In addition, the Insta-worthy pool is also a popular spot during the summer with day passes available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Chloe also offers a gorgeous bar with a friendly happy hour each afternoon. On the main level, there are numerous rooms with little nooks for privacy to relax during the day. The hotels in the CBD are just a short walk to the French Quarter.įor an excellent boutique hotel option in the leafy Uptown neighborhood just steps from the Garden District, we love The Chloe. There you will find a number of historic properties as well as ultra modern properties like the gay-friendly Ace Hotel which also accepts pets. Also, don’t be afraid to stay just outside the quarter in the Central Business District. The rooftop pool, Sazerac Bar, and Domenica Italian Restaurant are all very popular as are the holiday lights in the lobby over Christmas.įor budget-friendly options, why not try something different and stay in a historic inn like the Olivier House. For those of you with Hilton Honors Rewards, The Roosevelt is a participating Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Other popular gay-friendly hotels nearby include the luxurious 5-star Windsor Court (300 Gravier Street), Ritz-Carlton (921 Canal Street) and The Roosevelt Hotels (130 Roosevelt Way). This tour is also how I learned about the traditional king cake at Mardi Gras and why there is a miniature plastic baby in it? The person who gets that slice of cake is known as the king but also has to bring the king cake to the next event. For more information and tickets, click here.
It's a super fun time to experience all that New Orleans has to offer as well as party with fellow travelers and friendly locals alike! For a behind-the-scenes look at how artists and architects build the over-the-top Mardi Gras floats each year, there is a giant warehouse you can visit with self-guided tours and a free shuttle. Tradition has it that a fatted calf is slaughtered just before lent. Mardi Gras is undoubtedly the highlight of the social calendar in New Orleans-and that's saying something given the list of gay festivals and events is quite long and impressive! Consisting of over forty parades and numerous balls planned by over 70 Krewes or social organizations (10 of which are gay!), the Mardi Gras parade season lasts from early January through Mardi Gras itself or Fat Tuesday in mid-February or early March depending on the Church calendar.