India House Hostel operates at 124 S. Lopez Street in Mid-City, New Orleans, a residential neighborhood roughly equidistant between the French Quarter and the lakefront. The hostel functions from a cluster of converted Creole cottages and has been a fixture of New Orleans' budget travel scene for decades, attracting backpackers, solo travelers, and international visitors who prefer a social atmosphere and low nightly rates over the amenities of a conventional hotel. Accommodation options include dormitory beds in 4- to 10-person shared rooms and a limited number of private double rooms. The property's communal character is its central appeal: a swimming pool surrounded by a shaded yard serves as the social hub, complemented by a communal kitchen where guests cook and share meals, a common lounge with hammocks and seating areas, and a regular schedule of bike tours and informal city outings organized by the hostel staff. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. The hostel rents bicycles, which are a practical and popular way to reach Mid-City's canal banks, City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Bayou St. John corridor. The nearest bus lines connect to the French Quarter in approximately 20 to 30 minutes. India House operates on an informal, community-oriented model; guests should expect a lively atmosphere rather than a quiet retreat. It is consistently regarded as one of the better-value and better-maintained hostels in Louisiana.
Room types
- Dorm Bed (4–10 person)
- Private Double Room
Amenities
- Pool
- Communal kitchen
- Free Wi-Fi
- Common lounge
- Bike rentals
Location
124 S Lopez St, New Orleans, LA 70119
29.9718, -90.0866 View on map
Highlights
- Affordable dorm beds and private rooms in a convivial Mid-City setting
- Outdoor pool and shaded yard at the social heart of the property
- Communal kitchen allowing guests to prepare their own meals
- Bicycle rentals for exploring City Park, Bayou St. John, and the Mid-City canal banks
- Long-established hostel with a loyal international backpacker following
Tips for visiting
- Book private double rooms well in advance — there are only a few and they fill faster than dorm beds
- Bicycle rentals from the hostel are the best way to reach City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art, both under 15 minutes by bike
- The communal kitchen is well-equipped; stocking up at the Rouse's Market nearby keeps food costs very low
- The hostel's social atmosphere can be lively late into the evening — light sleepers should consider bringing earplugs
- Bus line 48 (Canal Street–City Park) stops nearby and connects to the French Quarter in about 20 minutes
Accessibility
India House Hostel operates across several converted Creole cottages with varying levels of accessibility. The property is not specifically adapted for wheelchair users, and some areas involve steps or uneven surfaces. Guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel directly before booking.
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Frequently asked questions
What types of accommodation does India House Hostel offer?
The hostel offers dormitory beds in shared rooms of 4 to 10 people, and a small number of private double rooms. Shared bathrooms are used by dorm guests; some private rooms have en-suite bathrooms.
Is India House Hostel safe for solo travelers?
India House is widely regarded as one of the more established and well-run hostels in New Orleans. Solo travelers, including solo women travelers, regularly stay there. Standard precautions with valuables apply.
How far is India House from the French Quarter?
The hostel is in Mid-City, approximately 3 miles from the French Quarter. The journey by bus takes 20 to 30 minutes; by bicycle it takes around 20 minutes.
Does India House have a pool?
Yes, the property has an outdoor swimming pool in the yard area that serves as the main communal gathering point for guests.
Is there parking at India House Hostel?
Limited street parking is available on S. Lopez Street and the surrounding Mid-City blocks. The hostel does not operate a dedicated parking facility.