Hotels near Smoothie King Center, New Orleans

If you are visiting New Orleans for a Pelicans game, a major concert, or another event at the Smoothie King Center, the Hyatt House New Orleans Downtown is one of the most convenient places you can stay. Situated at 1250 Poydras Street, the hotel is roughly a third of a mile from the arena—an easy 5-to-7-minute walk. Better yet, it connects via an indoor skybridge to the neighboring Hyatt Regency and the Champions Square area, allowing you to bypass traffic and stay out of the rain on your way to the venue.

Rooms & Comfort

Designed with extended-stay travelers in mind, the accommodations here are notably larger than standard downtown hotel rooms.

• Spacious Layouts: Guests can choose between generous studio rooms and one-bedroom suites.
• In-Room Amenities: Many rooms feature fully equipped kitchens or kitchenettes (complete with a microwave, mini-fridge, and stove), making it easy to store leftovers and pre-game snacks.
• Modern & Clean: The decor is contemporary, with comfortable Hyatt Grand Beds and large workspaces.

Key Amenities

• Free Hot Breakfast: Unlike many downtown properties that charge steep prices for morning meals, Hyatt House offers a complimentary breakfast buffet featuring an omelet bar, oatmeal, fresh fruit, and other morning staples.
• H Bar: Located in the lobby, this spot is great for grabbing a pre-event cocktail, local beer, or light bites from their "Sip +avor" menu.
• Outdoor Pool & Fitness: You will have access to a heated outdoor pool (shared with the adjacent Hyatt property) and a well-equipped, 24-hour fitness center.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Parking Costs: Like most hotels in the Central Business District, valet parking is pricey. However, since you can walk directly to the Smoothie King Center and easily take a quick ride or 15-minute walk to the French Quarter, you won't need to move your car much once you arrive.
• Event Crowd Noise: Because of its prime location next to both the Smoothie King Center and the Caesars Superdome, the lobby and surrounding streets can get busy on event nights.

The Verdict

Hyatt House New Orleans Downtown is an ideal choice for event attendees who want to skip the post-show rideshare surge pricing and walk straight back to their room. With spacious suites and free breakfast, it offers fantastic value and unbeatable proximity to the arena.

If you are heading to New Orleans for a Pelicans game, a major concert, or any event at the Smoothie King Center, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans at 601 Loyola Avenue offers one of the most convenient locations in the city. Situated adjacent to Champions Square and the Caesars Superdome, the hotel is just a short 5- to 7-minute walk from the arena entrances. This unbeatable proximity means you can completely skip the hassle of game-day traffic, surge-priced rideshares, and expensive event parking.

Rooms and Comfort

As a large, modern convention hotel, the Hyatt Regency boasts nearly 1,200 sleek and contemporary rooms. After a loud and energetic night at the arena, you will appreciate the quiet, soundproofed accommodations featuring plush Hyatt Grand Beds, floor-to-ceiling windows with impressive city or stadium views, and spacious work areas.

Dining and Amenities

The hotel is practically a self-contained hub, ideal for fueling up before an event or winding down afterward:

• Food & Drink: Grab a gourmet burger and a local craft beer at Vitascope Hall, enjoy upscale farm-to-table fare at * Borgne*, or pick up a quick coffee and pastry at the 24-hour market and on-site Starbucks.
• Recreation: Take a dip in the heated rooftop saltwater pool, which features a lively seasonal bar and lounge area, or keep up with your routine at the massive 24-hour StayFit gym.
• Getting Around: While you are right in the Sports and Entertainment District, the Loyola Avenue Streetcar stops directly in front of the hotel, offering an easy and scenic way to reach the French Quarter and the Warehouse District.

The Verdict

For travelers prioritizing walking-distance access to the Smoothie King Center without sacrificing upscale amenities, the Hyatt Regency New Orleans is arguably the best option in the area. Be sure to book early, as rooms fill up quickly on major concert and game nights.

If you are heading to New Orleans for a Pelicans game, a concert, or a major event at the Smoothie King Center, the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome is one of the most convenient mid-range options available. Located at 330 Loyola Avenue in the Central Business District (CBD), this hotel balances prime event access with easy walkability to the rest of the city's famous attractions.

Proximity to the Smoothie King Center

• Walking Distance: The hotel is located roughly 0.5 miles from the Smoothie King Center. It is an easy, flat 10-to-12-minute walk.
• The Route: You can walk right down Poydras Street alongside the Caesars Superdome, which sits directly next to the Smoothie King Center. On game and concert nights, this route is heavily populated with other fans, making it a safe and lively walk.
• Savings on Transit: Because you are within walking distance, you will save money and significant time by avoiding post-event rideshare surge pricing and heavy downtown traffic.

Hotel Highlights & Amenities

• Rooftop Heated Pool: Located on the roof, the pool area offers great views of the downtown skyline and is a fantastic spot to relax before an evening event.
• Private Balconies: Most guest rooms feature small step-out balconies, giving you a view of the historic downtown area or the giant mural painted on the side of the building by artist Robert Dafford.
• On-Site Dining: The Clarinet Bistreaux serves classic New Orleans cuisine for breakfast and dinner, and the lounge is a convenient spot to grab a drink before walking over to the arena. (Plus, in standard Holiday Inn fashion, kids eat free with specific conditions).

Location & Exploring New Orleans

Beyond its proximity to the arena, the hotel sits in a great middle ground for tourists:

• The French Quarter: Bourbon Street and the historic French Quarter are only about a 10-minute walk in the opposite direction of the arena.
• Public Transit: The Loyola Avenue Streetcar line runs right outside the hotel, offering an easy and scenic way to get to the Warehouse District, Union Passenger Terminal, or further uptown.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Parking Costs: Like almost all hotels in downtown New Orleans, on-site parking is expensive (valet only, typically upwards of $40+ per night). If you are flying in, you can easily skip the rental car since the hotel is so walkable.
• Classic Property: The building is an older downtown high-rise. While it is well-maintained and updated with modern IHG standards, expect a classic layout rather than an ultra-modern boutique feel.

The Verdict

For event-goers, the Holiday Inn New Orleans-Downtown Superdome is a practical, reliable choice. It puts you within a 10-minute walk of both the Smoothie King Center and the French Quarter, allowing you to enjoy your event and the city's nightlife without ever needing to call a cab.

Situated in the vibrant Warehouse District, The Theodore New Orleans offers a modern, residential-style stay in a beautifully restored historic building. Rather than a traditional hotel, this property features boutique apartment-style suites, making it a fantastic choice for travelers who want extra space, comfort, and independence during their trip to the city.

Proximity to Smoothie King Center

For those attending a Pelicans game, a concert, or another major event, the location is exceptionally convenient:

• Walking Distance: The property is located roughly 0.5 miles away from the Smoothie King Center. You can easily reach the arena on foot in about 10 to 12 minutes, allowing you to bypass heavy pre- and post-event traffic and expensive arena parking fees.
• Driving/Rideshare: If you prefer not to walk, a quick Uber or Lyft ride will get you to the entrance in under 5 minutes.

Accommodations & Amenities

Because The Theodore operates as luxury vacation rentals/apartments, the amenities cater well to both short-term event-goers and longer stays:

• Full Kitchens: Each unit comes equipped with a modern kitchen, perfect for storing drinks, making pre-game snacks, or cooking breakfast the next morning.
• Spacious Layouts: The units feature high ceilings, exposed brick, large windows, and separate living areas, making it much more comfortable for groups of friends or families than a standard hotel room.
• In-Unit Laundry: Having a washer and dryer right in your suite is a major plus for travelers packing light.
• Contactless Check-in: The property utilizes digital keypad entry, allowing for a seamless arrival without waiting in long front-desk lines.

Surrounding Neighborhood

Beyond its proximity to the arena, the Warehouse District is one of the best neighborhoods in New Orleans for foodies and art lovers. You are steps away from the National WWII Museum, contemporary art galleries, and some of the city's best dining (such as Cochon and Peche). The French Quarter is also just a 15-minute walk away.

Things to Keep in Mind

• No Traditional Staff: Because it is an apartment-style property, do not expect a 24/7 concierge, bellhop service, or daily housekeeping.
• City Noise: Being in a bustling downtown area near major venues and bars, light sleepers might notice some street noise, though the building itself is secure and relatively quiet inside.

Verdict

The Theodore New Orleans is a top-tier choice for visitors prioritizing easy access to the Smoothie King Center without sacrificing style or comfort. Its walkable location saves you the headache of event-night traffic, while the spacious, home-like suites provide a relaxing retreat after the show or game is over.

For travelers heading to New Orleans for a Pelicans game, a concert, or another major event, the Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown by IHG at 334 O'Keefe Ave is a practical and reliable lodging option. Situated in the Central Business District (CBD), this hotel offers a solid balance of value, comfort, and proximity to the city's main sports and entertainment hub.

Proximity to the Smoothie King Center

The primary advantage of this property for event-goers is its location. The hotel is approximately half a mile away from the Smoothie King Center (and the adjacent Caesars Superdome).

• Walking: It is an easy, flat walk of about 10 to 15 minutes straight down Girod Street or Poydras Street. Walking allows you to completely bypass the heavy post-event traffic and surge pricing from rideshare services.
• Driving/Rideshare: If you prefer not to walk, it is a quick 3-to-5-minute ride, though walking is often faster when large crowds are exiting the arena.

Rooms and Amenities

As part of the IHG brand, the hotel delivers a consistent, modern standard.

• Value-Added Perks: One of the biggest draws is the complimentary hot breakfast, which helps offset the high cost of dining out in New Orleans. Free Wi-Fi is also included.
• Facilities: The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool—a great perk during the warmer months—and an on-site fitness center.
• Accommodations: Rooms are clean, contemporary, and equipped with essentials like mini-fridges, microwaves, and Keurig coffee makers. Because it is on O'Keefe Avenue, it tends to be slightly quieter at night compared to hotels directly on Bourbon or Canal Street.

Surrounding Area

Beyond the arena, the hotel's location in the CBD puts you within walking distance of the French Quarter (about 10–15 minutes away) and the Arts/Warehouse District. You will find plenty of casual dining spots, sports bars, and coffee shops along Poydras Street to grab a bite or a drink before your event. Public transit, including the Loyola Avenue streetcar line, is just a couple of blocks away.

Things to Keep in Mind

Like almost all downtown New Orleans hotels, overnight parking here is expensive, so factor that into your budget if you are driving in. Additionally, while the walk to the arena is generally safe and populated—especially when crowds are heading to and from a show or game—it is always wise to stay aware of your surroundings at night.

Verdict

If your priority is a hassle-free trip to the Smoothie King Center without paying luxury hotel prices, the Holiday Inn Express New Orleans Downtown is an excellent choice. It provides a comfortable home base within easy walking distance of both the arena and the historic French Quarter.

If you are heading to New Orleans for a concert, Pelicans game, or major event at the Smoothie King Center, Virgin Hotels New Orleans at 550 Baronne Street is one of the most stylish and convenient places you can stay.

Proximity to the Smoothie King Center

Location is everything on event nights, and this hotel delivers. Situated in the trendy Warehouse District, the hotel is approximately 0.5 miles away from the arena.

• Walking: You can easily reach the Smoothie King Center in about 10 to 12 minutes on foot, allowing you to completely bypass the notorious pre- and post-event traffic.
• Rideshare/Driving: If you prefer not to walk, it is a quick 3-to-5-minute Uber or Lyft ride down Girod or Poydras Street.

Rooms ("Chambers")

Virgin Hotels refers to their rooms as "Chambers," and they are brilliantly designed with a two-room concept:

• The Dressing Room: Includes a full vanity, plenty of closet space, and a spacious shower with Red Flower toiletries.
• The Lounge: Separated by a sliding privacy door, the sleeping area features Virgin’s patented ergonomic Lounge Bed, which is fantastic for relaxing and watching TV after being on your feet at a long concert or game.

Amenities & Pre-Game Dining

This hotel is a destination in itself, offering plenty of options for pre-gaming or winding down after your event:

• The Pool Club: Located on the 13th floor, this rooftop bar and pool area offers stunning views of the New Orleans skyline—including the nearby arena and Superdome. It's a vibrant spot to grab craft cocktails before heading to your show.
• Commons Club: The hotel's flagship restaurant and bar on the ground floor serves upscale Southern-inspired cuisine in a lively, social setting.
• Funny Library Coffee Shop: Located on the first floor, this cozy space is perfect for grabbing a rich cup of Laughing Man coffee and a pastry to recharge the morning after a late night out.

The Verdict

Virgin Hotels New Orleans is a top-tier choice for event-goers. It strikes the perfect balance: it is close enough to the Smoothie King Center for an effortless walk, yet tucked into the Warehouse District where you have immediate access to some of the city's best restaurants, art galleries, and nightlife, just a few blocks away from the French Quarter.