Asking for help from our bayou friends

[wkhanna]

The wife and I are heading for the ‘Big Easy’ over Memorial Day and I was hoping to get some recommendations on a good hotel near the Bourbon St area. We are looking for a truly historic establishment (not some national chain, newly constructed in neo-traditional style tourist trap). Something that offers the true style of turn of the century or earlier, off the main drag a bit so we can sleep at night, but within walking distance to Canal & Bourbon area.

Of course, any recommendations for music venues are always welcome.

Thanks!

[Johnloudb]

Hi Bill, I don't have answers to you questions. But, while you're down there in the Big Easy, be sure to visit Fantastic Sams and get your hair cut! They can use it to clean up the oil spill ... hair soaks up the oil apparently.

http://www.wfmz.com/news/23522367/detail.html :T

Enjoy your trip!

John

[Bob]

The "real" music isn't found in the central areas of the French Quarter anymore. Especially not the Bourbon St. area. You want to go to the clubs on Frenchman St. Snug Harbor, DBA, The Spotted Cat, etc. Those are the clubs that are today what Bourbon St was 50 years ago.

Hope you are a night owl because the music scene doesn't start to wake up until 10 or 11:00 pm.

Don't stay right in the French Quarter, or even on the edge. Way to noisy, and overpriced. Plus, you will still end up taking taxis to where you want to go. Until I moved into my warehouse loft I stayed at a lot of hotels in New Orleans. The W is comfortable, so is the Hilton. Over by the convention center is a Hampton Suite, not hip but, quiet and compfortable.

Every tourist needs to spend one day walking the French Quarter to get it out their system. And, it is fun, one time. If you really have your heart set on staying in the French Quarter then try the Hotel Monteleone or The Frenchman Hotel.

[Glen B]

The wife and I are heading for the ‘Big Easy’ over Memorial Day and I was hoping to get some recommendations on a good hotel near the Bourbon St area.

Hmmm, interesting. The wife and I will be on vacation there next week. We will be staying at a timeshare a few blocks from Bourbon Street.

[benny]

"Walking distance" from Canal and Bourbon is where people get robbed...

[miner]

The Omni Royal Crescent should fit your bill. Check out the Jazz Preservation Hall.

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewOrleansRoyalCrescent.aspx

I have stayed here - it is OK.

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewOrleansRoyalOrleans.aspx

http://www.preservationhall.com/default_original.aspx

NOLA is a dirty, smelly town - lots of history. The cable car rides will introduce you to much of the 'old world' NOLA.

[Glen B]

"Walking distance" from Canal and Bourbon is where people get robbed...

Oh really ? Thanks for the heads up. :T

The Omni Royal Crescent should fit your bill. Check out the Jazz Preservation Hall.

http://www.omnihotels.com/FindAHotel/NewOrleansRoyalCrescent.aspx

The wife and I are staying right next door to the Omni Royal Crescent. Is the area as bad as Benny says ? I think no matter where you go, you have to be cautious, especially in a strange town.

[benny]

^^I didn't mean to dissuade you at all, you'll enjoy yourself! I just wouldn't reccomend straying very far off the main streets, especially at night. It's not the kind of place to get curious and explore your surroundings...