Metairie Travel Guide, Louisiana

While it is certainly not a city on its own, Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans, is large enough that it warrants a bout of exploration. In fact, if Metairie were designated an independent city, it would be larger than most of the cities in the state! Being so close to New Orleans, it shares many of the famous city’s little quirks: you’ll find plenty of Creole cuisine and Cajun music in Metairie, maybe even a pinch of voodoo - just for showing off to the tourists, mostly - and the typical Southern laid-back attitude towards life.

Although Metairie was flooded in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, it recovered quite quickly, possibly because it was not the first time when Metairie suffered flooding. This Metairie Travel Guide will give you some useful information on how to get to Metairie and where to find the best possible accommodation.

Metairie Travel Guide - Transport

As Metairie, despite its size, is still officially a suburb, the question that we should ask ourselves is how to get to New Orleans in the first place. The city’s airport is Louis Armstrong International Airport, located in another one of New Orleans’ suburbs, Kenner. There are regular connections to other major cities in the U.S., such as Miami, Boston, Atlanta, New York or Washington.

Although by name it is an international airport, the only destination outside the U.S. is Mexico City. However, in the near future, several more international destinations are planned to be added. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to reach the city centre. You can also get to New Orleans by bus or train, although it is not really worth the time unless you are already in Louisiana, or in a neighboring state. From Baton Rouge, the state’s capital, you can only get to New Orleans by car, surprisingly enough, as there are no public transport links at all. As Metairie does not have a city centre where you can walk around undisturbed, you will have to use buses, taxis or a car to get around.

Metairie Travel Guide - Accommodation

Ramada Limited Hotel is the best possible accommodation in Metairie. The hotel is only a five minute’s drive from the airport, fifteen from the famous French Quarter, the heart of New Orleans, and close to the swamps and plantations where you can go on guided tours. However, don’t expect great facilities, as it is a hotel mostly by name only, and more similar to a motel than anything else.

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is much more upscale. The hotel is relatively new, and rooms are quite comfortable and clean, and there are facilities such as free internet connection, buffet, swimming pool and fitness area.

Marriott Hotel Metairie is a treat even for seasoned luxury-hotel-goers. The hotel is beautifully decorated, some with views over Lake Pontchartrain. Amenities include flat-screen televisions, free internet access, and an excellent on-site restaurant.