New Orleans – Mardi Gras
 

I am going to be traveling (on my way to Oklahoma from Florida) through New Orleans February 7-9 of this year. Initially I planned on staying in New Orleans a couple of nights and doing some sight-seeing. Once I realized it was Mardi Gras, I booked the Crown Plaza in the French Quarter the night of Feb 8.

I’m concerned about driving into this hotel and back out the next day. The night before I am planning on staying close to New Orleans and trying to arrive at the Crown Plaza by 10am on Feb 8. I’ll leave the car at Crown Plaza and do some exploring until check in time. The on Feb 9, I would like to check out , but leave my car until late afternoon, pick up my car and leave New Orleans. Is the traffic going to be horrible getting to and from the hotel?

Any suggestions on interesting areas to stay in close to New Orleans? I will be coming from Florida and heading to Oklahoma. This is a leisurely trip and I can take my time.

Also, is the Crown Plaza within walking distance of some of the tourist destinations in New Orleans? I see there are trolleys. Will they be so crowded they are not worth the hassle?

When I research Mardi Gras on this forum, I see safety concerns. I am a solo, middle-aged female. I am planning on wearing jeans, athletic shoes and a hoodie. I’m not going to carry a purse or wear jewelry. I’m fairly well traveled and assertive. Any advice?

Crowne Plaza on Canal Street? Right in the middle of things. Jut check out their website or a map.

Expect lots of booze (that would be any time in NO). NO is a great city. Have fun but be aware it's crazy time. I wouldn't worry about safety.

I would contact the hotel about your plans to drive out on Fat Tuesday itself. And I doubt you will be able to move around the city to see tourist attractions without running into huge crowds of revelers. Not dangerous, but the parades and crowds will present obstacles.

OTOH, it's a wonderful event. So I'm not discouraging you from being there, just warning you that normal rules are suspended during Mardi Gras.

<<The[n] on Feb 9, I would like to check out , but leave my car until late afternoon, pick up my car and leave New Orleans. >>

You're going to try to drive out of the Quarter on Fat Tuesday itself? Wow.

I'd reconsider a hotel in the Quarter unless you're staying over until Ash Wednesday.

The Four Points in the Quarter is at the corner of Bourbon and Toulouse-- literally in the center of everything. Steps away from lots of bars and eateries, and only a handful of blocks from Jackson Square. I was there over Thanksgiving week, and I like the hotel a lot; ideal location, clean and comfy (if very cozy) rooms, great staff. The place is going through a gradual reno, so expect a bit of work here and there.

Getting out on Mardi Gras will be an issue. The parking entrance is on Toulouse, and you will need to cross Bourbon (or get on Bourbon itself) to exit. That could be a problem with hordes of revelers in various states of inebriation. That said, the hotel sould be able to accommodate you.

Have fun!

Yesterday the hotel sent me a pass to get through barricades going to and from the hotel. I also called the hotel and found that they also have a remote parking lot with a shuttle going to and from the hotel. I think I will park at the remote lot and let the shuttle deal with getting to and from the hotel.

It sounds like I'm going to be staying in the center of the action.

Does anyone know of good places close to, but not in, New Orleans to stay Sunday night and Tuesday night? Places that have things to see and do.

Biloxi for Sunday night. Lots of new casino hotels built since Katrina.
Maybe Baton Rouge for Fat Tuesday.

The Jefferson Davis home, Beauvoir, is also in Biloxi.