Feb 17-20 trip to New Orleans - transportation & must see question
 

Hi all! I just found out my company is sending me to New Orleans for a meeting Feb 17-20. I will have time on Wed and Sat for activities. We are staying at the Hotel Monteleone in the French Quarter.

Can anyone make a recommendation as to whether I should reserve a rental car or take public transportation? Any "must see" recommendations? I have very limited time to explore, but I'd love to see some of the sites from famous/classic novels (so many authors from the area, including Anne Rice and Kate Chopin). I'm just not sure what is still around, what was hurt by Katrina, and what was repaired. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

First - no need to rent a car. The Hotel Monteleon is right in the middle of the French Quarter, so you can walk to tons of restaurants and sites. And the stop for the St. Charles streetcar isn't far, so you can use that to go out to the Garden District. From the airport, you can either take a shuttle (~$12/person) or a cab (~$30).

Secondly - the French Quarter was largely spared by Katrina. It had hurricane damage, but was spared the flooding, which is what really did the city in. Same with the Garden District. So the good news is that most of the sites tourists are interested in are fine. Even a few months after the storm, the FQ didn't look all that bad.

With limited time, I'd recommend taking a walking tour of either the French Quarter or the Garden District. We like the Historic New Orleans Walking Tour Co. This will give you a good taste of the neighborhood you choose to tour and a lot of good information about the city.

For locations from Anne Rice's books - there are tons. I believe that Louis, Lestat and Claudia had their townhouse on Royal Street. Countless characters have had beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde. St. Louis #1 cemetery is prevelant in her books (go with a tour if you go - it can be dangerous otherwise). St. Louis Cathedral is also a common setting. The Mayfair house is in the Garden District at 1st and Chestnut - this used to be Anne Rice's house, but she doesn't live there anymore. Lafayette Cemetery is where the Mayfair family's tomb is in that series. Commander's Palace is a common place for the Mayfairs to dine. You can probably do a quick web search and find a whole listing of locations from her books. The Feast of All Saints is a historical fiction novel written by Rice - takes place almost entirely in the French Quarter.

Agreed about a car -- you won't need one unless you want to visit the plantations west of New Orleans. In fact, unless you have off-street parking, a car will be a serious liability. Stick to walking and public transportation, the latter of which is good and will take you about anyplace a tourist would want to go.

Not only is parking an issue in the Quarter, the streets are all one way and can be a bit daunting for a visitor. Enjoy the city!!

You are at a great location, and definately no need for a car. :)

There are some excellent garden district Haunter History tours, that include Ann Rice's former home. (she moved out several years ago)

DIrectly across the street from the Monteleone is Mr. B's Bistro. Great food and the best BBQ shrimp in New Orleans.
Gallatoire's is a block north on Bourbon, old style New Orleans.

Bayona is a bit further north in the Quarter, but an easy walk from the hotel. Wonderful NOLA fare.

We like Johnny's Po-Boys on Decatur for sandwiches.