Lafitte Hotel & Bar

Twelve blocks of French Quarter balcony ironwork lead to Lafitte Hotel & Bar's address at 1003 Bourbon Street, steps from the late-night music clubs clustered near St. Ann. The three-star property puts guests inside the corridor's loudest stretch rather than its quieter southern end, suiting travelers who want the bar crawl at the front door, not a cab ride away.

Rooms keep city-view windows and simple flat-screen setups above the ground-floor bar, where live music runs into the evening. A terrace and patio offer a step back from the street when Bourbon's crowds pick up.

Walking tours and bike tours depart through the concierge desk, with cooking classes on local Creole cuisine arranged on request.