Angola Prison Rodeo

We recently went to the Angola Prison Rodeo in April. I didn%26#39;t see alot of info posted on the rodeo so here%26#39;s some info in case anyone is planning to go in October 2009 or April on next year.

First suggestion: WEAR BOOTS! We were there after about 3 days of rain and the place was a soggy mess. We were ankle deep in mud since they park everyone on the grass outside the rodeo arena. A total mess. We couldn%26#39;t figure out what all the guards were doing on ATV%26#39;s with big tires strapped to the front of them until we tried to leave and realized we were stuck in Mississippi mud! The car didn%26#39;t move. The guards had to get behind us with the ATV and push us until we were unstuck.

The rodeo is well worth seeing. The inmates are nuts to get into the arena with the bulls and the horses, but they do it. And bring money. The hobby craft section, where the inmates can sell their craft work is incredible. Some of them are very talented. If you live locally and can carry large items home, they make beautiful rocking chairs and porch swings. We had to stick to smaller items but in general, much of what was offered was well done.

You get past the fact that the inmates are among you very quickly. Many are just eager to talk and you can tell that they look forward to this every year. If anyone is going and would like more info, I%26#39;ll be happy to share more info.

first thing you do...

so, i know this doesn%26#39;t necessarily apply to our local experts (worldtraveler, caseyno, AshtonsBnB) but what%26#39;s the FIRST thing you do upon arrival in New Orleans (and after you drop off your things-ha ha)?

Mine is proceed immeadiately to Cafe du Monde for beignets and iced cafe au lait! And THEN lunch at Coops (which I never finish) and THEN a Hurricane at Lafittes. Can%26#39;t mess with perfection!

first thing you do...

Almost the same as yours...first was Cafe du Monde, then Lafitte%26#39;s for the hurricane (and even a bloody mary) and then Coops for dinner (I did finish!).

first thing you do...

wisteacher...my sister in law loves Lafittes Bloody Mary%26#39;s, and I love the cajun beans that come in them! Last time we were there the bartender offered to %26#39;make%26#39; me a cup of them.

sooooooooooooooo goood.

sometimes, it%26#39;s different for me. Usually I arrive around 5pm on Friday, so we usually drop everything off at our hotel, hit the walgreen%26#39;s and the store that sells liqour on Royal st to grab some essentials for our room (snacks, water, alcohol-for our pre drinks) and then we head back to our room to get ready for a fun-filled night on Bourbon st. Our first stop on Bourbon is always Pat O%26#39;s, we enjoy the courtyard, where we usually have two hurricanes, and start mingling with people around us (since we%26#39;re really starting to feel the effect of the hurricane..so, if you run into a group of 3 or 4 girls from Canada..it may just be us...we really LOVE to talk to everyone around us..but doesn%26#39;t everyone after they%26#39;ve had a couple hurricanes??? LOL) then we make our way back onto Bourbon for some dancing..always a great first night :)

I can%26#39;t wait for my next trip in July, I will arrive on Thursday night instead of the usual Fri, so I%26#39;m sure things will be a little different...I really want to try the hurricane at Lafittes, you have me sold Kel-it%26#39;s a must-do for the next trip-can%26#39;t wait!!! We will also be hitting the funky pirate to see Big Al...so sad, I know, I have been so many times, but have yet to sit and listen to Big Al (we%26#39;ve peered in from Bourbon, but never sat and enjoyed a set)...another must-do for sure!!!

I enjoy the beignets, but I don%26#39;t love them, and I really don%26#39;t need the beignet fix (sorry, I%26#39;m sure a lot of you are cringing at that...LOL) but I do have to visit Cafe Du Monde at least once on my trip, honestly, I like the atmosphere more than the beignets themselves, especially when there are performers to watch, that truly is a moment of wow, I%26#39;m in New Orleans :)

Since we usually stay at the Place D%26#39; Armes, and arrive mid-afternoon, we drop the bags, check the room, open the French doors to the balcony and soak up NO for a minute or two.

Then it%26#39;s off to Napoleon House for a muffuletta and an avocado salad with shrimp remoulaude and Sazeracs and a Pimm%26#39;s cups.

Sit out on the patio and celebrate the fact that we are back.

Last trip it was drop off bags, grab a drink (lafitte%26#39;s) then a stroll to Coop%26#39;s for dinner (combination plate)...back to Bourbon to hear Big Al then to Fritzels...probably won%26#39;t mess much with that it really worked well for us:=)

This year it was drop off the bags and then Napoleon House for a muffuletta. After that it was a walk around with an ambita amber to soak up some warm sunshine

Hey, I%26#39;m a balcony girl! I agree with GumboK, I open those narrow french doors and just soak up the atmosphere for a bit. Of course this is after the drive into the city where I almost hang my head out the cab window (or my own if we%26#39;re driving) to smell the air, and try not to howl with joy at the fact that, Yes, I%26#39;m really in New Orleans again!

After all that, we head for one of the following: Coop%26#39;s for fried chicken, Pierre Maspero%26#39;s for the bbq shrimp po-boy, or Johnny%26#39;s for anything. Then (fat and happy) we go to Rouses for the essentials, and then some wandering around the Quarter just happy to be there. Eventually the booze siren will begin to sing, and we head to Lafittes or Huge-A** beers, depending on our mood. We usually end our first night (and most afterward) with a huge hot roast beef po-boy and diet cokes from Quarter Master, or an All that Jazz po-boy from Verti Marte. Yes, we are total pigs while on vacation!! I%26#39;ve just worked off the food-baby I gained at mardi gras, and now I%26#39;ll find it again when we go back in June! So worth it, though. Stairmaster, here I come!

We usually arrive early Thursday evening, drop bags, walk and drink for about an hour and then catch dinner. Walking around the FQ is my favorite part of our trip each year-love to watch performers and people in general! We always spend a great deal of our evenings at Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop, usually for hurricanes!!

1st breakfast (eaten at lunch time) is always at Petunia%26#39;s for a carb fix after all of that drinking!

I will be there on the 12th. After dropping off bags at Omni Royal Orleans, will get a bloody mary at 1st bar I can find - probably Napolean%26#39;s or Acme (some oysters too). Then on to Lafitte%26#39;s to switch to Hurricanes then to Coops to eat/drink/whatever.

thanks for all the replies everyone! It%26#39;s so funny how we all have our little %26#39;routines%26#39;

dolmatt, i believe you were in NoLA same time as I was in December-if that happens again, we%26#39;ll have to meet for hurricanes at Lafittes! Also, since you%26#39;re getting in on Thursday, and mentioned you love to dance, check out 80%26#39;s night (I believe it%26#39;s called ';Fast Times 80%26#39;s Dance Party) at One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse. It%26#39;s the reason I always fly in on a thursday. Cheap drinks, great music and a really neat atmosphere. I don%26#39;t usually get there until after 11, but it%26#39;s a blast!

-kel

New Orleans Garden District

We%26#39;re going to New Orleans for our daughter%26#39;s graduation from college in May. We have been looking at the Pontchartrain and the Qaulity Suites on St. Charles, but the comments on this site are making us hesitate. We think we found a good alternative in the Residence Suites near the Superdome, especially as it is a 2-bedroom suite (we are bringing our 19-year-old son). Is that an area that will be fairly accessible to the Garden District?

And is this is a pretty nice place?

New Orleans Garden District

I%26#39;m not familiar withthe hotel but if it is near the dome you will be just a short/brisk walk (5 -7 blocks, 175 yards or so) form the St Charles street car line that would take you to the other hotels you mentioned. I would also check with the Drury Inns and Suites in NO. Their prices should be competitive with the others you mentioned. It is beside the Street car line and is avery nice hotel that is centrally located between the Garden District and the FQ. Some have said that they get better rates dealing directly with thew hotel. Be sure to get the $5 all-day pass and you can use all 3 lines with unlimited on and off travel and see the area. I stay often at the Hyatt which is just beside the dome. the area is nice enough.

New Orleans Garden District

If you want to be near or in the Garden District try some B%26amp;B%26#39;s. We love the McKendrick-Breaux House in the lower GD. If that%26#39;s too much $$ try some of the newer chains in the Warehouse District -- Embassy, Springhill, Courtyard

The Quality Inn on St. Charles is right on the street car line with a stop directly in front. If you are going to be going to Tulane or Loyola, it would be very convenient. It is not, however, in the Garden District and the location, while I think safe, isn%26#39;t a particularly pretty or charming area. It%26#39;s pretty busy and metro. Right next to a Wendy%26#39;s, but right across from Emerils. I don%26#39;t know what it%26#39;s like inside, but if you are mostly interested in convenience for getting to the universities, it might be a good choice.

The Pontchartrain is quaint and nice. Although it shows a little age, we still love it. We had the Richard Burton suite (named for a frequent guest of that name) once, complete with a bust of Marc Antony in a vignette off the living room. You won%26#39;t get that at the Quality Inn.

A bit farther toward downtown is the LaFayette on St. Charles Ave. This is an elegant boutique hotel with only 44 rooms, including a few beautiful suites. It%26#39;s 15 minutes from Tulane/Loyola by streetcar which runs in fron to f the hotel.

You%26#39;re only going to make this trip once, so why not skip the chains and grasp a little of old new Orleans?

We just got back from Loyola%26#39;s ';family weekend'; and had a fantastic stay at the Maison Perrier. (you can see plenty of positive reviews on tripadvisor under B and B';s) The location is perfect if you are going to Tulane or Loyola. If you dont want to rent a car, or prefer to leave it at the Perrier, the St Charles streetcar is only a short two block walk in a lovely neighborhood. The proprietors couldnt be more helpful---maps,dinner reservations etc. Our last stay was at the Ritz Carlton and we really prefered the service and accomodations at the Perrier.

I know that I%26#39;m responding to an old post but this may help someone. The Pontchartrain is closed and being converted to a senior%26#39;s home. It was a fine old dame for many many years and will be missed. I can%26#39;t recommend the Quality Inn Maison on St. Charles St. It%26#39;s not in a very good area. The rooms are ok but the bathrooms are weak. You really need to be further west on St. Charles to be in the Garden District. Consider the Hamton Inn or a B%26amp;B in the area.

cajun bus tour

I was last in Nola the year before Katrina. I remember taking a bus tour. The driver was cajun and told wonderful stories and he drove us to his ';Family homesite';?? we saw a stage show of dancing and music in the cajun style and we also had lunch while there. Can anyone help me out here? I seem to recall that the tour lasted about 4 hours. Thanks for any help....

Just asking your opinion

my husband %26amp; I will be in NOLA in a few weeks. I can%26#39;t wait! We arrive on a thursday early afternoon and are leaving sunday afternoon. I want to try/see as many things as I can in that time. we were there a few years ago with another couple but pretty much walked up %26amp; down Bourbon st. We went to a few places to eat but their names escape me right now. Over the past few years we have come to enjoy cajun food but are looking forward to the real deal. So I was just wondering your opinions on the best....po-boys,muffaleta, fried chicken, jambalaya and any other cajun/creole specialty. We%26#39;re probably going to skip a fancy dinner and keep it simple. I also want to try a cemetery tour and probably take the street car to the Garden District. I%26#39;m not sure about a swamp tour yet.

Thank you in advance. Everyone%26#39;s reviews are so helpful!!!

Just asking your opinion

Those are pretty loaded questions, but for po-boys, the best ones are all found outside the Quarter. I like Domilise%26#39;s (Uptown), Parasol%26#39;s (garden district), Crabby Jack%26#39;s (jefferson), and Parkway Bakery and Tavern (mid-city). Luizza%26#39;s by the Track has an awesome BBQ shrimp po-boy too.

Just asking your opinion

For muffalettas, Napoleon House is very reasonable and has great atmosphere!

Don%26#39;t forget to try Coop%26#39;s for great fried chicken and jambalaya...my favourite!!! :)

Trip Report - Jazzfest

I write this from my sofa as I have eaten soooo much food in NOLA I can no longer walk!!

Spent 6 days from 22 April. Stayed at 3 hotels (all free with reward points)-

1. Holiday Inn Express Downtown, fine, nice room, ok location.

2. W French Quarter - LOVED it - wish we%26#39;d had enough points to stay here all week.

3. Four Points near the airport - ok airport hotel with free shuttle.

Day 1 - arrived late afternoon, so just dropped bags at hotel and went for small dinner at Crescent City Brewery. Pick up the 1st hurricane of the trip to drink on the way back to the hotel

Day 2 - Woke up early due to jetlag so went for breakfast at Cafe du monde (usual first morning ritual!). Wandered round the FQ for a few hours then over to the Warehouse district, which was a new area for me.

After lunch and beer at Gordon Biersch, got the ferry over to Algiers Point (again another first) then back over to Riverwalk for a wander round the shops. Noticed a lot of shops have closed since my last visit in 2004, and the food court was also half closed.

A few 3-4-1 beers on a bourbon street balcony and then to Oceana Grill for dinner. Very nice and HUGE portions. Another hurricane at Pat O%26#39;s after then bed.

Day 3 - JAZZFEST baby! Got the streetcar for $1.25, so much better than the $16 shuttle! Wandered from stage to stage, catching parts of sets and soaking up the atmosphere. All were great, finished up at Joe Cocker.

Thanks to this forum had a great Cochon de lait po boy!

Got the bus back to town, quick shower than out to Bourbon Street. More beers on the balcony, and a cocktail at Napolean House, then off to the Alpine for dinner (another restuarant.com coupon) which was nice then to bed (jetlag%26#39;s a killer, especially after a day in the sun!)

Day 4 - picked up the hire car and drove over to Zam%26#39;s Swamp Tours in Thibodaux. Good, although there was a lot of river traffic, so didn%26#39;t see many gators.

Stopped off at Laura Plantation on the way back which was excellent.

Ate at Star Steak %26amp; Lobster (another restuarant.com coupon), had a great filet mignon. Then off to Pat O%26#39;s for more hurricane%26#39;s, which was packed.

Day 5 - Shopping day! Went to the Tangers outlets then Lakeside Mall to make the most of the tax free shopping. Spent far too much.....

For dinner went to Petunia%26#39;s - OMG they are the world%26#39;s BIGGEST portions! Only downside? The roaches in the bathrooms :-(

Went to see Big Al that evening (again thanks to this forum) - oh wow he%26#39;s great! Bought a couple of CD%26#39;s

Day 6 - Last full day. Checked into the W, then took the streetcar and went for lunch at Commanders. Good food, reasonably priced and great 25c martinis! However we were the youngest people there by about 30 years!

Wandered round the GD and Magazine street to work off lunch - by this point my feet have had enough! Took the streetcar back to see the new hotel - loved it! Then more wandering around the FQ.

Went to Preservation Hall that evening, which was great as always, via Pat O%26#39;s.

Day 7 - last wander round the FQ, and some last bits of shopping. Had lunch at Louisian Pizza Kitchen. Got our tax refunds, a few drinks on Bourbon, then taxi to the airport hotel ready for the next leg - Vegas baby!

Sure I%26#39;ve forgotten things or mixed them up, but we had a great time! Never made it to Frenchman St, so we have an excuse to go back again!

Trip Report - Jazzfest

Great report, thank you. You certainly had a full few days.

I just got back from my 1st trip to NOLA. It%26#39;s just the best, isn%26#39;t it?? :)

Trip Report - Jazzfest

Another new Big Al fan. Glad you had a nice trip. Great report, thanks.

Thanks for your report! Alpine, Oceana and Star Steak and Lobster are all under the same ownership and get mixed reviews, but glad you enjoyed. I love outlet malls!

yes we knew they were all the same. Had been to Alpine several times on previous trips so knew what to expect, and had seen mixed reviews of Oceana Grill.

However our meals at all 3 were good (not fantastic, but good and good value, especially with $25 off!)

Yup, everyone I know who has eaten there has used the Restaurants.com coupon, which as a business tactic sure has paid off for the restaurant.

Restaurant.com would have to give it free and tie me up and force feed me to go to Alpine or Oceana and probably kicking and screaming into Star Steak %26amp; Lobster. And thats from giving each place 3 chances over the years...maybe there has been a culinary miracle occur?

maybe it just depends what you have? As I say I have been to Alpine around 5/6 times in 10 years, never had a bad meal there (again not saying they are great, but was good). Oceana and Star was a first for us, but I%26#39;ve certainly had worse meals!

lips

Swamp Toures

Hi,

3 couples intend to be to NO on September.

We need a recommendation about Swamp Tour Company.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Oshra

Swamp Toures

Honey Island Swamp Tours or Cajun Encounters. Both are excellent tour companies that offer pick-up to/from hotels in the area.

Swamp Toures

Thanks

Oshra

We recently did the airboat tour with airboat adventures out of Lafitte (about a 20 minute drive from New Orleans)

It was terrific! We ended up getting a private tour as the group coming from the hotel was late.

I%26#39;ve been on 3 swamp tours, this was by far the best!

The cost, however, is much more then the regular swamp tours.

I did the swamp tour with Cajun Encounters last month, and enjoyed it very much. Our guide/driver was very entertaining, and it was the most relaxing thing I did on my trip. Highly recommend it!

Thank you all

Oshra

Courtyard Tour - Le Monde Creole

Hi,

I will be coming to New Orleans next week (YEAH!!!!!!) and am wondering if anyone has any opinions on the tour. Love the idea of the courtyards as I am always wanting to peek in them when I am walking around. I have only read a couple of reviews so am not sure about it.

Courtyard Tour - Le Monde Creole

I%26#39;ve heard really good reviews about this tour - one of the better French Quarter walking tours around.

I%26#39;ve done the Grayline Walking tour a few years back, which was pretty mediocre, and the Historic New Orleans French Quarter tour recently, which was just okay.

Courtyard Tour - Le Monde Creole

It is a very good tour and even covered the Pharmacy Museum..my only drawback was doing it in the heat of summer but next week should be great.

Thanks!!! I am starting to count hours now----I will be the one with the bloody mary/hurricane permanently attached to my hand....

We went on this tour over Easter and really enjoyed it. It was recommended by one of the tour guides at the Laura Plantation, because it highlights the town life of that plantation family. I really like seeing the back courtyards especially because the streets seem claustrophobic but the courtyards are very tranquil. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Afterwards I asked for a lunch recommendation at a restaurant that has a courtyard. We went to Napoleon%26#39;s and really enjoyed it.

Culinary History Tour

Has nayone had any experience with the Culinary History Tour? We are heading to NOLA tomorrow %26amp; looking for some new and different things to do and came acorss it online. All the reviews on their website are positive but of course they%26#39;d be!

Thanks!

Kate

Culinary History Tour

It would suggest it only if you%26#39;re a real foodie and are specifically interested in culinary history. Of the restaurants you visit, Tujague%26#39;s and Napoleon House are the better ones; I%26#39;d pass on Antoine%26#39;s.

Otherwise, spend the $40+ on a great dinner, and take the free French Quarter walking tour offered by the National Park Service.

Culinary History Tour

Take advantage of the %26#39;coolinary%26#39; dinners offered at many restaurants (you often have to ask for the special menu) for fixed price and this summer special will be ending about Labor Day. Great bargains at the top restaurants.

You will buy a 3-hour tour, and will spend 2 hours %26amp; 50 minutes listening to the guide fill the time with ridiculous and uninformative information. You%26#39;ll get 10 minutes TOPS of eating time, and it will be paltry bits of food (2 oz of gumbo in a paper cup eaten on the sidewalk outside a restaurant, or a crumb of praline passed on a plate, etc et c.) Meanwhile, most of the tour overhyped as ';behind the scenes'; is concentrated in Antoine%26#39;s 14 (yes, 14) dining rooms where the guide feels compelled to spend 5 - 10 minutes PER ROOM!

Yes, I%26#39;m not exagerrating. If you%26#39;re not in Antoines, you%26#39;re on the street squeezed up against the wall as cars, trucks, and people move by. TRUST ME ON THIS: Take your money, find a good restaurant, and spend 3 hours eating, drinking and soaking up true New Orleans hospitality. This could have been a fabulous tour, But the operators are both cheap and lazy.

Dawnwinters, thanks for the informative review. Hopefully others will read this and will save their money. Again, thanks.

We did the tour over Easter. Overall I enjoyed it but the negative reviews are not really exaggerating. It wasn%26#39;t a foodie experience but it was an interesting and tasty way to see the town. The cooking demo in the courtyard of the cooking supply shop was a big highlight.

hotel st pierre new orleans

I have seen very mixed reviews about hotel st pierre. Although most of bad ones have been old. Does anyone have any recent knowledge about this place. Location and parking sound good and photo on ta look good

hotel st pierre new orleans

I%26#39;ve had two different friends who stayed there several years ago (more old reviews for you!) and the place wasn%26#39;t very good. It%26#39;s quite possible that it got a post-Katrina upgrade, however. If the recent tripadvisor reviews are good, then it may be worth a shot. Do remember that the hotel is older (old plumbing, etc), has several buildings and will likely have a lot of charm. Some people like historic properties, others prefer the generic ';I know what I%26#39;m getting'; Marriotts. The St. Pierre is no Marriott. :-)

hotel st pierre new orleans

I stay there about twice a year. My most recent trip was Dec. 2008. I%26#39;ve written a couple of the reviews about the St. Pierre on here.

Bottom line is that it%26#39;s an older hotel with some old hotel issues, but they%26#39;ve improved a lot over time. Like the other person said, this ain%26#39;t on Marriott. Some room are better than others. On my Dec. trip I had to change rooms. I liked the room they moved me to. I%26#39;m planing another trip in May.

Depends on what you want and what you are going to do. The St. Pierre is just around the corner from my apt. I walk by it everyday. The staff is nice and courteous, helpful if someone stops and asks a question. The hotel itself is in 3-4 old NOLA style townhouses and though I haven%26#39;t stayed there, I have stayed in similar places before my apt. They are comfortable,usually clean, but worn. The floor plans are not normal for chain hotels since these older places used to be homes.Some of the rooms even open onto the street. If you like Marriott or Holiday Inn, then you might not like St. Pierre. Think about a visit to an old aunt that you loved. Older furnishings, older bathroom, but an adventure, and usually less expensive than a big hotel. The St. Pierre is well located and safe to walk to at night...just two blocks off the 800 block of Bourbon. The small parking lot is just across the street. If you like to spend a lot of time in the hotel, then I would go for a big chain, if you love to walk in the quieter area of the Quarter and be surrounded by locals folks,local restaurants and older charm (remember some of the Quarter homes are @200 years old), then the St. Pierre might fit the bill. For comparison, other similar establishments might be the St. Peter House, Villa Convento.

I stayed there about 6 years ago. It was a nightmare. The toilet ran all night. There were water stains on the ceiling. A drunk tried to bust into our room at 4 AM. Parking was like 3 blocks away at 15.00 a pop.

STAY SOMEWHERE ELSE.

If you are driving parking could be a problem and I assume you are driving..if you stay at the St Pierre.

how much is taxi from airport?

what is current rate for a taxi from the airport? how much should you give as a tip?

how much is taxi from airport?

$12 - if you have more then 3 ppl, it could be cheaper to rent a car :)

how much is taxi from airport?

It%26#39;s $28 for 1-2 people, and $12 for 3+ people. Taxis are the cheapest option unless you are a solo traveler (aside from public transportation).

As for tip, it really depends on the drive and believe me, it can vary! A couple dollars should be fine.

Thank you!

Make sure they don%26#39;t try to hit you with the gas surcharge..that $2 fee was supposed to be lifted but many cabs are reluctant to remove it.

Hotel Rates

Hi everyone!

My husband and I are travelling to New Orleans on the 21.09.2009 and are hoping to stay 3 nights at the Omni Royal Orleans. I was going to book the hotel in February but held off and now I found the prices have dropped by nearly 拢350/$480 for the 3 nights for an advance non-refundable booking!!

Do I book now or will the prices drop even further come fall time or do I risk losing the type of room we want (i.e. king balcony room)??

Does anyone out there have any experience of this?

Thanks.

Hotel Rates

Tough call. Rates do drop in the travel industry when, or just before school gets back in session. Your date is after that, so that%26#39;s a plus.

Loosing the king - balcony is possible, but a non refundable room this far out could also be a risk to take. That would have to be your call.

Personally, I would wait and have a 2nd and 3rd hotel choice in case the type of room you want is not available.

Hotel Rates

I think the Omni has probably loaded their ';low season'; rates, hence the rate drop. I doubt they will go down again, especially for a king balcony room since the hotel doesn%26#39;t have many of them.

As the previous poster said, it%26#39;s a risk when you do the non-refundable option.

Take the rate before someone else does. That%26#39;s a good deal.

The rate is really good compared to a couple of months ago and I wouldn%26#39;t like to miss it at that rate so I may just book it now. I have booked my flights and unless the whole world is riddled with swine flu I am definitely going!!!

My husband and I stayed there 5-years ago when we got married in NOLA and there is no compromise of staying in another hotel.

Thanks for your help guys.

This really is a good rate for the Omni Royal Orleans, but you%26#39;ll be catching the tail end of hurricane season, so just make sure there is a hurricane cancellation clause in the agreement somewhere, even though it%26#39;s non-refundable.

lips

Is ot worth it?

We are arriving around 5:30. We will only be staying in New Orleans that night because we will be spending the rest of the week w/ a friend in Baton Rouge. Is it worth it to pay for a nice hotel in the FQ or just get somewhere to sleep for the night? The main reason we are staying there is so that we are already in NO in the morning to start sightseeing.

Is ot worth it?

Is it worth it? Only you can answer that. Since you said that your main reason for staying in the FQ is for sightseeing then I would reccomend staying at a mid-range hotel such as the Hotel St. Marie, Place d%26#39;Armes or the Dauphine. It sounds like you won%26#39;t be spending much time in the room so why break the bank?

Is ot worth it?

I, too, would probably choose a moderately-priced hotel like Place d%26#39;Armes if you%26#39;re just interested in a bed for the night.

The Astor Crowne Plaza or Iberville Suites might be a nice compromise between place to sleep/nice hotel without breaking the bank.

2010 NCAA Tournament

Hi, we are comimg to New Orleans next year for the NCAA tournament and are wondering where to stay. We would like a decent hotel in an area with a couple of sports bars to watch games, and if possible, walk or catch a short ride to the arena. Can anyone recommend a hotel or neighborhood that would fit the bill? We are not looking for a party-crazy atmosphere, but would enjoy hanging out at a bar or two. Thanks in advance!

Food Food Food and More Food

Does anyone know the best places to eat. Ritzy and not, does not matter too me. I would actually like to visit a nice restaurant offering a three course meal or something. Any IDEAS are welcomed. Thanks a bunch. Also can someone describe the best thing they have ever eaten in NOLA.

Food Food Food and More Food

I%26#39;d definitely do a search of this forum, since many of your questions have been asked, and there is a lot of good advice on here.

For a traditional New Orleans dinner, I would go with Commander%26#39;s Palace, Arnaud%26#39;s or Galatoire%26#39;s. For a more contemporary New Orleans dinner, I%26#39;d go with Stella!, Restaurant August, Herbsaint or Cuvee.

Food Food Food and More Food

my favorite New Orleans staple?

Beignets. I love them hot and fresh with a chaser of Iced Cafe Au lait from Cafe Du Monde.

Nothing like sitting outside at the French Quarter, listening to whatever band is playing and soaking up everything.

love. it.

also, I%26#39;m a big lover of %26#39;Coops%26#39; on Decatur. Everyone on here cheers the combination plate and the fried chicken. Unfortunately, my status as a vegetarian means I%26#39;m not eating those. However, if anyone is curious, they make the BEST veggie burger po%26#39;boy and green goddess dressing (LOL).

-kel

Coops is one of the best dive bars in Nola, with great fried chicken and rabbit jambalaya.

Central Grocery for Muffaletas, Casamentos and Parkway Bakery and Tavern for oysters and po boys, Mr B%26#39;s for amazing barbeque shrimp, Jacoe-Imo%26#39;s for great food and fun atmosphere, Bon-Ton for a more formal atmosphere and spectacular creole....and the list just keeps going on. Avoid all restaurants on Bourbon St. The food is mediocre at best and overpriced.

Bourbon St exceptions: Galatoire%26#39;s, Red Fish Grill (double chocolate bread pudding is AMAZING!), Clover Grill!

Another vote for The Clover Grill. If you like good, inexpensive food 24 hours a day served with a little attitude then this is the place. I go there on every trip. Don%26#39;t forget the free condoms in the jar by the door when you leave.

I really liked the Pelican Club (312 Exchange Pl.)It was pretty, the service was attentive, all the food was really tasty - especially the Seafood Fricasse.

yes, I love Clover Grill as well. Nothing like a big pile of tater tots to soak up all the %26#39;fun%26#39;

-k

Cuvee has a nice prix fixe, 3 course lunch on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $24. It%26#39;s a good way to try a really nice restaurant without spending a lot of money!

In no particular order and only a partial list...Lilette, Cochon, Upperline, Brigtsen%26#39;s, Herbsaint, Galatoire%26#39;s, Luke, Johnny%26#39;s Po-Boys, Domilise%26#39;s Po-Boys, Dunbar%26#39;s (in the Loyola U. Law Center), Camellia Grill, Port O%26#39;Call, August, Jacques%26#39;Imos, Clancy%26#39;s

San Francisco Plantation

Hi - we are planning on doing a combo swamp/plantation tour and I see a cajun pride option for swamp and SF Plantation. Is this plantation worth seeing (esp as the only plantation we%26#39;ll see) or should I try for a different tour? Thanks so much for all your help!!

San Francisco Plantation

Personally, I would try to see Laura Plantation or a combo of Laura and Oak Alley. San Francisco Plantation is okay, but there are better plantations/tours out there.

San Francisco Plantation

Almost my exact thoughts as world traveler said. I was somewhat disappointed in SF and the location takes the atmosphere away.

Rolex Watch

Hi

Looking for a place to buy a Rolex Watch,

Pomlea

Rolex Watch

Used Google to find your answer:

Lee Michael%26#39;s at Canal Place.

Rolex Watch

How many Rolex watches are you purchasing? You posted the same question in the SF forum.

Hi

Looking for one trying to find the best state to purchase re taxes etc and to shop around??

Cheers,

Pomlea

Hi

Had a look a lee micheals about the only watch they dont sell is Rolex,

Cheers,

Pomlea

According to Rolex%26#39;s official web site, Waldhorn and Adler on Royal St in the French Quarter, Aucoin Hart jewelers on Metairie Road, Lee Michaels in the Canal Place mall, and Adler%26#39;s are all authorized Rolex watch dealers.

Here%26#39;s information on tax free shopping in Louisiana for international visitors.

http://www.louisianataxfree.com/

The short version is that you pay sales tax when purchasing an item. When you show your passport during the transaction, you receive a voucher that entitles you to a refund of the sales tax when the voucher and the purchase receipt are presented at a tax refund center.

time of year -- climate

hi all, we are going via amtrak to new orleans late oct. early nov. is that agood time to go , can we go inthe pool their does it ever get chilly..

tank you

v.t./

time of year -- climate

The weather should be decent, at least nicer than the northeast.

October

Normal High: 80°F

Normal Low: 60°F

Normal Average: 70°F

November

Normal High: 71°F

Normal Low: 52°F

Normal Average: 61°F

time of year -- climate

Late October/early November is one of the best times to visit New Orleans. The heat and humidity should be gone by then, and the weather should be perfect! It might get a little chilly at night, but it should be quite pleasant throughout!

thank you , so much for your info..

lips

French Quarter overnight parking.

Need advice --- well be in New Orleans (French Quartes 鈥?Canal St/Burbon St) and need to find a good place to keep a car overnight (Monday to Tuesday)

Thanks!!

French Quarter overnight parking.

You can park in the Harrah%26#39;s Casino parking garage free for 24 hrs, if you play at least 30 minutes inside the casino. It%26#39;s a good deal that many people use. Otherwise, there are parking garages downtown (usually $20-25) and a $15 lot on Poydras St.

French Quarter overnight parking.

I agree - park at Harrah%26#39;s Casino. Get a Total Rewards Card at the desk (free), gamble for 1/2 hour and you can park for 24 hours free. There is no minimum gambling amount, you can play the penny slots if you want.

My husband and I do this all the time - we take the $ we would spend to park (probably $30 or so), and spend it at Harrah%26#39;s. You have the fun of gambling, get a few free drinks, and you might even win some money (like we did this past weekend).

this sounds great. But how is the car parking connected to the rewards card?

Like if I park the car at 7:00 p.m. on a Tuesday and go into gamble for an hour, then leave the car.

what happens if I don%26#39;t pick it up until 8:00 a.m. on Thursday?

I pay only for the time past the 24 hours? What if I play again at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday night, am I safe?

Not trying to cheat the system, just want to make sure I understand how it works and play by the rules, thanks!

You could park at 7 a.m. on a Tuesday (example) and as long as you play 1/2 hour before 7 a.m. on Wednesday, your parking would be free. Then you would have to move your car (we literally take our van out, drive it around the block, get a new parking ticket and start the next 24 hour period). You would have to move your vehicle once in every 24 hour period.

If it%26#39;s just overnight, a street space may make sense. Metered parking ends at 6pm and starts (I think) at 8am. If you are within those hours, I%26#39;d park on the street!

but there literally is NO parking space on the streets in New Orleans ESPECIALLY on a weekend and ESPECIALLY during Mardi Gras.. Harrahs is sooo easy I%26#39;d advise anyone to gamble for 30 mins and use the Harrahs parking garage

If it%26#39;s monday to tuesday I%26#39;d use the Harrah%26#39;s lot for certain. Meters go into effect early and there are numerous other quirks prohibiting parking during the business week. Parking in Harrah%26#39;s garages, no matter when you get up, you%26#39;ll have no concern about the vehicle being illegally parked and possibly towed.

I found out last trip that you don%26#39;t have to play 30 minutes every 24 hours. We left our car there for 4 days, and only played 30 minutes on day 2. When you get your ticket validated-that%26#39;s all you need. It%26#39;s really a good deal.

Thanks so much to the original person who posted, and to all those who replied--this is incredibly helpful info!! I%26#39;m staying at the Sheraton, just up the block from Harrah%26#39;s, and plan to spend a little while gambling anyway, but I want to avoid the $30+ ';valet'; parking at the hotel.

We%26#39;ll definitely take advantage of Harrah%26#39;s free parking. Thanks again!!

Chatted with a friend from Harrah%26#39;s tonight. She told me they are looking into the parking cost structure for cars left for long periods. There may soon be a time limit of 8 or 12 hours for the free parking. Nothing set in stone yet, though.

Thoughts on the Andrew Jackson Hotel

What are you%26#39;re thoughts on the Andrew Jackson hotel? Location wisse, it%26#39;s pretty much as great as the Place D%26#39;Armes, but much cheaper.

However, there aren%26#39;t many reviews, and a few aren%26#39;t the best. Granted though, a lot of them are the same you see on a lot of ';boutique'; hotels reviews (small, old, etc.).

Gotta find a way to go back to FQF next year!! Txs as always! :)

Thoughts on the Andrew Jackson Hotel

Well if you get the free NOLA guide book there%26#39;s a coupon for a free night there. I have spoken with the assistant GM, Stu Underwood and he has been very helpful. You%26#39;re right, the reviews are mixed but given the price I would probably try staying there in the near future.

Thoughts on the Andrew Jackson Hotel

I still have my NOLA guide at home, will have to check out the coupon. Probably will have expired by next April, but if they did once, they might do it again next year. Hummmm.

I have Stu%26#39;s email address. Write to me if you want it. I am willing to bet he would honor the coupon if you booked well in advance. It%26#39;s buy 2 nights, get the 3rd night free.

Txs Paul, appreciate it (and will keep in mind)but I%26#39;m not going to book anything right now. I%26#39;m going to wait and hopefully I%26#39;ll be able to find a good seat sale for next April (which won%26#39;t be now, too early).

Good luck. Planning the trip is half the fun of going. :-)

looks like a decent hotel, it was featured on the haunted history ghost tour...spooky!!! LOL

How come I have never heard of this hotel?! %26gt;:(

You%26#39;ve heard of it, you%26#39;ve had to.

www.andrewjacksonhotel.com/guestrooms.html

You%26#39;ve never heard of it?? Oh oh, that can%26#39;t be good.

Oh wait! I%26#39;ve seen it - just don%26#39;t know anyone who has stayed there! The photos look nice, but don%26#39;t really know much about the place!

getting from one end of the quarter to another

We%26#39;ll be at the Hampton on Carondelet. I want to get a few snacks and some beer for the room. Does Walgreens in the quarter sell beer? (most Walgreens don%26#39;t any more).

Also, I know there%26#39;s a store at St Peter and Royal. Do we have to walk the mile back to our hotel? Are there buses running down the main streets during the day or taxi%26#39;s?

getting from one end of the quarter to another

I believe some local stores on Canal sell beer but I%26#39;m not 100% positive. Royal/St Peter isn%26#39;t that far from your hotel, though. It%26#39;s a 10-12 minute walk.

getting from one end of the quarter to another

There%26#39;s a liquor store right across from the Holiday Inn on Royal St (the Canal St. end). It%26#39;s a bit rough looking but it is safe and busy. I%26#39;m not sure either if the Walgreens on Royal sell beer.

Hmm good question. Beer is sold at so many places I never have noticed if Walgreens sells it too. Just call the store-that would be your quickest option.

Walgreen%26#39;s sells beer on Canal and Royal.

Thank you for the Walgreen%26#39;s confirmation. I hate to be running all over. This is the first vacation where we didn%26#39;t rent a car and I just wanted to get some info ahead of time

I do the same thing, except it%26#39;s a bottle of rum instead of the beer.

You can always have it delivered. Verti Marte and Quarter Master both deliver, and both sell beer.

We stayed at the Hampton on Carondelet for Mardi Gras a couple of years ago, and I seem to remember that the Walgreens on Canal sells beer. One of the things I loved about the location of this hotel was that we had to pass the 24-hour Krystal on Bourbon (which turns into Carondelet when it crosses Canal St.) when we walked back from a night of Bourbon St. sipping and people-watching. Munching those hot, greasy little squares saved me from a few hangovers!

I posted this yestersday but don%26#39;t see it. There is also Rouse%26#39;s Supermarket on Royal. 701 Royal Street. While you are there, get some Hubig pies. YUM!

BBQ shrimp

Who%26#39;s is better Pascal Manale%26#39;s or Mr B%26#39;s?

BBQ shrimp

Manale%26#39;s has been inconsistent and hands down Mr. B%26#39;s

BBQ shrimp

Mr B%26#39;s wins. Last time I had them at Pascal Manale%26#39;s they seemed like they were soggy and not freshly prepared.

mr. B%26#39;s.

Definitely Mr. B%26#39;s Bistro!

Recently, I ate at Eat Restaurant in the French Quarter, and I was impressed by their BBQ shrimp version too, which I would also rate as better than Pascal Manale%26#39;s.

Oh Mr. B%26#39;s hands down.

This issue is not up for debate. Mr. B%26#39;s.

Bourbon House - great BBQ shrimp

Mr B%26#39;s, and make sure you get the fried oysters with the hollandaise sauce. While we were there we meet Ron, one of the managers of Mr. B%26#39;s. He was a great guy to hang out and party with. The girlfriend and I cant wait to go back.

Mr B%26#39;s and get the cookbook

Need rec. on good place for business lunch in F.Q.

Entertaining clients during conference--where would be a good place to take them for lunch?

Need rec. on good place for business lunch in F.Q.

Mr. B%26#39;s Bistro, Palace Cafe, and Bayona come to mind in the French Quarter. In the Warehouse District/downtown area near the Convention Center, I%26#39;d recommend Cuvee or Cafe Adelaide.

Need rec. on good place for business lunch in F.Q.

Cafe Adelaide has 25cent martinis at lunch; can%26#39;t beat that!

Cuvee has a nice prix fixe lunch on Wednesday and Thursday.

My husband just took 40 clients to lunch after visiting the filming of the Regis and Kelly show. He chose Red Fish Grill on Bourbon near Canal...very convenient for the bus to drop them off on Canal Street. Marketing there worked with him very well and arranged lunch with several choices. Everyone raved; it worked very well with good service and reasonably priced food.

Two years ago when Regis and Kelly came to town, he took them to Palace Cafe. Again, this restaurant was very good to work with for a large group.

Don%26#39;t know your numbers so I%26#39;m assuming large group.

If small, I know Mr. B%26#39;s gets great reviews along with many others in the Quarter. Our family loves first floor of Galatoire%26#39;s.

The only problem I have with the Red Fish Grill for a business luncheon (food very good) is the noise level.

soccer bars in NO

Hi, i was hoping someone on here could tell me if and where any soccer bars to watch the English Premier League (EPL) are in New Orleans. I would appreciate any help. Cheers!!!!!!

soccer bars in NO

There aren%26#39;t any soccer bars that I know of as soccer isn%26#39;t very popular as a sepctator sport in the U.S. Johnny White%26#39;s Bar on Bourbon street is good though. The bartender will let you watch any sporting event that you want-just mention it to her. I was down last year with a group of Cleveland Browns fans and they let us watch the game there. We actually outnumbered the Saints fans watching their team on a different TV.

soccer bars in NO

try Vic%26#39;s Kangaroo Cafe on Tchoupitoulas (head across Canal from the FQ towards Harrahs, find Tchoupitoulas and it%26#39;s a short walk from there).

When I was there last they were playing all the soccer games.

Also, you might want to try the Erin Rose bar www.erinrosebar.com a true irish pub on 811 Conti. They usually show games as well.

-kel

If you%26#39;re willing to travel outside the French Quarter, I%26#39;d check out Cooter Brown%26#39;s Uptown at the Riverbend, too.

lips

What did you not do that you wished you did from your visit?

We were in April for about 4 full days and nights in NOLA. Although we had done most of the things that we (actually I) had set out to do, there were still a few items that we either should have done or done more of if we had more time.

Missed:

- Preservation Hall (went to Maison Bourbon instead)

- Ghost/history tours

- Jambalaya, po-boy, maffuletta

- Buying NOLA coasters (for drinks)

- Watching the sunset by the river

- Having a drink at Lafitte%26#39;s Blacksmith Shop

- Eating beignets at Cafe Du Monde (ate it back at the hotel which is not the same)

Should Have Done More:

- Eaten more beignets, BBQ shrimp

What%26#39;s your list?

What did you not do that you wished you did from your visit?

I%26#39;ve had dreams before my trip that I am on my last day of being in NOLA and I haven%26#39;t done anything that I wanted to do. Usually wake up in a cold sweat of panic. :-)

What did you not do that you wished you did from your visit?

Even for me, there are a couple plantations and restaurants that I have yet to visit but are on the ';To Do'; list.

One of the things I like to do when I travel is see locations from movies and books that I%26#39;ve seen/read. As such, I%26#39;ve been wanting to eat at Acme, but never got to it on our three trips. I plan to remedy that on the next one (11 days!)

We have never eaten at Coop%26#39;s and tried on our last visit (December), but there was a wait for a table and we decided not to wait...maybe next time.

I%26#39;ve been meaning to see the Hermann-Grima house.

I%26#39;d like to see more of the Garden District, too.

I%26#39;ve never watched Big Al perform, went to Preservation Hall-was always deterred from the long line-ups, and had a hurricane at Lafitte%26#39;s. These are all the things I plan on doing on my next trip, so I hope I can cross them off the list very soon :) I%26#39;ve done a few Haunted History ghost/vampire/cemetery tours, but I really would like to try a tour with Bloody Mary as well. Another thing that I would LOVE to do is a tour inside French Quarter homes, I know they offered one during the Spring Fiesta, but unfortunately I couldn%26#39;t make it down. I really enjoyed the Holiday Home Tour of the Garden District homes, and would love to tour inside some beautiful French Quarter homes...maybe one day :)

It%26#39;s sooo hard to get everything done in one trip, there%26#39;s so much to do/eat/see and it%26#39;s hard to try new things all the time when you love all the old things you do :)

Never taken a plantation tour- might do that next trip though; I find I don%26#39;t ever want to have ';done it all';. Need to leave something for the next trip.

For us it would be eat at Coops and Cemetery Tour....but there is always next year!

We just came back from a two week visit and we did a lot of things, but now I am thinking that I would have liked to have gone to Lafayette and learn more about the Cajun experience.

Even though we ate so much on the trip, we didn%26#39;t get to Brennan%26#39;s for Bananas Foster.

I planned the trip to cover two Sundays so we could have two Sunday brunch%26#39;s, but I want another one! I wish I could just transport my self to New Orleans every Sunday.

We did go to the museums at the Cabildo and the Presbytere (next to the St. Louis Cathedral) even though my feet were getting tired but I have thought about the information that I learned there a lot since I came back so I%26#39;m glad we did that.

I am also glad that while we were down there I bought some novels set in the area, some CDs and DVDs and some cookbooks so the trip feels like it is extended because I am still immersed in the local culture now that I am back home. Having red beans and rice today!

For my next trip, things I didn%26#39;t get to do the first time around:

-go on a cemetery tour, as well as a stroll through Lafayette Cemetery

-muffuletta from Central Grocery

-Historic house tours (Herman-Grima, Beauregard-Keyes, etc)

-Garden District walking tour

-Explore Frenchman Street and Esplanade Ave

-Art Museum

50th Birthday dinner

Hi Everyone! My husband turns 50 the end of the month and loves cajun/creole food. We decided to do a quick trip to NOLA. I%26#39;ve been through the restaurant recommendations. We%26#39;ve been to Mr. B%26#39;s and Acme. We came Pre Katrina but he ended up getting sick. Bummer! So now we are trying to do it again. Where would be a good place that isn%26#39;t over the top expensive but really good food? I thought about Commanders Palace but it was a little pricey. What is that 25 cent martini about though? Lunch only? He does love martinis!

I%26#39;d probably want to make reservations. I%26#39;ve loved some of the suggestions for other nights like Coops but just want that special one for the birthday night. Thanks everyone! J

50th Birthday dinner

Friday lunch at Galatoire%26#39;s (first floor dining) would make a great start to a birthday celebration. It%26#39;s a lively atmosphere, and many were celebrating birthdays when we ate there this past April.

50th Birthday dinner

Some places have price fixed three course dinners. Check ahead. I think Muriel%26#39;s has one for about $29 and others do too. You could also check out Olivier%26#39;s on Decatur and the BonTon Cafe in the 400 block of Magazine.

For some of the nicer restaurants, I%26#39;d take advantage of their lunch deals! Cuvee has an AWESOME $24 three-course fixed price menu for lunch, and Bayona is reasonably priced for lunch too!

Both Commander%26#39;s and Cafe Adelaide offer 25 cent martinis during weekday lunches.

Thanks everyone for your recomendations. we still haven%26#39;t decided yet. I do love the lunch idea though. I am anxious to make a reservation by tomorrow though. I told him that is ithe deadline! Can%26#39;t wait!

We did Commander%26#39;s at lunch for my husband%26#39;s seventieth and it was WONDERFUL! Good food. Good service. Nice surroundings. 25 Cent martinis. What%26#39;s not to like?

What's the LAST thing you do?

For all of the NOLA fans, you%26#39;ve all been there, you wake up on the last day of your well planned trip and it%26#39;s finally the last day. Maybe you%26#39;re a little too hungover, or maybe you popped out of bed real early to savor the last few hours. You%26#39;re packed, your plane leaves in the afternoon or in the evening. (NO WAY could I ever take an early flight out!) How do you spend your last few hours? Back to your favorite bar? Restaurant? Shopping? Crying? I usually plop myself down in one of my favorite restaurants, have a great last meal and then do a last tour, have a bloody mary and wait for a cab. You?

What's the LAST thing you do?

On our way out of town we stop at Southern Candies on Decatur (the original store) to pick up some pralines. That way they are as fresh as we can get them.

What's the LAST thing you do?

Muffelata for the plane ride home!

Last thing I did was breakfast at Cafe du Monde. Can%26#39;t get a better goodbye than cafe au lait and fresh beignets!

This is too sad to think about. :-)

Cry, didn%26#39;t want to leave.

I like to spend my final hours quietly, at Napoleon House. Sometimes I order a farewell bowl of gumbo.

beignets and maybe one more walk down Decatur.

:::sadface::::

This year, since our flight didn%26#39;t leave until 7:30pm, we had lots of time!

Checkout was at 10:30 (EEK). They stored our bags and we headed out.

First stop was Port of Call for a last burger and a Monsoon (actually, we split a Monsoon since it was early in the day).

After lunch, we headed out shopping for all the last minute souvenirs (including the pralines!) and a trip to the Louisiana Music Factory to load up on c/d%26#39;s from artists we%26#39;d seen and liked during our trip.

Next stop was Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s, where we got hurricanes and sat on the courtyard, killing time and people watching.

Next, more shopping and wandering aimlessly.

Last stop before going back to the hotel was Cafe du Monde; we had iced coffees and one last order of beignets (shared).

Needless to say, we weren%26#39;t AT ALL hungry during the flight!

final cocktail, gumbo, and walk - kind of like death march back to hotel. I don%26#39;t like this thread.

This last time we had breakfast at Brennan%26#39;s, went for 1 last walk and then bought a suitcase to get all of our stuff home (!) and then headed to the airport. There we had some jambalya and got on the plane. Already planning the next trip back. Loved it!

Places teenagers can't go

My DH and I will be taking our two teenage sons (17 %26amp; 19) to NOLA in August. I understand they are not allowed in Coop%26#39;s because of slots. Is there any place near there we can eat if we take out from Coops? Also what other places will not allow teenagers because of slots. I know the bars on Bourbon are off limits. For music I guess we can take them to Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor. Any other places you can suggest would be helpful.

Places teenagers can't go

Any licensed bar will be off-limits for the 17 year old. The 19 year old will be allowed to enter SOME of them but not buy alcohol. This depends on the bar. I%26#39;m not sure if slots or the ';bar'; designation is the reason minors can%26#39;t enter. Perhaps someone else can clue me in here!

Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor should be fine, I%26#39;d think.

Places teenagers can't go

it really depends...i think the gambling is the number one reason why children aren%26#39;t allowed in to certain bars. You can pick up Coops and walk it over to the French Market to eat. There are some tables and chairs outside, and I might just go inside to one of their vendors to buy sodas or something.

I know you can bring kids into Pat O%26#39;Briens which does not have slots and does have the neat deuling pianos bar (i%26#39;ve seen kids in the courtyard at P.O.%26#39;s but then again, not sure if i ever saw them at the dueling pianos). Also, I%26#39;ve seen kids in the courtyard of Lafittes Blacksmith shop, which occasionally has a lovely piano player. Bloody Mary%26#39;s french quarter walking tours leave from there and that is a great thing to do with the kids. Verrrrry spooky and engrossing. Cafe Beignet also has some nice little jazz groups come through and play throughout the day, and they allow children.

one of my first trips was with my parents when i was younger and not able to go into every place, but we STILL had a blast and caught the %26#39;real new orleans%26#39;.

have fun!

-k

Even if you can%26#39;t go into the bars on Bourbon, a walk during the evening is still a must. All the bars have their doors open, so you can on the sidewalk and listen to the great music.

I was there last month for the 1st time, and didn%26#39;t see anything gross or scandelous or anything like that, especially early evening, so you don%26#39;t have to worry (if it was a concern).

Have a great time!

They would probably love Mid-City Rock and Bowl, they have live Zydeco music there (check schedule). Also I understand that teens are allowed at Tipitina%26#39;s on certain days, you should check first.

As far as Pat O%26#39;Brien%26#39;s, kids are allowed in the restaurant area, but not the dueling piano bar, or close to the famous fountain. When we had our granddaughters there, they couldn%26#39;t go past a rope that separated the restaurant area from the courtyard bar area. We were there in the evening, it might be different in the day time.

Also Mulate%26#39;s restaurant has live music every night and allows teens.

You may get lucky at Coop%26#39;s. I%26#39;ve gone there with some 19/20 years old from college, and they did not check ID, but that approach is definitely hit or miss.

In my experience, the places that are the most strict about minors are those with gaming devices inside. In fact, your kids won%26#39;t be allowed inside Harrah%26#39;s casino or any of the restaurants inside the casino, even if you are accompanying them (quite different than Vegas rules). On the other hand, you%26#39;ll be surprised about how many high schoolers are allowed in some local bars!

Preservation Hall and Snug Harbor are two places for live music that are kid friendly. Arrive at least 30 minutes ahead of time for Preservation Hall to get a seat - otherwise it%26#39;s standing room only.

There are two determining factors: the type of liquor license and the presence/absence of video poker machines.

If the establishment has a bar liquor license, no one under the age of 18 can be admitted.

If the establishment has a restaurant liquor license, they must admit anyone of any age.

However, if an establishment has video poker machines, regardless of the type of liquor license, patrons under the age of 21 can only be admitted if the video poker machines are in a separate room, with a door. That last requirement is pretty flexible, and the door can be the old saloon-type swinging door.

Finally, this is New Orleans, and the rules tend to get bent in lots of places. In general, if a child is with their parents, most places (in my opinion) will admit them....unless there are video poker machines present.

I too took my teens to the Rock %26amp; Bowl %26amp; they absolutely loved it. Be aware they changed location and are closer to the river (and the Camellia Grill) on Carrollton.

Thanks for all the great info. Will definitely check out Mid-city Rock and Bowl and Mulate%26#39;s, as well as standing outside the bars on Bourbon. Both boys played in jazz bands so they will love the music.

Then you will LOVE standing ourside Maison Bourbon. The front of the building is very open so you can stand and listen to some great jazz. The band is very close to the street as well. See here for some photos. www.yelp.com/biz/maison-bourbon-new-orleans

Best Pralines?

One of my biggest weaknesses when in New Orleans is pralines.

What are your favorite places (manufacturers included... since i remember that there are mobile sales people for different companies) for them?

Best Pralines?

NOSC - New Orleans School of Cooking, not only demo%26#39;s them, but sells them out front. Down the street from them is a store front that makes them and sells fresh. Always get them the same day.

A ';fresh made'; place in the French Market stalls may not have reopened yet. Upriver on Decatur, still technicall Fr Mkt, Aunt Sally%26#39;s, makes and sells, and their boxed product is in all the Quarter souvineer stores. Meaning -- while they demo the making in their shop, their boxes all over town are from some factory days old.

But then, I have a three-generation-old praline recipe from New England, using more brown sugar and butter, and a touch of molasses. Very different. And better.:) Most of those in the 0.25 use simple white sugar only. Hmph.

Best Pralines?

ohhh 3 generations old? sounds yummy. Would u be willing to share the recipe? That is my souvenir weakness... cookbooks lol

In the Quarter, I like Aunt Sally%26#39;s and Southern Candymakers on Decatur.

Aunt Sally%26#39;s only if you get them from the stock they make in the shop as you witness. Fresh. All over the 0.25, those yellow cardboard boxes in the t-shirt shops next to the gator heads and obscene t-shirts, and hot sauce bottles from Taiwan, came from a factory days or weeks old.

As to my recipe? It%26#39;s not a NOLA style. Sharing it? Lemme think. .... No.

If you have the time, walk out St Charles Avenue just past Lee Circle and on the left side of the street is a little praline shop which drew me in as I happened to walk by. I really don%26#39;t like pralines and have no idea if these are the best or not, but it is rare to see a small business where food is made on the premesis these days and where cleanliness and kind customer care are obvious. That day I bought pralines for every aunt and other relative I could think of. They all seemed to like them. The people there package each praline carefully in fancy paper and wrap them up like they are dressing their little kids. I checked the web and think it was Pralines by Jean at 1728 St Charles. I think it is worth a look if you are in the neighborhood.

My mother made the best pralines I ever put to my lips. Whenever I pick up a store-bought praline, I read the label. If the list of ingredients doesn%26#39;t exactly match the ingredients she used, I put it down. It isn%26#39;t complicated: pecans, brown sugar, evaporated milk, butter and vanilla. Any additional ingredients are superfluous and if any ingredients are missing, then it isn%26#39;t a praline, IMHO.

Anybody ever heard of %26#39;Gold Pralines%26#39;? a friend of mine mentioned them. Trying to get some. Don%26#39;t know if the %26#39;Gold%26#39; is a type or brand. Any info would be appreciated.

Add another vote for Southern Candymakers on Decatur.

If you are a praline person, you can log in to New Orleans Pralines, and get a wealth of information on the different places in New Orleans that sell these amazingly likable concoctions as well as some of the recipes for them.

We make our own for our family and for friends, that way we know what is in the recipe.

Pralines should be soft, not crunchy like brittle.

Exercise caution with the hot sugar mixture while making your own.

There%26#39;s a farmer%26#39;s market on Saturdays on the corner of Magazine and Girod and there%26#39;s a guy selling pralines. The free samples are great so I suppose the pralines are too!

Stopover in Baton Rouge & Lafayette on way to FL from TX

Family of 5 is seeking a place to spend the night on our way to Florida %26amp; back from Texas. We are thinking of breaking up the trip in two days instead of 1 long one. Perhaps this way we could check out the town %26amp; get some rest. If I%26#39;m reading the map right, it sounds like we will be heading thru I-10.

If you can suggest hotels (nicer the better, willing to spend up to $300 a night, but have 3 teenagers so a suite option might be nice) %26amp; dinner options, it would be appreciated!

Stopover in Baton Rouge %26amp; Lafayette on way to FL from TX

Forgot to mention, my family doesn%26#39;t care for Cajun food...but we do like French food! Thanks.

Stopover in Baton Rouge %26amp; Lafayette on way to FL from TX

You%26#39;ll probably be taking I-10 to Baton Rouge, then I-12 to Slidell, where you%26#39;ll pick up I-10 again.

You didn%26#39;t mention your Florida destination, but I%26#39;m assuming that Baton Rouge and Lafayette (which are only 45 minutes apart) are near the halfway point.

Baton Rouge would probably offer a better choice of hotels, although neither city is known for its upscale hotels. My suggestion for a hotel would be The Cook Hotel, located on the LSU campus. The hotel has some very nice suites with two double beds and a sleeper sofa. If I%26#39;m correct in my recalling their rate structure, you can probably get two suites for $300 per night.

http://www.thecookhotel.com/

The Baton Rouge Marriott is another choice. It%26#39;s a Marriott (what else can I say). The advantages of this hotel are: You can see it from I-10 and there are many restaurant choices nearby.

marriott.com/hotels/…

I didn%26#39;t consider the Hilton Capitol Center, even though it%26#39;s the nicest hotel in town, because the rooms are small and expensive.

My suggestion for dinner is Juban%26#39;s. It%26#39;s within 10 minutes of the Marriott.

http://www.jubans.com/

French restaurants aren%26#39;t real popular in this part of the country. Here%26#39;s a possibility in Baton Rouge.

http://www.maisonlacour.com/

Finally, if you can somehow schedule a stop in LaCombe, which is near New Orleans and which isn%26#39;t too far off the interstate, you shouldn%26#39;t miss La Provence.

http://www.laprovencerestaurant.com/

Thanks for all the info! Do you have any feedback about the Embassy Suites near LSU? I understand they went thru a reconstruction phase, but does anyone know if the traffic noise is still bad? We%26#39;d like to get a descent sleep. I%26#39;ll check out your other options though.

The Embassy Suites is directly across I-10 from the Marrriott, so the traffic noise should be the same. The noise really isn%26#39;t bad, but you could always request a room on the opposite side of the hotel from the highway.

It%26#39;s been a couple of years since we stayed at the Embassy Suites. When we last stayed there, it was in severe need of updating. Now that the updating has taken place, we%26#39;ll have to give it another try.

I believe the Embassy Suites has a limit of 4 adults per room. I also believe that your teenagers will be considered as adults. Perhaps you should contact them and ask about maximum occupancy per room.

Another possibility is the Best Western Richmond Suites. It%26#39;s in the same area as the Marriott and the Embassy Suites and it offers a full cooked-to-order breakfast, similar to the Embassy Suites breakfast. It also offers two room suites. We haven%26#39;t stayed there in a few years, but it was a very nice property at the time of our last visit.

bestwesternlouisiana.com/hotels/…

I would second the Juban%26#39;s suggestion. Wonderful food, impeccable service.

BTW, if you%26#39;re going to Florida, you%26#39;ll want to take I-12 once you get into Baton Rouge. 12 and 10 will meet up again in Slidell. Any of the hotels you have mentioned will be right off I-10 before the 12 split, so as far as that goes it doesn%26#39;t matter too much.

lips

Staying at Loews on business; restaurant help

Staying at the Loews next week for a conference. Will be in jeans on my own for the first night. Any restaurant advice for the first night and after? In jeans or casual pants, looking for something good and local. Open to seafood and meat. Other things to do at night?

It has been a long time since I was in New Orleans. Thanks.

Staying at Loews on business; restaurant help

Cafe Adelaide at the Loews is wonderful. May be a bit more khaki than jeans but I don%26#39;t think they have a specific dress code.

Staying at Loews on business; restaurant help

check out Coop%26#39;s on Decatur. It%26#39;s a local dive known for it%26#39;s excellent fried chicken and local sampler plate. definitely a jeans/t-shirt style place. Sit at the bar (if you%26#39;re alone) and hope for a friendly bartender ;o)

(the staff has a reputation for being a bit surly, but the food is completely worth it).

afterwards, I don%26#39;t think you%26#39;ll have trouble finding things to do. New Orleans is a city for night-owls. see big Al Carson at the Funky Pirate, check out some great local Jazz on Frenchman Street, take a haunted walking tour (bloody mary%26#39;s tours are the best) people watch from an outdoor seat at Cafe du Monde, have a drink at Lafittes Blacksmith shop) wander Bourbon and check out the nightlife AWAY from the FQ up on Magazine Street. Bulldog (a bar for beer lovers) has a Wednesday night pint glass giveaway. One glass for every pint you order, that can get pretty hopping. Also, they%26#39;ve got some amazing beers on tap (somewhere around a hundred, and they%26#39;re very particular about taps and lines and such).

hope this helps!

-kel

I know it%26#39;s a chain, but the Gordon Biersch Brewhouse across from the Loews has great burgers, sandwiches and rosemary/garlic fries. Yum. Microbrew beer, too!

Deanie%26#39;s Seafood is just a few blocks away and is great. Casual, large portions and tasty. Fresh pond-raised fish, too, which keeps the seafood from being too ';fishy.';

I would second the recommendation of Cafe Adelaide. Also, Cochon is about a 1/2 mile away - excellent and authentic Cajun food.

Another vote for Cafe Adelaide - it%26#39;s outstanding!

Some other Warehouse District suggestions: Drago%26#39;s in the Hilton Riverside a block away is very casual and has excellent chargrilled oysters! Also, Rock N Sake on Fulton St has great New Orleans inspired sushi dishes and RioMar on S. Peters has tapas lunch specials. The Republic Club is located right next door and would be a great place to kick back at night.

Of course, the French Quarter is only a few blocks away too!

worldtraveller, i LOVE Rock n Sake!!! I think I%26#39;ve mentioned it on here before. Great restaurant!

ok...also it helps that they have an incredibly hunky sushi chef too (not sure if he%26#39;s still there, but i%26#39;m SURE you know which one I%26#39;m speaking of)

-kel

Go to Cafe Adelaide in your hotel and get the shrimp ';corn dogs'; for an appetizer.

Yup, Rock N Sake is definitely one of my top 3 favorite sushi places in town. And yes, I know who you%26#39;re talking about - one of the chefs there is a good friend of mine :)

Great suggestions, thanks!

Bachelor Party in New Orleans.

We%26#39;re going to be staying right off of the French Quarter and I was wondering about the strip clubs and the massage parlors. I guess im trying to find out about the prices and the girls. Oh, and any type of info on the bars there will be appreciated.

Bachelor Party in New Orleans.

well...since I%26#39;m a girl, and not really a frequenter of the %26#39;gentleman%26#39;s clubs%26#39; i can%26#39;t really speak to them. I do know that %26#39;rick%26#39;s cabaret%26#39; is known to be very upscale and classy.

Barwise, I can offer alot of advice. I had my bachelorette (actually, I had TWO of them in New Orleans). If you%26#39;re going to be in on Thursday, there%26#39;s a pretty good 80%26#39;s party at One Eyed Jacks on Toulouse. Pat O%26#39;s gets pretty hopping, and you can make the groom to-be ride the mechanical bull at Bourbon Cowboy. d.b.a. has lots of great beers on tap, and some pretty good live music to boot.

basically, your group will have fun wandering up and down Bourbon and taking in the sights. I%26#39;m sure you%26#39;ll find fun along the way.

be safe!

kelly

Bachelor Party in New Orleans.

Thanks for the info, that mechanicle bull sounds like a good idea. We%26#39;ll try to be safe and hopefully we wont get arrested.

There are several clubs in the first 4 to 5 blocks of Bourbon St including Rick%26#39;s Cabaret in the 300 block, Larry Flynt has several Hustler Clubs including a Hustler Hollywood Store in the 100 Block of Bourbon on the same block as the mechanical bull ride which is located in the Bourbon Cowboy on the corner of Iberville and Bourbon. Also on Iberville across from the Acme Oyster House is the Penthouse Club. There is no lack of adult entertainment on upper Bourbon St.

Galloway, Barely Legal is the best strip club on Bourbon. One tip is to walk down Bourbon Street in the late afternoon when the clubs just open. Most likely they will have their managers in the streets then handing out free passes.

Well, here%26#39;s my two cents:

1.) Penthouse - I asked one of the locals to recommend an upscale bar, so that I can take my wife and another couple that came with us. Penthouse came up as the #1 choice. But it turned out to be WAY too upscale - a strip bar should have a bit of a divey feel to it, here we felt like we were in an opera house. Don%26#39;t get me wrong, courteous staff, beautiful women and lots of wanna-be-highroller guests. But it just didn%26#39;t FEEL fun. Oh, and it was PACKED.

2.) Larry Flynts ';Barely Legal'; Place where we had the most fun. A whole step below Penthouse, easy atmosphere and fun. The security guard was an actual NOPD officer IN UNIFORM, who also seemed to act as a maitre%26#39;d. Brought us drinks, lit people%26#39;s cigarettes and arranged lap dances for guests. My wife and friends were very impressed.

3.)Rick%26#39;s cabaret - more like Penthouse, very good. But it was so dark, you can barely see the girls. I know these places aren%26#39;t supposed to be lit like sports games, but I nearly fell asleep, it was so dark.

4.) Stay away from any strip bar that advertises things that others don%26#39;t - it%26#39;s just a scam to get you in the door and get you to buy a $12 watered down drink.

Can say anything about ';massage parlors'; as my wife crossed those out from our itenerary. Just ask the locals. Best place to get info from locals for us was Harrah%26#39;s casino - we sat down for a hand of poker and the information we got was well worth the money I lost.

Have fun, I think this is the best place for a bachelor party. Be safe.

Looks like the previous two cents worth was right on the mark from what I%26#39;ve heard. Try putting in bachelor party into the search engine here on trip advisor and you will get info and a website I can%26#39;t recall right now that provides %26#39;ladies%26#39; for bachelor parties.

Cafe Bamboo on Esplanade

Any of you locals/frequenters been? It%26#39;s a vegetarian restaurant (which, while I AM one, I know N.O. is notoriously not known for great veggie cuisine) and I%26#39;m dying to try it.

-kel

Cafe Bamboo on Esplanade

I have never been...but I have gotten VERY positive feedback from several of my vegetarian B%26amp;B guests who have been there. Hope that helps a little.

Cafe Bamboo on Esplanade

definitely...I%26#39;ll surely be adding it to my line-up!

Bourbon BBQ faux chicken sounds intriguing... actually...the entire menu sounds good (to me) www.cafebamboo.com I%26#39;ll let everyone know as soon as i try it.

My wife who is a vegeterian(no fish either) loved it. There are many other oprions in the Quarter as well. We have never found it difficult for her to find a delicious meal. Most places will prepare meals without meat for her.

yeah...i%26#39;m definitely not complaining. For a city where there%26#39;s copious amounts of restaurants that don%26#39;t highlight vegetarian cuisine, i%26#39;ve never had a problem getting a good meal that fits into my needs.

However, the addition of Cafe Bamboo is exciting! Can%26#39;t wait to try it!

-kel

Many restaurants have vegetarian dishes on their menu and also will make up one on request. It will not be a problem.

cajunyank,

definitely agree with you. as i said in my p.p. even seemingly meat centric places-have always been accomodating for me (and my husband...and my sister in law...we%26#39;re a big veggie family, ha ha)

The reason I mentioned that New Orleans is not known for %26#39;vegetarians%26#39; is that many vegan/vegetarian message boards (happycow.net for instance) often list it as one of the least vegetarian ';friendly'; cities. I completely disagree (and my posts reflect that), you just can%26#39;t be afraid to ask. It reminds me of a line in %26#39;Kitchen Confidential%26#39; by Anthony Bourdain where he laments about vegetarians saying ';Fourteen dollars for a few slices of grilled eggplant and zucchini suits my food cost fine.'; ha ha.

one of my meals at Muriels was possibly my favorite, and they just simply removed the tasso and the chicken and voila! amazing vegetarian dish!

just the same it is neat to see a completely vegetarian restaurant in NoLA and I hope it does well

-kel

I am really not a clean freak here but this is another situation where I%26#39;m not sure of my comfort level regarding the kitchen. When it was Siam/Dragon%26#39;s Den, much of the food prep was outside in the courtyard. Anyone could walk right past it on the way to the bathroom. Yuck.

It%26#39;s ENTIRELY possible that this has changed since then, however, so it%26#39;s worth a shot. I hope someone can report back to me on this as I love vegetarian dishes, especially considering I%26#39;m a big carnivore. :-)

I have a friend who lives nearby the restaurant, so we just decided to give it a whirl. The food was pretty decent, but you could tell the kitchen was still in the process of working out its kinks. But overall, not bad!

The soups and the rice bowls were a big hit! They tasted very fresh, and I loved the sweet potato fries. The biggest disappointment was the ';meat'; products, such as Chik%26#39;N and seitan beef - it was rubbery and trying too hard to be like meat, when there is no reason to be. Great veggie dishes sell themselves on their own merit!

The restaurant still has that funky, intimate atmosphere, reminiscent of the times when we could order thai food and bring it upstairs to Dragon%26#39;s Den and eat on the floor cushions (no longer present). And for cleanliness, well - it is what it is...

I used to love the food at Siam. Then I saw the food prep area, complete with large cockroaches. It was outside, after all, so it wasn%26#39;t surprising. Then drinks at Dragon%26#39;s Den--more cockroaches. Again, summer in New Orleans so I wasn%26#39;t shocked. Still, when I did go back to Siam (and I did, a few times, since I loved the shrimp toast!) I made a point not to visit the kitchen area.

I%26#39;m sure Bamboo has fixed a lot of these issues and will try it soon.

good food w/no dress code

My husband and I are going Memorial Day weekend for his 50th birthday. He HATES getting dressed up to go to a restaurant, and will probably not wear anything other than shorts. I can make sure he has nice shorts and a nice polo shirt to wear. With that in mind - what%26#39;s a great restaurant to go to that won%26#39;t have a problem with shorts.

good food w/no dress code

Most restaurants in New Orleans are pretty lax when it comes to their dress code, and only a couple even require jackets (Galatoire%26#39;s for one). Commander%26#39;s Palace has an explicit ';no shorts'; policy, so that is out.

For great casual dinner, check out Coop%26#39;s Place, Napoleon House, Acme Oyster House and the Gumbo Shop.

For a nicer dinner restaurant, try Red Fish Grill, Palace Cafe, Eat Restaurant, Bourbon House, and Jacques-Imo%26#39;s.

All of these are located in the French Quarter, with the exception of Jacques-Imo%26#39;s which is located Uptown at the Riverbend.

good food w/no dress code

Louisiana Bistro accepts very casual dress. I often wear shorts and polo shirt when I dine there. Located on Dauphine St near the corner of Conti and one block to Bourbon St.

Went to Muriel%26#39;s off Jackson Square one night and the first question my friend and I asked the hostess was, ';Is there a dress code?'; as we were both in fairly casual clothing (hoodies, jeans, t-shirt, sneakers). There was an enthusiastic, ';All are welcome'; from the hostess and we had a great 3-course meal for $29 each + tip and drinks. It%26#39;s not a ';casual'; atmosphere either, but we weren%26#39;t made to feel out of place or like slobs at all.

I agree with the recommendation for Muriel%26#39;s, which is very elegant but casual dress is fine.

Muriel%26#39;s is excellent. I recall that they have a fixed price 3 course dinner...I began with the crawfish goat cheese crepes, then the pecan crusted puppy drum and ended with the delicious bread pudding with rum sauce. Located at the corner of St Ann and Chartres Sts at Jackson Square...BTW they have a web cam which overlooks Jackson Sq.

another vote for muriels! excellent food, and not a bit of mind about a dress code. I%26#39;ve eaten there several times, once with a friend who has a penchant for tube tops (doesn%26#39;t everyone have one of THOSE friends? ha ha) and we were not treated differently at all. I also love the bar area there and have eaten there as well.

-kel

One of our favorites is the Royal House, (corner of Royal and St. Louis.They have awesome Gumbo, Corn and Crab Bisque. Specials are typically wonderful.

New Orleans is such an informal town, don%26#39;t worry about the dress codes. The best way to choose a restaurant is to walk around, look at the posted menues and look inside to see if the atmosphere suits you. Have a great trip.

Place d'arms or Hotel St. Marie

Okay, So I%26#39;ve reserved both hotels and can%26#39;t decide. I know they are owned by the same company but the reviews seem to be better for the St. Marie. Although it seems like alot of people here love the Place d%26#39;arms.

Any help will be much appreciated!!!

thanks!

Place d'arms or Hotel St. Marie

It depends on what restaurants and what you plan to do as our choice for location is the Place D%26#39;armes for closeness to Muriel%26#39;s, Jackson Square, cafe dumonde,irene%26#39;s, stella, french market,coops, funky pirate, fritzels, maison bourbon, preservation hall, yo mama%26#39;s etc etc.

Place d'arms or Hotel St. Marie

I don%26#39;t see a significant difference between the two hotels, and the Place d%26#39;Armes location is excellent, so I would go with that hotel.

I%26#39;ve stayed at both and they are both above average. I would choose the Place d%26#39;Armes simply for the location.

Depends how much you want to be involved with Bourbon and what restaraunts you prefer. Both are beautiful and fairly alike. I prefer the Place because it puts me at Jackson Square and close to the shops and eating places we prefer. It is quieter at night. If it matters to you, going into the St Marie in the evening wil require you to cross Bourbon. May not be a big deal for some, but we found it loud and irritating. The Place also has a larger courtyard.

I have not stayed at Place d%26#39;arms, I can say the St.Marie rooms were bigger than we expected for the quarter, always clean, no in room safe, always helpful staff, we enjoyed the noise, hustle and bustle of being within in a stones throw of Bourbon St. :) Enjoy your stay whatever you choose.

What is the parking situation for both of these hotels?

Both offer parking as well as 24-hour valet, but charges apply. There are few places that offer free parking nowadays in the Quarter. Sometimes you can get deals with these hotels that include parking, though.

both are great boutique style hotels with great locations. If you want to be really close to Bourbon st, I would go with the St Marie. It%26#39;s literally steps to Bourbon-which makes it real easy for a late night stumble back to the hotel. If you%26#39;d like to have a little distance from the craziness of Bourbon, then go with the Place. It is an amazing central location, which is great throughout the day. Either way, both are great choices. Enjoy!!!

i also vote the Place D%26#39;Armes since I love the location in Jackson Square-still close to all the action on Bourbon, but just a liiiiiiiittttlllle bit more sedate.

have a blast!

-k

We visited in March with a 90+ year old gentleman. We stayed at the Place and asked for a room to be reached by elevator due to this. The Place was an easier walk to the Square and Cafe du Monde for him. Also central to alot of good eats. Also parking on site for a daily fee.

Was great as far as location. Even have a couple leather chairs and small library are facing St. Ann (where cont breakfast is served) for him to sit and people watch and read if tired. The courtyard also was nice if he needed to sit a spell.

He was happy with locale for his first visit to Nola

The staff were very kind to him and even offered him a ride to Pat O%26#39;s one night as it was shift change for them.