The Drifter Hotel

There’s nothing wrong with those classic New Orleans houses with their second-floor galleries, but there’s life beyond the French Quarter. Mid-City isn’t far away, but the vibe at the Drifter is like nothing else you’ve seen in this town. It’s a renovated mid-century motel, for one thing, the sort of low-slung two-story modernist building we’ve seen rehabilitated to great effect in towns like Austin, Texas. And while youth-oriented boutique hotels are not unheard of in New Orleans, the Drifter goes one further: with its rotating selection of food trucks, its well-chosen craft beers, its third-wave coffee, and its charmingly hedonistic courtyard pool, it’s tailor-made for young travelers with more taste than money.

The rooms, which marry minimalistic plaster walls and well-chosen modernist furnishings, are a case in point — there’s not much in the way of traditional luxury, but sturdy, comfortable beds and bedside Tivoli radios go a long way. The centerpiece, however, is the courtyard, which has been converted from the traditionally charmless parking lot into a poolside lounge that’s just the opposite. With its lush landscaping and its no-frills outdoor furniture it’s the heart of the Drifter, and the crowd from the adjoining café and lounge effortlessly spills outside. Safe to say New Orleans’s reputation as one of America’s most sociable cities is in good hands here.

Please note:
The lobby closes at 10PM — arrivals after that time cannot be accommodated, and no refund will be offered. Also, the Drifter features live music most nights of the week; light sleepers are advised to plan accordingly.