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India House Hostel
A sociable backpacker hostel in Mid-City near the Canal Street streetcar, with dorms and private rooms, a pool, a communal kitchen and regular events.
At a glance
- Type
- Hostel
- Area
- Mid-City, New Orleans, United States
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- the.indiahousehostel.com
Good to know
- Swimming pool
- Communal kitchen
- Laundry
- Courtyard
- Dorms and private rooms
- Jam sessions
Why we recommend it
India House International Backpackers, usually just called India House, is a hostel in Mid-City aimed at backpackers and budget travellers. It was founded by Mark Saddington, who says the aim was to create the kind of hostel he wanted to stay in when he was backpacking himself, and the relaxed, sociable atmosphere reflects that.
Accommodation ranges from dormitory beds to private rooms with their own bathrooms, and there are longer-stay rooms with weekly rates and housekeeping included for travellers staying for a few weeks. The common areas and guest rooms are decorated with murals and original artwork, giving the place a creative feel.
The facilities are generous for a hostel. There is a swimming pool with hammocks, a large outdoor courtyard, a communal kitchen for cooking your own meals, a laundry room, and a TV room and other common areas. A small stage hosts jam sessions, and the hostel holds informal events such as cookouts, pool parties and movie nights, with themed seasons around Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest and the spring and autumn festival periods.
India House suits solo travellers, backpackers, musicians and budget-conscious groups of friends who want to meet other people. It is less suited to anyone wanting quiet luxury or a full hotel service. Booking directly through the hostel's website saves 10 per cent, and it is wise to book early for Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, when beds go quickly. Check the policies page before you book for check-in times and any ID requirements.
Travellers staying longer can ask about the weekly rates, which include housekeeping, and the communal kitchen helps keep costs down. Musicians travelling with instruments will appreciate the jam stage, and the courtyard and pool make easy places to meet other guests in the evening.
The hostel is on South Lopez Street, in a quiet residential part of Mid-City close to the Canal Street streetcar line. The streetcar takes about ten minutes to the French Quarter, and it also gives easy access to City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art and downtown. Parkway Bakery and Tavern and Angelo Brocato are both in Mid-City, so cheap and good food is never far away.
India House Hostel FAQs
Where is India House Hostel?
At 124 South Lopez Street in Mid-City, near the Canal Street streetcar.
How do I get to the French Quarter?
The Canal Street streetcar takes about ten minutes to the French Quarter.
Are there private rooms?
Yes. There are private rooms with bathrooms as well as dormitory beds.
Does the hostel have a pool?
Yes. There is a swimming pool with hammocks.
Can I cook at the hostel?
Yes. There is a communal kitchen.
Is there a discount for booking direct?
Yes. Booking through the hostel's own website saves 10 per cent.
Are there events?
Yes. Jam sessions, cookouts, pool parties and movie nights are held regularly.