As Mardi Gras enters its biggest and busiest stretch leading up to Fat Tuesday, new hotel occupancy numbers show New Orleans is already packed with visitors.
Kelly Schulz with New Orleans & Company says bookings in the downtown and French Quarter areas are now running above 90 percent.
“We’re looking at over 90% occupancy just in the downtown and surrounding French Quarter areas,” Schulz said. “That represents about 26,000 hotel rooms and that’s a direct reflection of how many people are lining the parade routes.”
Schulz says those visitors don’t just come for the parades but they also fuel the local economy through dining, live music, attractions, and events across the city.
“The hope is that while they’re here for the greatest free show on earth, they’re also enjoying the restaurants, the music, the drinks, and everything else the city has to offer,” she said.
And the downtown hotel count is only part of the picture.
“There are many more visitors to account for,” Schulz explained. “Hotels outside the downtown area see a big uptick, and the short-term rental community shares in that demand as well.”
Beyond the economic boost, Schulz says visitor surveys reveal two consistent surprises among out-of-town guests.
“One is how family-friendly the atmosphere is,” she said. “Some visitors come with misconceptions about Mardi Gras and are pleasantly surprised.”
The second is operational.
“People are consistently impressed with how Mardi Gras is handled logistically; from crowd control to safety and crisis management,” Schulz said.
Bottom line: if you’re heading out to the routes this weekend and next, expect company.
“One thing’s for certain,” Schulz said. “Carnival 2026 will be shoulder to shoulder.”