Taking It Easy in the Big Easy

A January 2008 trip to New Orleans by E. B.

Lobby in the Loews Hotel Photo - Loews New Orleans Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote: I accompanied my boyfriend to his conference in New Orleans. I figured that I could check out NOLA while he was busy with workshops.

4 Photos

Taking It Easy in the Big Easy

Overview

Quote:

Everyone talks about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but there's more to New Orleans than just Mardi Gras. This is my second trip to NOLA, and I can't believe how the people of New Orleans can pick up the pieces and continue on after Katrina. I don't know what it was like before Katrina, but I have toured 9th Ward and the devasted areas after Katrina, and I'm constantly amazed that it's still the way it was right after Katrina hit.People are still scared to come to New Orleans, but the chance of another huge hurricane hitting again so soon is pretty low. Tourism hasn't been the same since. This city really needs tourists. Mardi Gras is only a week and a half away, and the city is emptier than I t...Read More

Everyone talks about Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but there's more to New Orleans than just Mardi Gras. This is my second trip to NOLA, and I can't believe how the people of New Orleans can pick up the pieces and continue on after Katrina. I don't know what it was like before Katrina, but I have toured 9th Ward and the devasted areas after Katrina, and I'm constantly amazed that it's still the way it was right after Katrina hit.

People are still scared to come to New Orleans, but the chance of another huge hurricane hitting again so soon is pretty low. Tourism hasn't been the same since. This city really needs tourists. Mardi Gras is only a week and a half away, and the city is emptier than I thought it would be for Mardi Gras.

A new tourism is starting up--the Katrina tour. I did go on a Katrina tour, and it's a somber moment for Americans. It's also educational, so I hope that if you do come to New Orleans that you take the Katrina tour and see how America is failing our own citizens.

Quick Tips:

Walk with a buddy. Just like in NYC or LA, this is an urban city. Take safety precautions, especially if you're not used to cities with heavy crime.

Restaurants tend to serve fried foods or excessively sweet sugary items. If you have special dietary needs, such as diabetic or low-cholesterol foods, you may want to ask your waiter for suggestions for a healthier option if there is one at that restaurant.

Many restaurants have special relationships with hotels. Ask your concierge for restaurant suggestions. They may have a coupon or VIP card for you, saving you either money or wait time.

Best Way To Get Around:

Best way to get around is to take a taxi, they're plentiful, and hotels are quick to call you one.

Walking works, too, as many shops and restaurants are within walking distance.

Renting a car is only advisable if you have free parking. Many hotels charge for parking, so it's really not worth bringing a car to New Orleans unless you have free parking at your hotel or condo.

There is also a rail near the river, but it's limited as to where it travels to.

Buses are also available, but I don't like to travel in an unfamiliar city on the bus, especially the cities that have a healthy crime rate. Read Less

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Loews New Orleans Hotel

Hotel

Quote:

This hotel is the only union hotel left in the city after Katrina destroyed the only other one (Fairmont Hotel). There is a full-service spa available that I have not booked. The pool is open to all hotel guests from 6am-10pm. There is a whirlpool spa and dry sauna room as well.I like the excellent service provided by the hotel. Beds are comfortable. Internet access is free. What I don’t like is that there is no ventilation in the rooms. The windows don’t open, and the bathrooms don’t have a fan, so there is continual low ventilation in the rooms. Otherwise there is no fresh air, just ventilated air....Read More

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on January 30, 2008

Loews New Orleans Hotel
300 POYDRAS STREET
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-3216
504-595-3300

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Crescent City Brewhouse

Restaurant

Quote:

We had a coupon for a free entrée when buying another entrée, so we decided to check it out. I was in the mood for a beer and a burger, and I figured a brewery would do burgers just fine. Unfortunately, the coupon didn’t apply to sandwiches, only entrees, which were a higher price. Since it was a “buy one, get one free” deal, we switched our orders. My boyfriend ordered the Red Fish St. Louis, and I ordered the Southern Crispy Duck. I had already ordered a Red Stallion, so I went with the duck since I was already eyeing that item on the menu, and it was recommended to pair with the Red Stallion beer.When we received our orders, we were pleasantly surprised. The fish tasted wonderful, and the...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on January 30, 2008

Crescent City Brewhouse
527 Decatur St
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 522 0571

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Lucy's Retired Surfer's Restaurant & Bar

Restaurant | "Lucy's Retired Surfer's Restaurant & Bar"

Quote:

Lucy’s was a place recommended by the concierge at Loews Hotel. She said it was a funky little place, so we decided to check it out. Imagine our surprise when it had Santa Cruz sandwiches on the menu. (My boyfriend is from Santa Cruz.) We thought this was a good sign, so we went in.The front was a bar area, packed with locals. We had walked in on Thursday, which was ladies night. You can order $1 beers if you don’t carry a Y chromosome. We sat in the restaurant area in the back. The tables have plastic covers stapled to them with surfer print, varying from Hawaiian aloha designs to kitschy beach wear.My bo...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on January 30, 2008

Lucy's Retired Surfer's Restaurant & Bar
701 Tchoupitoulas St
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
+1 504 523 8995

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About the Writer

E. B.
Torrance, California

"I love to travel and experience different cultures, especially to learn from those different from me..."
36 journals
92 photos
167 reviews

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