You’re standing on the corner of Elysian Fields and Decatur. To your left, the smell of powdered sugar from Café Du Monde drifts through the humid air. To your right, the brassy notes of a saxophone are already warming up on Frenchmen Street. This is the Hampton Inn New Orleans French Quarter Market Area, and if you’ve booked it thinking you’re staying in a standard cookie-cutter suburban hotel, you’re in for a shock.
Actually, it's one of the few spots in the city that manages to straddle two completely different worlds.
Most people see "French Quarter" in the name and assume they’ll be fighting through the beads and booze of Bourbon Street just to reach the lobby. Not quite. This hotel is technically tucked into the edge of the Faubourg Marigny. It’s the "locals' neighborhood" that most tourists discover only by accident on their third day in town.
The Location Gamble: Frenchmen vs. Bourbon
Choosing the Hampton Inn New Orleans French Quarter Market Area is basically a declaration of your travel style.
If you want the neon lights and "hand grenade" cocktails of Bourbon Street, you have to walk about eight to ten minutes. It’s close, but it’s not there. However, if you want the real soul of New Orleans—the jazz clubs where the musicians actually hang out—you are exactly two blocks away from Frenchmen Street.
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Seriously. You can be at Snug Harbor or The Spotted Cat in under three minutes.
That distinction matters. Staying here means you get to sleep in a relatively quiet pocket while still being able to stumble home from a late-night set at Blue Nile. It’s a strategic choice. You’re also right across from the historic French Market, which is great for a morning stroll, though honestly, it’s mostly souvenir stalls these days. Still, the history of that market dates back to 1791, and being able to walk there for a quick snack is a major perk.
What’s Actually Inside (And What’s Not)
Let's talk about the building at 501 Elysian Fields. It isn't a high-rise. It’s a four-story structure that feels surprisingly intimate for a Hilton property.
Rooms are what you’d expect from a modern Hampton—clean, reliable, and surprisingly spacious. They have the mini-fridges and microwaves that become absolute lifesavers when you realize you can’t finish that massive plate of jambalaya from the night before.
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- The Pool: It’s an outdoor courtyard pool. It isn't huge. Don't expect a resort experience, but when the New Orleans humidity hits 90%, you won't care about the size.
- The Breakfast: It’s free. It’s hot. There are waffles. Is it gourmet? No. But it saves you $25 a person compared to eating breakfast at a sit-down spot in the Quarter.
- Safety: The hotel uses key-card access for the elevators. In a city like New Orleans, that extra layer of security matters to a lot of travelers.
One thing that catches people off guard is the parking. Like almost everywhere in NOLA, it’s expensive. You’re looking at about $40 a day for self-parking. If you can avoid bringing a car, do it. The city is walkable, and ride-shares are everywhere. If you must drive, check apps like SpotHero; sometimes there are lots on Decatur or Elysian Fields that are a bit cheaper, though they won't have the convenience of being on-site.
The Marigny Vibe
Living—or staying—in this specific "Market Area" means you’re close to the Crescent Park Trail.
If you need a break from the sensory overload of the city, walk two blocks to the river. There’s a beautiful rusty arch (the "Piety Wharf" bridge) that leads to a park along the Mississippi. It’s where you’ll see locals jogging or walking their dogs. It’s a side of New Orleans that most tourists staying at the big Marriott or Sheraton on Canal Street never see.
Why This Spot Specifically?
Honestly, the Hampton Inn New Orleans French Quarter Market Area hits a sweet spot for families and jazz nerds.
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Kids love the pool and the waffles. Adults love that they can walk to the New Orleans Jazz Museum (located in the old U.S. Mint) in five minutes. It’s also pet-friendly, which is a rarity in some of the older, more "precious" boutique hotels in the heart of the Quarter. There is a $75 non-refundable fee for pets, but for many, it beats boarding.
Things to Keep in Mind
New Orleans is a city of contrasts. The area around the hotel is vibrant and historic, but it can also feel a little "gritty" to some. You might encounter some smells on the street (it’s the French Quarter, after all) or see people experiencing homelessness nearby. That’s just the reality of a 300-year-old port city.
The staff here gets consistently high marks for being "New Orleans nice." They know the neighborhood. They can tell you which trolley to take or which tourist trap to avoid. If you have a room with a balcony, use it. Watching the world go by on Elysian Fields with a coffee in hand is one of those small, underrated travel joys.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Stay
- Skip the car: Unless you're planning daily trips to the plantations or the bayou, the $40/day parking fee is better spent on dinner. Use the streetcars or just walk.
- Timing is everything: Breakfast is served 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. If you show up at 9:45 AM during a busy festival weekend, expect a line for the waffle maker.
- Book the "Frenchmen Street" side: If you want to see the action, ask for a room facing the street. If you’re a light sleeper, ask for a courtyard-facing room to buffer the noise.
- Explore the Bywater: Since you're already on the edge of the Marigny, walk another 10 minutes deeper into the Bywater neighborhood for incredible murals and "Paladar 511"—one of the best restaurants in the city.
The Hampton Inn New Orleans French Quarter Market Area isn't trying to be the Ritz. It’s trying to be a comfortable, safe, and perfectly located home base for people who want to see the real New Orleans without spending a fortune on a room they'll barely be in anyway.