Considering New Orleans for vacation. Any suggestions?

edsbgrl · Jun 16th, 2008, 04:07 PM

I'm thinking I may go to New Orleans for vacation this year so I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay, what to do and SHOPPING suggestions!

Ideas?

TIA!

edsbgrl · Jun 20th, 2008, 02:09 AM

.............Ambassador Hotel anyone? One of my considerations.

Thoughts?

Zophie · Jun 21st, 2008, 02:54 AM

I've never heard anything about it. I would think you'd probably want to stay in the French Quarter and there are tons of nice hotels there. I used to work at the Provincial which was nice. As far as shopping, there is Saks and one store I really like is UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) which is in the French Quarter. It's hit or miss and you have to pick through, but you can get some great bargains there. And of course you'll want to eat here a lot!

huong · Jun 21st, 2008, 11:34 AM

I second Zophie. Stay in the French Quarter! It makes everything so much easier. The Provincial is decent priced and a short walk from Bourban Street. I would also recommend taking a ghost tour. I liked it but my boyfriend didn't. Also, try the beignets at Cafe Du Monde. I can't help you too much with shopping, as I did not really do much.

twinkle.tink · Jun 21st, 2008, 01:25 PM

It's been too long since I went last (and before Katrina) for me to make any recommendations...but I can say, I had a great time when I went...the people were so great and I would def. stay in the French Quarter...it is the only place in my many travels where I felt I had left the USA, while still in the country...the atmosphere, culture and people were just so different. We enjoyed the many walking tours available in the area.

Beignets at Cafe Du Monde is must do.
Hurricanes at Pat O'Briens, a bit chessy but fun.

Just looked up the hotel we stayed at for our last visit: Hotel Maison de Ville, it was more 'rustic' then we are used to and at first we were not please, but we quickly realized that is part of the French Quarter and part of the whole other country, very laid back feel.

Have fun.

cakegirl · Jun 21st, 2008, 02:36 PM

Hotels: check out the monteleone hotel. It is in a great french quarter locationm it a beautiful old hotel with a fabulous bar. If you want luxury, the soniat house is fantastic and the ritz is nice as well.
Canal place, where the Saks is located is great for shopping. Royal street in the quarter is great for antiques. definitely go to magazine street-it is a long street with many little boutiques. It is in the uptown/garden district area. There are many beautiful homes to see in the garden district toon and stop and have a cocktail on the big front porch of the columns hotel.
If you decide to come, pm me and I can give you a ton of restaurant recommendations.

aklein · Jun 21st, 2008, 07:39 PM

I've stayed at the Iberville Suites. They're in the Quarter and I would stay there again. It's pretty nice and it is shares a block with two other boutique hotels. I think they were more on the expensive side, but I can't remember exactly what it cost.
While I was going through my move into my current apartment, I stayed at the Drury Inn and Suites on Poydras. I cannot say enough nice things about the hotel. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful. The price is great and the location is too. The rooms are nice, always clean. It isn't a luxury hotel, so definitely bring all of your toiletries. It's about two blocks from the French Quarter and very close to the streetcar line if you want to take a ride through the Garden District.

edsbgrl · Jun 21st, 2008, 10:13 PM

(.............just lost my whole post

)

Thanks for the recommedations zophie, huong, twinkly, cakegirl & aklein!

This is my relaxing, adventure in a new destination vacation as I wanted to stay in the states b/c DH isn't able to come so I'm on a one woman mission.

cakegirl, I am definately coming! I found this great hotel in the Arts District

I was reading Foder's Travel Guide today and they recommended Michaul's on St. Charles for dining. Yea? Nea?

Also found a brunch dish I though sounded interesting - Eggs Sardou. Where to get?

Other thoughts? Recommendations?

aklein · Jun 22nd, 2008, 12:08 PM

If you are looking for a nice brunch, I would recommend Ralph's on the Park. It is located just across the street from City Park and the view is awesome. The service is great too.
I know that you mentioned you wanted to go shopping and the places listed are great. I would also recommend you check out the amazing music scene here. There are tons of places to listen to great jazz, brass even funk bands. Even if that isn't really your thing, it is part of the New Orleans experience.

Carmen82 · Jun 22nd, 2008, 01:30 PM

I also stayed at the Iberville Suites which was great. They are owned by the Ritz Carlton and I got a really good price when I booked there last May (about 90$ a night) which included breakfast every morning. It is literally like a 1 minute walk away from Bourbon Street and is across the street from a really great seafood restaurant (I forgot the name but I think it had Dean in the name) that wasn't overly expensive.

edsbgrl · Jun 22nd, 2008, 04:29 PM

Thanks Carmen & aklein

Off the check out Ralph's website.

aklein, what would you recommend as far as contemporary jazz venues?

alannamendy · Jun 23rd, 2008, 09:05 PM

My DH and I got married in NOLA three years ago next month. We went back post-Katrina for the first time not this April but the April before to visit Tulane for law school admissions stuff and we had a fabulous time. It is still a beautiful city that needs people to come visit, have a great time, and inject money into the local economy.

We have stayed several times at the Historic French Market Inn which is a wonderful place - as long as you don't get stuck in the six or so dumpy rooms they have in the back (just check in early and let them know you want a nice room close to the front). It is a great NOLA set up, with a cute courtyard area and most of the rooms have lovely bathrooms and beautiful decor.

I have also been to many great restaurants in the quarter and beyond and IMO it is always really helpful to ask your concierge for info - they will be HAPPY to steer you toward the more interesting and less touristy places if you tell them that is your goal.

I hope you enjoy your vacay in New Orleans - as you can probably see from my post it is an amazing city that will never leave your heart!

Kitsunegrl · Jun 25th, 2008, 09:58 AM

The Ambassador is a pretty good walk from the French Quarter. If it is your first visit to New Orleans, I'd really recommend staying in the Quarter. The Dauphine Orleans is a very nice hotel as is the Royal Sonesta.
Definitely try to go to Central Grocery on Decatur St. and get a Muffaletta (if you love olives, this is a must).
Brennan's makes an awesome Banana's Foster.
Also, LUSH is on Decatur st. If you are lucky and have a store in your locale, this is not exciting, but it's a must stop whenever we go to NO.
The Aquarium has reopened and the cutest sea otters are there.
Also the Saks has LV, Fendi & Chanel. :) Just saying.....

sphere99 · Jun 25th, 2008, 09:32 PM

Last time I was there was pre-katrina but stayed at the Bourbon Orleans it was awesome! loved happy hour :)

kroquet · Jun 25th, 2008, 10:05 PM

We stayed at the Monteleone last time in Nola and the time before was the International which was wonderful. It is a couple of blocks off the Quarter but not too far. In fact, if we were to go back that's where we would stay.
We loved the bar at the Monteleone and Acme Oyster House and of course, Cafe Du Monde. We also went to NOLA and love it. Shrimp and grits were wonderful. Lots of great bars and music. Don't miss Lafitte's for a drink

New Orleans is a great city and so much fun to visit. We found the people to be so friendly and we really wanted to go enjoy our time and contribute to the economy after Katrina! Did a good job of that! Anyway, I love the city and the energy and people!! Have a great time there!

Jun 16th, 2008, 04:07 PM	#1
edsbgrl Blessed! Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,621	Considering New Orleans for vacation. Any suggestions? I'm thinking I may go to New Orleans for vacation this year so I'm looking for suggestions on where to stay, what to do and SHOPPING suggestions! Ideas? TIA! __________________ Bags A La' Edsbgrl *Updated collection on pg 12* Peace, love & relaxation in 08'!

Jun 20th, 2008, 02:09 AM	#2
edsbgrl Blessed! Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,621	.............Ambassador Hotel anyone? One of my considerations. Thoughts? __________________ Bags A La' Edsbgrl *Updated collection on pg 12* Peace, love & relaxation in 08'!

Jun 21st, 2008, 02:54 AM	#3
Zophie I <3 my Maltese! Joined: Feb 2007 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 6,598	I've never heard anything about it. I would think you'd probably want to stay in the French Quarter and there are tons of nice hotels there. I used to work at the Provincial which was nice. As far as shopping, there is Saks and one store I really like is UAL (United Apparel Liquidators) which is in the French Quarter. It's hit or miss and you have to pick through, but you can get some great bargains there. And of course you'll want to eat here a lot! __________________

Jun 21st, 2008, 01:25 PM	#5
twinkle.tink Pixie Duster Joined: Sep 2006 Location: Just call me Tink ;) Posts: 15,564	It's been too long since I went last (and before Katrina) for me to make any recommendations...but I can say, I had a great time when I went...the people were so great and I would def. stay in the French Quarter...it is the only place in my many travels where I felt I had left the USA, while still in the country...the atmosphere, culture and people were just so different. We enjoyed the many walking tours available in the area. Beignets at Cafe Du Monde is must do. Hurricanes at Pat O'Briens, a bit chessy but fun. Just looked up the hotel we stayed at for our last visit: Hotel Maison de Ville, it was more 'rustic' then we are used to and at first we were not please, but we quickly realized that is part of the French Quarter and part of the whole other country, very laid back feel. Have fun. __________________

Jun 21st, 2008, 02:36 PM	#6
cakegirl Member Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 311	Hotels: check out the monteleone hotel. It is in a great french quarter locationm it a beautiful old hotel with a fabulous bar. If you want luxury, the soniat house is fantastic and the ritz is nice as well. Canal place, where the Saks is located is great for shopping. Royal street in the quarter is great for antiques. definitely go to magazine street-it is a long street with many little boutiques. It is in the uptown/garden district area. There are many beautiful homes to see in the garden district toon and stop and have a cocktail on the big front porch of the columns hotel. If you decide to come, pm me and I can give you a ton of restaurant recommendations. __________________ Wish List: the perfect big clutch the perfect grey bag

Jun 21st, 2008, 11:34 AM	#4
huong Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 727	I second Zophie. Stay in the French Quarter! It makes everything so much easier. The Provincial is decent priced and a short walk from Bourban Street. I would also recommend taking a ghost tour. I liked it but my boyfriend didn't. Also, try the beignets at Cafe Du Monde. I can't help you too much with shopping, as I did not really do much.

Jun 21st, 2008, 07:39 PM	#7
aklein Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,560	I've stayed at the Iberville Suites. They're in the Quarter and I would stay there again. It's pretty nice and it is shares a block with two other boutique hotels. I think they were more on the expensive side, but I can't remember exactly what it cost. While I was going through my move into my current apartment, I stayed at the Drury Inn and Suites on Poydras. I cannot say enough nice things about the hotel. The staff is wonderful and extremely helpful. The price is great and the location is too. The rooms are nice, always clean. It isn't a luxury hotel, so definitely bring all of your toiletries. It's about two blocks from the French Quarter and very close to the streetcar line if you want to take a ride through the Garden District. __________________ Meez are scary, so back to the kitties .... Last edited by aklein; Jun 21st, 2008 at 07:43 PM.

Jun 21st, 2008, 10:13 PM	#8
edsbgrl Blessed! Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,621	(.............just lost my whole post ) Thanks for the recommedations zophie, huong, twinkly, cakegirl & aklein! This is my relaxing, adventure in a new destination vacation as I wanted to stay in the states b/c DH isn't able to come so I'm on a one woman mission. cakegirl, I am definately coming! I found this great hotel in the Arts District I was reading Foder's Travel Guide today and they recommended Michaul's on St. Charles for dining. Yea? Nea? Also found a brunch dish I though sounded interesting - Eggs Sardou. Where to get? Other thoughts? Recommendations? __________________ Bags A La' Edsbgrl *Updated collection on pg 12* Peace, love & relaxation in 08'!

Jun 22nd, 2008, 12:08 PM	#9
aklein Member Joined: Dec 2007 Posts: 1,560	If you are looking for a nice brunch, I would recommend Ralph's on the Park. It is located just across the street from City Park and the view is awesome. The service is great too. I know that you mentioned you wanted to go shopping and the places listed are great. I would also recommend you check out the amazing music scene here. There are tons of places to listen to great jazz, brass even funk bands. Even if that isn't really your thing, it is part of the New Orleans experience. __________________ Meez are scary, so back to the kitties ....

Jun 22nd, 2008, 01:30 PM	#10
Carmen82 Member Joined: May 2007 Posts: 2,405	I also stayed at the Iberville Suites which was great. They are owned by the Ritz Carlton and I got a really good price when I booked there last May (about 90$ a night) which included breakfast every morning. It is literally like a 1 minute walk away from Bourbon Street and is across the street from a really great seafood restaurant (I forgot the name but I think it had Dean in the name) that wasn't overly expensive. __________________

Jun 22nd, 2008, 04:29 PM	#11
edsbgrl Blessed! Joined: Dec 2005 Posts: 5,621	Thanks Carmen & aklein Off the check out Ralph's website. aklein, what would you recommend as far as contemporary jazz venues? __________________ Bags A La' Edsbgrl *Updated collection on pg 12* Peace, love & relaxation in 08'!

Jun 23rd, 2008, 09:05 PM	#12
alannamendy Res Ipsa Loquitur Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 59	My DH and I got married in NOLA three years ago next month. We went back post-Katrina for the first time not this April but the April before to visit Tulane for law school admissions stuff and we had a fabulous time. It is still a beautiful city that needs people to come visit, have a great time, and inject money into the local economy. We have stayed several times at the Historic French Market Inn which is a wonderful place - as long as you don't get stuck in the six or so dumpy rooms they have in the back (just check in early and let them know you want a nice room close to the front). It is a great NOLA set up, with a cute courtyard area and most of the rooms have lovely bathrooms and beautiful decor. I have also been to many great restaurants in the quarter and beyond and IMO it is always really helpful to ask your concierge for info - they will be HAPPY to steer you toward the more interesting and less touristy places if you tell them that is your goal. I hope you enjoy your vacay in New Orleans - as you can probably see from my post it is an amazing city that will never leave your heart!

Jun 25th, 2008, 09:58 AM	#13
Kitsunegrl Saving for Suhali! Joined: Nov 2006 Location: Cajun Country Posts: 4,166	The Ambassador is a pretty good walk from the French Quarter. If it is your first visit to New Orleans, I'd really recommend staying in the Quarter. The Dauphine Orleans is a very nice hotel as is the Royal Sonesta. Definitely try to go to Central Grocery on Decatur St. and get a Muffaletta (if you love olives, this is a must). Brennan's makes an awesome Banana's Foster. Also, LUSH is on Decatur st. If you are lucky and have a store in your locale, this is not exciting, but it's a must stop whenever we go to NO. The Aquarium has reopened and the cutest sea otters are there. Also the Saks has LV, Fendi & Chanel. :) Just saying..... __________________ Lorretta

Jun 25th, 2008, 09:32 PM	#14
sphere99 Too Obsessed... Joined: Dec 2006 Location: Chicago Posts: 1,879	Last time I was there was pre-katrina but stayed at the Bourbon Orleans it was awesome! loved happy hour :) __________________

Jun 25th, 2008, 10:05 PM	#15
kroquet Member Joined: Sep 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 3,937	We stayed at the Monteleone last time in Nola and the time before was the International which was wonderful. It is a couple of blocks off the Quarter but not too far. In fact, if we were to go back that's where we would stay. We loved the bar at the Monteleone and Acme Oyster House and of course, Cafe Du Monde. We also went to NOLA and love it. Shrimp and grits were wonderful. Lots of great bars and music. Don't miss Lafitte's for a drink New Orleans is a great city and so much fun to visit. We found the people to be so friendly and we really wanted to go enjoy our time and contribute to the economy after Katrina! Did a good job of that! Anyway, I love the city and the energy and people!! Have a great time there! __________________ Sofa King