Here you will find all the best coupon advice, tips and how to make the most of all your coupons!
Are you looking for ways to stretch your dollar? 
Look, there’s no shortage of hotels in New Orleans. But the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter – Astor sits at the actual crossroads of Canal and Bourbon Streets—which means you’re not just near the action, you’re in it. This is the kind of location that turns a good trip into an unforgettable one. Whether you’re here for the music, the food, the history, or yes—the ghosts—this hotel delivers something most others can’t: a front-row seat to the soul of the French Quarter, with a side of 19th-century mystique.
And if you’re wondering about the hauntings? Let’s just say the Alexa Tower has stories to tell.
Own or manage this property?I'd love to collaborate — reach out at
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Price Range | Mid-range to premium (varies by season; book early for best rates) |
| Best For | Location lovers, history buffs, ghost hunters, Mardi Gras travelers, conference attendees |
| Neighborhood | French Quarter / Canal Street (right at the foot of Bourbon Street) |
| Walkability Score | 10/10 — literally steps from Bourbon Street, streetcar access, and top attractions |
The Full Write-Up: Location, Vibe, and What Actually Stands Out
Let’s start with the obvious: location is everything here, and this hotel has it in spades. The Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter – Astor sits right at 739 Canal Street, where Canal meets Bourbon. That means you can step out the front door and literally be on Bourbon Street in under a minute. The St. Charles streetcar line runs right outside, so if you want to explore the Garden District or Uptown without a car, you’re covered.
The property itself is a blend of Old World charm and modern convenience. Housed in a restored Beaux Arts building, the hotel features a marble lobby that feels classic New Orleans. But here’s where it gets interesting: the hotel has 693 rooms across 14 floors, with two distinct tower experiences. The Alexa Tower is the historic section—164 years old, with 14-foot ceilings, exposed brick, and elegant wood floors. The Astor Tower offers more standard rooms with modern amenities.
Now, full transparency: we haven’t personally stayed here (yet). But based on guest feedback and what we know about the property, the experience seems to be a classic trade-off. You’re getting an unbeatable location—arguably one of the best in the French Quarter—but the building is older, and some guests mention that rooms could use updating. Beds get mixed reviews; some find them comfortable, others say they’re a bit stiff. The cleanliness, however, gets consistent praise.
On-site, you’ve got Dickie Brennan’s Bourbon House restaurant, which is a solid choice for seafood and local flavors without having to wander far. There’s also a rooftop outdoor pool with French Quarter views—a genuine urban oasis in a neighborhood that doesn’t have many of those. The fitness center is open 24/7, and the hotel is pet-friendly (dogs only, $35 per night).
Parking tip: This is New Orleans, so parking is never free or easy. The hotel offers valet parking only, at $49 per night with in/out privileges. Oversized vehicles run $59 per night. If you’re driving an RV or bus, there’s a lot at 1539 Canal Street. Budget for this—it’s not optional if you have a car.
Pro tip: Request a room in the Alexa Tower if you want historic charm (and possibly some paranormal company). Request a room facing the courtyard or with a skyline view if you prefer quiet and modern comforts.
The Hauntings: Yes, This Hotel Is Legitimately Haunted
Now, let’s talk about what everyone really wants to know. The Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter – Astor is one of the French Quarter’s most elegantly haunted establishments. The land was once owned by John Jacob Astor himself, and the building’s history goes back to 1852, when it first opened as an A. Schwartz & Son department store. It later became a Woolworth’s and remained that way until the 1990s. It wasn’t until the new millennium that the property was transformed into the Crowne Plaza.
So what kind of ghostly activity are we talking about? Guests and staff have reported ominous energies, mysterious orbs, and full-bodied apparitions—especially in the historic Alexa Tower, which dates back to 1900. The hotel’s paranormal residents include wealthy merchants, society ladies, and those who met tragic ends during New Orleans’ most prosperous era.
Here’s where it gets fun. Ghost enthusiasts have shared some specific tips:
- Book a 7th or 8th floor corner suite for maximum paranormal activity
- Visit the bar after 11 PM to possibly encounter the “Gentleman Gambler”
- Bring gardenia perfume—it’s said to attract the “Lady in White”
- Leave old coins in Room 735 as an offering to the financial spirits
- Take the main elevator after midnight for phantom encounters
- Listen for waltz music in the conference areas on Saturday nights
- Ask the night staff about their paranormal experiences
Now, is any of this confirmed? Of course not. But New Orleans is a city that leans into its supernatural reputation—and honestly, that’s part of the charm. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, staying in a building with this much history adds a layer of intrigue you just don’t get at a generic chain hotel. And if you are a believer? The hotel has even partnered with Ghost City Tours to offer special packages.
My TikTok Videos:
Nearby: What to Do Within Walking Distance
One of the biggest selling points of this hotel is that you can park the car (or skip it altogether) and explore the French Quarter on foot. Here are a couple of must-do activities that are just blocks away:
Café du Monde — About a 10-minute walk (0.8 miles). This is the iconic spot for beignets and café au lait. It’s open 24/7, so whether you need a late-night sugar fix or an early-morning pick-me-up, it’s there. The powdered sugar alone is worth the walk.
Jackson Square — About four blocks from the hotel. This is the heart of the French Quarter—art vendors, live music, tarot readers, and the stunning St. Louis Cathedral as a backdrop. It’s one of the most photographed spots in the city, and for good reason.
The Bottom Line: Who Should Book This Hotel?
Let’s be real. You’re not coming to the Crowne Plaza Astor for the most luxurious rooms in New Orleans. You’re coming for the location, the history, and the vibe. This is a hotel for people who want to be in the thick of it—who want to hear the streetcar bells, walk out the door onto Bourbon Street, and soak in the energy that makes New Orleans unlike anywhere else.
It’s also a fantastic choice for business travelers headed to the New Orleans Convention Center (less than a mile away), or for groups needing event space—the hotel has 32,000 square feet of meeting space.
If you’re looking for a quiet, suburban-style hotel with plush carpets and absolute silence? This probably isn’t it. But if you want to feel New Orleans—the good, the weird, and the slightly spooky—this place delivers.
Takeaway: Should You Book It?
Here’s the honest take: the Crowne Plaza New Orleans French Quarter – Astor is a solid choice for travelers who prioritize location and history over modern luxury. The rooms are clean, the staff is generally friendly, and the amenities (pool, gym, on-site dining) are all there. But the real magic is outside the door—and in the stories embedded in the walls of that historic Alexa Tower.
If you’re heading to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, or just a weekend of indulgence, this hotel puts you exactly where you want to be. Just budget for valet parking, pack your walking shoes, and maybe—just maybe—leave a coin in Room 735.
Need a hotel? Check out some New Orleans hotel suggestions! Looking for things to do? Check out some activities in New Orleans and the surrounding areas!
|
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you book through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend hotels we genuinely believe are worth your time—and this one absolutely is.
