Kathryn

Five friends are heading to the Big Easy for the FOOD! We're looking for French Quarter lodging that won't break the bank. Any tried and true suggestions would be appreciated. Also, has anyone taken a plantation tour in the area that they would reccomend?

Michelle

We stayed at The Oliver House in the heart of the FQ. It's family owned, great location and reasonably priced (considering others in the FQ). My only advice is to stay on the courtyard side if you need any sleep while your there! Petunia's was a great little restaurant around the corner!

the joker

Would suggest a BB named the Cornstalk (Because of the iron fence out front.)

Kat

Well, you'll certainly love the food in New Orleans, it's great. Here are recommendations for inexpensive lodging in the French Quarter (and you want to stay in the Quarter, trust me): 1.) Le Richelieu (free parking, RARE in the Quarter) 504 529 2492, web site at: http://www.neworleansonline.com/Richelieu.htm 2.) Ursuline Guest House 800 654 2351, more details at this web site: http://www.yatcom.com/neworl/lodging....html#ursuline 3.) Hotel Villa Convento, 504 522 1793, web site at: http://neworleansonline.com/Convento.htm Plantations of high interest in New Orleans include Longue Vue (wonderful gardens!) and Destrehan. All the tour companies in town go there; you can do Longue Vue on your own, however. Also recommended to do in New Orleans -- a graveyard tour! Unique, interesting and fun.

Michael

All of Kat's choices are excellent suggestions. Chateau Motor Hotel is a great deal also.

Joy

All of the above suggestions are nice, but you said you wanted cheap. The QUEEN & CRESCENT HOTEL has got the best deal! It's internet special is only $59 to $89 a nite!!! The hotel is located 2 blocks from Canal St. (the edge of the french quarter) but the couple blocks of walking is worth it. It's a totally remodeled historic building. The rooms are small, but are really lovely! The staff is VERY friendly and helpful. Everything was very clean and we would stay there again. Our favorite hotel is Le Richelieu, ($120+) But when they are full, the Queen & Crescent is terrific and if you want a good nite's sleep, it's QUIET! (not very many french quarter hotels can promise that!!) Oh, it's only 2 blocks from the Riverwalk Mall and 3 blocks from the ACME OYSTER HOUSE! ------Have you checked out neworleans.com? They have occastional specials that are unbeatable. We stayed at Le Meridian for $99 (in a $300 a nite room!!!) during the Sugar Bowl!!!! -----the Queen & Crescent has a website. I think you can access it thru neworleans.com Bon Voyage!