I have a great airfare for the weekend prior to Christmas available to me. Is it normally a busy time of year? The hotel rates appear to be high,,, maybe I am looking in the wrong place.... also are the casinos still open?

Christmas in New Orleans is fun. There are several celebrations, the City Park is all decorated and the live music is great. Rates are lower than normal with coupons that can be found at www.louisianatravel.com. Be sure to stop in the many web pages about New Orleans and get the coupons offered by hotels and the 2 casinos there, Harrah's and Bally's. Neither have hotels but both offer coupons to visitors. Come on down and have fun, find coupons at the local pages: www.nola.com and www.insideneworleans.com.

Be sure to visit the Fairmont Hotel when come. You'll know why when you see it.
Casinos 24/7/365.
Lots of restaurants have special Christmas menus. Be sure to check those out too.
The only reason I can think of for high hotel rates would be if the Saints are in town. That and the fact that the city has become a year round destination and the rates never go that low anymore.

I stayed at the W New Orleans and it was across the street from Harrah's.

Check with them for rates. I LOVED this hotel!

Wendy, did you happen to stop by the bar (Whiskey Blue) at the W? It's pretty nice.

We did actually. They make the best Sour Apple Martinis!

I was a bit apprehensive at first because the description on their web page says, "If you think you're beatiful, here is you testing ground!"

But overall I really enjoyed it. It wasn't as stuffy as I thought it might be!

Great Hotel Rates for December 20-23. Try Quickbook.com

Wendy, I need to party with you. Sour apple martinis are my favorite drink! I had a really nice martini at Cobalt a couple of weeks ago, too.

Just make sure you go to commanders palace and emerils.