New Orleans - just got home
 

Just got home last night and want to thank you all for the great tips. I took 8 pages of info from this forum and constantly referred to them. Here's a few comments from me that I hope help YOU in your future travels to N.O.
Royal Sonesta Hotel: we loved it! Make sure to request a room facing the courtyard or pool so that you don't hear the crazy noise of Bourbon Street. Our room was beautiful (only paid $79.00 per night-August low season rate) and the bed was the most comfortable we have EVER slept in! Bathroom had great counter and drawer space. We enjoyed the pool and loved the Jazz trio in the Mystick Lounge.
New Orleans School of Cooking - we did the 3 hour 10am-1pm class with Michael.
Even got a AAA discount so paid just $22.00 per person. A great deal for all of the entertainment and excellent food. We did this on our last day before heading to the airport and wish we had done it the first day because he also gave lots of restaurant recommendations.
Restaurants: thanks to this forum we had great (reasonably priced)meals at Acme Oyster House, Gumbo House, Cafe du Monde, Petunia's and Pere Antoine for breakfasts, Johnny's PoBoy, General Store for Muffuleta, Napolean (in the courtyard)
Walking tours: we did our own walking tours in the French Quarter and the Garden District using the Fodor's book. Very enjoyable.
It's a great city. We had a blast. Enjoy!

Thanks for the review!! Going over xmas! Can't wait!! What did you think of Petunia's? It is on my list!

I'm so glad you stayed at Royal Sonesta and loved it - it's my favorite spot as well and I recommend it to anyone I hear of planning a trip to New Orleans. Isn't it just a great city?!? Truly like no other - food, art, music, and good old fun!!!!

Aahhh, Petunias. I recall having the best french toast of my life there!

Looooooooove Petunia's. One tip--if you go for lunch, consider splitting an entree--they're HUGE (and delicious).