New Orleans vs Charleston: Which City is Better for Team Retreats? (2026)

As you plan your next team retreat, consider this: a staggering 70% of employees report feeling more engaged after a well-planned offsite, but only 30% of companies actually invest in them. Choosing the right location can make all the difference, and two of the most vibrant cities in the South—New Orleans and Charleston—offer unique experiences for corporate events. But which city will best meet your team's needs in 2026?

Overview: Why Choose New Orleans or Charleston?

New Orleans

• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
• Getting There: Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) is just 20 minutes from downtown.

Charleston

• Best Seasons: Spring (March to May) is ideal, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
• Getting There: Charleston International Airport (CHS) is about 15 minutes from the city center.

Both cities are rich in culture, history, and culinary delights, making them perfect destinations for team-building. Let's dive into the venue options and activities each city has to offer.

Venue Comparison Table

| Venue Name | City | Capacity | Price/Person/Night | Best For | Standout Feature | F&B Included | |---------------------------------|---------------|----------------|---------------------|---------------------------|-------------------------------|--------------| | The Ritz-Carlton | New Orleans | 300 | $300-450 | Large conferences | Rooftop pool | Yes | | Ace Hotel | New Orleans | 150 | $200-350 | Creative workshops | Unique art decor | Yes | | The Historic Cotton Exchange | New Orleans | 200 | $150-250 | Team-building activities | Authentic local history | Yes | | The Dewberry | Charleston | 200 | $250-400 | Executive retreats | Luxurious Southern elegance | Yes | | The Francis Marion Hotel | Charleston | 350 | $180-300 | Large gatherings | Rooftop views | Yes | | The Charleston Place | Charleston | 500 | $300-500 | High-profile events | Spa and wellness facilities | Yes | | The Pontchartrain Hotel | New Orleans | 150 | $150-250 | Small teams | Historic charm | Yes | | The Westin Charleston | Charleston | 400 | $200-350 | Conferences and expos | Waterfront views | Yes |

Venue Recommendations by Group Size

Best for Large Groups (200+)

1. The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans: Capacity of 300, ideal for large conferences with extensive facilities.
2. The Charleston Place: Capacity of 500, perfect for high-profile events with luxury amenities.

Best for Small Teams (Under 150)

1. The Pontchartrain Hotel, New Orleans: Capacity of 150, offers historic charm and intimate spaces.
2. Ace Hotel, New Orleans: Capacity of 150, great for creative workshops with a vibrant atmosphere.

Our Top Picks

• Budget-Friendly: The Historic Cotton Exchange, New Orleans - $150-250 per person.
• Luxury Experience: The Dewberry, Charleston - $250-400 per person.
• Best for Unique Atmosphere: Ace Hotel, New Orleans - $200-350 per person.

Activities to Enhance Your Retreat

New Orleans Activities

1. Mardi Gras World Tour - 2 hours, 10-30 people, $50/person, moderate energy. Explore the magic of Mardi Gras!
2. Cooking Class at the New Orleans School of Cooking - 3 hours, 10-20 people, $75/person, high energy. Team bonding through cuisine.
3. Ghost Tour - 2 hours, 10-50 people, $30/person, low energy. A spooky way to learn local history.

Charleston Activities

1. Historic Walking Tour - 2 hours, 10-25 people, $25/person, low energy. Discover the rich history of Charleston.
2. Plantation Tour - 4 hours, 10-50 people, $60/person, moderate energy. Experience Southern heritage firsthand.
3. Kayaking in Shem Creek - 3 hours, 6-20 people, $45/person, high energy. A fun outdoor adventure.

Sample 3-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome

• Morning: Arrive at venue
• Afternoon: Welcome lunch and team introductions
• Evening: Group dinner at a local restaurant

Day 2: Team Building and Activities

• Morning: Workshops in the venue
• Afternoon: Breakout sessions or activities (choose from above)
• Evening: Dinner and evening stroll in the historic district

Day 3: Reflection and Departure

• Morning: Wrap-up meeting
• Afternoon: Team lunch and feedback session
• Evening: Depart home

Budget Breakdown for a Typical Team Size of 20

| Category | Cost/Person | Total Cost | |----------------------|-------------|------------| | Venue | $200 | $4,000 | | F&B | $100 | $2,000 | | Activities | $75 | $1,500 | | Travel | $200 | $4,000 | | Contingency (5%) | - | $375 | | Total Estimated Cost | - | $11,875 |

Conclusion: Clear Action Items

1. Choose Your City: Decide between New Orleans and Charleston based on your team's preferences.
2. Select a Venue: Use the comparison table to identify the best venue for your group size and budget.
3. Plan Activities: Incorporate team-building activities into your itinerary to enhance engagement and bonding.
4. Budget Wisely: Use the budget breakdown to allocate funds effectively and anticipate costs.

To get started on planning your perfect team retreat, consider reaching out for tailored options.