4* Old No. 77 Hotel

Few higher-end hotels put you closer to New Orleans’ LGBTQ nightlife than Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Sitting between Bourbon and Royal streets, it is only around a block from the gay nightlife centred on Bourbon and St. Ann, including Bourbon Pub & Parade and the surrounding bars. The hotel itself has real history, having evolved from the former Orleans Theatre and Ballroom, and the restored interiors retain plenty of that grandeur. At the centre is a heated saltwater courtyard pool, while Bourbon “O” Bar hosts live local music and there are several places to eat and drink without leaving the property. Jackson Square and the cathedral are also practically around the corner, making this an exceptionally easy base for exploring the French Quarter on foot. GayMapper tip: Probably the strongest upscale choice if being within a couple of minutes of the main gay bars is your top priority.

Le Pavillon, New Orleans, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel brings a very different flavour to the list: grand staircases, dramatic interiors and plenty of old-New-Orleans glamour, all from a central Poydras Street location just outside the French Quarter. A recent refurbishment refreshed the rooms, lobby and public spaces while keeping the hotel's historic character. Bar 1803 is a dark, velvet-lined cocktail bar, there’s a 24-hour fitness centre, and the quirky nightly tradition of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with cold milk is still going strong. The French Quarter is only a few blocks away, while the main gay nightlife around Bourbon and St. Ann streets is better reached with a longer walk or quick rideshare. The Superdome and downtown attractions are particularly convenient from here. GayMapper tip: Pick Le Pavillon if grand historic style and a proper hotel experience matter more than being directly beside the gay bars.

There’s plenty of New Orleans personality at The Old No. 77 Hotel & Chandlery, which occupies a trio of converted warehouse buildings in the Warehouse Arts District. Exposed brick, timber beams and work by local artists give the rooms and public spaces a genuinely individual feel. Food is another reason people come here. Compère Lapin, from acclaimed chef Nina Compton, serves Caribbean and Creole-influenced cooking downstairs, while the hotel’s long-running partnership with local artists keeps changing what you’ll find on the walls. The French Quarter begins within walking distance, although the main gay nightlife around Bourbon and St. Ann streets is farther across the Quarter and usually makes more sense as a longer walk or quick rideshare. The National WWII Museum and riverside attractions are particularly convenient. GayMapper tip: One for travellers who like design, local art and great food and don't need the gay bars directly outside the front door.

Few places put you closer to New Orleans’ LGBTQ nightlife than Bon Maison Guest House. It sits directly on Bourbon Street, very close to the main cluster of gay bars around Bourbon and St. Ann, so getting home after a night out is about as easy as it gets. The 1833 property feels much more like a characterful guesthouse than a conventional hotel, with rooms and suites arranged around a leafy courtyard. Accommodation comes with private entrances and bathrooms, air conditioning and useful extras such as a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker. Some rooms also have balconies or exposed brick, adding to the historic French Quarter feel. Jackson Square, the French Market and Royal Street are all close enough to explore on foot, so the location works just as well during the day. GayMapper tip: One of the strongest choices if being right beside the main gay nightlife is your priority and you prefer a small, atmospheric guesthouse to a big hotel.

For LGBTQ travellers who want to be genuinely close to the action, Hotel St. Pierre has one of the best locations on the list. It sits on Burgundy Street in the quieter residential side of the French Quarter, yet the main gay nightlife around Bourbon and St. Ann streets is only a few minutes away on foot. The hotel is spread across historic Creole-style buildings and courtyards, giving it much more character than a conventional budget stay. There are two outdoor courtyard pools, tropical planting, free WiFi and rooms ranging from compact doubles to larger premium kings and suites. You’re also within easy walking distance of Jackson Square, the French Market and Royal Street, so the location works just as well during the day. GayMapper tip: Particularly good if nightlife location matters but you’d still like a courtyard, pool and a bit of old New Orleans atmosphere.

Hidden just off Bourbon Street, Hotel Le Marais feels surprisingly calm considering how central it is. The main gay nightlife around Bourbon and St. Ann streets is only a few blocks away, while Jackson Square, Royal Street and the rest of the French Quarter are all easily reached on foot. This 66-room boutique hotel centres around a pretty courtyard with a swimming pool, giving you somewhere peaceful to retreat between sightseeing and nights out. Rooms have a contemporary feel, and there’s also a fitness centre plus Vive!, the hotel’s small bar with indoor and outdoor seating. The location works particularly well if you want to spend most of your time exploring the French Quarter on foot while still having somewhere quieter to return to. GayMapper tip: A very easy fit for a first New Orleans trip – central, stylish and close to the main LGBTQ nightlife without feeling like a party hotel.