I just wanted to reinforce the idea that New Orleans is a great place to visit. We went a month before the hurricane, then last June and we are going again at the end of this month. I was in awe of the damage that occured there and we even drove around in the 9th Ward but the French Quarter was just fine and that spirit of New Orleans is still there and I think that is what keeps everyone coming back time and time again! If you get a chance to see some of the devastation, I think you should just because it's a learning experience. As for safety, there were 11 of us that went last time and not one of us had any problems! No matter where I'm at, I'm on the lookout for trouble, especially at night, but all in all I felt safe. Everyone should go and afterall, this beloved city needs the tourists support to get back on their feet!

Fademist, How was your NOLA trip? I'm going in August! Where did you eat and stay?
Chile

chilepepper - we are going in a couple weeks, so stay tuned for a trip report when we get back (just in case fademist doesn't see your question)

J_Correa -- I figured you were out there right now! You have a blast! Isn't there some type of festival going on while you're there? How many times have you been now? Where is your favorite muffaletta? I really like Maspero's. I actually used to own a coffee shop in Wisconsin a few years ago, and my signature sandwich was a muffaletta. Can NOT find the same type of crusty bread around here, though!
Keep me posted and have fun!
~chile

We were SUPPOSED to be there right now, but had to push our vacation back a little bit because of work. Grrr... Do you know how hard it is to work when I keep thinking about what I could be doing right now? ACK!!!

This is only going to be my 3rd trip to New Orleans. My husband and I went for our honeymoon and our plan is to go back every 5 years for our anniversary. We just had our 5th anniversary, so we are going In the interum, I had a trip there on my own - my company has a client near there and I had to go visit - just HAD to.

I have only had a mufalleta from Central Grocery, so I can't compare. I may just have to go to Maspero's though

J_Correa, I am sorry you cannot be there right now! Just think -- you could be strolling along Jackson Square with a "Go Cup" . . . or eating alligator on a stick at the French Market . . . yeah, the city sure gets under your skin, doesn't it? We kept taking summer trips with the kids, and no matter where we went (Florida, Texas) we always had to "hop over" to NOLA! We never mind how far out of the way it is! Have fun -- how many days????
~Chile

In one week from this moment, I will be on the plane zooming toward New Orleans

That city definitely does get under your skin. And it is funny - I have never talked to anyone who was lukewarm about New Orleans. They either fell hopelessly in love or they didn't like it. When we picked it for our honeymoon, we had a lot of funny reactions from people - and again, nothing in the middle. People either thought we were nuts because they don't believe New Orleans is a suitable honeymoon destination or people thought it was a fabulous idea. One person asked me why we didn't just go to Hawaii like everybody else - LOL.

Which hotel are y'at? I have 2 nice little bars for you to try out, if you haven't already. Right across from the Bourbon Orleans (on Orleans) is the Grapevine. Really nice little romantic wine bar with excellent appetizers. I think the owner also owns Tropical Isle (hand grenades).
Have you been to the Carousel Bar in Hotel Monteleone? We finally discovered it last time we went. Whether you like to drink or not, both are worth stopping by. I promise!

We are staying at the Place d'Armes. We got a really nice rate, then when we had to change the dates of our trip, we got an even nicer rate - I guess because we pushed our trip into the really hot season when people aren't visiting as much.

I will keep my eye out for those bars too. I had heard about the Carosel bar, but not the Grapevine.

Chilepepper & J Correa--You two are a font of information! We will definitely check out the Grapevine as it sounds very romantic. DH & I don't often get away w/o the children & a little romance is definitely in order. Also will have to try the Masperos mufaletta. I love mufalettas, but living in Wisconsin, I've never had a genuine NOLA mufaletta. You can get gator on a stick at the French Market?? Geez I'm a newbie! I really need to get out more.

Yep - gator on a stick. If there is meat served on a stick, my husband will find it. I think meat on a stick is his favorite food - LOL.

im from the city and all i can say is its all coming back...we are survivors here and proud of it ,, its truly a reality checkwhen you see the damage but the city stll loves to eat and party...i recently opened a b&b in the northshore (covington ) with 60 acres and when you need a little serenity after the party email me... [email protected]

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J_Correa, We stayed at the Place d'Armes once and unfortunately don't have anything nice to say. That is ONLY because they put us in a room with NO WINDOWS. And after having stayed in the Bourbon Orleans once with a ghostly encounter, I was kind of freaked out that the room was so pitch black! I almost wanted a night light! :0) I've heard nothing but good things about that hotel, though, and it is most definitely the BEST location!!!! Right in Jackson Square and Pirate's Alley!!

Lo siento, mis amigos,
Iv would never return, not even if the trip was gratis.
M

We have deluxe room, or whatever it is called - view of the courtyard or of the FQ. I am going to see if they have any balcony rooms availible overlooking the courtyard. When I made our reservations, they didn't, but something might have openned up in the mean time.

I have heard from others though about the interior rooms - that they were not happy with them.