From what I understand, the National Guard is going to be kept out of the tourist areas (for PR purposes probably) but used elsewhere in the city in order to free up state troopers to patrol the Quarter. To imply that the mayor and governor has called in extra manpower for the city but "all is well" or the same as pre-Katrina in the tourist districts seems a bit ostrich-like to me.

If bamakelly feels like she would prefer to drive in tourist areas rather than walk - well, I value that opinion. Most of us make similar decisions when we travel in urban districts.

NO is coming back - but there are still serious issues.

Here's an interesting article -
dated 6/20
entitled National Guard Ordered to New Orleans

http://www.forbes.com/entrepreneurs/...ap2826305.html

OK, if I can boil down some of the advise given on this thread, I get the impression that safety is an issue, but that walking in a group around the FQ is becoming as nice an activity as it has always been. However, if safety is an issue, then the last thing I would want to do in New Orleans is to risk my car in a public parking garage. For God Sakes, how is tipping a valet a "forced" tip, any more than contemplating eating at Emeril's and leaving with anyhting less than $20 worth of tip? The small tip to the valet guys for the piece of mind it will bring is an excellent value. Believe me, as much as I love NO, I do know of people who had to leave the town with fewer car parts than they entered it, and when they realized they were victimized, they didn't exactly smile, and say, "Well, Look how much money I just saved on Valet tipping!"
I, too, have to deal with a stubborn, opiionated Dad, and I may becoming more like him than I'd care to admit. Sell the Valet idea to him as a safety precaution. The good advise above about discussing this with the hotel management should confirm this perspective. Good Luck.

Yes, my father is extremely stubborn, especially on the valet issue. He has a real problem giving up control of the car like that. He doesn't like strangers driving it (even though it's going to be my car we're bringing) and hates the idea of someone else having a key to it. I'm trying to change his mind, but like I said, stubborn. The tipping isn't even the issue really anymore, it's the valet itself. So we're looking at hotels with free (rare) or self-parking, but that limits us a great deal.

Also, we now need a hotel with queen or bigger beds, because doubles are too small for him and my mother to share. So that cuts out a LOT of the places I was originally looking at, unless we want to pay double what we were planning to get a suite. It's frustrating, to say the least. I'm starting to think I should just forget it and go on my own some other time!

I've stayed at Le Richelieu twice and liked it just fine. It depends on your expectations. Yes, the carpet was a little worn but the room was always spotless (even if the furniture wasn't brand new). It is still charming, has the friendliest bartentender in New Orleans and is in one on the most charming areas of the French Quarter.

AllisonPJ,
My husband and I have stayed at both Le Richelieu and Monteleone. Not for sure when you are going but Le Richilieu and the Monteleone are both nice hotels and they both have King size beds. Monteleone has a nicer lobby with a nice carousel lounge. But if your father is stuck on the parking thing Le Richelieu is definitely a good hotel.

Just got into New Orleans this past weekend - first time in a year. Haven't hit the FQ with the kids yet (if I do it before DH gets here - he'll kill me!). But, I would follow the same rules now that I have always followed....safety in numbers, stay off back streets, stick to the main (touristy) areas, if you don't know where a street goes...don't go down it. In short - put on your "street smart" hat!

Haven't even been uptown, but my mother says the St. Charles streetcar is not running yet. However, I think taking a cas) uptown would be easier than getting the car out, navigating the streets, and then trying to park.

Drove around Lakeview yesterday. I lived there for many years and the damage is just incredible. I was in tears as my mother drove. We spotted lots of National Guard troops. Lakeview and the 9th Ward are the main areas they have been posted - and I'm grate for their service. The residents who are trying to rebuild desperately need the added protection.

snowrooster....different thread...but I went to St. Martin's..just down the road from Kehoe-France.

Grcxx3 - Keep us posted as you venture out more! I know I'm going to cry too - I'm thinking the cab ride from the airport is going to be a bit emotional. Is Lakeview the area around Lake Ponchetrain? My parents use to take us to the park there and we would sit on the edge and fish (well, try to fish!).

Lakeview is indeed the area around Lake Pontchartrain. Interestingly, the big beautiful homes along the lake did not flood. Once you get to Robert E. Lee, just a few blocks from the lake, there is a noticeable dip in the elevation and those houses took several feet of water! Very surreal to see unflooded across the street from devastated ones.

As others have said, the French Quarter and Uptown (and a few others) survived with no flood damage and some minor wind issues. Most businesses are open.

I heard today that the St. Charles streetcar will be back in October, 2007.

Try the Provincial (Chartres St)it is my favorite abnd the parking lot is very easy.
Alain (Paris, France)

Does anyone know how the garden district is recovering? Aside from the fact that the St. Charles St. car is not running? Are the tours of that area running?

I came across a Houston Chronicle article about where the Natl. Guard troops are on patrol- it doesn't sound at all like it is the Quarter, it says it is in uninhabited parts of the city 9th Ward, Gentilly, eastern city, so that the NOPD can intensify their presence in Central City.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/front/4001348.html

Don't shoot me, this is just what the news is reporting.

The link I posted a couple of days ago said the same thing. The police department is depleted. The mayor is okay with letting the state troopers patrol the FQ because they are "local". He doesn't want the National Guard in the tourist areas. So, the Guard and state troopers are rolling into NO to provide stability. NOPD and troopers will be seen in tourist areas. The National Guard will be outside the tourist areas.

I live in the Garden District. The area looks great with plenty of people. The bus is running on St. Charles and there are tours in the neighborhood. Magazine St shops and restaurants are open. It's worth the visit.

uptowngirl, that is GREAT to hear!

Wow....I didn't proofread my post! Don't know what the little weird smiley face is about and in the 2nd to last paragraph.....should read "grateFUL for their service."