For my husbands 60th I would like to treat him to a special trip to New Orleans. I am so confused on how to arrange it. I don't know if I should stay in the French Quarter or not? it seems pretty pricey! What ideas do you have for me? Also, is Madri Gras a good time to go or right after it? His birthday is March 3, 2001.

Hi, I just came from the Big Easy and the best time to travel there is during off-peak or during a non convention or event week. I had an excellent deal staying at the Maison Dupuy for $69 a night. I booked my Hotel through Travelscape.com.

Regarding Mardi Gras -- If you want to be crowded in with a lot of drunks, yahoos and a very hi crime time, I would definately not go around that time. Unless you are sitting on top your balcony. I've known and met many people that have gotten seriously hurt at that time. It is so crowded where you can't move. Plus there is a lot more crime during that time.

A trip to New Orleans would be a great birthday present! By all means, stay in the French Quarter. Not only is that where most of the "action" is, but it's also very safe. I would definitely advise you to NOT go during Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras ia actually a very safe time to visit New Orleans. One can choose to get into the crowds or not. There is a very nice and safe area across the Mississippi River from the French Quarter called Algiers Point. It has lovely old homes and several B&B's and it is all walking distance via free ferry.
Right after Mardi Gras is a great time to visit also as many of the fine restuarants close during MG.
You will have a great time in New Orleans!

Ditto exactly what Susan said.

After Mardi Gras is the ideal time to visit. The crowds go home, and the weather is nice. The hotel rates will drop from the incredibly inflated carnival prices with minimum stays but will still be high b/c early March is prime time to visit. I'd wait until a week or so after Mardi Gras to come. Immediately after the festivities, the streets are filthy, but the sanitation crews do a great job and have things back in order within a week.

There are reasonably priced places to stay in the French Quarter, but you will have to shop around. If you'd rather stay elsewhere, there are places on St. Charles that come highly recommended and are on the streetcar line which makes getting to and from the Quarter convenient. Run a search on this forum to get some ideas.

Please let me know if you need more info.