About
The Drifter Hotel, located at 3522 Tulane Ave in New Orleans, is a boutique hotel celebrated for its retro-bohemian aesthetic, minimalist design, and vibrant communal atmosphere. It centers around a lively courtyard featuring a saltwater swimming pool, which serves as a popular social hub for guests seeking a unique and laid-back New Orleans experience.
While a specific, consistently advertised temperature for the pool is not readily available, it is generally described as a refreshing saltwater pool. Reports suggest it is typically unheated, though it may occasionally be heated during cooler months or based on guest demand.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? The Drifter Hotel in Mid-City, NOLA, is generally described as a unique motel with a refreshed retro vibe, featuring a coffee bar that also serves alcoholic drinks, and a lively pool area with live entertainment and music, especially on weekends. Positive aspects frequently highlighted include phenomenal and accommodating customer service, a clean pool (open 24/7 for hotel guests), comfortable beds, and good value for the price. The staff is noted for resolving problems immediately and being very helpful (e.g., filling coolers with ice). However, common criticisms include limited front desk hours (11 am - 8 pm), no on-site kitchen or food options beyond weekend pop-ups, street parking only, and rooms that can feel outdated or sketchy, lacking overhead lighting, fridges, microwaves, or TVs. Showers can also take a long time to heat up, and there were instances of the pool being unexpectedly closed. The 'top optional' nature of the pool is a significant feature, though some wished it were more clearly communicated. The hotel's recent sale to new investors in 2024 has led to speculation about potential future changes, both positive and negative.
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
Reviews
Listing Reviews
June 23rd, 2025Matthew V
I’ve had good experiences here, but the pool isn’t open today, when I asked about it, the security guard didn’t seem to be able to articulate any answers
December 10th, 2024Shannon (NOLA Gent)
This is a coffee joint that also offers alcoholic drinks located at an old hotel that used to be a pretty rough spot for many years. They have also added topless swimming here for a bit of extra fun and groovy vibes. The Drifter Hotel sold to new investors in 2024 so likely it will get way more expensive and way less groovy with a big decline in fun... Well the future is still to be determined so maybe things will get even more funky and groovy but that hasn't been the trend yet in situations like this the vast majority of the time so we will see...
June 14th, 2024Joshua Oswalt
Summer Rays are Here 🌞 🏊♂️ • Right off Tulane in Mid-City, this motel is a hidden gem. When you first come in, you are greeted with a coffee bar/room check in station. Retro vibes refreshed is the best description of the space. Toward the back overlooking the pool, is the BAR BAR 😋 • We came for the Daydream event which was a blast! Poolside music, cocktail stands situated around the pool, event space behind the large fence for music and live entertainment. Next trip, I will be booking a room and hanging out all day and night!
May 17th, 2024Kayley George
This is a unique place to stay in NOLA. The location is about a 10 min Uber drive from the French Quarter. I wasn’t aware it was “top optional” and wish that had been more clear. Beds were super comfy but shower took a long time to heat up. The service was good and I’d say we got good value for the price.
July 31st, 2024My Tram Ngo
My fiancée and I stayed here over the weekend for his birthday and had a few friends come on Sunday to enjoy the pool. Let’s get the cons out of the way: • The front desk is only open from 11am - 8pm • There is no kitchen on site, no food options on property. Only popups on weekends • Street parking only • Rooms are a bit outdated and honestly a tad sketchy feeling • The rooms don’t have overhead lighting • There is no fridge, no microwave, and no TV Now, the pros! • PHENOMENAL customer service, I mean the best I’ve had ANYWHERE • There is a photo booth in the lobby, $13 but cute • Bar staff will fill your cooler with ice • Pool is clean • Live entertainment on the weekends • Pool is open 24/7 for hotel guests • Comfy bed • Problems resolved immediately • Very accommodating staff • Lots of pre-inflated inflatables for you enjoyment • Plenty of places to eat nearby A few things to note that aren’t negative or positive to me: the pool is top optional and smoking is allowed. There are also tables and chairs closer to the stage and away from the pool, if you prefer.
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
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