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Budgeting for the Big Easy: Hotel Prices & RV Park Costs in New Orleans

Budgeting for the Big Easy: Hotel Prices & RV Park Costs in New Orleans

Dreaming of a New Orleans vacation? Of Course! But there’s one problem—traveling is expensive. With rising inflation and popular demand, today’s travel expenses can really strain vacation budgets, especially for families. Many assume visiting NOLA is too pricey, but we’ve got tips to visit the Big Easy without breaking the bank. Whether you’re drawn by the jazz, the jambalaya, or the jubilant street life, figuring out where to stay can make all the difference in your travel budget. We’re here to help you decide the best and most cost-effective accommodation for your adventure. In this blog, we’ll compare the average hotel prices versus RV park costs in Louisiana.

Ready to find out how much you could save by opting for an RV park over traditional hotels? Let’s get started on making your New Orleans vacation memorable and affordable.

outside view of a building in New Orleans

Planning a New Orleans Vacation: Hotel Prices vs. RV Park Costs

Let’s zoom out for a moment and consider the bigger picture of vacation costs in the U.S., considering all expenses. Once we understand the overall expenses, we’ll concentrate on your lodging options. We’ll look at the current landscape of hotel rates and average hotel price. Then we’ll see how they stack up against the average cost of staying at an RV park each night.

How Much Does a Vacation Really Cost?

These days, figuring out vacation costs feels like a tricky puzzle, especially with prices bouncing all over the place. In 2024, travel prices have shot up even more compared to the average cost of travel for 2023. Trends suggest people are opting for fewer trips, but they’re staying longer when they do travel. This stresses the importance of lodging costs in your travel planning. But first, you have to actually get there, so let’s look at those numbers.

According to Hopper’s Q3 2024 Consumer Travel Index, airfare is on the rise as we head into the holiday season. Airfare is projected to peak in December at around $283 per round trip domestic ticket.

While air travel gets pricier, road trippers will catch a break—gas prices have dropped nearly 10% from last year. So, if you’re planning a road trip this fall, you’ll stretch your dollars further and get more miles for your money. This is fantastic news for RVers, but those in need of car rentals may not find the same luck. Car rental prices remain relatively level, averaging $44 per day with most travelers looking for 4-day rentals.

Going back to RV travel, in general, RV vacations cost much less than other types of vacation travel. While fuel costs do not drive these savings, we will take them into consideration in this blog. To plan your trip, you can calculate your fuel costs ahead time for budgeting. Surveys suggest that the most popular distance for RV road trips is between 500 and 750 miles. So, if your RV gets 10 miles per gallon and you’re planning a road trip of about 625 miles with gas prices at $3.50 per gallon, here’s how you’d calculate your fuel costs:

For a 625-mile journey: Total Gas Cost = (625 miles / 10 MPG) × $3.50 per gallon = $218.75

Now, let’s talk about where you’ll sleep. If you’re traveling with your RV, you’re in for some savings. According to J.D. Power, the cost of an RV spot with power and water hookups averages about $30 a night. On the other hand, the average hotel room in the US is hitting about $161 per night. Quite the difference, right?

Plus, there’s another bonus to RVing—you could save a chunk of change on meals. While food prices are generally on the rise, dining out has become particularly expensive. According to the USDA, while grocery prices have seen some yearly drops over the past four decades, restaurant prices have consistently climbed. Just last year, eating out costs soared by 5.1%, compared to a relatively slight 1.2% hike in grocery prices.

Think about this: about 42% of Americans shell out $11 to $20 per person for each meal out. Even if you skip snacks, if you’re dining out three times a day at an average of $15 per meal, that’s $45 per day per person. Over a week, that’s $315 for just one person, and for a family of four, it jumps to $1,260. With your RV’s kitchen, you could dramatically cut that expense. So, stocking up your RV kitchen could really help cut down on your vacation spending.

Average Cost of 1 Week Vacation

When you break down the costs of a typical one-week vacation, here’s what you might expect to spend across different categories:

Average Vacation Costs Airfare Car Rental Hotel Food
For Solo Travel $283 $308 $1,127 $315
For a Family of 4 $1,132 $308 $1,127 $1,260
  • Airfare: For solo travel, expect to pay about $283. A family of four will pay the same per person, totaling $1,132.
  • Car Rental: A car rental averages $308 whether you’re solo or with family.
  • Hotel Stays: Solo travelers and families alike can anticipate spending $1,127 on accommodations.
  • Food: Meals add up to $315 for solo travelers, while a family of four will spend approximately $1,260.

Total Costs for a 1 Week Vacation for Solo Travel: $2,033.

Total Costs for a 1 Week Vacation for a Family of Four: $3,827.

camping out of an RV in New Orleans

How Much Can You Save with RV Travel:

A recent study by CBRE Hotels Advisory Group, commissioned by Go RVing and the RV Industry Association, shows just how wallet-friendly RV vacations can be. Families of four can save up to 60% of what they might otherwise spend on a typical vacation. And couples save nearly half. These figures consider everything from gas to the cost of owning an RV, proving that RV travel isn’t just fun—it’s also incredibly cost-effective for groups of all sizes.

RV travel is not just a way to see the world; it’s a smart financial choice, especially for families. Take the lightweight travel trailer, a popular choice among RVers. On average, taking this type of RV on a 4-person camping trip costs about 48% less per day than flying and staying in hotels. It’s also 34% cheaper than traveling by car and booking hotels. The savings start with eliminating airfare, which can be a significant part of a vacation budget.

As previously noted, eating out during vacations can quickly add up too. While the average restaurant meal costs about $15 per person, a meal prepared in your RV costs around $4 per person. For a family of four, that’s a saving of $44 per meal! Over a week, this alone could save you hundreds of dollars.

Person calculating the costs and savings of hotels vs RV travel

Other Considerations Comparing Hotel Costs & RV Park Savings

Since the pandemic, we’ve all become more cautious. With flight cancellations, sanity concerns and inflation, preferences and costs have changed. Today most travelers prioritize safety, affordability, and convenience.

The prices of hotels continue to increase despite a drop in satisfaction and limited convenience. Hidden fees are another headache. Amenities and resort fees often hide until checkout, pushing up the real cost of hotel stays beyond the base rate. RV travel shines here, especially for pet owners. Forget pet fees or sneaking your furry friends into hotels—RVers can simply bring their pets along for the ride.

There is no question that RVs are more economical than hotels.  As we explore the specifics of a New Orleans vacation, it’s clear: RVing not only saves money but also gives you the freedom and flexibility that traditional travel can’t.

Average Hotel Prices in New Orleans

At Courvelle’s RV, we’re all about helping you get the most bang for your buck on your travels. When it comes to a New Orleans vacation, hotel prices vary from as low as $55 to as high as $179 per night, depending on the season, amenities, and location. For instance, the Wyndham New Orleans – French Quarter, a popular choice among budget-conscious travelers, recently listed for $291 a night. However, they do now allow pets and there is no kitchen. If you need a mini-fridge, you’d have to upgrade to a deluxe room. And parking is an additional $40 per day.

Another mid-range hotel option in the French Quarter is the Holiday Inn Chateau Lemoyne. The hotel offers standard rooms with two double beds and wifi for about $275 a night. It also excludes pets and requires additional fees for valet parking.

When you read the tips for saving money on hotels in NOLA, it will tell you to go further out of the city. This is an option, especially if you have transportation. One option further out is the Quality Inn New Orleans I-10 East. This hotel is not rated as highly but is a pet-friendly option that advertises value. It offers a night’s stay for $85 with taxes and fees, including free parking, wifi, and continental breakfast.

While some hotels are tagged as “budget-friendly,” affordability clearly is subjective and varies widely. Although you’ll typically find lower rates on weekdays and outside the city center, hotel stays can clearly eat up your vacation budget. At Courvelle’s RV, we believe your trip shouldn’t be cut short due to high lodging costs. Let’s explore how staying at an RV park could provide you budget to see more and stay longer.

RVs lit up in an RV park overnight

Exploring RV Park Costs in New Orleans

At Courvelle’s RV, we know a thing or two about cost-effective travel. Staying in an RV park can save you a lot of money compared to local hotels. Let’s get into what you can expect to pay and the benefits of RV camping in New Orleans.

Jude Travel Park of New Orleans A mere 5 miles from the French Quarter, Jude Travel Park offers a personal touch with family-owned charm at $52 per night. This park’s amenities include a pool, whirlpool, and clean restrooms, with a shuttle bus service that allows guests to easily explore downtown without the hassle of parking.

Pelican RV Park For $40 per night, Pelican RV Park offers proximity to downtown and a security-gated property. It stands out with its on-site restaurant, Smiley’s Grill, which serves meals throughout the day and includes a full bar—a rare find in New Orleans campgrounds.

Sun Outdoors New Orleans North Shore Starting at $54 per night, with a $30 resort fee, this site offers premium lakeside RV sites and modern amenities such as a swim-up bar, lazy river, and mini-golf. Its full hookups, WiFi access, and ample recreational activities make it a top choice for families looking to enjoy a resort-style stay.

New Orleans RV Resort & Marina Located on Lake Pontchartrain and only 12 minutes from the French Quarter, this gated community starts at $74.95 per night. It features deluxe waterfront RV sites, a swimming pool, and a variety of villa accommodations, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a luxurious waterfront stay.

French Quarter RV Resort Located just blocks from the vibrant French Quarter, this resort combines convenience with quality. Standard RV sites are priced at $120 per night, providing full hook-ups (water, sewer, cable, and Wi-Fi) across spacious 60 ft. by 30 ft. sites. Enjoy the added luxuries of a clubhouse, fitness center, laundry facilities, and a French Quarter-style courtyard featuring a pool, hot tub, and gazebo with bar facilities. Considering hotel parking fees in the area, the included parking here presents considerable savings.

In New Orleans, the savings on RV parks make RVing for your New Orleans vacation a great option. Avoiding the high hotel fees can help you stretch your stay and budget further. Plus the extra amenities of the campgrounds offers families a unique vacation experience.

New Orleans on a Budget: Comparing Average Hotel Prices & RV Park Costs

In our direct comparison between hotels and RV parks, it’s clear that RV parks often provide significant savings. For instance, while a week-long hotel stay in New Orleans averages around $1,127, staying at an RV park like the French Quarter RV Resort would cost about $840 for the same period. This kind of saving, coupled with additional amenities and the elimination of hefty hotel fees, highlights RV parks as not only a budget-friendly option but also an enriching way to experience New Orleans.

Outside view of a hotel in New Orleans

Plan Your New Orleans Vacation Today!

Vacations are more than just a break from the daily grind; they’re precious opportunities for families to bond and create lasting memories. Opting for an RV vacation can enhance these experiences for you and your family. Not only is RV camping more economical compared to traditional hotel stays, but it also offers unmatched flexibility and freedom.

With the costs of hotels and dining out climbing, RV travel emerges as a smart choice for those aiming to maximize their vacation budget. Whether you’re curious about the top family activities in New Orleans or need advice on RVing with pets, we’re here to guide you.

Looking for the perfect RV for your adventure? Stop by Courvelle’s RV to find a vehicle that fits your family’s needs and budget, ensuring your New Orleans vacation is both memorable and affordable.

Ready to find the perfect RV?

CrossRoads RVs at Courvelle’s

CrossRoads RVs at Courvelle’s

Welcome to Crossroads RV! They have been selling quality units since 1996 and has grown to distribute their RV’s all over the nation. CrossRoads takes pride in having high quality products, service and the very best values when it comes to creating their RV’s and meeting their wonderful customers. They are a strong presence in the dealer community and work hard to be a reputable manufacturer of these beautiful RV’s! They currently have five manufacturing facilities with over 600 employees! Check out some of these CrossRoads RVs at Courvelle’s .

Crossroads RVs at Courvelle’s

Come check out what Crossroads RV’s are all about. This new 2019 fifth wheel, Crossroads Cruiser Air CR28RD is on sale for just $38,952! You are saving over $16,000 with this amazing RV. With 3 slides, 2 A/C units, residential appliances and is lite weight! This RV has all the “must have” features you could want! The floor plan is perfect for the whole family and sleeps 6! It also has plenty of storage for all your necessities and belongings!

Take a look at this 2018 Travel Trailer! This Crossroads Sunset Trail Super Lite SS250RK is the deal of the month! Not only is this price amazing, but so is the space inside! This layout has opposing living room slides, a bed slide, LCI solid step, rear kitchen and a power awning with lights! This is the perfect RV to take on a weekend getaway or camping trip under the stars. Call today for this quality, affordable Crossroads RV.

We carry so many models of Crossroads RV’s because there are SO many to choose from! This 2019 Crossroads Zinger ZR292RE Travel Trailer is marked down $9,907 from the MSRP! It has plenty of space and sleeps 6 people. It has a full kitchen with top of the line appliances, with loads of exterior features that you will love. Check out the beautiful interior furnishings, featuring a fireplace, leather furniture, recliner and more! If you are interested in this beautiful RV, give us a call today.

As you can see, Crossroads RV’s has so many options for you to choose from! These RV’s are built with integrity and made to last! From the quality products to the excellent customer service, you will absolutely love your next Crossroads RV. If you have questions about what we have available, please give us a call! If you would like to know more about Crossroads and their company, visit their website here.