Accommodations

Where to Stay in New Orleans With 11-30 Guests

Finding accommodations for 11-30 people in New Orleans is hard. Most rentals cap at 10. Here are your actual options from locals who've solved this problem.

Last updated: January 2026

If you’re trying to book accommodations in New Orleans for more than 10 people, you’ve already discovered the problem: there’s almost nowhere to stay.

Search Airbnb for places that sleep 15, 20, or 25 guests and you’ll find a handful of sketchy listings—most of which are multiple units that don’t actually connect, or properties way out in Metairie.

This isn’t a search algorithm issue. It’s a regulation issue. And understanding it will save you hours of frustration.

Why New Orleans Has So Few Large Group Rentals

In 2019, New Orleans passed strict short-term rental regulations. Among the rules: most residential properties can only host up to 10 guests.

The result? Hundreds of options for groups of 10 or fewer. Cross that threshold to 11, and your choices drop to almost nothing.

We know this problem well—because we’re the ones who solved it.

Your Best Options for 11-30 Guests

We operate two properties specifically designed for large groups. Both are locally owned, professionally managed, and actually permitted for the guest counts we advertise (no sneaking around regulations).


Castleday Retreats — Private Luxury in the Bywater

Three private villas in the Bywater, each sleeping up to 30 guests. Curated local art throughout—each property is a gallery of New Orleans creativity.

The properties:

  • The Herald – Spacious layout with large common areas
  • The Cocodrie – Stunning pool and outdoor space
  • The Florentine – Elegant interiors, gorgeous for photos

What you get:

  • Your own private pool at each villa
  • Local art and custom design throughout
  • Full kitchens for group meals
  • Bywater location—walk to Bacchanal Wine, 10 min to French Quarter
  • Complete privacy—no shared spaces with other guests

Best for: Groups who want total seclusion. Bachelorettes who want their own pool. Corporate retreats that need privacy for working sessions.

Check availability at Castleday →


The Syd — Art-Filled Villas in the Lower Garden District

Multiple villas in the Lower Garden District, each sleeping up to 22 guests. Every room designed by local New Orleans artists—it’s like staying inside the city’s creative soul.

What you get:

  • Heated pool, hot tub, sauna, outdoor kitchen (shared between units)
  • Stunning local art and custom furnishings throughout
  • One block from St. Charles Streetcar
  • Walking distance to French Quarter, Convention Center, Superdome
  • Most central location for large groups in the city

Best for: Groups who want to be in the middle of everything. Wedding parties near downtown venues. Corporate groups attending conventions. Anyone who appreciates design and wants to meet other travelers.

Check availability at The Syd →


Quick Comparison

Factor Castleday The Syd
Location Bywater (artsy, local) Lower Garden District (uptown-ish)
Max guests 30 per villa 22 per villa
Pool Private to each villa Shared heated pool + hot tub
Vibe Secluded retreat Social, art-filled
Walk to French Quarter 10 min Uber 10 min walk
Best for Privacy seekers Convenience seekers

Other Options (If We’re Booked)

Multiple Adjacent Rentals

Book 2-3 rentals near each other on Airbnb.

Pros: More availability, can sometimes find deals

Cons: Your group is literally separated. No shared common space. Coordinating logistics is a pain.

Tips if you go this route:

  • Search for properties on the same block
  • Message hosts to confirm they’re actually close
  • Pick one property as “home base” for gatherings

Hotels With Room Blocks

Some hotels can block rooms on the same floor.

Best options: The Roosevelt, Ace Hotel, Hotel Peter & Paul, The Pontchartrain

Pros: Concierge handles logistics, no cleaning

Cons: Everyone retreats to separate rooms. Much more expensive. No kitchen.


What to Avoid

“Sleeps 20” listings that are actually 2-3 separate units: Read carefully. Many Airbnb listings advertise large capacity but are multiple disconnected apartments. You’ll be across the hall from each other, not actually together.

Properties outside city limits: Some listings in Metairie or Kenner advertise large capacity. You’ll spend your whole trip in Ubers and miss the point of visiting New Orleans.

Party houses with bad reviews: Check recent reviews. Noise complaints, security deposit issues, and “strict house rules” are red flags.


Our Honest Take

If your group is 11-30 people and you want everyone together in one place, book Castleday or The Syd. We’ve been hosting large groups in New Orleans for years, and nothing else combines the capacity, quality, and location.

Pick Castleday if you want privacy. Pick The Syd if you want to be central. Either way, you’ll have a better experience than cobbling together multiple rentals or scattering everyone across hotel rooms.


FAQs

Why is 10 the cutoff for most rentals? New Orleans city regulations limit most short-term rental permits to 10 guests maximum. Properties that can legally host more are rare.

Can I just book a 10-person rental for 15 people? Technically some people try this, but it violates the rental agreement, risks your deposit, and could get you kicked out mid-trip. Not worth it.

How far in advance should I book? For our properties, book 2-3 months ahead for regular weekends, 4-6 months for Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, and Essence Fest.

What if both Castleday and The Syd are booked? Contact us anyway. Sometimes we have cancellations, or we can point you to other legitimate options we trust.