Trip Report: We stayed at the Ambassador Hotel which was fine, but not worth the $189/night charge. If you stay there, be sure to request an outside window. If not requested, they place you in an interior room with windows to the corridor! But, they switched us first thing the next morning. The hotel is located in the Warehouse District which is inbetween the French Qtr and the Garden District. We were 2 blocks from the Qtr, 1/2 block from Mothers restaurant (a New Orleans tradition), and 1 block from the newly opened Harrah's Casino (which is huge and very glitzy!). The area we were in was safe but the Hilton is only 1 - 2 blocks away, closer to the Qtr. Check the price when deciding where to stay. Our rate was high because of a citywide medical convention which had the hotels booked. If you stay near the river, take the train into the Qtr. There are only 8 stops but only maybe 3 miles of track! Cost is $1.50 one way so you can get off whereever you want. Take it to Stop #1 and you'll be at the French Market. Stop #5 takes you to Jackson Square. Also take the Streetcar into the Garden District, again $1.50 one-way, to view the old Southern mansions along St. Charles St. If you want to ride the ferry to Algiers, it's free - but, there's nothing to do on Algiers. The cemetery tour we took was very interesting and the tour guide is necessary to understand the meanings behind the various tombs - $13/pp. Great food can be found at most restaurants, the expensive restaurants require a reservation or there is a 1 - 2 hour wait for a table. Love the ambiance of the Qtr and the friendliness of the people - can't wait to go back!

Would you go back to the Ambassador again though? Was it comfortable, safe, etc? Or just someplace to sleep? PS found a rate at the Ambassador in early Feb (before Mardi Gras) of $99/night. Worth it?

Nothing to do in Algiers???!!!! I live here and disagree! This is the second oldest neighborhood in New Orleans with beautiful Victorian homes. Algiers is rich in history and there are a few things to do...We have a great coffee house, Mardi Gras World, an English Pub, and other bars with live music, and several B&B's...one of which I own..
Please visit our web site @
www.HouseOfTheRisingSunBnB.com

Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler

Hi,
I am travelling to New Orleans's French Quarter for a convention this coming April, and I'm really interested in authentic, cheap great Cajun or Creole food. I don't care if its Mom and Pop's store. I am also interested in checking out if there's any contemporary jazz clubs around that area.I know there's a lot of New Orleans Jazz around, but I'm more interested in modern jazz.

Any suggestion is greatly appreciated.

Try Snug Harbor for modern jazz. Foodwise - try Old N'Awlins Cookery in the Quarter or K-Paul's (pricey, but good - go at lunch for better prices).