bkluvsNola

Versailles,

Yes, it will be relatively cool in New Orleans this week for August, upper 80's - can't complain at all.

Make sure you take advantage of the great restaurant and hotel deals.

bkluvsNola

Versailles,

I see that you are staying at the Ritz Carlton from your other post. You're going to enjoy that fully. I'm sure you probably got a great deal - you'll be staying in 5 star luxury for dirt cheap because of August specials - can't complain about that

Versailles

Jaya,

Besides the on and off rain we've been so fortunate with the weather and work our schedule around the rain. I can honestly say I don't regret coming to NO...we're enjoying it very much. I would certainly recommend the city to anyone but not The Ritz.

I would come back...I'll let you know if my opinion changes

Jaya

I'm glad you're having a good time - and thanks for the note.

Do the locals say it's cooler or better right now than they would have normally expected at this time?

NeoPatrick

I'll be anxious to see what you have to say about the Ritz, that you wouldn't recommend it. Sometimes I think that when these top notch places drop their prices dramatically in off seasons, they cut service to the bone -- and often send their best people off on vacation. I'm curious if that is what you've noticed.

SusanCS

I've heard lots of complaints about the Ritz since it opened. The general consensus has been that it's not in the upper tier of their properties.

I think NO accommodation prices are cheaper this time of year because of the horrible weather.

bkluvsNola

Versailles,

Glad to hear that you're having great weather in New Orleans. I think this week in New Orleans, because of that disorganized tropical system in the Gulf, the weather has been a bit rainy and cool (for New Orleans). It sound like you don't mind a little rain for cooler weather.

As far as the Ritz. I've heard the same thing about them. The best hotel is supposedly the Windsor Court and the Ritz doesn't come close. The Windsor also offers great summertime rates, but they don't drop their prices as dramatically.

Glad to hear that the COOLinary NO specials are working out well, except of course at the melange.

Versailles

Hi everyone,

Well we're back....had a long delay out of NO due to the weather in the New York area. I would rather be on the ground than in the air during a storm, we were also fortunate to spend the time in the Delta Crown lounge. Here is a little run down of our time in NO, our sons ages 20 and 16 were with us also.

Day 1: Landed in NO during terrible weather we had to circle for quite a while, the pilot took us on a very scenic tour of the area before landing. Checked in at the Ritz and had to spend much of the time explaining the Reconnect Package, my confirmation from the Ritz site clearly stated a $25.00 per night credit per room but they were insisting that it was per stay. The person at the check-in desk verified with a manager that it was as the confirmation stated. I had to go through this every single day, on the 3rd day the assistant to the General Manager contacted me to apologize and said that it was per stay previously but the rules have now changed and they will honor per night and a note will be placed in our reservations. She later sent up a fruit plate and complimentary water to each room. Upon check out I had to through it all over again, as they insisted it was per stay. The general Manager came out apologized and gave me the $100.00 per room credit. Another couple checking in while I was checking out were facing similar problems so I didn't feel so singled out. Due to the weather we chose to dine at Melange as the menu that was provided in the room looked wonderful. When we sat down and were presented with the menu it was a fraction of what was being advertised and they did not offer us the COOLinary NO menu. 3 courses for 2 people and 2 courses for 1 person a few glasses of wine and tip...$300.00.

Day 2: We did the platation

Versailles

Hi everyone,

I wrote a very long trip report but for some reason it didn't post.

When I have some extra time.

Day 2: Dinner at Red Fish Grill..Wonderful dinner for 4 3 courses with drinks and tip-$200.00

Day 3: Dinner at Muriel's an old trading house for slaves beautifully decorated. They offered the COOLinary to us without us asking..great menu 3 courses $28.50 without drinks..delicious food and very attentive staff. $100.00 for 2 including tip and wine.

Day 4: Dinner at Brigsten's, a small
house turned into a restaurant. They do not participate in the COOLinary NO, they don't have to. The food was the best we had, some feel it's the best restaurant in NO. Reservations are needed, if you have a problem with cramped eating space you may want to think twice before going. If you want a great meal just outside of the city center and don't mind the rustic feel of a restaurant, this place is a must. The duck was the best I've ever had. 4 people 2 courses (too full for dessert) no alcohol $200.00 total including tip.

Take a cab and they will offer to order one for you when you leave, parking can be a bit of a problem.

I will post some trip info when I have some additional time. For now, I cannot recommend the Ritz to anyone. Spend your money elsewhere.

Loved NO will go again.

bkluvsNola

Versailles,

Thanks. Sounds good!