New Orleans is famous, or is that infamous, being a bit different. The only way to experience such a kooky city is to find accommodation that is equally cool. That is why we chose The Quisby. Part-hostel, part-boutique hotel and part-y spot. Here is our full review of The Quisby.

We were hosted by The Quisby but all opinions are our own.

The Quisby’s Location

The Quisby is located between the CBD and Garden Districts, just south of the city’s main tourist area. You can walk to the French Quarter in 15 – 20 minutes depending on your sense of purpose. Alternatively, the beautiful old St Charles Streetcar passes along St Charles Avenue just a minute from the front door.

Jumping on one of these will take you to the edge of the French Quarter in one direction, and down to the delicious food and drink options of Magazine Street in the other. If you are visiting during Mardi Gras then this is a brilliant choice as the parade route is right outside the front door!

A Look Around The Quisby

The Walls

There is a wonderful collection of murals, wallpapers and painting around The Quisby. Here is just a small sample. It is worth poking your nose around the halls to see them all.

Our Room

Our accommodation was one of the four-bed, private en suite rooms. Every room has bunk beds and these are either in two, four or six-person configurations. We are perfectly happy to sleep in twins or bunk beds but some couples might get lonely.

The room was spotlessly clean, and wonderfully bright. I was very impressed. Plus, it wasn’t noisy from the road or other guests, a blessing in a hostel!

There was a decent amount of storage with four large under bed drawers. Two of these were lockable, and there were also two large lockers. My hand luggage fitted easily with lots of room to spare. I think you could get a medium case in them but they are off the floor so it may be tricky if your case is heavy.

Each bed had its own little side table shelf a, plugs and a reading light. It is these little things that make a good dorm great.

Our Beds

We took the two bottom bunks. Mr Fluskey was getting quite ill, coughing and spluttering all night, so I was actually secretly pleased for the distance. The mattress was nice and comfortable and I got a good night’s sleep.

Our Bathroom

Again, our bathroom was lovely and clean. There was a big shower so despite being a wet room, the spray was contained well. Every room has an en suite like this so there no dashing around cold corridors in soggy towels. Even better, the sink is outside of this area so one person can shower while another does their teeth.

Dining

The bar on the ground floor, Quartz, is a drinking destination in its own right. This place is open 24 hours a day and is a local hot spot. Despite this, we were not disturbed by at it at all overnight.

During check-in, I ordered one of their signature cocktails, the 3 am pick me up. OK, so it was 3pm, but I needed a caffeine boost. It was like a very good espresso martini but had the added twist of an orange zest rub around the glass rim. Delicious!

Next to the bar was a small kitchen area. This is for hostel guests but I did find myself wondering if they would let people propping up the bar make themselves some peanut butter on toast when the drunk munchies set in.

In the morning, the hostel breakfast is available within this area. There was plenty of bread products, with spreads, some oatmeal and continental options; plenty to soothe a rumbling tummy. The coffee was strong enough to kick start any blurry morning and I enjoyed making a peanut butter and jelly croissant. The blend of USA and French culinary traditions felt perfect for NOLA. However, I didn’t love the disposable cutlery and crockery as it seems a bit wasteful.

Information

If you are thinking of booking at The Quisby, here is some information you might like to know:

• You will find the best deal booking directly with The Quisby on their website.
• From the French Quarter, you can catch streetcar number 12 (St Charles streetcar) to St Charles at Erato and you will be directly opposite The Quisby. It is cheap, easy and fun.
• If you are driving or catching a taxi from the airport, the journey will take around 25 minutes.
• Don’t just take our word for it, check out some more reviews on Tripadvisor for The Quisby

Final Thoughts on our Stay at The Quisby

Despite not being in the heart of the French Quarter, The Quisby is an excellent base for your New Orleans stay. It would have been a perfect spot for Mardi Gras and I loved that I could reach the Garden District so easily.

Not all is perfect. The bunk beds were fine for us but some couples would really object to being split up. I struggled with the pink lighting at breakfast. It gave me a headache (and I hadn’t even drunk anything the night before).

These points aside, I thought it was a well run and maintained hostel with a lovely sense of self and we would be perfectly happy to return. Are you coming?

Rosie xx