Maggy

Just thought of going to Mardi Gras for the first time---Feb.12. Would like recommendations on where to/not to stay. Read about the International House which is right outside of the French Quarter, would appreciate opinions on this particular hotel/location in reference to Mardi Gras..
Thanks in advance.

Todd

Take what you can get at this point. Int'l House is quite fancy and would be a good choice but it is probaly very expensive

maggy

Thanks Todd, just wondering also---is the main day/night on Mardi Gras, or days before leading up to Fat Tuesday?
The reason I ask is b/c I was thinking of going Feb, 11, and staying until 14th--Valentine's Day since I am there.
Good or bad idea???

Todd

May be tough to get rooms for those dates since Fat Tuesday is February 12.

I just stayed at a place called Dauphine Inn, a small B&B near the French Quarter. Enjoyed it and the neighborhood. Ron is the name of the guy who owns it and the URL is www.thedauphineinn.com. He may be sold out but you may want to check anyways!

susan

Maggy - I hate to throw cold water on your plans, but I'd be surprised if you could find anything at all this late. It's not uncommon for rooms during Mardi Gras to be booked as long as a year in advance. I realize these are unusual times, but if you can find something decent, you'd better grab it.

Laura

We decided in early December to go, and found a room in the Omni Royal Crescent Hotel for a decent price. They might still have some available? Good luck! Oh, and we're going 2/7- 2/10, we figured we'd get the Mardi Gras flavor even though we won't be there ON Mardi Gras. ENJOY!

Laura

Maggy!
Hope you haven't given up yet! I just found a site -http://mardigrasneworleans.com/index.html
This has a listing of hotels that still have availability! Good Luck and Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!!

E.

Regarding timing, all the big festivities, such as parades and outdoor parties, end at midnight on Mardi Gras (Tuesday), as the next day is Ash Wednesday. Parades begin as early as the Saturday before Fat Tuesday. Personally, I would arrive Saturday, party my a** off, then stay a few days after MG to do some more laid back sight-seeing.