Amtrakking it to the Big Easy

Hotel St. Marie French Quarter

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Hotel | "Hotel St. Marie"

HOTEL ST MARIE DOUBLE ROOM Photo - Hotel St. Marie French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana

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Hotel St. Marie is a sister hotel to the Prince Conti and the Place d'Armes. We booked a room at this hotel on their website. The rate was $79 a night for a room overlooking either the French Quarter or the interior courtyard. The website stated that requests for either view would be considered, but not guaranteed. On the day of check-in, we asked for a view of the French Quarter. A man behind the counter tried keying in different combinations, but was having no luck. Just as he started to apologize, a woman, named Jeri, came up beside him and made suggestions. This went on for so long, that we began to feel guilty - taking up their time the way we were. We interrupted to tell them it was okay...Read More

Hotel St. Marie is a sister hotel to the Prince Conti and the Place d'Armes. We booked a room at this hotel on their website. The rate was $79 a night for a room overlooking either the French Quarter or the interior courtyard. The website stated that requests for either view would be considered, but not guaranteed.

On the day of check-in, we asked for a view of the French Quarter. A man behind the counter tried keying in different combinations, but was having no luck. Just as he started to apologize, a woman, named Jeri, came up beside him and made suggestions. This went on for so long, that we began to feel guilty - taking up their time the way we were. We interrupted to tell them it was okay, we'd be happy with a courtyard balcony, but they waved off our concerns and continued their search. They were now clearly on a mission!

For our first night, we were put in the original courtyard room; but Jeri said to pack our bags in the morning, leave them in the room when we go out, and housekeeping will transfer them to a new room. After 12 non, we were to return to the desk for a new key. She smiled and said, "You're going to love this room we picked out for you."

And she was right! What she picked out for us was a huge suite. There was a living room with a fireplace, a king-size bedroom with a fireplace, a full kitchen, bath and even a small foyer! The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room opened up high enough to walk out to an extended balcony that offered a view of Bourbon Street. And we were charged the same rate of $79 a night! This suite was in an adjacent building, separated from the main hotel by the parking garage.

This was the only time we ever drove to New Orleans so our car was parked in that garage. And that's where it stayed until the minute we checked out. (The parking fee was $25 a day.)

Hotel St. Marie is old with lots of quaint touches; crown moulding, high baseboards, transoms, etc., and is right in the heart of the French Quarter, midway between Canal Street and Jackson Square, and a half block off Bourbon. Being so close to Bourbon, we could hear the revelers partying throughout the night, but whenever they woke us we'd just fall back asleep.

Before and after pictures are attached to this review. The first being the courtyard room, which at $79 a night was a good deal. The elevator that took us to that room was slow and small, and the hallways were narrow and maze-like, but that's not a complaint. It was all part of this hotel's enchanting character. The second picture is of the suite, which at $79 a night was an incredible deal. And, obviously, the customer service can't be beat. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 31, 2007

Hotel St. Marie French Quarter
827 Toulouse Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504) 561-8951

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Quinta New Orleans Downtown

Hotel | "La Quinta Inn and Suites"

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Let us say right off the bat - this place is beautiful and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. The lobby is huge and tastefully decorated and has lots of old-world charm.When we decided to take the Amtrak to spend Labor Day weekend in New Orleans, we checked the Internet for good deals. As it turned out, New Orleans was the "Featured Destination" at La Quinta's website. We needed two rooms since our daughter invited a friend to join us, and with the great special La Quinta was running at the time, we were able to get two king suites for $79 a night each. And they were most definitely suites - spacious, luxurious and very, very clean. ...Read More

Let us say right off the bat - this place is beautiful and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We would stay here again in a heartbeat. The lobby is huge and tastefully decorated and has lots of old-world charm.

When we decided to take the Amtrak to spend Labor Day weekend in New Orleans, we checked the Internet for good deals. As it turned out, New Orleans was the "Featured Destination" at La Quinta's website. We needed two rooms since our daughter invited a friend to join us, and with the great special La Quinta was running at the time, we were able to get two king suites for $79 a night each.

And they were most definitely suites - spacious, luxurious and very, very clean. Free high speed Internet was also included in the price as was a free breakfast each morning. The breakfast was more than just continental. In addition to the usual cereals, fruits, muffins and yogurt, they had Belgium waffles, scrambled eggs, and sausage links.

My only real concern about this hotel (before we arrived) was its location. It's on the west side of Canal Street, further away from Bourbon than we've ever stayed. We wondered how safe we would be walking to and from our hotel late at night. As it turned out, from Bourbon Street to the hotel, or really from any of the streets in the heart of the French Quarter to the hotel were well-lighted and crowded with other pedestrians. Plus the whole area had a huge police presence - even late into the night.

Whenever we think about getting away a few days to New Orleans, I always check La Quinta's website first. They have something called Weekend Deals where the rooms run between $69 and $79 a night -- but that price is just for the weekend (Friday through Monday morning), and you can't book too far in advance. Maybe three weeks. And, unfortunately, suites are not part of the selection for the Weekend Deals.

We have noticed, however, that the suites can be had sometimes for $99 a night, and that's a very fair price for so much space. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 31, 2007

Quinta New Orleans Downtown
301 Camp St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 598-9977

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Iberville Suites

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Hotel

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On the surface, The Iberville Suites has an upscale feel to it. It's not "old world," like so many other historical hotels in the French Quarter. It's much more contemporary than that. And when one first enters, there is a luxurious feel to the place. The lobby is spacious and well-appointed, and the staff are professional and courteous. The doorman/bellhop, for example, will summon taxis for you. The room itself, however, was of average quality, but we can't complain because, for the price, it fit our needs perfectly. It consisted of one large room cut in half by a bathroom so that there was a bedroom on one side and and a small living room on the other. The living room sofa folded out for an...Read More

On the surface, The Iberville Suites has an upscale feel to it. It's not "old world," like so many other historical hotels in the French Quarter. It's much more contemporary than that. And when one first enters, there is a luxurious feel to the place. The lobby is spacious and well-appointed, and the staff are professional and courteous. The doorman/bellhop, for example, will summon taxis for you.

The room itself, however, was of average quality, but we can't complain because, for the price, it fit our needs perfectly. It consisted of one large room cut in half by a bathroom so that there was a bedroom on one side and and a small living room on the other. The living room sofa folded out for an extra bed. It was good set up for two adults and a teen. And surprisingly, we had a decent view of the entire French Quarter.

The free breakfast offered plenty of good choices, but was crowded with not enough seating. As in most of these situations, the earlier one goes, the better. They never seemed to run low on offerings, but they did run low on free newspapers.

We were able to get this room for $79 a night which we felt was a great deal. Its location was very safe, especially since it is adjacent to the much more expensive Ritz Carlton. In fact, there are certain Ritz Carlton amenities that are offered to guests of the Iberville Suites, such as use of the exercise room.

We came into town on the AmTrak and took a cab to the hotel. Never having been to New Orleans before, we weren't sure how close the hotel was to the station. Now we know it was close enough to walk it. Without a car, we walked everywhere, but we would've done so even with a car.

The Iberville Suites website accurately reflects what the place looks like and the $79 a night rate is offered on a regular basis so one shouldn't have too much trouble securing that price.

It is located in the north-western part of the heart of the French Quarter, a block from Canal Street and two blocks from Bourbon. Jackson Square and the French Market are on the opposite corner of the French Quarter grid, but if you enjoy walking, like we do, that shouldn't be a problem. If this is your first trip to New Orleans, you will quickly learn that, at night, Bourbon Street is packed with revelers, but amazingly enough, one can walk only a block off Bourbon to find it surprisingly quiet in comparison. Two blocks from Bourbon, such as where the Iberville Suites is located, is even more so.

If you've never been to New Orleans before, this would be a great place to stay as you learn your way around and get a feel for the area. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 13, 2007

Iberville Suites
910 Iberville Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70112
(504) 523-2400

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Central Grocery Co.

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Restaurant

CENTRAL GROCERY MUFFULETTA Photo - Central Grocery Co., New Orleans, Louisiana

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This is not really a restaurant, it's a grocery store that is home of the original muffuletta sandwich. The thinly sliced lunch meats and cheeses are topped with a marinated olive spread, with generous amounts of green olives. We've taken seven trips to New Orleans in the past eight years and this store is always our first stop for lunch. It is located on Decatur Street, between Cafe du Monde and the French Market, on the opposite side of the street.Around noon, go into Central Grocer and get in line. It may be long, but it moves quickly and there's lots to look at while you wait. We noticed, for example, hanging over the counter a variety of shopping bags. We ended up purchasing two of th...Read More

This is not really a restaurant, it's a grocery store that is home of the original muffuletta sandwich. The thinly sliced lunch meats and cheeses are topped with a marinated olive spread, with generous amounts of green olives. We've taken seven trips to New Orleans in the past eight years and this store is always our first stop for lunch. It is located on Decatur Street, between Cafe du Monde and the French Market, on the opposite side of the street.

Around noon, go into Central Grocer and get in line. It may be long, but it moves quickly and there's lots to look at while you wait. We noticed, for example, hanging over the counter a variety of shopping bags. We ended up purchasing two of the large ones - they're very well constructed; a sturdy canvas material with wooden handles. We were told each one would hold up to 50 lbs. We've had them for years and they still look and feel new. We ALWAYS take them to our supermarket and have the bag boys use them to load our groceries instead of the plastic bags. So grab a couple while you're there. It will help you "go green" AND have a great souvenir from New Orleans.

Anyway, back to the sandwiches - You can purchase a half a muffuletta (see attached picture); or an entire muffuetta that can feed four. It's wrapped and ready to take out the door.

You can stay and eat at the lunch counter in the back, but we either take ours down the street to Jackson Square or across the street to the Mississippi River and have an impromptu picnic. If you do that, grab as many napkins as possible. (A word to the wise.) Central Grocer sells their homemade olive spread and we did buy a jar once. As good as it is, though, we could never come up with that perfect combination to recreate their muffulettas when we were back at home.

If we had only one afternoon in New Orleans and only time to purchase one meal, this is what it would be. Yes, this sandwich is THAT good. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on June 7, 2007

Central Grocery Co.
923 Decatur St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
(504) 523-1620

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Mulate's Cajun Resaurant

Restaurant

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The three of us (mom, dad, teen) ordered two seafood platters and split them. They were excellent, with a great variety. Each item was seasoned and fried, but not too heavy.There is a dance floor in the center of the room, so ask the hostess to seat you close to it. There are Cajun dancers who pull people up to learn the dance steps. No one was made to go or embarrassed if they didn't want to go. It was entertaining to watch. It was a lot like the Texas two-step.Mulates is a little off the beaten track; a good distance from Bourbon St., heading southwest. We were told to go early as it fills up fast, and by the time we were leaving, it was getting crowded. I don't think we'...Read More

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 7, 2007

Mulate's Cajun Resaurant
201 Julia St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 522-1492

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Acme Oyster House

Restaurant

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Located on Iberville, near Bourbon St., just look for the line outside around dinnertime. The atmosphere inside is very casual; crowded and loud, like any other busy restaurant.It is with divided interests that we recommend Acme Oyster House. The food is very good and worth the wait to get in. We ordered a couple of seafood platters to split among the three of us. Everything was lightly fried, and downright succulent. The platters came with catfish strips that were especially good! And we also treated ourselves to a cup of very tasty gumbo. What we didn't like about this place is when we were seated, we were led past lots of tables — in the front room that has a true New ...Read More

Located on Iberville, near Bourbon St., just look for the line outside around dinnertime. The atmosphere inside is very casual; crowded and loud, like any other busy restaurant.

It is with divided interests that we recommend Acme Oyster House. The food is very good and worth the wait to get in. We ordered a couple of seafood platters to split among the three of us. Everything was lightly fried, and downright succulent. The platters came with catfish strips that were especially good! And we also treated ourselves to a cup of very tasty gumbo.

What we didn't like about this place is when we were seated, we were led past lots of tables — in the front room that has a true New Orleans atmosphere — to a back room where there were long, bench type, tables. The back room is similar to a church fellowship hall. Zip in the way of atmosphere. We were seated at one end of a long table and then a larger family was brought in to share the rest of the table with us, literally right next to us, shoulder to shoulder. It was socially uncomfortable because there was no privacy at all and we were totally not expecting it.

The seafood was so delicious that we returned for another meal during another trip. The second time, and almost each time after that, we received a private table in the front. It made all the difference in the world. A true win-win combination. I say "almost each time" because on our last trip to the Big Easy, we were seated at a table for two in the back part of the restaurant. At least we didn't have to share a table with strangers - and again the food was out of this world, but that back room is as dull as dishwater. I'm not sure what the problem is. If it's the family style long tables in the middle of the room or the lights are too bright or the waiter's exposed work stations. It's just very, very short on atmosphere.

So if you don't mind taking a chance on dining with strangers, and love REALLY GOOD seafood, you will enjoy this place. If you prefer to dine with just your companions, you could request a private table. There is a long line to get in, and a kind of Soup Nazi attitude from the hosts, so such requests may not be honored. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on June 8, 2007

Acme Oyster House
724 Iberville St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 835-6410

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NOLA

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Restaurant

DINNER AT NOLA Photo - NOLA, New Orleans, Louisiana

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NOLA is Emeril LaGasse's restaurant in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Two years ago we went there just for dessert. We didn't have reservations and they could not accommodate us when we arrived. They did, however, ask us to come back in half an hour and they promised to have a table for us. Upon our return, we were seated and then doted upon as if we were the only customers in the place. Never have we received so much attention from a team of waiters! On that night, the four of us ordered four different desserts and then had fun tasting them all. Peanut butter pie, creme brulee, banana bread pudding and chocolate buzz bombe - which contained brandied apricots. The waiter joked ...Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on June 5, 2008

NOLA
534 St. Louis St
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 522 6652

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French Market

Attraction

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A trip to New Orleans isn't complete without wandering through the French Market, browsing its abundance of wares. It's a glorified flea market with lots of style and international flavor. Fake designer sunglasses, handbags, and clothing items will greet you at every turn. There are hardback books, CDs, DVDs, belts, scarves, ball caps, watches, lighters, throws, glassware, t-shirts, Mardi Gras beads and masks, every kind of jewelry imaginable and lots more.The French Market is very crowded and the different storefront spaces are so close together it may be hard to tell where one ends and another begins. There's occasional tight squeezes, especially when shoppers stop to inspect merchandise...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 26, 2007

French Market
1008 North Peters Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 522-2621

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Jackson Square/Place d'Armes

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Attraction | "Jackson Square"

Jackson Square Photo - Jackson Square/Place d'Armes, New Orleans, Louisiana

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Jackson Square is an entire city block, resting directly south of St. Louis Cathedral. The block is gated with an interior park that features sprawling, leafy trees, manicured sidewalks, and the greenest, lushest grass we've ever seen. A statue of Andrew Jackson atop his horse is the central focus of the park.On a good weather day, this is the place to spend an hour or so. It would be an ideal spot to take a blanket to spread out in the shade, but that's only a nice thought for us. (We don't really want to be toting a blanket around New Orleans!) There are plenty of park benches, but as a rule, by late afternoon the ones in the shade are always occupied. We usually just plop down directly on t...Read More

Jackson Square is an entire city block, resting directly south of St. Louis Cathedral. The block is gated with an interior park that features sprawling, leafy trees, manicured sidewalks, and the greenest, lushest grass we've ever seen. A statue of Andrew Jackson atop his horse is the central focus of the park.

On a good weather day, this is the place to spend an hour or so. It would be an ideal spot to take a blanket to spread out in the shade, but that's only a nice thought for us. (We don't really want to be toting a blanket around New Orleans!) There are plenty of park benches, but as a rule, by late afternoon the ones in the shade are always occupied. We usually just plop down directly on the ground in the coolest spot we can find.

On every trip we've taken to New Orleans, we head to Jackson Square the very first day. It's become our tradition to purchase muffalettas from Central Grocer and bring them here for a picnic. And there's plenty to keep us entertained while we enjoy our lunch.

Jackson Square is full of character and characters. We once met a Frenchman (if he wasn't French, he had a great fake accent!) who was taking his leashed pet rabbit for a walk. On another occasion, a man sat down across from us and removed his shirt. (He was about as in shape as we are so it created a sight to behold.) Within minutes, he was approached by two police officers who told him to put his shirt back on. He refused; wanting to know why? They didn't waste time debating the point, and in the blink of an eye, had him on his feet, escorting him - and his shirt - right out of the park.

At Jackson Square, one can totally relax, people-watch, read the local pamphlets you've been collecting or listen in as the surrounding business people work the tourists on the other side of the gates. The carriage rides are on the south end of the square, along Decatur Street, while the psychics, tarot card readers, sketch artists, street performers and musicians line the remaining sides. Together they create an interesting cacophony of entertaining sounds and offer an abundance of photo opportunities.

After a full day sightseeing, this is the perfect place to decompress while still absorbing so much of the colorful atmosphere that attracts everyone to New Orleans in the first place. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on September 19, 2007

Jackson Square/Place d'Armes
French Quarter
New Orleans, Louisiana

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AmTrak Travel

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Story/Tip

AMTRAK TRAVEL Photo - United States, North America

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New Orleans is a 10-hour ride from our home in Alabama. We consider taking the AmTrak to be a trip within a trip, and is just as much a part of the vacation experience as the actual vacation itself. We always book a bedroom even though it's a day trip. It's not that much more money and the benefits make it worthwhile, such as privacy (including your own bathroom) and free meals in the dining car. The two-person bedroom is two recliner-type seats that face each other with the door on one side and a full plate-glass window on the other. Next to one of the recliners is a sink and covered toilet. When one passenger has to go, the other can just step outside in the hallway.If you've never e...Read More

New Orleans is a 10-hour ride from our home in Alabama. We consider taking the AmTrak to be a trip within a trip, and is just as much a part of the vacation experience as the actual vacation itself.

We always book a bedroom even though it's a day trip. It's not that much more money and the benefits make it worthwhile, such as privacy (including your own bathroom) and free meals in the dining car. The two-person bedroom is two recliner-type seats that face each other with the door on one side and a full plate-glass window on the other. Next to one of the recliners is a sink and covered toilet. When one passenger has to go, the other can just step outside in the hallway.

If you've never eaten a meal on the AmTrak, you're in for a treat. They have everything from pizza to crab cakes to steak dinners. You can go to the AmTrak website and download sample menus. The free meals also include their delectable desserts. But don't delay. When you hear them announcing that the dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, go right then. Sometimes they run out of things.

All seating in the dining car is four-person booths and with a limited number of those booths, it means you and your companion will be sharing a table with strangers. It could be good; it could be bad. But once the food arrives, who cares!

We always take plenty of reading materials on board, but inevitably end up staring out the window at the gorgeous scenery. It's very hypnotic. The surrounding countryside has a completely different look from a train window than a car window. When we pass a railroad street crossing and see cars lined up waiting for the train to pass, I look at those drivers and think "man, it sucks to be you."

Arriving in New Orleans at night, it's best to take a cab to your hotel, but when it's time for the return trip home, it's early in the morning and an easy walk from most any hotel in the French Quarter, especially those on the west side of Canal Street. At the train station, if you already have your tickets, and they are for bedrooms, not coach, there is a private VIP-type lounge to wait in for the "now boarding" call.

Not having a car in New Orleans is more a blessing than an inconvenience. The streets are so clogged with pedestrians, you may find yourself sitting at a stop sign, waiting for a break in the foot traffic, for much longer than you intended. Plus most every hotel charges $25 a day parking. New Orleans is such a great walking town, and if the place you want to go is really far away, there are plenty of buses and trolley cars.

AmTrak is my family's favorite mode of transportation and is a very addictive way to travel. Whenever I'm in my car and get stuck at a railroad crossing for the Amtrak, I stare at those bedroom cars with outright envy, and I think "man, it sucks to be me." Read Less

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