New Orleans hotels and restaurants
 

We are going to NO for NYE. We have points to use so planning on staying at the Ritz - any feedback on staying here? Also, any recommendations for restaurants? thanks.

Well you will be hard pressed to find a more refined hotel than the Ritz. Isn't the name alone the epitome of luxory? I am a New Orleanian of 12 years who is tired of this city, but not of it's food. So many great restaurants are here. Peristyle, Bayona, Jacques-Imo's Cafe, New Orleans Grill, Lafittes Landing, Dick and Jenny's, Gabrielle, Upperline, Brigtsen's, etc., etc. The list of great places to eat is virtually endless. My advice is to get out of the Quarter from time to time and see other parts of this pretty;albeit somewhat seedy city. Le bon ton roulet. Tim

I second Jacques-Imo's and Dick & Jenny's. Another good one is Bella Luna with great views of the river. One of my new favorites is Tommy's in the Warehouse District. Great food. Also try the Wine Loft next door if you're interested in a little night life unlike Bourbon.

While Ritz is definitely a lovely high end hotel, if I'm not mistaken the one in New Orleans isn't in the best part of town. It's kind of in between the french quarter and the garden district (is it on Canal?). Not an area I'd want to be walking around without a group of people at night. I remember passing it during the day when we were walking from Bourbon to our rental car place and thinking it was an odd location for a Ritz. Just fyi. I'm sure the hotel itself is very nice.

The Ritz is on Canal Street at the corner of Dauphine -- only a block away from Bourbon Street. It's a decent location, but if you have any concerns, simply make sure to walk out the front door onto Canal and walk over to Bourbon. (The back side of any hotel is almost always going to be a bit dicey...). With the exception of Bourbon and Royal Streets, which are crowded and well-lit, the French Quarter varies from block to block (though you don't want to go beyond Burgundy...)

I always recommend dinner at Marisol followed by jazz at the Spotted Cat. This was our favorite night! Jacques-Imo's is also a fun spot with great food (but very casual).

While the Ritz-Carlton in NO hasn't always gotten the rave reviews of its sister properties, there's certainly nothing wrong with its location. It's on Canal Street at the edge of the French Quarter a little over a block from Bourbon Street.

Thank you all for the advice. We decided to stay at the Sheraton on Canal. Looking forward to some good eats in NO!