Susan

I am trying to plan a trip for six ladies to New Orleans in late February (after Mardi Gras and Super Bowl) and I've read many posts here plus the Rants and Raves and now I'm so confused! Seems as soon as I decide on the ideal hotel I then read some review trashing it. So, here's the criteria:

In the French Quarter
Not too big a hotel, less than 100 rooms
A bar would be nice
Character, antiques, history!
Rooms with two beds so we can double up
Around $200 per night

It's the rooms with two beds that is stumping me. Thanks for any help or suggestions!

John

Look at Le Richelieu Hotel in the French Quarter. Seems to meet most of your criteria and it's a nice hotel.

The Omni Royal Crescent is just outside the Quarter and is very nice. Ditto for the International House. Both are fairly small boutique hotels. Not sure if they have the "character" you want but they have nice restaurant/bars and the price is right.

erin

My friend and I stayed at Dauphine Orleans a couple of times, no problem getting two double beds.Good location, bar (used to be a bordello),continental breakfast.
As far as all the opinions, you'll never get everyone to agree so just research the best you can, book it and relax.

xxx

The Dauphine Orleans is great. One block from Boubon Street, yet quiet. It definitely has a charachter and history - as the previous poster menetioned, it was a bordello. They have a great continental breakfast every morning and a bar (I think the bar is in the bordello section). There are courtyards and a small pool and fluffy terry robes in each room. I highly recommend it. Have fun.

freewoman

Used to go to NO frequently, but haven't been in 25 years. If the Montleone (sp) is still on Bourbon Street (and I can't imagine that it wouldn't still be open), you can't beat it for an historic location.

feline

Why would any one want to see a dirty stiny city like N.O?

Helen

It may 'stink' the morning after the night before, but it's still a fantastic place - ENJOY!!

xxx

That "stink" is from 300 years of debauchery. Some people confuse old with dirty. To me, dirty is garbage in the streets and graffiti on walls. Read about the history of NO and the French Quarter before you go. You'll appreciate the old (aka dirty) buildings and the stink so much more! Enjoy.

Tourist

The first time I visited New Orleans, I too thought it stunk - 6 visits in 6 years later, I dearly love the town and people who live there. Listen to John, he's one of the people you can definitely trust for good opinions concerning the city. Have fun - if you don't, it's YOUR FAULT!!!

Susan

I am listening to John. I've booked us into Le Richelieu and it does look perfect. Thanks, John! Unfortunately, we cannot sleep in the same bed as Paul McCartney did, as that suite is booked. But, now my bro-inlaw has recommended to me the Chateau Motor Hotel. John (or Meg or Susan, can you compare and contrast for me?

And to all who are nawlins-bound, check out www.wwoz.org, the local jazz station. You can listen online and it will get you into the right frame of mind. I'm loving it.

Any and all other hints, tips and pointers to make the most out of our journey would be appreciated. I'm most interested in great places to hear music, restaurants with wonderful ambiance that won't be overrun with tourists (like myself), ghost/cemetary/vampire tours, and the best place for brunch on Sunday. Merci, mes amies.

Phyllis

Susan,

I have been researching NO for the last three weeks and find that www.zagat.com is the best site to find restaurants. In addition to Zagat, personal recommendations prompted us to make reservations at Bayona, Brigstens and Upperville. We also have reservations at Commander's Palace for bruch. Hope that helps.

Rose

I too stayed at the Dauphine 2 years ago, my only visit and it is clean and great location. Am thinking of trying to go at the end of february and the royal sonesta looked good when we were there as did the holiday inn (forget which one but on the same street as the dauphine. I dont think you can go wrong with any of the recommendations.

John

Hi Susan. Thanks for the nice words. Very much appreciated and glad I could help. Given the choice between the Chateau or Le Richelieu, I'd stick with Le R unless there was a significant price difference. Location is basically the same although the Chateau is a block or two closer to Jackson Square.

Le Richelieu is close to Faubourg Marigny, so be sure to check out the new Robert DeNiro-backed restaurant Belle Forche', Cafe Marigny, dba bar, Snug Harbor and some of the other fun/funky shops/clubs on Frenchmen Street.