New Orleans ???- help me please!!
 

Hi- we are planning a short trip to N.O. this weekend- last minute thing- I need to know which of these hotels is the best/nicest? <BR>Pelham Hotel, Parc St. Charles, Lafayette Hotel,or the Historic French Market Inn. <BR> <BR>Also, which swamp cruise is the best? I am so confused about the differences. <BR> <BR>And- one last question- how is the cemetery tour? <BR> <BR>Any replies would be appreciated as I need to book this stuff today! <BR>Thanks so much!

I would avoid all of the hotels you mentioned as they are owned by a company that is somewhat known for "bait and switch," meaning you book one and may get bumped to another. <BR> <BR>All the swamp tours are fairly similar. I recommend Cypress (cheap) and Honey Island (more expensive) most often.

Concerning the cemetery tours, try a Gray Line city tour. It's very informative and stops at one of the cemeteries for about 10 minutes. You get two-for-one. We've done the Cypress Swamp tour and liked it, I suggest a half-day, that's really enough. Also, listen to John's advice about hotels, he DOES know what he's talking about!

I'd recommend a walking tour of the cemetaries. There are various operators around the Quarter. I'm sure your hotel can point you in the right direction.

New Orleans Spirit Tours has a great walking tour of St. Louis #1 cemetery, very informative. No reservations needed. You meet at Royal Blend Coffee and Tea House (621 Royal Street) Tours at 10:30 and 1:15,except Sunday. It's a great little place to grab some breakfast and then do the tour. It's wise to do the early tour, as it is very hot, no shade in the cemeteries. $15. per person. My hubby wasn't interested in the cemeteries, but after we were done, he was glad he saw it.