India House Hostel

Had such a great experience here staying the weekend before Mardi Gras! Met lovely people, saw a cool brass performance in the backyard. The place has so much soul and character. Not pristine if that’s what you’re looking for, but that adds to it. Super comfy mattresses. Wonderful place to sleep and make friends. Also good location!

Solid hostel, 10 times cheaper than some of the hotels but also 10 times the caulk. Old building, the main house is eclectic and the back patio is very pleasant. Stayed in a private room and it was very bare bones and weathered but the bed was comfy. All the amenities and good recs from the daily info board you could want from a local hostel. Also friendly service from everyone and Canal street is very convenient for public transit. Side note, when there's parades the train stops running and switches to buses that will get you most of the way down to the French Quarter. Service slows but you can always get a bus back late at night too.

Just went for 6 nights for Mardi Gras! Staff were all very friendly & check in & out was easy. Really chill vibe of the place. Room was awesome, i got the one with its own bathroom. It’s feet from Canal St and a trolley stop so it was really easy and cheap for me to get down to French Quarter. Also uber from it to Bourbon St was only about $14! I’ll definitely stay there again!

I spent 6 nights at India Hostel and loved it! The place was always clean, quiet, and comfortable. The staff was helpful and friendly with figuring out what to do in the city and how to get there. I stayed in a private room and it was nice to have peace and quiet to come back to. Being located 1 block from a central street car line was super convenient for getting around. There is plenty of comfortable outdoor space if you're looking to take a day off from partying and just relax around the hostel too. I'll definitely be coming back to New Orleans and will definitely be staying here again. Thanks for a great stay!

The staff were very friendly and helpfully and it was in a great location, right on the tram down to the French quarter! Also very affordable, I shared a private room with my partner for $53 a night. With this said, I wouldn't stay here as a women traveling alone. The shower stalls didn't lock (the only exception being the private indoor bathroom). However, the toilet stalls did lock. Also, our bedroom "doors" were just shutters and the "lock" was a little pin that you could very easily unlock from the outside. Even with the shutter doors shut, you could easily see through. I felt safe since I was with someone and I don't know what the shared rooms were like, but I don't think I'd come back if I was traveling solo. Just in general it was a little run down and in need of some love as well (cracked tiles, paint chipping, no hooks or place to put stuff in the room, etc).

India House Hostel has an interesting layout, it consists of a main house, and they own a few houses on the same block so they are connected to each other through the backyard. The hostel facilities are on the older side and the rooms are a bit "homemade", but everything was clean. The staff were super friendly during check-in and check-out, and they gave some good tips/recommendations. The communal kitchen is well-equipped (two stoves/ovens, air fryer, microwave, fridge, freezer, utensils and plates). There is a streetcar stop right outside the hostel for going directly to the French quarter, which was super convenient.

The location is 40+ minute walk from the French Quarter. The fact that I am posting this on my first night states how bad my experience is. As usual everyone grabs the bottom bunks first. There were 2 top bunks left and one of them was super wobbly. The other one I just physically couldn't lift myself up the steps cause the are narrow and metal cheap frames. I never had this issue in a hostel. The night agent on duty at the time was a smart aleck and said, "Did you noticed to that there are steps?" I am literally on the verge of an emotional breakdown knowing I have nowhere to sleep after a long trip. Don't get me started on the appearance and cleanliness. Never again.

This is one of the best hostels I’ve ever stayed in! The staff are super friendly, always ready to help with anything you need. The location is great, everything is clean and cozy, and the atmosphere makes you feel right at home. The pool is perfect for those hot summer days, and there’s even a piano where you can practice or listen to other guests playing — there are often musicians around, which creates such a good vibe. They also host movie nights by the fireplace, where you can snuggle up and relax after a long day. And the free unlimited coffee and tea available 24/7 is a great bonus! If you’re looking for a warm, fun, and welcoming place to stay, this hostel is absolutely worth it!

Stayed in hostels before and only needed a cheap place to stay for a night. Grateful for this place because my usual spot was more than I could afford this time. The staff was friendly and helpful. Twenty seconds away from a streetcar. A lot of rules but I was only staying a night so I didn't take advantage of any of the amenities. Tea and coffee available as well as a fridge for you to out your things in w a provided label. I booked a down w 4 women's beds. It came with a bathroom which was nice and unexpected. The shower was separate from the toilet which is nice so no one has to wait to use one. The ac was loud but cold. No hangers or lockers but a table and foldable stand. Iron available at front desk, pool which guests have to pay to use and plenty of sitting areas to congregate. Calendar of events is posted along with rules of the place. Merch is sold in the lobby as well. Friendly and eclectic vibe. Quiet sleep. Heard no noise and there are restaurants nearby along with a Family Dollar. Safe neighborhood and it's cheaper to book on their website. You won't be charged y til you pay at the hotel. It's just a deposit. I'm a frequent woman traveler and would definitely stay there again. Only take away is that if you drop your stuff off before check in, you leave it in the living room so I'd bring a lock for your luggage so no one can ramble. Cool spot and the over 45 crowd.

We are in our 50s and this was our 1st time ever in a hostel. We had our private room and it was perfect! Close to the trolley - pool area - outdoor fridges - indoor fridges and TajMahal Cat!

Wasn't sure going in what to expect but was very pleasantly surprised by this well kept hostel in New Orleans. Only half a block from the street car stop, this location provided ease of access to the French Quarter at a very reasonable price. Recommend getting the day pass options for easy on and off the street cars. We stayed in a private suite with two beds but they offer any number of sleeping options for groups to the single traveler at very reasonable prices. The community is the best part of staying at India House Hostel. Plenty of opportunities to meet new friends from all over the world or just retreat to a quiet area to have some alone time. They offer a communal kitchen and refrigerators to keep and prepare food and fresh coffee at all times in the lobby. The place really reflects the vibe of New Orleans while being clean and maintained. We really enjoyed our stay. There was adequate parking on premises if you are driving in. Will stay here again when in the Big Easy.

This place is beautiful and friendly with a great relaxed vibe. The employees are friendly, they give you a tour of the property, always available if you need anything. The room was pleasant, I had a single room to myself, bed was decent and all was clean. Plenty of outdoor seating to hang, drink, work on laptop etc. kitchen was big and had all the basics to cook a meal. I'd stay here again for sure!

Clean beds, quiet, ac, heater in room, coffee, kitchen/fridge, unique patio area, wifi pretty good. Needs a few things to update...hangers for wet towels and bedside lamps I'm all rooms. Would definitely use it again, and I'm 69 years old.

I have been staying in this hotel consistently when I visit the French quarter for many many years. Very consistent... homey , clean ,safe, nice place to stay. I highly highly recommend it !!!

Cool vibes and quirky place to stay!!! GREAT SOCIAL PLACE! They have a pool and great common areas and even have scheduled drinking games and what every week so you get to meet new people! It's a perf pregame to make friends before y'all get on the trolley and go to Burbon st. together! Couches in the commons area are so comfy and the place is pretty big. They are opened 24/7 so there just constantly have people coming in n out of the place. Literally at the corner were you can pick up the canal st cable car to take it right into town and other places. Pretty cheap with so many interesting people (just like any other hostel) coming from all other the world! CHEAP AND FILLING AND YUM BREAKFAST AND DINNER AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE ($5) Has a lot of storage for your food both pantry and refrigerator. Very accommodating in leaving the luggage around before and after the check in/out while you wait or explore. Could have a slightly thicker mattress, but you make it work and it's nothing too crazy. Idk why people don't get this but rule of thumb for ANY HOSTEL: bring some shower shoes or flipflops / don't be walking around barefoot!

This place has a great vibe. If you like old Victorian style houses, you will love this place. It's basic but clean and has everything you need. We rented one of the private rooms and were pleasantly surprised by the nicely updated bathroom. The hosts are very friendly and helpful. It's about a 45 minute walk down a nicely lit street to the French quarter. We felt totally safe walking home after a night of partying.

How does this place have such good reviews? I've stayed in many a Hostel in my time and this place is sub-par. Why?: It's in the middle of bumf*ck and nothing is within walking distance except for a corner store and the excellent Echo's Pizza. I tried walking to get food that wasn't either of the aforementioned places and it was a straight gamble with my life, walking through unlit, shady side streets and having to cross roads full of speeding cars without a light or crosswalk in sight. New Orleans is not a pedestrian-friendly place. Speaking of friendly, the staff (with the exception of a lovely older woman) were straight-up unhelpful and cared more about smoking and drinking in the front porch area than doing their jobs. The front desk girl acted like she was having a root canal when she gave me my 30-second "tour". The beds were paper-thin and my pillows and blankets straight-up smelled nasty. No one cleans the rooms, even the private ones. I think someone else mentioned this but the place is a damn lawsuit waiting to happen with all the uneven concrete and places to trip in this place. Thus, if you care about this type of thing, this place is so not ADA-compliant. This one is not really the fault of the Hostel but I think the lazy, rude staff does set a tone and it's not a friendly one. I've never been to a hostel with such such unfriendly people before. People just straight up stare at you if you, shock, gasp, dare to say hello and smile. F-this place and this "city". I should have gone to San Diego (USA Hostels is the best) and had an amazing time instead of staying at this sh*thole.

Come as a stranger leave with friends. Best hotel mistake I ever had. I took a trip to The Big Easy. Upon arrival the hotel overbooked my room due to a big event in the city all the hotels were full. I ended up finding this place on hostel world.com and was not disappointed. I've traveled around the US, Canada and Internationally and this was by far the best hostel I have experienced yet. The people I met combined with the overall welcoming and relaxed atmosphere made this short trip to New Orleans last fall one of the best solo trips I've ever been on. The prices are very low, the service is great. Don't be discouraged by the location as the street cars in canal street can get you to all the attractions in short order. I'd recommend paying for a shuttle from the airport as Uber can be more expensive but check when you land.

Saying that I had a blast at india House would be an understatement. This place is probably one of the most genuine places to visit when in New Orleans. The staff makes this unique experience worth a go, they have thorough communication skills and work with people from all over the world. Bailey, Dan and Nate (who broke his own record and ate 53 oysters, which was fun to watch) were somewhat our guides around Bourbon and Frenchmen street but towards the end of the trip they felt more like legit friends. Wyatt was like the gate keeper around the house, he was really resourceful at handling any concerns I had which made the entire property feel like New Orleans culture at its finest. Side note: It's not like a fancy hotel but feels more like Louisiana than many of them. Plus, that's not what New Orleans is about, it's more so about the lifestyle than the esthetics of it all. Come here with an open mind and you might leave with more then what you came here for.

My first hostel experience and I want to give it five stars, but I just can't. I love the vibe here. Fun people, customers and staff both. But the property isn't being kept up great, which is a problem that compounds over time. The concrete in the front of the property and in the courtyard is broken and uneven. And with all the drunk patrons, I'm surprised that there aren't more broken faces. The step down from the courtyard restrooms is way too high. There are roaches so large you would tempted to call them scarabs in the courtyard (that's partly just because this is New Orleans and roaches are a problem when you live below sea level. Still, icky). But my biggest issue is that there seems to be a problem with the cold water. In the courtyard showers, you get 10, 15 seconds of cool water before it turns scalding hot. In the bathroom between the living room and kitchen, you get maybe 30 seconds. And to all of that I say, Lighten up. You're staying in a hostel. Embrace the chaos. Besides the great vibe, it has a great location. The streetcar stop is at the emd of the block. One way gors to the cemeteries, one way goes to the French Quarter. $3 for an all day pass. Can't beat that with a stick. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable about the area. There's egg sandwiches for brunch time and dinner at 6 in the courtyard. There's an activity every night. And people just hang out and chill in the courtyard or the porch. It is a very laid back place. And a cat. There's a cat. I've really enjoyed my stay.

*solid 3.5 star to be precise* I took a solo trip via Megabus to New Orleans a few weeks ago for my 30th birthday, and I intentionally waited to book my accommodations until I was en route, I guess just for the thrill. It wasn't exactly the smartest move on my part b/c what was available on Thursday when I first looked, was all booked up by the time I was fixin' to lock up a bed. India house was the only option left at that point. For $17 in a 16 bed co-ed room, you can't go wrong. That's music to a budget traveller's ears. India House is far from Downtown and the French Quarter, but to be fair it is very easy access to and from by using the street car right on Canal St. It'll take about 20 minutes to get to Bourbon St. The hostel itself I hear is world famous. It's been around for quite some time - you can see from the age of the property and all of the pictures stapled on the walls from the 70's. Character is one thing this place does not lack. The amenities are great. Spacious living and movie room, three or so fridges in the kitchen with a separate area for cooking, fridges out back designated strictly for alcohol, a big above-ground pool, common showers and toilets, plenty of space for outdoor seating to eat and mingle with other travellers out back, and there is cook on site for dinner and breakfast for the budget friendly. Not bad at all. The things that turned me off about India House is the distance from the city center and pest control. While I was in the kitchen after a late night out, I saw quite a few cockroaches going about there business. It wasn't a trashy place in the physical sense, but it didn't feel clean either. All things considered, I would stay here again only if all of the other hostels weren't available to me. It wouldn't be my first choice. Don't travel without ear plugs!!! -Bean

Overall my experience was decent. The room was clean and most of the staff was helpful and friendly. However, when I arrived after 12 hours of driving on Friday evening to check in, I had luggage in both of my hands and asked a young man (AJ, who was working the front desk), sitting on the porch to open the door for me. He took offense that I didnt say please when I asked him. He then proceeded to give me the rudest reception I have ever received. Practically threw my passport back at me when he was done with it. Tossed the credit card payment device in my general direction when it was time to pay. Gave me a short, curt tour and then refused to shake my hand when I find out what was wrong after he showed me to my room. Again, an overall decent experience, my reception really left a bad taste in my mouth. :/

Great vibe and fun staff! Stayed here for a night during a layover flight and enjoyed it. Nice rooms and awesome layout

India House Hostel is an amazing, magical place to stay, with many people from all over the world to meet. The staff are accommodating, friendly, and helpful. I stayed in a private room with my partner and we had our own private bathroom. It was clean, and more space than we needed. Loved the shower. Communal kitchen with plenty of workspace and the tools one needs to prepare a good meal. If you find yourself weary from the day's events, you can purchase vegetarian/vegan meals for 6 USD that are enough to feed two hungry people. Communal refrigerators outside provide ample space to place your beverages, adult and non, and the ethos of respect means you needn't bother labelling your beers. There are open mic nights, a swimming pool, communal showers and bathrooms, plenty of place to sit inside and out, and just overall a great space to be. I have stayed in hostels in Philly, DC, Helsinki, and Belgrade and this one is my favorite (tied with Black Cat in Belgrade, if you should find yourself there, though the accommodations at IHH are much more ample).

Pros: Quirky, artsy vibe, lots to look at. Sometimes a friendly group of folks to meet and chat with in common areas. Neighborhood is somewhat close to French Quarter, and is interesting to walk around and explore something off the beaten path. Dorm room was reasonably clean. Most staff were kind and welcoming. Totally fun for partying! Cons: Shared spaces, including kitchen, bathrooms, and common areas were often unacceptably dirty. Dirty dishes piled, kitchen too crowded to use. Some rugs were very old and filthy. There are not enough bathrooms in the main house area, for example upstairs there are 4-5 dorm rooms, and 1 bathroom. Long waits, unless you wanted to walk downstairs and outside. Taking a shower was pretty gross. The first shower I tried had no temperature control, and water pools/floods. There are many broken facilities around the grounds-- house is beautiful, but has not been maintained properly and in need of major renovations. The power went out twice, and wifi went out for a bit as well. Staff has inefficient way of checking guests in-- took each individual guest on a long tour, causing the wait to be very long even when we arrived at 10pm, tired and just wanting to lay down. Staff also often acted unprofessionally or were absent from desk. The place has an overall college frat-house vibe. While great when we wanted to party, was impossible to get much sleep at all. We weren't trying to get to bed early, it is NOLA after all, but even when we got home late, we could not sleep as doors were slamming every few minutes, until around 5am each night. People were also yelling consistently throughout the night, in areas very near where others were sleeping. Some say you get what you pay for, but I have stayed at dozens of hostels at this price point which were clean, reasonably quiet, and more comfortable.

I met my husband here So obviously it's one of my favorite places in the whole universe. Truly a magical little gem of a place.

This place was nice until I got bacterial pink eye from sleeping on the provided linens. I reported the issue to management and they could have gave a rats a** about my issue. When I reported to one manager and literally showed her my eye she said " you must have had a reaction to the soap we use". She gave me a new pillow from a package and took me to get a clean pillowcase from the housekeeper that was currently unloading them from the dryer. Butttt as she is unloading them she is putting the clean linens on a piece of cardboard in the middle of the dirty floor! That infuriated me so much. I had the pleasure of going to the urgent care and spending 40 dollars to see a doctor plus had to spend 75$ on prescription eye drops because my infection was so bad! Even after expressing my poor experience and telling them about my trip to the urgent care I was denied a refund and was only given 5$ for returning the linens and key. I'm absolutely disgusted and now have to go back home with a bacterial infection in my eye.

I stayed in a private room in April. The room was $60, but i split it with my friend so it was a great value. This place was amazing. The atmosphere is really chill. It was very clean, which was a little surprising to be perfectly honest lol. Some drawbacks: there's no tv in the private rooms, which is understandable. They have one huge flat screen in the outside area. It had full cable so that was really nice. I ate my dinner while watching Hey Arnold and Chopped. Another drawback: no heat in my room. It was chilly in the morning. I saw some negative reviews from people who stayed in winter. Be mindful of what time of year you're staying here! Conversely, I'm sure there's no AC during the summer either. I stayed in an airbnb for the first 6 days of my trip. The airbnb didn't have any channels on tv and no free wifi. And no pool. India House has all of that. Plus, you can meet people from all over the world here. It seemed like every other person staying here was from Europe (I'm American). I wish I stayed here the whole time. Next time I'm in NOLA I will definitely be staying here.

First time staying in a Hostel for me but it was much better than I expected! My boyfriend and I got a private room with a private bathroom and everything was pretty clean and provided given it being a Hostel and cheap prices! Every one of the workers were helpful and kind. Location was great to grab the street car. We also walked to local beer garden, brunch, and city park. Definitely felt like a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment. Would stay here again.

Oh India House, I wanted to love you! Your abundance of color and your close proximity to the Canal streetcar; you have so much potential. If we had dated India house it would have been a fling; your inconsistency with working stoves, hard to track down b'fast cooks, funky showers with lousy water pressure. It could have been such a lovely stay. Your blankets were paper thin, thankfully the room had a space heater. Oh, and the strange stain on the wall...was it bug guts...finger painting...explosions of a minute nature? I will never know. We had a fine time hanging out with all the other travelers. Our 7 days sleeping in your bed wasn't bad. The price was right for a private room. The bathrooms could use two cleanings a day, say an a.m. and p.m. version. The asian gal at the front desk was SUPER SWEET! I wish she had been emulated by any of the other staff! For $34 a night (two ppl, private room, shared bathroom) I'd do it again.

I love staying in a really good hostel and on the surface India House is one of the best that I have ever stayed in, However all of the the things that work to rank it as one of the best hostels in the USA can also work against it. The pool, the grounds, the bandstand, and the party atmosphere can make for a miserable stay if you plan on getting any sleep which you will need if you want to see any of New Orleans' classic sights. Again, this place is kitschy cool with retro/hippie furnishings. The pool and the grounds are very inviting and this hostel offers a nightly meal at a fantastic price. It is all wonderful and one gets the sense that India House is a destination in itself, but then again therein lies the problem. A lot of backpackers never seem to leave!!! On my stay the grounds were always filled with people drinking and laughing throughout the day and night. I was staying in the dorm room which made sleep impossible. I really couldn't understand why the guest of India House came to New Orleans at all. Look, my backpacker pals, New Orleans has some of the best bars in the world. Please get out there and see them. Trust me hanging out all day and night drinking cheap wine at The India House is not cool..actually, it is kinda sad and pathetic. However, if it sounds like I am trashing this hostel, I'm really not. I like the concept and the staff was super friendly. I think it would have been better if I had been able to get into one of the private rooms instead of the men's dorm room. These accommodations were right next to the pool and stuffy, hot. This combination, coupled with drunken guys stumbling in and out all night long made for a horrible night's sleep. Of course, my favorite moment was when some Don Juan proceeded to sneak some Tulane Tart into the bunk above me. Now, believe it or not, this is not the first time this happened to me (once in Switzerland, twice in Spain...must be like a mile-high club thing); however, the conversation is always the same: Tart: I don't know if we should be doing this? Don Juan: It will be ok..everyone's asleep (I wish)..Here let me help you up. Tart: There's not a lot of room up here Don Juan: It will be ok, Babe (obviously forgot her name) I promise. [Sounds kissing, grouping,,well you get the idea. fill in your own blanks] Stopping the canoodling, The Tart cries breathlessly: I don't know if we should be doing this. I mean I never do anything like this! (yes, I am sure that is true..please) I mean, you won't respect me. Don Juan: I promise I will, Babe. I promise...[back to our regularly scheduled programming] Respect you! Respect you! I think..Yeah, I am sure the 20+ guys in the dorm all respect you.....ugh. Well,at least things were over quick. Good one, Don Juan.

This review is probably more like a 3.5 , but I don't know, I'm kind of torn. My husband and I just spent three nights at India House and all said, it's definitely a place we would return to. It's a place where you can meet lots of new people and honestly, from the minute you arrive, just really feel at home. I especially enjoyed the patio and pool area. On our first morning, there was a girl sitting outside playing music and it was very nice to lounge in the sun and chat with fellow travelers while sipping my coffee and listening to someone play a harp. Haha. That doesn't even sound real. Plus, they cook breakfast and dinner outside on the patio, so there's always a delicious smell wafting around the place. It's really very pleasant and relaxing. Until you try to sleep. I actually had no problem with people out on the patio until five AM drinking and partying. We brought earplugs, so that wasn't too big a deal. (This is really a must if you expect to sleep). Next time I would bring my own pillow and an eye mask, as well. We opted for the least expensive option and staying in a dorm for $20 a night. I know a lot of reviewers are saying how cheap this is, but I've stayed in $12 hostels with beds that didn't feel like cardboard. Seriously, I may as well have been sleeping on the floor. The pillows were almost nonexistent and the bunkbeds are the flimsy kind that shake and squeak with every single movement. Also, while I didn't mind the people outside partying, I was a little surprised at the fact that one night two people checked in at 2:30 AM and reception brought them to the room and turned on the lights to show them around. India house is walkable to the quarter (took us about 30 min to get down to the river) or if you're lazy, you can take a trolly for just $1.25 (you need exact but the front desk will break larger bills for you) which will also take about 30 min. All in all, the hostel actually grew on me with each night we stayed, but just be aware if you plan to visit that it's not the most comfortable and it's certainly not quiet. The private rooms might be an option for us next time, but still, at $40 a person for two people, you actually can find B&Bs in the French Quarter for not too much more. We'd only be staying there to meet new people and maybe pet that fat, fluffy cat that hangs out in the living room

Really friendly Swiss guy manning the front desk while we stayed there. We rolled in at around 1 or 2 am and he was ready to give us directions and recommendations on where to go. I booked rooms for three of us through Hostelworld for only $18 a night. There's also a $5 deposit for the key, but obviously you get that back if you don't lose the little thing. Your nightly fee comes with sheets, a pillow, and a thin blanket thing. I brought my own pillow, which was probably a good call. You won't need the blanket since the rooms can get pretty warm. Eight bunk beds to a room if you go for the cheapest rooms. I didn't get a chance to see the nicer private rooms, but whatever. You came here for a place to crash after a night on Bourbon. Breakfast in the morning seems like a good deal, as does the $5 cajun dinner they were serving. Showers and bathroom areas were super clean and there was never a wait for any of the facilities. Nice little area outside to hang out for a bit. All I can complain about is that I got a shit ton of mosquito bites, but I get that whenever the buggers are around.

We stayed at India House for four days, 01/02/18 to 01/05/18: the weather was viciously cold for NOLA, never getting much above 40*F, NOLA being below sea level with cold humid air coming from the gulf, the river, and the lake. When we arrived at the hostel, the common rooms were not heated, and I trembled to think what our private room would be like. What we received when we got inside was a room immaculately clean, with a clean bathroom and towels, and warm as toast, and it stayed that way during our visit there. The surrounding neighborhood seemed pretty solid and safe, provided you bring your common sense with you--NOLA can be pricey and dicey--but the hostel is across the street from a nice old Catholic Rectory and it is quiet. Even parking wasn't much of a problem. You can use the well-appointed kitchen which is usually full of people making their meals, and the hostel will sell a decent breakfast to you in the morning if you like. A salient clue as to the value of this hostel is its popularity with young European tourists to NOLA: it has been my experience all over the world that these tourists are good finders of value, and this place was no exception. The cleanliness and comfort of the place was light-years beyond the usual discount hotel chains like eg Motel 6, not high praise admittedly. For what I paid ($70/night for two) I would readily return to India House!

Great atmosphere! Beautiful and artistic! Friendly guests! Near the French Quarter! This place is the ultimate hostel experience. From late night heat-n-eat fare to colorful communal areas, this hostel is exactly what I was looking for. This is an longstanding establishment and is showcases the art and awesomenicity that is New Orleans... Expect old facilities as part of the vintage charm. My buddy and I opted for the large mixed dorm and got exactly what we wanted: a room full of strangers. ***TIP*** Check in early to get good choice of beds. Electricity was temperamental throughout the place so look for the beds near working power outlets!! My one complaint would be about the guy who was manning the grill outside during my stay. I think he might have been in a bad mood or something; but he did not make guests feel welcome. Fix that. Next time I'm through NoLa I am headed straight to the India House! Kristofer's Suggestion of the Day: Bring a book for the Book Exchange!!

I stayed at India House in 2010 and 2015. Both times have been awesome. I stayed in a private room both times. It's affordable, the staff are helpful, always someone to chat with and the atmosphere is very chill. Buy a six pack, share it and socialize or you'll probably miss out. Some things to note: towels cost $5, there's free coffee 24/7, vending machines, kitchen use, swimming pool, the building is old, shared refrigerator, and old, majestic cat that roams around. Some things that can be improved: the heating didn't work the first night, but once I mentioned it, it was corrected. Mattresses and sheets sort of sucked, but keep in mind that the hostel is cheap so don't sweat it too much.

Nice affordable place to stay. People gather by the pool and eating area. Nice living room with cable TV and plenty of outlets around. Across my two stays, I never had my food taken from the communal fridges which is better than I can say for most hostels. They serve breakfast and dinner for a fee. Mixed results... Dorms are spacious, there are overflow bathrooms and showers in the courtyard if it is busy which I haven't experienced. Most importantly the AC works... Super cute house cat Tash sleeps all day, waking up at night for a prowl... Plenty of free around the clock street parking. A block away from street car to the French Quarter.

Perfect location, price, size - just everything! I've stayed here once before and both times were equally perfect. I love the $5 plate offered for breakfast and dinner - such a great value and convenient way to eat! The courtyard area is so cute and chill. Everyone i met (staff & guests) were amazing and friendly. Highly suggested!

5/7/2019: Once again India House delivers an incredible stay and experience! Upon arriving I was greeted by Elizabeth whom was so pleasant-professional. She said hello to me and asked me if I was enjoying myself in the common areas during my entire stay. Hostel manager Vin continues to run a tight ship with a relaxing-fun atmosphere. Hats off to Vin. My room "Zeus" was spotless clean and perfect central air temp. Lisa's budget meals, especially the jambalaya, were delicious! I met employee Mason and his friend Billy lounging at the pool talking life experiences and music. Billy suggested we get oysters at Cooter Brown's. We did and wow those oysters were incredible. So, I departed with yet another fantastic stay and two new friends. Thanks Mason! You are greatly appreciated friend. 2018 review: My 3rd stay and the best one yet. Every stay just gets better. The staff: friendly, polite, welcoming, professional. Staff members invited a group of guests to a local neighborhood bar and the manager bought me a beer. This just doesn't happen when you stay at a hotel. For hostel, it was spotless clean. The freshly cooked budget/cheap meals were delicious. Relaxing at the pool in the afternoons and evenings is what a vaca is all about. Meeting fellow guests from all over the world and exchanging life stories is priceless. I like the private rooms with ensuite baths: new and very clean. Hispanic grocery store, Deli Mart, Dollar General, & Whole Foods w/in walking distance. JazzFest w/in walking distance. Trolley down to the Quarter and walk over to Frenchmen St. Nearby Parkway Tavern has amazing Po Boys. If you enjoy staying at hostels and interacting w/fellow guests this is a must stay. A fantastic experience within one of the most unique cities in the world. "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans?" Cheers!

The gf & I loved this hostel. One of my favorites, by far. Amazing look and feel to the place. Competitive prices (but not necessarily the best I've seen by any means). One of my Yelp profile pics was taken in front of a mural inside this place. I guess someone painted this huge astrology artwork on one of the walls... this is just one example of the cool looks this place has to offer. They also offer a pool, big kitchen, outdoor seating/hang out areas, etc. An awesome & fun..... Backpacker's paradise!!!!!

I had a great stay there! The staff was welcoming and answered all questions I had. There is a breakfast to buy and often the cook dinners. It s close to a tram stop, and a day tocket is only $3! The place is quiet and clean.

I stayed here one night, and it was a perfect place for crashing ovenight for just 20 bucks as a tourist. Some highlights: - Right off of Canal Street, so super easy to hop onto the streetcar for $1.25 that takes you directly into the French Quarter. It's not much, if at all, faster than walking, but it's convenient. - There are 180 beds at this place, so lots of people! The dorm I stayed in had half-wall divisions so that there were 2 bunkbeds (4 beds) where I was sleeping. Bring earplugs. The beds are fine as far as comfort and cleanliness of linens. - Bring a towel. There were two bathrooms each with a shower in my dorm (unsure for how many people, greater than 4 - and there might have been more bathrooms at the other end of the dorm). But there were never any lines, so there seemed to enough. They were clean, but do bring flip-flops. - I didn't have any, but they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner that you can pay $3-6 for (a really good deal!). The night I got there, a sausage & shrimp gumbo was served. If looking for a late-night snack, you can enjoy a meal 24/7 and pay for a container of leftovers from the fridge by asking at the front desk. There is also free coffee, vending machines for snacks, and a kitchen to cook/microwave in. - Reception desk is 24/7, so check in at any time. You must pay when you arrive in cash - there is an ATM machine. Check-out is noon. - The back courtyard is the best part! There is a gazebo and long picnic tables and benches where lots of people congregate at night to talk with new people in the warm nighttime air. A great chance to meet with young travelers from around the world - and practice your French! There is also a pool (that closes around 10?) - but I didn't get a chance to check that out. - Ask about the history of India House! It's quite interesting. - The staff are friendly and have a good sense of humor. Most everyone I met there was very friendly - in fact, my bunkmate and I met up later that week to go on a swamp tour. This is a great deal for the price, and it has the feel of summer camp. If you can sleep with earplugs and aren't looking for a lavish stay, check out India House!

The funniest place I've ever been to. Cool staff, cool place. Hard to sleep tho, cause everybody is partying 24/7 :)

If you are a first timer like I was, this is the place you want to stay! The entire house is completely filled will beautiful artwork all over, friendly people and even a cute cat! You will definitely get the full "New Orleans Experience " while staying here. You can either rent a private room or rent by the bed, we did a private room. They even have "family meals" every night/ morning and it is $5 a plate. The India House is pretty much right where you want to be if you plan on exploring the French Quarter, The Lower Garden District and/or the Riverfront. The streetcar track is just across the street from the house and they run 24 hours a day 7 days a week and take you pretty much everywhere. We did the 24 hour pass and it was 3$ , definitely worth it. (Passes also can be used for the buses.) If I could give this place 10 stars I would! Thank you for giving me such a great experience India House

For ~$20 a night you can't go wrong! I stayed in a co-ed room with about 14 people in it. If you're one for adventure and don't mind sharing, then this is one of the best hostels in the area. It's right next to a trolley you can take into town for cheap. I like the layout of the place, the cheap dinners they serve, the friendly staff, the refrigerators you can use to store drinks, the picnic tables, the garden, the piano, and the pool. Everyone seemed very friendly during my stay. The ages of guests ranged (I am guessing) from 18-40. If you're looking for a fun/cheap stay at a hostel in NOLA close to town, India House is the place to be!

Ok, so this is not a bad, but simply that A-OK rating. The rates at the India House are simply the best, at $17 a bed in the large dorms rooms. Yet, I was frustrated that the reminder that I needed to pay in cash was oh so tiny on the booking confirmation. Not a big deal, but irritating to needlessly pay an ATM fee. Second, the $5 room key deposit and towel fee also hit you again if you didn't bring cash. Finally, the outdoor showers in the courtyard definitely looked unpleasant. Otherwise, the pool, large kitchen and fridges to store food, picnic tables to eat, and bed were nice and gave you the chance to get to know the other travelers. So, as long as you pay attention to the booking confirmation better and know what you're getting into, your stay here should go smoothly.

This hostel was amazing! Incredibly friendly staff, especially Samuel and Lisa, and the cat Taj! Made sure I was comfortable, offering extra blankets and such. Very pleasant and chill vibe, bathrooms and rooms were very clean. They sell cheap breakfast and dinner and host things like bbq's. The pool was nice, not crowded at all. The decor is also beautiful. Would absolutely stay here again.

I honestly WISH I can give India House a better review. It's a great hostel! Let's start off with the good. Great Location! The Canal Street Trolley is just a stones throw away that takes you to the French Quarter and everywhere you need to go in New Orleans! Location is key! The rooms itself were OK, typical hostel. I was'n' a HUGE fan of the outhouses out back but it was definitely interesting. The people that stayed there were great! Now on to the bad, when I arrived last Friday around 11:30 pm to check in, I was informed that the hostel was overbooked. Now I know stuff happens, but I felt like the staff COULD have handled this situation better. There was NO COMMUNICATION whatsoever. A simple email or phone call would have helped out just fine, but I came in tired just wanting to sleep, and I had to wait for OVER an hour until the staff could figure out the situation, the girl checking in before me took the matter way worst. I got a free night out of the overbooking... Thanks for that but a little communication would have helped. I slept on the floor for 2 nights, no communication as to when I would actually get a bed. Finally on my 3rd and 4th night i got a bed! Great hostel but there customer service skills and communication should step it up! I'll probably most likely be back though!

I have stayed here three times now and the vibes are immaculate! This place is so cool! Seriously stay here and don't go anywhere else. So the place is set up as a large house where there are rooms upstairs and then the outside is a huge area with a pool, courtyard, little stage, hangout areas and then there are dorm rooms and private rooms that go far back. Its all like bohemian and chill vibes and so pretty. Honestly, I like staying in the dorms and chilling with everyone but the private room is nice too. There is also a little bar area kinda back there where they sell meals to people for a really cheap price and its so good. This place is super cool and what hooked me on staying at hostels. I met people and it was like we had been friends forever, even the staff was like that. There is a pool to relax and hang, there are tons of people hanging out from all over the world and just enjoying how awesome New Orleans is. Hope you check it out and enjoy :)

Very friendly hostel, good vibe, places to chill and hang out with ppl. Great pool!!! Super close to the street car, minutes from downtown. Staff is great. Place is a little old, old furniture, dusty, but it's not as bad :) the rooms have AC so it's great in the hot days

I stayed in the India House about two years ago during my school's "spring break." I had a few days in NOLA and wanted to really get the most out of it. While all I could really afford was a hostel in the first place, when I came across the India House I quickly lost any interest in staying elsewhere. It's a huge, Victorian (I'm assuming), mansion that has been taken over with art and travelers and amazingness. There is art everywhere, literally on the walls. It's very bohemian. The staff are wonderful. My friend and I stayed in one night just drinking and talking to them. They're friendly and frank. Also, the no curfew/open 24 hours thing is great. I'd definitely recommend getting a room inside the house. I was quite pleased with my accommodations, but my friend who stayed in one of the outside buildings was unimpressed, if still satisfied. There is a lot to do, both at the house and out. They definitely work to keep people informed of things to do in the area. I remember they had a screening in their very cool courtyard one night of Blue Velvet while I was there. Now, it is a hostel, so if you're expecting maid service and spotless areas, you will be disappointed. However, I found everything to be satisfyingly clean, including the bathrooms, which I rarely experienced a wait for. Have a look around their site, if for no other reason than to see some of the photos of the place. It really is amazing.

Had a great stay at India house hostel! Staff was friendly and helpful. The pool was fun and had a great vibe. They offer a super affordable breakfast and dinner for $5 that was delicious. I would definitely stay again!

This is one of the best hostels I've ever stayed T! The pictures did not do it justice. If you love meeting new people everyday and learning lots of things about the city this is the place for you! It was so friendly and inviting!i can not recommend this place enough if you get the chance definitely stay!

I genuinely do not have any complaints about this place. The price is excellent, it's very clean (and if something is not the staff can come take care of it immediately), the atmosphere is perfect for people who like making friends and meeting people from all over the world, and the location is A+. Also, there's 24/7 free coffee and the food they serve here is delicious. The beds were fine and the rooms all have locks on them and we overall didn't feel unsafe at any point. Honestly though the sense of community was probably the best part (in addition to the food) and I would recommend staying here for sure if you're looking for somewhere cheap, safe, centrally located and fun. One last night, "linens provided" does not include towels, so make sure to bring that or you'll be paying $5 or getting creative. Also, have dollars and quarters for the street car!

I'd definitely recommend staying here. I stayed here with a friend for 5 days and our experience was great. The staff was very friendly and helpful, which helped us a lot. Our room was spacious with bunk beds--the top was a twin and bottom a full. This hostel definitely has a lot of history to it. It also, exhibits photos and interesting artwork on its walls. It's location is a just a short walk from the Canal Streetcar, which allowed us to commute easily to other parts of the city. We loved the resident cat, by the way, he was such a cutie!

If you want plush mattresses, excellent maid service, and a great view, this would not be your place. There is definitely a "hippie" vibe going on... interesting, certainly. Whether you like hippies or not, our private room (two beds, private bathroom) proved to be a gem: 1. The AC worked. After walking around downtown New Orleans in the summer heat, you want your room to have functioning AC. 2. It was clean. That said, I have no clue what the shared dorm rooms look like. There were a lot of foreign people walking around and talking in adorable accents, but as to their cleanliness, I cannot say. It's also New Orleans so I imagine a fair number of people come home drunk. The thought of sharing a room with vomiting strangers just... didn't appeal to me... Keep in mind: 1. The private room (and possibly other rooms?) come with a bed and bedding. Upon reading yelp reviews, we brought our own towels (luckily) but I think you can rent some for a small fee. 2. There is wi-fi throughout the hippie commune (what our cab driver fondly called India House) and there is a public computer for use. 15 minutes for $1. 3. There is a "public breakfast" that you may partake in for $5 - $6, but it's New Orleans - get out there and eat fattening, delicious food. 4. To get in and out of the French Quarter (where Bourbon Street is), you will take the Canal Streetcar, a stop which is right around the corner of the hostel. It's great during the day, but at night, it is an absolute nightmare. Terribly inefficient. We stood around for 40 minutes - following schedules? Forget it. Canal St is packed during the night, with standstill traffic and hordes of people going to and from Bourbon St. Great if you want to get your grind on, not so great if you want to get home speedily. 5. There is no curfew and the front desk is open 24 hrs in case you need to call someone for help. Safe travels!

I forgot I was going to be staying in NOLA one night longer than my friends, I was broke as hell, and this place saved me from having to spend a ton on a hotel room or stay up all night until my flight the next morning. The owners are very friendly and helpful, the house is funky, old, artsy, clean, and comfy. Many bathrooms (very clean, stocked), cool common area where I felt comfortable chillin, reading, watching tv, listening to music. I wish I was there longer to check out the backyard/pool area, but from what I saw, it looked excellent! Hippie/artsy/European backpacker vibe... I felt okay leaving my bag (sans valuables) in my dorm, but there are lockers (and locks for sale in vending machine). The girls sharing my room were friendly, respectful, and interesting to talk to. People staying for more than a night or two seemed to hang out/go out together. Overall chill, positive atmosphere. Good music playing all the time. Didn't try the food, but it smelled soo good! There is a $5 linen deposit. Safe neighborhood, right by a canal streetcar stop, never felt unsafe or more uneasy than in I would have in Brooklyn. I caught the E2 airport bus a few blocks west the next morning with no problem. Cheapest 24 hrs I've spent on the road in awhile! Highly recommended, mad props!!