new orleans
Dec 30th, 2005, 09:01 AM
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new orleans
I have booked to go to New Orleans in April- all tourist boards I've spoken to have said all the tourist areas are back to normal but I was just wondering if anyone has been recently and what it was like?
Dec 30th, 2005, 09:27 AM
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yes, all of the tourist areas are fine (uptown and quarter).
the majority of restaurants and nightclubs are also open.
look on the times picayune's website, nola.com, for a list of restaurants and hotels open. it is constantly updated
where are you planning on staying?
the majority of restaurants and nightclubs are also open.
look on the times picayune's website, nola.com, for a list of restaurants and hotels open. it is constantly updated
where are you planning on staying?
Dec 30th, 2005, 09:35 AM
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I wouldn't say it's completely "back to normal," but there are many areas open or opening soon. It will be years, if ever, before "all" the tourist areas are back up and running. The zoo is open, the streetcars are not running yet, the Quarter is mostly operational, and Uptown is rapidly coming back. A lot more will be up and running by April. The nola.com site is a great suggestion--you can find out what's open and where, and ask more pertinent questions on their forums.
You will enjoy your trip to New Orleans--there is still plenty to see and do!
You will enjoy your trip to New Orleans--there is still plenty to see and do!
Dec 31st, 2005, 05:49 AM
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I had made reservations for Quarter Fest (3rd weekend in April) about a week before Katrina hit. My husband and I have decided that if QF is going to be held, we will be there. Last I read, the festival will be held.
I got an e-mail a couple days ago from a friend who lives in the Garden District. Things are certainly not normal, not everything is open, restaurants on limited hours, with limited menus. But, things are steadily improving.
As far as where to stay, I stayed at Hotel Provincial last March, not too expensive and pleasant. I think Dauphine Orleans also has a pool. There are numerous other more expensive, larger hotels, but I like the small places in New Orleans better.
I got an e-mail a couple days ago from a friend who lives in the Garden District. Things are certainly not normal, not everything is open, restaurants on limited hours, with limited menus. But, things are steadily improving.
As far as where to stay, I stayed at Hotel Provincial last March, not too expensive and pleasant. I think Dauphine Orleans also has a pool. There are numerous other more expensive, larger hotels, but I like the small places in New Orleans better.
Jan 3rd, 2006, 09:33 AM
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I was in the French Quarter on the Friday before New Years and it's just as JeanH and Bayou GAl said. The Marriott, which should be open by April, has a pool and is at the edge of the French Quarter. I'm not as familiar with the smaller hotels. (again, nola.com is an excellent resource)
Jan 3rd, 2006, 11:16 AM
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I've driven through City Park twice in the last month. It didn't look like the museum was open yet. There were many trees down in the park/ i.e. lots of stumps. The grass is dead but tufts of green coming back. There are ducks in the pond. They still had the annual "Christmas Lights in the Oaks" during December--that was nice to see.
Jan 3rd, 2006, 12:34 PM
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I was in NO a month ago and wanted to say that I would have no qualms about visiting again in April. As others have said, things are pretty quiet in the FQ, but places are open and there are people around. Given a few more months, I predict that things will be pretty good - still not back to "normal", but running well enough to be a nice place to visit.
Jan 5th, 2006, 11:12 AM
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I am a N.O. native living in Texas and was there in December for the first time since Katrina. There is nothing "NORMAL" about anything in New Orlans, however, if you stay in the Quarter and Garden District and Central Business District areas, you should be fine. It isn't the N.O. of old and perhaps never will be, but you can still have a good time there. Many places are still closed and there are often lines to get into the open restaurants. Do not venture toward Lake Pontchartrain or points East, however, as the devastation is total and not a good place for tourists. Street lights are not working outside the areas mentioned above and the City is very full of workmen who have little regard for "Stop" signs, so driving can be tricky and dangerous. Just remember that all open businesses are having a terrible time finding enough staff so be patient at whatever hotel or restaurant you use as service is likely to be poor. Everyone is doing the best they can.
Jan 5th, 2006, 01:14 PM
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I'm a former NO resident and frequent visitor (will be going w/dh for our 10yr anniversary in July). Our favorite hotel is the Royal Sonesta - it has a great rooftop pool. It is on Bourbon so the location is great, and we always get an interior courtyard room so the noise has never been a problem. Have a great time!
Jan 5th, 2006, 02:53 PM
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I am a native New Orleanian and French Quarter resident. Please come and visit our still-beautiful and much-beloved city! We have been struck a devastating blow, but we are coming back. We desperately need your support now more than ever, and the areas that tourists (and many locals) mostly frequented are very viable and happening and exciting and fun. Many of our greatest restaurants and hotels are open and ready to serve you, and residents will be so glad to see you! Please come -- you will have a wonderful time!
Jan 9th, 2006, 06:45 AM
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I am going to introduce something that even I, a native, have lots of mixed feelings about and find controversial. FYI: There are tours taking people to see the damaged homes, devastation, etc.
I must say that I do encourage you to take an hour or so to see some the damage--you just can't believe it until you see it "in the flesh" so-to-speak, plus this will takes years and years to recover from, and the whole US needs to realize that. Educating tourists may be our best bet for full recovery. Be prepared, your heart will break from the sheer volume of people who have lost everything. It's hard to believe it could happen in our country, but unfortunately, we could face horrible natural disasters in just about any area of the US at any time. None of us can survive these things without the help of our neighbors. So if you don't have transportation while in NO, take a short tour if you're so inclined.
I must say that I do encourage you to take an hour or so to see some the damage--you just can't believe it until you see it "in the flesh" so-to-speak, plus this will takes years and years to recover from, and the whole US needs to realize that. Educating tourists may be our best bet for full recovery. Be prepared, your heart will break from the sheer volume of people who have lost everything. It's hard to believe it could happen in our country, but unfortunately, we could face horrible natural disasters in just about any area of the US at any time. None of us can survive these things without the help of our neighbors. So if you don't have transportation while in NO, take a short tour if you're so inclined.
Jan 9th, 2006, 02:36 PM
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Dear Bayou Girl - we took a tour with Isabel last Friday, including visiting one of her employee's houses way out in Chalmette, then coming back through lower 9th. It was extremely informative to see the devastation close up and to talk with folks who are digging out and rebuilding. Every person we spoke to thanked us for coming to see conditiions in person, and encouraged our resolve to lobby our congress folks for assistance.
I read Saturday morning that a couple of New Orleans council folks had rammed through a ban on tours - I think they are very mistaken - the more of us who see what's needed in person, the more we can be credible with our representatives.
I read Saturday morning that a couple of New Orleans council folks had rammed through a ban on tours - I think they are very mistaken - the more of us who see what's needed in person, the more we can be credible with our representatives.
Jan 9th, 2006, 02:41 PM
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Dear Charleska,
Please go to New Orleans as planned. Folks there are working so hard to rebuild their homes and businesses. They can't succeed unless we tourists return, spend money, see what needs doing, and press our representatives to do the right thing.
We had a wonderful three days last week in French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown - and riding with a friend and later a tour through the most damaged areas. The food is terrific as always, and the people too - go help them recover!
Please go to New Orleans as planned. Folks there are working so hard to rebuild their homes and businesses. They can't succeed unless we tourists return, spend money, see what needs doing, and press our representatives to do the right thing.
We had a wonderful three days last week in French Quarter, Garden District, Uptown - and riding with a friend and later a tour through the most damaged areas. The food is terrific as always, and the people too - go help them recover!
Jan 14th, 2006, 06:38 PM
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***HOWARTH***
How is the area around the university of N.O.? We are going to the concert 311 if they decide to have it. We are staying in the French Quarter & I don't know if I should take a cab or drive? I am afraid of area around university late at night. Two years ago it was tough to catch a cab late.
I heard traffic lights bad also. Any advice & should they even have concert.
Thanks in advance.
How is the area around the university of N.O.? We are going to the concert 311 if they decide to have it. We are staying in the French Quarter & I don't know if I should take a cab or drive? I am afraid of area around university late at night. Two years ago it was tough to catch a cab late.
I heard traffic lights bad also. Any advice & should they even have concert.
Thanks in advance.
Jan 16th, 2006, 05:30 AM
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Two questions: We are visiting New Orleans at the end of this month. I would like to take my husband and son to restaurants that are very good, authentic (not chains) and reasonably priced. I'm not particularly interested in the "celebrity chef" type of restaurants but I would like them to experience good quality and local flavors. Any suggestions?
Also, I thought perhaps we could bring an extra suitcase full of good clothing to donate somewhere, but is that still needed? I'd like to contribute something that would be appreciated...and we'll be spending money there, so that part we already know to do. Thanks in advance.
Also, I thought perhaps we could bring an extra suitcase full of good clothing to donate somewhere, but is that still needed? I'd like to contribute something that would be appreciated...and we'll be spending money there, so that part we already know to do. Thanks in advance.
