My husband and I will be taking our first trip to New Orleans from Dec. 28th through Jan. 1st. I would like to stay at a hotel in or very near the French Quarter. I would prefer something nice and a little luxurious, but not ultra expensive or snobbish. Something charming and that gives me the feeling I'm in New Orleans rather than a hotel anywhere else. I'm more concerned with large, clean, nicely decorated rooms than with the lobby/restaurants.

Also, is it necessary to rent a car or can we get by walking and taking taxis?

I?d like to take a swamp tour. Is it unrealistic at the end of December?

New Years Eve ideas?

Any recommendations for inexpensive casual places to eat?

Thanks!

spend 4 days in New Orleans this past May We stayed in the Royal Senosita on Burbons St. Great hotel nice room Great loacation the help was wonderful. We were able to walk ever where.

I wouldn't say that the Provincial is "luxurious" but it's certainly nice enough (if you get a room on the front - there are several buildings). It's on Chartres Street in the Quarter and is very quiet.
The Gumbo shop is an inexpensive place to eat in the Quarter.

We've stayed at the Chateau La Moyne a few times and like it. It's in the Quarter and there is no need for a car.

Book NOW! My parents are visiting that same time and had to settle for their third choice hotel. It's a busy time here even though Sugar Bowl is late (Jan 4) this year.

I kinda think the swamp tour might need another thought - animals tend to become less active when the temperature drops and it could be a little cool out on the boats, especially with nothing to see.

If you stay right in the Quarter you probably won't need a car. Parking is hard to find and fairly expensive, but most of the attractions are within walking or streetcar distances.

Rather than a swamp tour, you might consider a plantation tour. We went on one with Spinato Tours and it was really good.

ccolor, Did you REALLY 'rassle an alligator last trip? How else did you get all those beads then, dahlin'? :-?

We enjoyed the Hotel Monteleone in the French Q. Very Old World atmosphere, antique-filled lobby, bright rooms, good bar.(Even if youe don't stay there, do have a drink at the Carousel Bar)

Kal: Same way any 50+-year-old gets beads - bought the durn things!! And just what DID that 'gator tell you anyway..........never believe one of those critters after a few Abitas at Lafitte's!

Advertising Alert!

Echoing Gatorlady, swamp tours are available year-round. Just dress for the weather. I've spent 20 Christmases here and we needed air-conditioning far more times on Dec. 25 than we needed heat! But when it's cold, it's cold! Bring the warm jackets.

Listing your favorite places is not advertizing. It is responding to the original poster with the requested information. *{J}*

All of the lodging places you mentioned get good reviews. The only caveat with the Melrose is that you MUST get the main house and not the "annex." Apparently, this is where all of their negative reviews come from. I've not seen it personally but am reporting from Trip Advisor.com, etc.

Irene's also gets a big thumbs up from me. I have never been to Deja Vu while sober so I shouldn't comment.

Deja Vu is our first stop when we get to town so I agree that even when sober they have good food.

After that it all gets hazy......

(Go ahead Kal, jump on that one!!)