My family (two adults and two teens, 18 and 16)and I are planning our first trip to New Orleans. We will be there over the Christmas Holidays (for 5 days). I've been doing some research on the internet, but could use some advice. Re: hotel, we've narrowed it down to The Fairmont, The Monteleone, and the Omni Royal Orleans. Could anyone advise which is the nicest? The prices were fairly comparable, but location is important since I don't think we will be renting a car. Also, any help with "must see" attractions and restaurants wold be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for all advice.

First off, you are correct in not wanting to rent a car. Don't!

All of these hotels have their strengths but the Omni Royal Orleans is by far the classiest and probably has the best location of the three.

All three hotels have some VERY small rooms. This is typical for older hotels in New Orleans, unfortunately. If this is important, ask the reservationist questions about the room in advance! If you're not bumping into the New Year holiday (Dec. 27 onward), chances are you will get an upgrade because Christmas is usually very slow.

Thanks John, I'm taking your advice and booking at the Omni, unfortunately we will be hitting the after Christmas rush, we'll be staying 'til 12/29, but I'm hoping not to spend too much time in the room. Any suggestions on restaurants? I'd like something other than generic eateries. We're from New York and would like to try a great restaurant that's a little different. My daughter's very into the Scarlet O'Hara thing, so we're thinking of visiting at least one plantation (probably rent a car for that 1 day) is there one particular plantation that stands out from the rest?

Thanks again for the help.

Nevalee, I'd recommend seeing Laura and Oak Alley plantations. They are less than an hour away from N.O. in Gramercy. Oak Alley is the very famous plantation with the 28(?) oak trees lining the front drive. Laura is a short drive away (actually, you reach Laura before Oak Alley), but is a very different type place. It's an authentic Creole plantation. The tour is very interesting and informative and takes less than an hour. We left N.O. one morning before 10, saw both these places and were back home before 3 p.m.

Nevalee, I think you made a good choice with the Omni. Be sure to check out the rooftop pool/observation area. It's a great low-rise view of the Quarter.

Meg's plantation suggestions are good ones. I like Nottoway (in White Castle), Oak Alley, and Laura. Nottoway is the grandest house, Oak Alley has the grandest grounds, and Laura is the most authentic example of a Creole working plantation. Other possibilities are San Francisco Plantation and Destrehan Plantation.

Dinner suggestions: Pelican Club, Peristyle, Gamay, Cuvee, Marisol or Bayona. I had dinner last night at the Omni restaurant, The Rib Room. It was much better than I remembered from my previous trip five years ago but was a tad expensive.

Nevalee: As corny and as obvious as it sounds, the Commodore Palace Jazz Brunch is a fun experience for all ages. The food is great, you get to walk through the Garden District a little afterwards of you're not too full (teens might enjoy Anne Rice's house and weird souvenir shoppe) and the music is right next to your table. Expensive and a bit dressy but very Old South.

I agree with Katharine's suggestion of Commander's Palace. It's a fine restaurant. Some say it has slipped a bit in the past year or so but it is still one of the mostly highly-regarded (and rated) restaurants in New Orleans. Arnaud's also has a jazz room if you like music while dining.