The French Quarter is party central, but it’s also home to thousands of locals, who do what residents everywhere do: shop for groceries and do their laundry. Forgot your razor? Fancy a bottle of wine? You don’t have to wander far to find what you need, along with an only-in-New-Orleans ambiance.
CVS (620 Decatur St.)
As in many cities, CVS is positioned directly across the street from Walgreens, and stocks many of the same items as its competitor. But insiders also know CVS as one of the best places in town to score good deals on champagne, wine and spirits.
Mary’s Ace Hardware Store (732 N. Rampart St.)
Mary’s doesn’t just stock hammers and spray paint but lots of handy stuff for visitors, from bike-repair kits to umbrellas, and perks include free coffee and off-street parking. Venture “a step above” to the second-floor kitchen & bath emporium, where you’ll also find shelves laden with local gourmet foods.
Matassa’s Market (1001 Dauphine St.)
For more than 85 years, French Quarter residents have stocked up on staples like milk and paper products at Matassa’s. But the real draw is their famous fried chicken and other hot-plate specials. The best part? This full-service grocery, deli and liquor store delivers to your door – for free!
Rouses Market (701 Royal St.)
This family-owned supermarket chain puts a distinctly local spin on grocery store staples, from grab-and-go boiled crawfish (in season) to dozens of fiery hot sauces. Rouse’s also boasts an excellent selection of wine, beer and spirits, which you can pick up on the fly until 1 a.m.
Suds Dem Duds (1101 Bourbon St.)
Got a load of laundry to do? Fire up your laptop with free Wi-Fi while your clothes cycle through the coin-up machines. Or get the VIP service, and ask for a pickup. Suds Dem Duds returns your clean, folded laundry the same day.
Walgreens (619 Decatur St.)
It’s got everything you’d expect at your own local Walgreens, including sunscreen essentials for tropical weather. But the Decatur St. branch is housed in an art deco building, complete with neon arches, and boasts a trove of New Orleans souvenirs like pralines and Cafe du Monde coffee, priced lower than in Quarter tourist shops.
And yes, you can walk to all of these places from this hotel. Take advantage of the Hotel St. Marie specials, group rates, and best-rate guarantee for greater savings to spend on New Orleans famous French Quarter cuisine and enjoy everything this magnificent city has to offer. Reserve your room today!