Mardi Gras 2025 proved to be one of the most successful in recent years, despite facing an unexpected challenge in the form of severe weather that cut festivities short by a few hours, as per this article from Nola.com. According to local hoteliers, restaurant owners, and hospitality leaders, the city experienced a significant surge in visitors compared to the previous year’s celebration.

Hotel occupancy rates downtown and in the French Quarter reflected this increase, with nearly 87% of the 26,000 available hotel rooms filled from February 28 through Fat Tuesday, as reported by New Orleans & Co. The weekend’s peak occurred on Saturday night, when occupancy reached an impressive 95%. These figures did not even account for the city’s approximately 6,000 short-term rental units, which, if included, would likely push the overall occupancy rate even higher.

By comparison, Mardi Gras 2024 saw a lower turnout, with an average hotel occupancy rate of 81% over five nights, never reaching the 90% threshold. The growth in numbers was encouraging for the city’s tourism industry, particularly considering the rise of short-term rental properties in recent years. Walt Leger III, President and CEO of New Orleans & Co., confirmed that the high occupancy rates indicated a strong Mardi Gras season and a positive trajectory for the hospitality sector.

However, while the numbers were encouraging, they had not yet reached the levels seen in the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to 2020, hotel occupancy rates for Mardi Gras regularly exceeded 95% across the city. Although the tourism industry has not fully rebounded to pre-pandemic levels, steady improvements in hotel and restaurant business suggest that recovery is ongoing.

Beyond tourism and business figures, the success of Mardi Gras 2025 was particularly meaningful given the public safety concerns that loomed over the event. Earlier in the year, on January 1, a ramming attack on Bourbon Street had raised concerns about safety in the French Quarter. In response, city, state, and federal officials took significant steps to bolster security ahead of Mardi Gras and the Super Bowl on February 8. Enhanced security measures included additional bollards and barricades along the streets and sidewalks, an increased law enforcement presence, and the deployment of new crime-fighting technology. These efforts were designed not only to improve actual safety but also to give visitors and locals a greater sense of security.

Several French Quarter and boutique hotels significantly outperformed the market average in occupancy. The six hotels owned by the Valentino family in the French Quarter reported a 95% occupancy rate, marking a notable increase from 2024. Hotel St. Vincent, located in the Lower Garden District, maintained full occupancy throughout Mardi Gras, as it had in 2024. Owner Zach Kupperman also noted that the hotel achieved a 14% increase in room rates compared to the previous year, further highlighting a strong financial performance.

The boost in tourism was not limited to visitors within driving distance. Many hotel owners, including Kupperman, observed that the majority of guests were out-of-town tourists who had flown in for the festivities, rather than regional visitors arriving by car.

Restaurants also enjoyed a profitable Mardi Gras season, with local enthusiasm playing a significant role. One of the biggest days for dining establishments was “Friday Gras,” the Friday before Mardi Gras, which is traditionally marked by celebratory brunches and lunches. This day has become the single busiest lunch service of the year for many French Quarter restaurants.

Ultimately, Mardi Gras 2025 delivered on all fronts. Visitor numbers climbed, businesses prospered, and security measures ensured a smooth and safe celebration. While there is still room for growth, particularly in reaching pre-pandemic tourism levels, the success of this year’s Carnivale was a promising sign for the continued revitalization of New Orleans’ hospitality industry.