Mardi Gras Question
 

I will be arriving in New Orleans on Feb. 4, the day before Fat Tuesday, at 9 pm. Since there are parades going on that night, will I be able to get to my hotel - the New Orleans Marriott - at that time or is this going to be a nightmare? Any suggestions on how to do this?

Can you post the address of the hotel?
I would like to be sure before giving advice.

Do you realize that at midnight on Fat Tuesday the town basically shuts down?

Uptowngirl, the Sheraton is at 500 Canal St. Any help with my question? And Pumpy, I will arrive on Monday night, not Tuesday night.

It's not going to be pretty. Bring a map in case the driver is not experienced for Mardi Gras.
There are 2 parades Monday night. Proteus starts at 5:15 and Orpheus starts at 5:45. They may or may not be on time and Orpheus will pass directly in front of the Sheraton.
Call the hotel while you are still at the airport and ask if they know the status of the parades.
If it is still madness, tell the cab driver to take the Tchoupitoulas exit. U-turn on Calliope and turn right on Camp St. This is one block off the parade route. Get as close as you can to Canal St and you will have to walk the rest of the way. From Camp St, the Sheraton is one block down Canal St to the right. If he is experienced, he will know.
It is possible that you will be walking several blocks.
Of course, you can always wait it out at the airport or hope your plane is late.

Uptowngirl, thanks so much for your help. The only alternative I have is arriving Tuesday morning instead, but with the parades also that day, I think I'd still have the same problem. Thanks for your suggestion to wait it out at the airport and/or call the hotel - I think that makes a lot of sense.

Tuesday morning would be even worse. The parades start early and are much longer.
We use the "hunker down" method. Stock up on drinks and food for 5 days. Don't go any further than your legs or bicycle can take you.
The street closures, crowds and traffic can be very frustrating trying to get there, but have a great time on Mardi Gras Day. It will be quite a sight.

Would Monday morning be a better time to arrive, if I could get off work?

Yes, Monday morning would be the best.