Tracey

Just back from my weekend in the Big Easy and just want to thank all the past posters in this subject. Here’s what we did: Flew in from EWR with a group of 14 people on Continental. Had 7am flight, got to the airport at 5:30am, parked at the monorail lot and took it over to the terminal. Waited in line for 20 minutes for security check, we had no bags to check so didn’t need to wait in the ticket line. Had no problems, except 1 pair of tweezers were confiscated. EWR was great. They had about 6 x-ray machines open, and the line went quickly.
Got to NO’s and checked in to the Pelham Hotel. Located 1 block off Canal Street. Cost was $79, but with taxes and surcharge ended up to be $96. Did everyone know about the mandatory $2/night safe charge? Hotel was comfy, but needed updating. My room had a huge 4-poster bed with a step stool just to climb up! For lunch that day we ate at the Crescent City Brew house. The appetizers were great, but the lunch itself was not impressive. Try the mussels and calamari, skip the shrimp po-boy. Also the beer was not too tasty. I wouldn’t go back again. That night we ate at the Cajun Cabin, not worth mentioning. Danced all night on Bourbon Street, never had so much fun- and the music was fantastic!
The next morning, all hung over, walked around river walk. I expected this to be outdoor, boutique like shopping. Boy was I wrong, it was an indoor mall with regular shops. We quickly left and walked along the river towards the market place. Next we had reservations at Nola’s for lunch. What a treat this was! The food was to die for and the service was impeccable. I would defiantly eat there again, even though lunch cost us $65/person. Leave room for desert… After lunch we took a ride on the St. Charles trolley through the garden district. The house were all decorated for Christmas and looked so lovely. We stopped at the end of the line for a beer at Cooter’s. They had over 40 beers on tap. I need to give them a thank you- I had left my camera there, and realized it an hour later. They kept it for me safe and sound. That night too stuffed for words, we decided to head over to Acme Oyster House. These were the best, freshest oysters we had the whole trip. Also try the crawfish! It was worth the wait. We later had a hurricane at Pat O’ Brien’s and listened to dueling pianos. A must do. Skip Margaretville-the drinks were horrible, and only 6 margaritas on the list-all made with house liquor??
The 3rd and final day we went to the Jazz brunch at Arnaud’s. The food and music were great, but the service was lacking. I guess after Nola’s I expected more. I would go there again however in a smaller group. Brunch was $30/person with 1 drink. Try the Shrimp Arnaud-fantastic! It took 4 hours to have brunch, we were a big group (3 tables of 7) and they were struggling with our orders. After lunch headed to the airport for our 7:30pm departure.
I am glad the shuttle company made us leave early. We waited 1 ½ hours on line for security check in. They only had 2 x-ray machines running, and searched every other person.
It was a great trip, and I will definalty go back again. Only with out the group next time. It was nice with all your friends, but had to get a move on with that many people. I would next time like to take some tours-cemetery and plantation. Walk around the Garden District. And defiantly stay in the Quarter. Even though everything is in walking distance, it’s still a lot of walking. If anybody has any questions, let me know.

NadeneCros

Thanks for the trip report!

PART ONE OF MY TRIP REPORT:
My husband and I went about a month ago and had a blast.

We stayed at the Marriott - great location, beautiful lobby, free popcorn in the little sports bar with perfect people watching onto Canal Street. The room was comfy but a little small and a little musty smelling. But all and all a terrific deal on Priceline for $79 night.

We went to Bourban Street all three nights we where there and got pretty silly, danced the night away. We had hurricane's at Pat O'Briens - fun atmosphere but found the drink WAY too sweet, we abandoned it for a beer.

John

Thanks for the trip report(s). It's really nice to read new perspectives on one's hometown!

I have to admit I've never heard of a mandatory safe charge. Could you get this charge refunded if you didn't use the safe?

Jamie

Came back from a wonderful weekend in NO. Didn't know about the $2/night safe charge either but was told by the staff that it was Louisiana law and to use the safe since we would be paying for it anyway. Wonder why they don't just add all these additional charges to the room cost?

John

Louisiana Law? I don't think so! Yes, the law says they have to offer a safe either in the room or at the front desk. However, most hotels do not charge such fees for simply complying with the law.

It's no big deal but I really hate all those add-on charges.

Brian in Atlanta

John, I've seen this practice at a growing number of hotels, and while one or two bucks isn't a big deal, it became ridiculous at one Days Inn in Savannah when they tried to insist I pay even though the safe was broken. I finally won that argument.