The Real Dirty South

Feel the atmosphere of the French Quarter when you step inside The Landmark. Located right across the street from Louis Armstrong Park, it is within walking distance of all the historic, artistic, and eclectic charms that surround you.

The Landmark offers more than just a great location. The hotel, with its intimate, European feeling reflects a traditional New Orleans style. Originally called the Vieux Carre Lodge and built on a historic site, the hotel contains 100 recently renovated and spacious rooms, two jacuzzi suites, and hallways that are named after French Quarter streets. The staff is great and eager to please. Breakfast is also served there for a nominal fee, but it is delicious. A full sevice bar is on the premises.

The Landmark also offers shuttle service, so you can leave your car parked in their garage and save on city parking fees. The hotel charges a parking fee during your visit.

Best Things Nearby:
Harrah's Casino, Bourbon Street, Decatur Street, Audobon Aquarium and the Riverwalk.

Best Things About the Resort:
Located in the first block off of Canal Street, this resort wins hands down for best locality to several fine restaurants, just two streets over from Bourbon Street, and 2.5 blocks from the riverwalk where the Aquarium, Harrah's Casino, and the Canal Shoppes awaits you. I was there for seven days and only drove my car once.

Resort Experience:
The Quarter House don't have a parking garage, but use one nearby. It costs $15 a day and that's a discount! It was only a block away, but when it's raining, even that's too far. There aren't many amenities or activities located on-site due to so much going around the area. We were there during a tropical storm and experienced a lot of rainfall. As a result of the rain, the old but lavishly restored building had two mice come in out of the rain into my unit on the fourth floor. The front desk provided me with sticky board and I caught them myself. However, they did come and take them away for me. After the sun came out, we didn't have a problem anymore.

I would suggest staying here if you want to be close to everything and don't want to bother with transportation. Otherwise, with a slight inconvenience of no parking garage attached, it can be a problem when it's raining. They also charge $.75 to use one washer and dryer located in the laundry room. On Saturday-Monday mornings, continental breakfast is served. Maid service is provided every day as well, which was very nice.

• Unit Type: 1 Bedroom
• Activities: Fair
• Amenities: Fair
• Unit Satisfaction: Very Good
• Family Friendliness: Excellent
• Service: Very Good

This place was the sunshine that I needed during my rainy stay in New Orleans. The staff went over and beyond to make us feel at home, even as far as to get a towel to dry off my girls.

The food is superb! Please try the stuffed shrimp with crab over rice. Beware of the side of mashed potatoes -- it's like a small mountain with French onions sprinkled on top. I loved the signs they have on the table to get the server's attention. Either you flip it to "Run Forrest" meaning everything is ok, or you can flip it to "Stop Forrest" and the server will recognize it immediately. I will definitely patronize there again the next time I am in town because I didn't get dessert and it looked delicious, but I just couldn't eat another bite.

One of the French Quarter's best kept secrets! They specialize in Mexican, Spanish, and Cuban dishes, but I ordered a 16oz T-Bone with a loaded baked potato and it was mmm good! Their po-boys are generous portions too. I especially liked that they offered daily specials, so I purposely waited for the buy-one-get-one-free margarita day. After having my first, it took me by surprise because this place is your typical hole in the wall and you know that they serve the best food. The margarita I had there was better than all the drinks that I've had during my week's stay. The waiter prodly stated that we have the best in the French Quarter. I agree. I truly enjoyed my meal and will be returning the next time I am in the Big Easy.

I love Mama! As a matter of fact, I love her pizza so much that I craved it during the entire pregnancy of my last child. Needless to say this was the first eatery that I visited when we got to New Orleans. Her ingredients are so fresh and everything is made there. The cheese strings from the pizza as you pull it from the pan. The spaghetti is served with two huge meatballs. I need not mention the gooey lasagna and buttery garlic bread.

The only thing I do hate is that it takes them forever to get it to you, but you forget about it once you begin to savor it. She also offers delivery, which I am debating on because I want mine right when it comes out of the oven!

If you are spending a few days here, please take the time to visit this phenomenal zoo. The Audubon impressed me beyond words. You will even get the chance to see a white tiger and alligator.

It's a relaxing break from upbeat Bourbon Street that will give the entire family some quality time together. Don't forget to bring a backpack to store snacks and water--you'll like having them while visiting the grounds.