new orleans
May 23rd, 1998, 07:40 AM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
new orleans
First trip to New Orleans, have reservations at hilton, hyatt and embassy suites. which would be the best choice. want to be near what's happening since we have no car. Can you recommend restaurants we shouldn't miss, clubs, sight seeing. Looking for any tips. thanks.
May 23rd, 1998, 09:40 AM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
LODGING: I've stayed at the Hyatt in the past. It's very nice, but kind of out of the way. They have a shuttle that will take you down to the Quarter, but for some strange reason it will not take you back. Embassy Suites is also out of the way, so I'd go with the Hilton property. Personally, I prefer smaller properties like Hotel Maison de Ville, Le Richelieu, and Hotel de L'Eau Vive. I find them to be more personal and friendly.
RESTAURANTS: For breakfast don't miss having chickory coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde, or for a larger meal try the jambalaya omelette at Masparo's. For lunch, have afternoon cocktails in the fountain courtyard at Pat O'Briens and walk a few doors down St. Peter to The Gumbo Shop for one of their many daily spacials. Don't miss trying a muffuletta at Progress Grocery (the sandwich is huge, so you may only want a half order). And for dinner, my favorite place is Bayona. Expect to gain weight, the food in New Orleans is outstanding.
Bars: If you get tired of the Bourbon street noise and crowd, head up to the Funky Butt on N. Rampart. Here I've heard some of the best music in the city. For upcoming acts, visit their website at (www.funkybutt.com).
Misc: Checkout the French Market and Riverwalk Marketplace, ride the Canal St. Ferry, have your palm read or your portrait painted by Jackson Square/St. Louis Cathedral.
Tours: The only tour that I've taken was the Magic Walking Tours - Cemetary Tour (leaves from the Pirate's Alley Cafe, cost; $13). The guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and didn't fill your head with phony baloney. He spent 3 hours with us and added a tour of Storyville and Armstrong Park (bring water along with you). Have a Great Trip!
RESTAURANTS: For breakfast don't miss having chickory coffee and beignets at Cafe Du Monde, or for a larger meal try the jambalaya omelette at Masparo's. For lunch, have afternoon cocktails in the fountain courtyard at Pat O'Briens and walk a few doors down St. Peter to The Gumbo Shop for one of their many daily spacials. Don't miss trying a muffuletta at Progress Grocery (the sandwich is huge, so you may only want a half order). And for dinner, my favorite place is Bayona. Expect to gain weight, the food in New Orleans is outstanding.
Bars: If you get tired of the Bourbon street noise and crowd, head up to the Funky Butt on N. Rampart. Here I've heard some of the best music in the city. For upcoming acts, visit their website at (www.funkybutt.com).
Misc: Checkout the French Market and Riverwalk Marketplace, ride the Canal St. Ferry, have your palm read or your portrait painted by Jackson Square/St. Louis Cathedral.
Tours: The only tour that I've taken was the Magic Walking Tours - Cemetary Tour (leaves from the Pirate's Alley Cafe, cost; $13). The guide was very pleasant, knowledgeable, and didn't fill your head with phony baloney. He spent 3 hours with us and added a tour of Storyville and Armstrong Park (bring water along with you). Have a Great Trip!
May 23rd, 1998, 06:27 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
I live in the New Orleans area (and am a degreed hisorian of the place)--and I can find no fault with Mark's recommendations. He didn 't mention the first and best piece of advice: BRING MONEY. The livin' is easy in New Orleans (and less expensive than many other cities) but it's not cheap
While many visitors scorn Breakfast at Brennan's, it IS an experience as is dinner at those other Brennan eateries Commander's Palace and The Palace. And as Mark suggested, have coffee and beignets at the Cafe du Monde at Jackson Square--and imagine yourself there with Creole society in the late 19th century. It's been there that long. Have a wonderful visit! Joan
While many visitors scorn Breakfast at Brennan's, it IS an experience as is dinner at those other Brennan eateries Commander's Palace and The Palace. And as Mark suggested, have coffee and beignets at the Cafe du Monde at Jackson Square--and imagine yourself there with Creole society in the late 19th century. It's been there that long. Have a wonderful visit! Joan
May 28th, 1998, 10:25 AM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Unless you like the ambiance of a really big hotel, you might think about staying at one of the smaller ones in the Quarter. We stayed at Grenoble House, which we liked, but there are many others. DO NOT MISS Petunia's for breakfast (have Pain Perdu or Cajun corn beef hash). We had very good dinners at both Arnaud's and Broussards. Reputedly the best in the city is Captain's Palace but this requires reservations many weeks in advance. Expect rain (any time of the year)! Dick
May 29th, 1998, 06:33 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
I have been to New Orleans twice. My preference would be to stay in the French Quarter at the Monteleone on Royal Street. The hotel is wonderfull. It has the best service--everyone is very friendly and they really cater to their guests. The Monteleone has a roof-top swimming pool and bar. It is the best!!!!
May 31st, 1998, 06:53 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
If the Embassy Suites you ask about is near the Convention Center, it is NOT out of the way. It is just a 3-4 short block walk to the heart of the Quarter -Jackson Square. I didn't stay there, but it looked lovely and you have the added benefit of the larger accommodations and kitchenette thing. It is right on the new "art gallery row" and very near the Aquarium of the America's etc. Try eating at a place called "Feelings Cafe". Its outside the Quarter - a very short cab ride (and do take a cab, its a little scary in that neighborhood at night). Wonderfully reasonable prices, fabulous food and a very romantic setting. Check it out. I also loved "Mothers" for breakfast - lots of local flavor, unbelievably good food and real cheap. Have fun.
Jun 2nd, 1998, 03:03 PM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Hi!!I`m a Swedish boy 27 of age. I will travel around for 4 weeks in the Us with a friend. We will start our trip in the middle of June in New Orleans and go from there to Colorado. I´m wondering
what way we should go ( car ) so we can see as much we can along the way. And what we " must " see in the southern parts of Rocky Mountains, we thought of bee in Colorado for 12-14 days. Please help me! And thank you!!
Fredrik
Jun 3rd, 1998, 11:20 AM
#11
Guest
Posts: n/a
Just got back from New Orleans...stayed at the Bourbon Orleans which has the greatest location, you can walk to all parts of the Quarter from there. Ate at Bayona, and Mr.B's Bistro...loved Mr.B's. Neither is typical "Creole or Cajun" cooking so if you are looking for that, try K-Pauls, Emerils, or Nola's. Commander's Palace (the Garden room) is also "delicious". I was very disappointed with the Court of Two Sisters for brunch, but did enjoy Petunia's for a basic breakfast. Took carriage ride tour of French Quarter and Grayline tour of city. Make sure you try the trolley and a walking tour of the Garden District. Don't miss Cafe Du Monde, Pat O'Brians in the Piano Bar for evening sing along..It will be impossible not to have a good time...make it happen!
Jun 3rd, 1998, 07:19 PM
#12
Guest
Posts: n/a
Dear Brad: Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is always the day before Lent begins (or Ash Wednesday) and this not too early to be making your plans for Mardi Gras in New Orleans in 1999. According to my WORLD ALMANAC (where you can check such things), in 1999 Ash Wednesday falls on 17 February. Joan
Jun 4th, 1998, 04:31 AM
#13
Guest
Posts: n/a
Brad, The big Mardi Gras parade will be held on February 16, 1999. It may already be too late to get a hotel as people book for several years in advance for this event. Consider going to New Orleans the week BEFORE Mardi Gras. There is still a lot of activity, parades, and parties, but not so many people. Good Luck.
Jun 8th, 1998, 02:41 PM
#16
Guest
Posts: n/a
DO NOT Under any circumstance miss Commanders Palace -- eat anything you want but ABSOLUTELY order the bread pudding -- there is no better treat anywhere anyplace. Agree on the barbeque shrimp at Manale's -- out of the way and worth it. Also try the muffelatas (sp. You can do Brennan's to say you did it -- but for my $$$ I will take "Mothers" - adjacent to the Windsor Court (one of the great hotels in the world).
HOWEVER --- BE VERY CAREFUL AND ALERET AT ALL TIMES AND DO NOT VENTURE BEYOND THE BOUNDRIES OF THE QUARTER UNLESS BY CAB OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION.
A couple of years ago a friend was attedning a convention in one of the name hotels. His wife went to the women's room on the same floor as the convention dinner and was attacked and beaten and had her purse taken. Had to have surgery.
A couple of weeks ago my partner was at one of the most popular establishments (on the resturant side with her purse hung over her chair while she was eating with five other people). The purse was stolen.
A few years ago I had a friend who was mugged early in the morning - he did have too much to drink.
New Orleans is a great place to visit -- but do be careful.
HOWEVER --- BE VERY CAREFUL AND ALERET AT ALL TIMES AND DO NOT VENTURE BEYOND THE BOUNDRIES OF THE QUARTER UNLESS BY CAB OR OTHER TRANSPORTATION.
A couple of years ago a friend was attedning a convention in one of the name hotels. His wife went to the women's room on the same floor as the convention dinner and was attacked and beaten and had her purse taken. Had to have surgery.
A couple of weeks ago my partner was at one of the most popular establishments (on the resturant side with her purse hung over her chair while she was eating with five other people). The purse was stolen.
A few years ago I had a friend who was mugged early in the morning - he did have too much to drink.
New Orleans is a great place to visit -- but do be careful.
Jun 9th, 1998, 08:18 PM
#17
Guest
Posts: n/a
Is N.Rampart Street too out of the way of the main attractions going on in the French Quarter? I book a room at the French Quarter Suites New Orleans but am wondering if I should spend the $20 more per night to be closer to Bourbon Street and stay at the Hotel dela Poste, St. Ann Marie Antoinette or the Inn on Bourbon. Also, any suggestions on swamp or cemetery tours? Any comments or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
Jun 10th, 1998, 04:22 AM
#18
Guest
Posts: n/a
I agree the Bourbon Orleans is a great place to stay very nice rooms and good location.
Brennans is the biggest rip-off, the food is good but I don't think any eggs benedict is worth 37.50. We had 2 brkfast and a couple of Bloody Mary's and it was more than 100.00. Yes you need to be careful they say stay away from Louis Armstrong Park. I love New Orleans and we are going back this fall.
Brennans is the biggest rip-off, the food is good but I don't think any eggs benedict is worth 37.50. We had 2 brkfast and a couple of Bloody Mary's and it was more than 100.00. Yes you need to be careful they say stay away from Louis Armstrong Park. I love New Orleans and we are going back this fall.
Jun 11th, 1998, 07:47 PM
#20
Guest
Posts: n/a
We will be in New Orleans for the July 4th weekend.Any activities going on for fireworks displays, and what is the best location to view fireworks. Is having dinner at Bella Luna's restaurant a good location. We will be staying at Hotel St. Marie...any info on this hotel. Is Harry Connick Jr. going to be appearing anywhere?
