Want to share my New Orleans experiences, mostly in the French Quarter. I was there during the week attending a convention, but stayed over so I could explore city and nightlife.

SEE AND DO: New Orleans is an enchanting city, with so much to offer no matter what your style happens to be. We really enjoyed going on a bayou tour to Honey Island, and visitjng the Historic New Orleans Collection. Jean Lafitte Park Rangers have a free walking tour of the French Quarter that was great. It's romantic to take a stroll on the Moonwalk boardwalk on the Mississippi River levee at night. Gas lampposts, park benches and all.

EATING: At night go to wonderful restaurant like Bistro at Maison de Ville or Pelican Club. Bella Luna on river at sunset is special treat. Lunch try a muffeletta sandwich from Central Grocery, red beans and rice at Popeye's, and Gumbo at Gumbo Shoppe.

MUSIC: We listened to more types of music than I knew there were, going to Snug Harbor (http://snugjazz.com), swing dancing at Red Room, alternative music at Lions Den and Donnas for brass band jazz. For info on music, visit http://www.wwoz.org/

LODGING: We had a fantastic stay in the French Quarter and will definately go back to Banana Courtyard for its comfort, location and numerous little extras for under $100 a night. Wonderful hospitality and ability to make us feel like we were visting with old friends rather than staying at a hotel is why we will never stay anywhere but a B&B, again. For our anniversary, they surprised us with candles, free champagne and flowers. Lovely Victorian home. Our room was clean and comfy with lots of room, and offered welcome cool after the blistering heat of a day of touring. Breakfast was great with generous portions. Their recommendations on restaurants, clubs & sights to see were perfect, allowing us to have a marvelous, good time. http://members.aol.com/bananacour/index.html

Trip was just lots of fun. Stay at least four days.

Tkara

This post already appeared on AOL's Louisiana message board where two separate B&B owners immediately noticed that a main ingredient is missing from the "Banana Courtyard": a street adress. Yes, there's a post office address, but nothing more. Apparently it's not licensed, so I'd advise anyone interested to steer very far away from this operation. There are tons of wonderful, legitimate places to stay in New Orleans.

It does sound like someone has "opened up shop" on the internet without bothering to go through whatever channels are required in that city. Eventually, the city officials will catch on!

tkara, I think you'll have a wonderful trip!

As for negative comments on Fodors.com, I always take them with a grain of salt. You have to wonder if the person posting is trying to be helpful or is just being an agitator!

OOPS! The above posting should have been on the "New Orleans: yes or no" thread. My bad.