New Year's in New Orleans

A December 2003 trip to New Orleans by txteacher

I had always wanted to visit N'Awlins, but not in the heat! This was a great time to go--light jackets or sweaters were okay. Lots of things to do, both as a couple and as a family.

  • 7 reviews

Avenue Plaza Hotel and SpaBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Avenue Plaza Resort and Pro Spa"

Well, we were not very impressed. The rooms were small and not very comfortable. The couch, which opened up into a queen, was so bad that we had to call for a replacement. This was because even a 10 year old couldn't sleep on it. They were unable to replace the couch and instead, sent up a folding cot. This took up even more room and had to be folded up every morning in order to make walking room. The best and friendliest staff were the doormen.

New Year's Eve day was a nightmare: 9 busloads of high school band students checked in for the football game! They were wild: running up and down the halls, slamming doors, screaming, shouting and playing their instruments thru the night. It was so bad that we had to threaten the front desk with calling the local police if they didn't calm things down. We checked out early after the uncaring attitude of the manager the following morning. We asked for a partial refund, wrote a letter and to this day have never received an answer.

We would NOT recommend this place to anyone. There are many other places to stay in New Orleans that will treat you better!

  • Member Rating 1 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

Avenue Plaza Hotel and Spa
2111 ST CHARLES AVENUE New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504-566-1212

Emeril'sBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

We had New Year's Day lunch at Emeril's (the original). We made reservations over the internet and had no problems. The location is easy to find, the staff was, for the most part, very courteous and friendly. The food was out of this world! Since it is very pricey, we're glad we went for lunch. We had a 10-year-old with us, but she was the youngest person there and we would not recommend it for any child who is younger than this. There is a sophisticated menu and, obviously, no child's menu! Make sure when you go that you use the restrooms. The decor is very chic and fun!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

Emeril's
800 Tchoupitoulas St New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 528-9393

Entergy IMAX TheatreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "IMAX , Aquarium and Zoo"

We hit some major rain during our visit to New Orleans, so we asked at our hotel what we could do with a 10 year old. We bought the combo ticket for the IMAX, Aquarium and Zoo (Cruise). The tickets do not all have to be done in the same day, so it's a good deal. During the rain, we went to the Aquarium, which is a good one.

Only complaint: food court lines too long on the day we went.

The IMAX is fun, and we filled our rainy day.

On the next day, we took a river cruise up the Mississippi to the Zoo. Good trip and a surprisingly nice zoo. Took cruise back down river.

Good family fun!

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

Entergy IMAX Theatre
1 Canal St New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 581 4629; +1

Saint Louis CathedralBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "St Louis Cathedral"

This is a really beautiful cathedral filled with history. The church itself is well kept and clean. Lots of tourists are here, so of course there are street vendors on Jackson Square. We saw a magic show and heard music and a comedian all in front of the church. Watch your pockets!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

Saint Louis Cathedral
615 Pere Antoine Alley New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
+1 504 525 9585

St. Charles StreetcarBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The St. Charles Streetcars"

Fun to take, just for the experience. Not many streetcars like this are left in the world. Buy the day ticket. (One time fares are $1.25 per ride.) We were able to take the streetcar from our hotel to downtown. The streetcar line runs from St. Charles Street to Carrollton Ave.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

St. Charles Streetcar
Regional Transit Authority New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 248-3900

The Garden DistrictBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Garden District"

Got lost driving around the Garden District. Wish we had taken the walking tour. Great old homes and beautifully decorated for the holidays. Worth seeing if you like old houses and charming sites.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

The Garden District
St. Charles Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana

French QuarterBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The French Quarter"

Didn't spend enough time here, but we wish we had. Reminded us a lot of Europe. Only we were curious why it was so dirty. Most older European cities are pretty well kept up. But some of the owners seem to be trying to clean things up. Too many early drunks on the street (it was New Year's Eve day).
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by txteacher on June 24, 2004

French Quarter
New Orleans, Louisiana

About the Writer

txteacher
txteacher
Glenn Heights, Texas

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