New Orleans - many questions
Feb 17th, 2001, 10:31 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
New Orleans - many questions
Had a previous post about a particular hotel.
Now I am wondering if anyone can tell me the best tours and tour companies in N.O. for the money?
Any other suggestions on hotels, if that particular one is not a good one, in the French Quarter would be appreciated. The one I previously posted was the Hotel Chateau Dupre...
Also, one last thing - we are more casual kind of people - shorts, jeans - I noticed several restaurants in the book I have say coat or coat and tie required..we would like to experience the N.O. food so what restaurants can anyone suggest that cater to a very casual attire?
Thanks so much for the help..
Now I am wondering if anyone can tell me the best tours and tour companies in N.O. for the money?
Any other suggestions on hotels, if that particular one is not a good one, in the French Quarter would be appreciated. The one I previously posted was the Hotel Chateau Dupre...
Also, one last thing - we are more casual kind of people - shorts, jeans - I noticed several restaurants in the book I have say coat or coat and tie required..we would like to experience the N.O. food so what restaurants can anyone suggest that cater to a very casual attire?
Thanks so much for the help..
Feb 17th, 2001, 01:10 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
We rode by the Hotel Chateau Dupre this morning and agreed that we've never even noticed it before. It's a Ramada property. My husband went in and got a brochure. He said the lobby looked fine. It all just seemed a bit non-descript, but it definitely wasn't a dive. Maybe John, a regular poster here, will know something about it - he's very knowledgable about places to stay.
As for casual restaurants, try Redfish Grill in the 100 block of Bourbon. It's one of the Brennan properties, but it more casual than the others. Port of Call on the corner of Esplanade and Bourbon has the city's best burgers. Mona Lisa in the 1200(?) block of Royal has good Italian. Central Grocery on Decatur has the best muffalettas. Many places in the Quarter are very casual, so you shouldn't have any problems. If you want to go some place that requires reservations, chances are you'll need to dress up somewhat. Enjoy!
As for casual restaurants, try Redfish Grill in the 100 block of Bourbon. It's one of the Brennan properties, but it more casual than the others. Port of Call on the corner of Esplanade and Bourbon has the city's best burgers. Mona Lisa in the 1200(?) block of Royal has good Italian. Central Grocery on Decatur has the best muffalettas. Many places in the Quarter are very casual, so you shouldn't have any problems. If you want to go some place that requires reservations, chances are you'll need to dress up somewhat. Enjoy!
Feb 17th, 2001, 05:09 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I was warned about the Historic French Market Inn, which is owned by the same folks that have the Chateau Dupre. Although it looks cute and charming, I understand that the re-route you upon your arrival to one of the properties outside of the French Quarter. SEVERAL
people warned me about these properties.
John being one of the people. Check out
my former topic on this under a search entitled Hotel Feedback - New Orleans.
people warned me about these properties.
John being one of the people. Check out
my former topic on this under a search entitled Hotel Feedback - New Orleans.
Feb 17th, 2001, 07:27 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Meg,
Thank you so much for going to all that trouble for me...I sincerely appreciate your help and also the suggestions for places to eat...I am really looking forward to coming to New Orleans. I hope all the people there are as nice as you...thanks again!
Also thanks to Dana for the advice on the hotel...will keep looking I guess..
Thank you so much for going to all that trouble for me...I sincerely appreciate your help and also the suggestions for places to eat...I am really looking forward to coming to New Orleans. I hope all the people there are as nice as you...thanks again!
Also thanks to Dana for the advice on the hotel...will keep looking I guess..
Feb 18th, 2001, 07:00 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Cathie - just don't cancel your reservations until you have something else lined up. I had no idea the Dupre was owened by the French Market people. If you are able to find something else, I'd highly recommend it. Please let me know if you need more info.
Feb 19th, 2001, 08:24 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hello Again,
Perhaps I got my wires crossed, but there's something fishy going on with that Chateau Dupre Historic French Market Inn thing, because I just remembered, when I originally called the num,ber for HFMI, they answered the phone with the words, "Chateau Dupre" and when I called to cancel, they also
answered the phone using the Chateau name as opposed to the HFMI name, so that's where I got the idea that they're indeed connected! I believe it's a series of six hotels, listed under the title www.neworleansfinehotels.com, and they're now listed in the AAA book, but were not last year when I made my reserv. And I'm now looking at that "bogus" confirmation letter once again from the HFMI, and it just doesn't look official. There's something awfully strange about it -- can't put my finger on it.
Anyway, luckily I did change my reserv. thanks to John, and a few others on the site, and we'll be staying at Hotel Provincial. Can't wait. We've stayed at Richelieu before; loved it. Also liked
Hotel St. Marie, but not as much as Richelieu.
Perhaps I got my wires crossed, but there's something fishy going on with that Chateau Dupre Historic French Market Inn thing, because I just remembered, when I originally called the num,ber for HFMI, they answered the phone with the words, "Chateau Dupre" and when I called to cancel, they also
answered the phone using the Chateau name as opposed to the HFMI name, so that's where I got the idea that they're indeed connected! I believe it's a series of six hotels, listed under the title www.neworleansfinehotels.com, and they're now listed in the AAA book, but were not last year when I made my reserv. And I'm now looking at that "bogus" confirmation letter once again from the HFMI, and it just doesn't look official. There's something awfully strange about it -- can't put my finger on it.
Anyway, luckily I did change my reserv. thanks to John, and a few others on the site, and we'll be staying at Hotel Provincial. Can't wait. We've stayed at Richelieu before; loved it. Also liked
Hotel St. Marie, but not as much as Richelieu.
Feb 19th, 2001, 08:43 PM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Thanks again Dana - I am still trying to decide on where to stay...definitely won't be the Chateau Dupre.
Meg again.....
Can you or anyone tell me what the usual charge for parking would be when it is not included like the Le Richelieu's is? We are driving mainly because we are also taking one day in Biloxi so my husband can check that area out since he was there with the Air Force in late 60's...should I even attempt to see if anyone has info on a hotel in Biloxi for one night...?
Meg again.....
Can you or anyone tell me what the usual charge for parking would be when it is not included like the Le Richelieu's is? We are driving mainly because we are also taking one day in Biloxi so my husband can check that area out since he was there with the Air Force in late 60's...should I even attempt to see if anyone has info on a hotel in Biloxi for one night...?
Feb 19th, 2001, 11:55 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
I was in NO a few years ago and took a few tours that I really enjoyed. I went on the GreyLine walking tour through the Garden District and found it very informative. As for a plantation tour, Isabelle's provided a wonderful afternoon - very memmorable.
Feb 20th, 2001, 06:48 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
If your hotel has parking, it's probably $20 a night or so. Definitely don't try to park on the street - you will be towed. I grew up on the Coast - was born at Keesler in the 60's - very small world, huh? If you are going to stay on the coast, try Beau Rivage - it's the newest casino there and is all the rage. If you want something small and quiet, try to find a B&B in Pass Christian. Chain hotels ABOUND all along the Gulfport and Biloxi coasts now - so your options there are wide open.
Feb 20th, 2001, 06:37 PM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Meg - Thanks for the info on parking and yes it is a small world...my husband was in Keesler in 68-69 and left 6 months before Camille hit the area.....I wonder if it might not be cheaper to fly and then rent a car for a few days...what are your thoughts on that?..I posted earlier that question but did not get a response so I apologize if some of you read this request on car rentals twice..was afraid I would drop to the bottom of the list and never be seen..
By the way, you are a dif. Meg from the Meg who did not list her email address, right? She was very helpful earlier so don't want to get anyone confused.
By the way, you are a dif. Meg from the Meg who did not list her email address, right? She was very helpful earlier so don't want to get anyone confused.
Feb 22nd, 2001, 11:48 AM
#15
Guest
Posts: n/a
It's the same Meg as the other posts - just not being consistent with my address.
We lived through Camille - lost a home on Hwy. 90. My parents still own the lot.
Anyway - I don't know much about the airfare deals into the Gulfport/Biloxi regional airport. I know service has increased since all the casinos came in, but I've only flown out of that airport once and that was 20 years ago. New Orleans doesn't have the greatest airport service, but I would think you have more options in and out of here. I'd check around though - no harm in asking. Another factor might depend on when you are coming and what's going on here vs. the Coast.
We lived through Camille - lost a home on Hwy. 90. My parents still own the lot.
Anyway - I don't know much about the airfare deals into the Gulfport/Biloxi regional airport. I know service has increased since all the casinos came in, but I've only flown out of that airport once and that was 20 years ago. New Orleans doesn't have the greatest airport service, but I would think you have more options in and out of here. I'd check around though - no harm in asking. Another factor might depend on when you are coming and what's going on here vs. the Coast.
Feb 24th, 2001, 11:40 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
Meg - glad to know you both are the same Meg that has been giving me advice. Really sorry to hear about your parents home...that must have been awful for them..
Still can't believe parking is so expensvive per day...guess LeRichelieu would be a wise choice with parking included. But not sure just yet...are there any other hotels in the Frence Quarter that include parking besides that one?
But imagine that we will probably drive since we want to see the Plantations and go to Boloxi. Still undecided on a hotel, though...someone here told me they stayed at the Inn On Bourbon which was right in the middle of everything...we are definitely coming in June so am checking out rates but they all seem pretty high for that time of year..I looked at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi website and it looks quite awesome so thanks for that advice..not sure yet if we can even get reservation there..they would not let me search dates over the website for availability for some reason so will have to call.
Thanks to "e" and Hilda also for your suggestions...
Still can't believe parking is so expensvive per day...guess LeRichelieu would be a wise choice with parking included. But not sure just yet...are there any other hotels in the Frence Quarter that include parking besides that one?
But imagine that we will probably drive since we want to see the Plantations and go to Boloxi. Still undecided on a hotel, though...someone here told me they stayed at the Inn On Bourbon which was right in the middle of everything...we are definitely coming in June so am checking out rates but they all seem pretty high for that time of year..I looked at the Beau Rivage in Biloxi website and it looks quite awesome so thanks for that advice..not sure yet if we can even get reservation there..they would not let me search dates over the website for availability for some reason so will have to call.
Thanks to "e" and Hilda also for your suggestions...
Feb 25th, 2001, 12:55 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Cathie, try to stay at the Beau Rivage or the Grand Casino and Hotel. Both are nice, but I have not stayed at the Rivage, I was unable to get a reasonable rate at the times we've been there. I have seen and heard reviews of Beau Rivage and everything sounds great. Most expensive and elaborate in Biloxi. If you like seafood the Isle of Capri casino has a seafood buffet that's pretty good.
For New Orleans, I've stayed at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon, nice and enjoyable, Chateau Sonesta, Iberville and Bourbon, if you like a room that looks like a warehouse, it has lots of room. Much overpriced, and rooms overlooking Iberville street are noisy, so I would not recommend the Chateau. I'm staying at the Hotel Intercontinental on St. Charles Ave. in April, and hope to enjoy another trip to the Big Easy!! Any news about this hotel from anyone? I would think it would be nice after seeing the Willard Hotel Intercontinental on Pennsylvania Ave. in D.C. Any help? Cathie hope your trip is great. Any Questions?
For New Orleans, I've stayed at the Royal Sonesta on Bourbon, nice and enjoyable, Chateau Sonesta, Iberville and Bourbon, if you like a room that looks like a warehouse, it has lots of room. Much overpriced, and rooms overlooking Iberville street are noisy, so I would not recommend the Chateau. I'm staying at the Hotel Intercontinental on St. Charles Ave. in April, and hope to enjoy another trip to the Big Easy!! Any news about this hotel from anyone? I would think it would be nice after seeing the Willard Hotel Intercontinental on Pennsylvania Ave. in D.C. Any help? Cathie hope your trip is great. Any Questions?
