First New Orleans trip suggestions?
Oct 7th, 2004, 06:22 PM
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First New Orleans trip suggestions?
Since we got such great Fodorites'ideas/advice for our Wash. D.C. trip, we are asking for suggestions on New Orleans! Husband and I want to plan a 3 day weekend in Nov. A plantation tour and shopping for me, D-Day museum and jazz for him, and of course, the French Quarter! Any suggestions are greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Oct 7th, 2004, 06:37 PM
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Hey vanrider, there's so much info. on these boards regarding New Orleans, and most of my advice is probably out of date, so I won't elaborate too much. However, as far as plantations go, Oak Alley is fabulous! I still think of that place...and it's been a couple of years since I've been there.
And hey, if anyone walks up to you in the FQ and says they can tell you "what state you got your shoes in" for $5.00, don't fall for it. Cuz the state "you got your shoes in" is Louisiana.......
Have a great time, and have a hurricane for me at Pat O'Briens!
And hey, if anyone walks up to you in the FQ and says they can tell you "what state you got your shoes in" for $5.00, don't fall for it. Cuz the state "you got your shoes in" is Louisiana.......
Have a great time, and have a hurricane for me at Pat O'Briens!
Oct 7th, 2004, 06:42 PM
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For a place to stay, consider Lafitte's Guest House, on the quieter side of the French Quarter. They have a fabulous website where you can really see the rooms.
For a special dinner, try Lilette. It's my new favorite (replacing Bayona) in New Orleans.
Have fun!
For a special dinner, try Lilette. It's my new favorite (replacing Bayona) in New Orleans.
Have fun!
Oct 7th, 2004, 06:59 PM
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Some helpful websites are:
New Orleans Online
FrenchQuarter.com
Inside New Orleans
Sorry I don't have the URL's for all of these, but you can do a search for them. I subscribe to New Orleans Online and get an update every month, just got a new one today.
We stayed at the Royal St. Charles on the streetcar line. It is a nice boutique hotel one block away from the French Quarter. No pool, and if you book this hotel, make sure you request a room up high or NOT on the St. Charles side (you'll hear the street cars if you are too low.) Rooms are not large and our closet was small, but the bath room was a nice size. Even though it was a small room, I managed to get my mother in/out and around in a wheelchair.
My brother likes to stay at the Hotel Monteleone in the FQ.
We drove past some plantations, but were on our way to visit relatives, so didn't get a chance to tour them.
Have FUN and....
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!!
New Orleans Online
FrenchQuarter.com
Inside New Orleans
Sorry I don't have the URL's for all of these, but you can do a search for them. I subscribe to New Orleans Online and get an update every month, just got a new one today.
We stayed at the Royal St. Charles on the streetcar line. It is a nice boutique hotel one block away from the French Quarter. No pool, and if you book this hotel, make sure you request a room up high or NOT on the St. Charles side (you'll hear the street cars if you are too low.) Rooms are not large and our closet was small, but the bath room was a nice size. Even though it was a small room, I managed to get my mother in/out and around in a wheelchair.
My brother likes to stay at the Hotel Monteleone in the FQ.
We drove past some plantations, but were on our way to visit relatives, so didn't get a chance to tour them.
Have FUN and....
LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL!!!!
Oct 7th, 2004, 07:11 PM
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Got to thinking about this....we stayed at the Dauphine Orleans. We loved it, and I think it still gets good ratings here. It's only one block north of Bourbon Street. So close to all the action, but so quiet that you don't realize how close you are.
Heartburn3: HI!
Heartburn3: HI!
Oct 8th, 2004, 05:48 AM
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Since you are mostly doing FQ acitivies- stay in that area. Myself I am VERY selective on where I stay- which is between Royal and the river. Priceline can be good but only if you need one bed and at all costs avoid the catagory with the Raddison- you DO NOT want to stay there or in that area. biddingfortravel has the star listings.
Oct 8th, 2004, 08:48 AM
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New Orleans is one of the citys where I would not use Priceline. The small hotels/B&B's aren't going to be on there, and, that's where I want to stay while in New Orleans. Last trip we stayed at La Maison Marigny. Wonderful place, on the quiet end of Bourbon. Great host. Only four rooms. Next trip we'll either return there or try Lafitte's (if we can get a balcony room). Jean
Oct 18th, 2004, 07:48 AM
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When we were in NO a couple years ago, we took a plantation tour with Spinato Tours, which was really good. I have heard that Tours by Isabelle has a similar format. Ours was a 1/2 day tour and we were picked up at our hotel in a 10 passenger van. I saw other tour companies with bus loads of people, and I think the van is better just because it keeps your group smaller. The driver gave us lots of good information about the history and culture of the area on the drive out to the plantations. We went to Laura and Oak Alley. I loved Laura plantation - incredibly interesting. Unfortunately they had a fire recently, so I don't know what the condition is. Oak Alley was great too - the oaks were the show piece. Incredible. We also had a stop along the river where everyone got to climb up on the levee and watch some barges pass by. On the way back to NO, the driver gave us all kinds of recommendations for restaurants. The driver dropped everyone off either at their hotel or anyplace they wanted to go in the Quarter.
The 1/2 day tour was just right for us because we got to see a couple plantations and see the courtyside, but it wasn't too long.
The 1/2 day tour was just right for us because we got to see a couple plantations and see the courtyside, but it wasn't too long.
Oct 18th, 2004, 01:13 PM
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The fire at Laura Plantation damaged the main house but they are still doing tours of the other buildings.
We had Swiss relatives in for a weekend in Sept. They love jazz too but were disappointed in Preservation Hall. A musician friend suggested they try Fritzel's on Bourbon instead. If he wants a good place to buy jazz cds then stop by the Louisiana Music Factory across from House of Blues. They have a great selection & decent prices. You can check their website to see if they have any local talent playing in the store.
The Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone on Roayl is a nice place to stop in for a drink. It has been there since the late 1800s & the bar is unique because it revolves.
If you like shopping for jewelery then don't miss Joan Good's in the 800 block of Royal St. Her stuff is antique & some unique pieces. It's a tiny hole in the wall place but worth a look. She has a website too. It's been there since the 70s & Joan is a real character. The stories she can tell! I grew up a block away from her shop so I know what she says is true.
Have a great time!
We had Swiss relatives in for a weekend in Sept. They love jazz too but were disappointed in Preservation Hall. A musician friend suggested they try Fritzel's on Bourbon instead. If he wants a good place to buy jazz cds then stop by the Louisiana Music Factory across from House of Blues. They have a great selection & decent prices. You can check their website to see if they have any local talent playing in the store.
The Carousel Bar in the Hotel Monteleone on Roayl is a nice place to stop in for a drink. It has been there since the late 1800s & the bar is unique because it revolves.
If you like shopping for jewelery then don't miss Joan Good's in the 800 block of Royal St. Her stuff is antique & some unique pieces. It's a tiny hole in the wall place but worth a look. She has a website too. It's been there since the 70s & Joan is a real character. The stories she can tell! I grew up a block away from her shop so I know what she says is true.
Have a great time!
Oct 20th, 2004, 09:24 AM
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I have to say that is your husband wants to listen to a legend in the making, go to Vaughn's if you are in town on a Thurs eve. Kermit Ruffins plays every Thurs night and it is a real jazz scene with red beans and rice for all.
You'll have to cab-it down Royal into the 9th ward. Looks kind of creepy, but I've done it many times. Just make sure you get a cabbie who knows where he is going (many only know "tourist" spots).
I think Kermit plays at the Red Room sometimes and maybe at the Dragon's Den.
Do a little research to see where Kermit is playing while you are there, you won't be disappointed.
You'll have to cab-it down Royal into the 9th ward. Looks kind of creepy, but I've done it many times. Just make sure you get a cabbie who knows where he is going (many only know "tourist" spots).
I think Kermit plays at the Red Room sometimes and maybe at the Dragon's Den.
Do a little research to see where Kermit is playing while you are there, you won't be disappointed.
Oct 20th, 2004, 01:36 PM
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We always stay at the Windsor Court Hotel. It is definitely pricey, but I promise you will not regret it. Also, Do not miss brunch at Commander's Palace. It is an institution and the food is great. Restaurant August is great for fine dining. Have a great time!
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