You even have your own showers and bathroom – so no sharing bathroom accommodations. This is my personal way of enjoying hostels, but by all means if you do not mind the dormitory style of hostel they have those options and a slightly cheaper rate. Its just up to your travel preference.
Let me tell you these bed were so comfortable. The decor in this place were very minimal but a modern industrial design. Not too much, but just enough to give it a little personality.
One of my favorite perks of this hotel is the tv features. While regular hotels just have their cable options or even Netflix/Hulu and other streaming options – HI New Orleans has an even better tv program option. Its called Rommcast and it allows each room to sync with your phone and use your own personal streaming services. You just connect the wifi to your phone and it will use your phone as a remote to play Hulu/Netflix/Youtube/music and more bluetooth to the tv. More hotels should have this as an accommodation.
THINGS TO DO IN AND OUT OF HI HOSTEL
What is really impressive about HI New Orleans is that every day they have plenty of complimentary tours and experiences exclusively for guest. You will be guided with a HI New Orleans representative to take you to the location each day and learn more about the city. Weekly experiences and tours include Mardi Gras Museum, Yoga, Haunted Ghost Tours, Food Tours and more.
Now if you are more of a in-house person there is plenty of interactive things to do in HI New Orleans. Again, HI makes sure to give guest plenty of experiences for them to mix and mingle with other travelers. This is especially fun for people who are adventurous solo travelers and want to meet new people.

My cousin and I love Adult Jumbo Jengo the most.
Fun things to do while inside HI are movie nights, Game Nights, Pool, board games, Adult Jenga and more. The common area upstairs and downstairs make it easy for you to meet other guest all day long
As a community resource, the hostel enables locals to see the world and deepen their understanding of other cultures. HI New Orleans Hostel will offer extensive programming, which will roll out over the year. Current highlights include:
VIRTUAL TOUR
MORE HI NEW ORLEANS PERKS
- Explore the World Travel Scholarships – this annual program awards $2,000 travel scholarships to underserved New Orleanians interested in an educational or service-based trip abroad but lack the financial resources.
- Cooking as a Second Language – held in partnership with the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans’s Immigrant and Refugee Services program, as well as with the Southern Food and Beverage Museum, this program introduces participants to another culture through that culture’s food. The food is prepared collectively and is followed by a discussion.
The HI NEW ORLEANS is well located on the Canal Streetcar Line for easy transportation. Being on Canal Street is in the heart of all the action of Bourbon Street, steps away from the French Quarters and more! This is a prime location. HI New Orleans is a modern way to stay in a hostel. I would definitely stay here again and prove that hostels can be trendy and comfy!
To learn more about the HI NEW ORLEANS and book your stay visit their website here.
HI New Orleans Hostel is CLOSED until further notice, for the necessary safety of its guests and staff. If you’re interested in booking a future stay, please visit HIUSA.org to check availability.
HI NEW ORLEANS
1028 Canal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
Call (504) 603-3850
We’re visiting New Orleans later on this year, You have some rally solid advice, thanks for sharing 🙂
I think it’s dope! Whoever did the planning for it, didn’t enjoy free money. This is what I call quality accomodation. I love it!
What a FUN and unique looking hotel. I just love all the furnishings. Really does say welcome to New Orleans.
What a cool spot! I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans! Hoping we can go this year!
Holy Cow, I had no idea that hostels could be that nice! That place looks so awesome! I would totally stay there if I ever visit New Orleans!
what a cute hostel. i haven’t stayed at one in ages but that is very inviting indeed.
New Orleans is such a fun place to visit. There really is so much to see and do there.
I’ve never been to New Orleans. Looks wonderful.
fun is this place! I love the setup and the rooms. EVerything seems to be clean as well
Wow never been there sounds like so much fun!
That sounds like a great place. The complimentary breakfasr looks so exciting,the choices are so fun..!
Wow these places actually look awesome.
this is definitely a good place to be in new orleans! i love the interior, a relaxing place to stay.
Cha at Little MisadvenCHA
Do you have any more recommendations when it comes to hostels or hotels?
I like that this hostel has so much personality. I stay in hostel a lot to save money, and it’s always nice when you have such great common areas to meet people.
I have always wanted to visit New Orleans! When I go, I will for sure check out this spot. Thanks!
New Orleans already was really high up on my list of places I NEED to see and it just went up a bit more, just by seeing the places where you can stay <3
I love visiting New Orleans and now I have some exciting places to consider on my next trip!
This looks like a neat place to stay, I love how they have everything set up. BTW I love that white knitted dress.
I have been wanting to make a trip to New Orleans. It looks like such a fun city!
We’re going to New Orleans in March and I can’t can’t wait, super excited because I’ve never been but heard sooooo much about it. Thanks for the reco, it is great.
How exciting that HI USA has just opened a brand-new hostel in the heart of New Orleans! Thanks for sharing this great news!
THis is different than a reg ole hotel. Very nice set up! I haven’t been to New Orleans in a min I need to take the kids there
I have never been to New Orleans yet, but I will have to check out this neat hotel. There is nothing like staying at a hotel that isn’t generic.
This hotel has a dope vibe going on. I need to get back to New Orleans this year. I’ve only been once but I fell in love.
Very nice hotel but I want to visit New Orleans for the food. I heard that it’s fantastic!!
this looks like a lovely place to stay, very picturesque and fun location
It looks like such a nice hotel! I want to stay there, I’ve also always wanted to go.
Wow this looks incredible! It all looks luxurious and super comfy.
Love this place and the design. You found a great gem for your stay. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! I’ve never thought to visit NewOrleans. Going to have to add it to my list now!
This is a very nice hotel to stay in. I love those interactive activities to do there. No boring moments ever! I will definitely recommend this place to friends and family who will be traveling to New Orleans.
New Orleans looks amazing. It is on my bucket list to go there. Thank yu for sharing!
Looks so fun! I love all the colors – I’ve always wanted to travel to New Orleans. I’d definitely check out the ghost tour and a game night!
I love New Orleans but I haven’t been in so long but this made me want to go back!!!
I can’t wait to be able to visit New Orleans. I’ve wanted to go for so long. It’s not a long drive for me I’ve just never gone. This hotel looks great too! So I’ll have to keep it in mind when I finally make my trip.
My husband and I keep talking about taking a trip there next year (when we finally get some money going) and go visit a bunch of places there. This place looks awesome!
The Hi New Orleans Hostile looks amazing! I absolutely love New Orleans and would love to stay there when I return.
The way you describe New Orleans , it seems so heavenly and divine. I would love to visit this place but wonder if I would be able to see all these sights!
I’ve always wanted to go to New Orleans, but whenever I’m in the US our plans change. This looks like a good place to stay, though. It looks like my sisters will enjoy it… seems hip and cool!
New Orleans is high on my places to visit. Looks like you had a great time.
This is such an amazing hotel I must say perfect place to stay with family and friends.
I have a friend who is heading to New Orleans this week. I am going to share this with her as she can get some inspiration for her trip.
Amazing pictures. Your adventures looks awesome.
Ive always wanted to go to NOLA. This just sealed the deal. It’s a pretty cool idea to have each room with themes relating to history or real people.
New Orleans is one of my dream places to visit ♥ Love this post
New Orleans is one of my deeam destinations. The vintage vibe mix with modern always coughed my attention.
I have never been to the US, but when I go, I definitely want to visit New Orlean. Looks like such a unique city.
Great place, The staff is very nice and hospitable (I know it their job but they go the extra mile)
New Orleans is on my bucket list as I’m desperately for some authentic gumbo, this post has made me want to go so badly