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2-star hotel

The Drifter Hotel

Stay at The Drifter Hotel in New Orleans with free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, and retro bar. Close to City Park, WWII Museum, and Jackson Square. Book now for a relaxed visit.

3522 Tulane Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States View on map
8.6/10
Very Good Based on 576 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Accessible Outdoor pool Air-conditioned Golf course
What recent guests emphasize

The Drifter Hotel

A vibrant hotel known for its welcoming atmosphere, retro charm, and excellent poolside experience amidst simple accommodations.

Guests often praise

  • Friendly, attentive, and accommodating staff delivering outstanding customer service.
  • Clean, heated outdoor pool with 24/7 access for guests and a lively weekend party scene.
  • Comfortable beds and thoughtfully provided amenities like quality bathroom products and pool towels.
  • Inviting bar with reasonable drink prices and weekend live entertainment.
  • Safe and sociable environment that attracts a diverse, eclectic crowd.

Worth knowing

  • Rooms are basic, minimalistic, and somewhat outdated without TVs, fridges, microwaves, or overhead lighting.
  • No on-site restaurant or kitchen; food options are limited to weekend popups and nearby eateries.
  • Front desk hours are limited (11am–8pm), requiring guests to plan accordingly.
  • Parking is street only and can be challenging; on-site parking is limited and not always reserved for guests.
  • Pool use is top-optional and smoking is permitted in some outdoor areas, which may not suit all guests.

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a social, community-oriented hotel with a lively pool scene.
  • Guests who prioritize customer service and a unique, retro-inspired atmosphere over luxury amenities.
  • Visitors wanting to stay away from the busy French Quarter but still close to notable attractions.
  • Adults looking for a fun, casual environment with frequent live entertainment and bar events.
  • Those comfortable with simple accommodations who value location near local bars and cultural spots.
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About this property

Welcome to The Drifter Hotel

Situated in a residential area of New Orleans, The Drifter Hotel offers a laid-back atmosphere with a focus on social and community experiences rather than traditional hotel luxuries. Guests will find simple, minimally furnished rooms decorated with local art, reflecting the hotel’s retro vibe and 1950s aesthetic. While the rooms lack amenities like televisions and kitchen facilities, many guests appreciate the comfortable beds and cleanliness.

The hotel features an outdoor, heated swimming pool that remains open 24/7 for guests, making it a central gathering spot for relaxation and social events. A retro-style bar and a café add to the casual setting, with weekend live entertainment and themed parties contributing to an energetic, welcoming environment. Customer service is frequently praised, with staff often going above and beyond to accommodate visitors.

Located at 3522 Tulane Ave, the property sits about a 10-minute drive from the French Quarter and is close to City Park, offering visitors access to large green spaces and cultural attractions. Nearby highlights include The National WWII Museum, Jackson Square, and the New Orleans Museum of Art, providing a variety of experiences within easy reach. The hotel is approximately 15 minutes by car from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport.

This setting suits travelers who prioritize socializing and a vibrant, communal vibe over traditional hotel amenities. The Drifter is appreciated by visitors who enjoy a lively bar scene, poolside events, and a more low-key location away from the bustle of Bourbon Street. However, some guests note challenges such as limited front desk hours, street parking only, and a somewhat basic room setup, making it less ideal for those seeking extensive in-house facilities or luxury accommodations.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Accessible
Outdoor pool
Air-conditioned
Golf course
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pet-friendly
Restaurant
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

SR
Sydney Risha Apr 16, 2026
10

We stayed here for my bachelorette party and it was perfect. The staff was amazing and helpful. I loved how they have kept the 50's feel of the original hotel. With that being said if you're looking for a ton of amenities this wouldn't be the place for you. The bathroom products are great, beds are very comfortable, and drink prices are very reasonable. Only negative is the parking, I would recommend the parking in the front be reserved for guests staying there but was not an issue in the evenings when pool guests go home.

MTN
My Tram Ngo Apr 10, 2026
10

My fiancée and I stayed here over the weekend for his birthday and had a few friends come on Sunday to enjoy the pool. Let’s get the cons out of the way: • The front desk is only open from 11am - 8pm • There is no kitchen on site, no food options on property. Only popups on weekends • Street parking only • Rooms are a bit outdated and honestly a tad sketchy feeling • The rooms don’t have overhead lighting • There is no fridge, no microwave, and no TV Now, the pros! • PHENOMENAL customer service, I mean the best I’ve had ANYWHERE • There is a photo booth in the lobby, $13 but cute • Bar staff will fill your cooler with ice • Pool is clean • Live entertainment on the weekends • Pool is open 24/7 for hotel guests • Comfy bed • Problems resolved immediately • Very accommodating staff • Lots of pre-inflated inflatables for you enjoyment • Plenty of places to eat nearby A few things to note that aren’t negative or positive to me: the pool is top optional and smoking is allowed. There are also tables and chairs closer to the stage and away from the pool, if you prefer.

AT
Aaron Turnmire Mar 15, 2026
10

The pool is absolutely amazing. The staff is super nice and they have great parties in the evening. The best part of this hotel is that it is away from bourbon street. The rooms are simple - no t.v., you need to let the friendly staff know if you want your room clean. This is the best-kept secret in New Orleans! The coffee and the bar are excellent; you will not be disappointed.

JH
Julia Houghton Feb 19, 2026
10

This place is amazing, I was so happy to find it for the pool and the people. It’s definitely worth the cost to get it and feels like a safe and supportive place in my community. The pool gets about 5 feet deep, is heated, and pretty clean. It can be a great place to read and chill on the weekdays, and to bring the party on weekends. It is the most body positive swimming spot I’ve ever had the pleasure of attending, and would highly recommend!

SW
Scott Wooten Jan 28, 2026
10

It's a small hotel. You're not going here for the lush amenities. You're going for the highly social and eclectic crowd it attracts. If you want to stay somewhere that you'll leave with new friends, this may be a good place to try out. The rooms are basic, but clean. The service was wonderful; everyone was super helpful. The location isn't in the best part of town (Let's face it, much of NOLA isn't the best part of town any longer), but I felt completely safe on the hotels property at all times. Stacey is a gem of an employee here. While in the pool, I asked her to book an extra night for me. I didn't realize her shift was ending. I asked specifically for the same room I checked out of earlier that day. The room had been cleaned and the bed stripped; but there were no new towels, waters, and the bed wasn't remade. I asked Stacey to just throw the linens on the bed. I'd remake it myself and apologized for catching her when she was trying to leave. Stacey stayed late and, with a positive attitude, made sure my room was completely back ready to be used again (bed made, plenty of towels, water, more toilet paper, etc.).

KG
Kayley George Jan 19, 2026
8.0

This is a unique place to stay in NOLA. The location is about a 10 min Uber drive from the French Quarter. I wasn’t aware it was “top optional” and wish that had been more clear. Beds were super comfy but shower took a long time to heat up. The service was good and I’d say we got good value for the price.

MB
MonToya Brewer Jan 17, 2026
10

Tyron, Stewart and Colin made my stay perfect! Their customer service was phenomenal! The drinks were good and strong the location is ideal. The pool is the best in the city and being an adult only hotel makes it that much better. My room was clean and had everything I needed including pool towels. Very minimalistic room being there’s not tv but still well worth the stay

JO
Joshua Oswalt Jan 01, 2026
10

Summer Rays are Here • Right off Tulane in Mid-City, this motel is a hidden gem. When you first come in, you are greeted with a coffee bar/room check in station. Retro vibes refreshed is the best description of the space. Toward the back overlooking the pool, is the BAR BAR • We came for the Daydream event which was a blast! Poolside music, cocktail stands situated around the pool, event space behind the large fence for music and live entertainment. Next trip, I will be booking a room and hanging out all day and night!

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Drifter Hotel

New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Residential area known for its laid-back bars, plus huge City Park with a boating lake & art museum.

  • Union Passenger Terminal 54 min Walk
  • Canal Street Ferry Terminal 1 hr 1 Walk
  • Tulane @ Clark 1 min Walk
  • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport 15 min Car · 35 min Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Louisiana. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

The National WWII Museum 29,674 reviews

The National WWII Museum

945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

4.8 · War Museum
Jackson Square 28,415 reviews

Jackson Square

New Orleans, LA 70116, United States

4.7 · Historical Landmark
New Orleans Museum of Art 5,303 reviews

New Orleans Museum of Art

1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124, United States

4.7 · Art Museum
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