We love New Orleans and are planning our first trip back since Katrina. Nationally hotel occupancy is down something like 64% according to tonight's national news. I don't know how it is in New Orleans. But, it seems to me that if they want people to return they wouldn't be charging upwards of $50 a night plus 12.5% tax to park. Geez.

Does anyone have any suggestions or tips on summer deals? Most B&B's are out because we'll be traveling with our 18 month daughter.

I know parking is scarce in the French Quarter, but I can't justify spending a fortune on parking a car that won't be moved for 4 nights. With all the competition for our vacation dollars, I'm surprised to not find some competitive deals.

Thanks for any suggestions. We hope to return to New Orleans on this trip. We miss our fave city.......

Melissa

It's been many years since I've stayed in NO, but the Hotel Provincial used to have free parking. I think Hotel Richeleau does too. I loved Dauphine Orleans, but don't remember if I had a car during that stay. There are quite a few smaller hotels that either didn't charge for parking or charged much less than $50!

Thanks, Deb. I've tried Richelieu many times and they're always booked as they are this time, too. I'll check out Hotel Provencial and Dauphine. Thanks so much!

I am booked into the Prince Conti in the F.Q. the end of June for only $62 a night for a 2 bed room. The parking is $25 per night so with the deal on the room and the parking its still not to bad. The location is fantastic which makes it all the more attractive.

I do know of a little insider info that will save a ton on parking. I stayed in the Lexington Hotel O and Suites on Canal just above Rampart for Mardi Gras. Its a very nice hotel with good rates and about a 10 minute walk to the F.Q. The best part is the parking. You can park in the garage behind the hotel for $6 per night. Its the garage for the hospital and I parked there for 4 nights with no problems. I didnt get to the car one day until around 1pm and still had no problems. Do not tell the hotel your parking there because they charge to park and of course want you to park in there lot.

One last bit of advice, do not park on the street in the French Quarter because the cops will get you. I walked all over and saw many parking tickets on windshields all over the F.Q. They will also tow your car if its been there for a while with no parking permit.

Have a great trip, mscmkr

When are you planning to go?

I have never heard of any hotel charging that much for parking. Which one did?

Most charge between $20-$30 per day in the French Quarter. The Ritz charges $36.

Hotels on St Charles Ave and/or Prytania in the Garden District and Lower Garden District offer FREE parking.

I don't recall the price of the parking lot at the south end of Canal next to the Jax brewery building, but I believe it was a lot less than $50 per night. Best part is that it is a pretty easy walk from anywhere in the FQ.

I think you've been misinformed. Parking tops out at about $25-30 per night for valet service at a few of the top hotels. This is consistent with many large cities.

Le Richelieu offers free parking.

There are parking garages on the other side of Canal Street (from the French Quarter). They are mainly for office buildings. It may be a little bit of a hike from your hotel, but if you do not mind the walk, you could park there for less.

However, I would only do this if you have no intention of using your car while you are staying in NO. If you plan on using your car while you are there, I would suggest using the hotel parking service.

currently at a few upscale, pricing is at 32$ at iberville suites and 30$ at the royal sonesta, which is kind of high, but less worry on your vehicle.

The Chateau Hotel is on the edge of the French Quarter and has valet parking which is secure and is worth the $15 or so extra per day. We love this hotel and stay there every time we visit New Orleans from Baton Rouge. It is a smaller hotel with a small pool and continental breakfast delivered to your door. It is on the corner of the Rues St. Philip and Chartres. I highly recommend this hotel for you and your 18 month old daughter.