A Few Days in New Orleans = never enough

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Overview

Quote:

Walking down Bourbon Street in the early night and watching my daughter's face as she watched all the goings on. Riding the Trolley from one end to the other – both at night and during the day. Watching the people and beautiful homes as we rode by. Having dinner in a place that served great food, but which you had not chance of conversation unless the band was catching their breath – but it didn’t matter since the music had you trying to figure out if you were going to chew or smile! Quick Tips: Buy a map of the city before you visit and plot out where your hotel is and where you want to be sure to visit. That way you will start to get a feel of the areas tha...Read More

Walking down Bourbon Street in the early night and watching my daughter's face as she watched all the goings on.

Riding the Trolley from one end to the other – both at night and during the day. Watching the people and beautiful homes as we rode by.

Having dinner in a place that served great food, but which you had not chance of conversation unless the band was catching their breath – but it didn’t matter since the music had you trying to figure out if you were going to chew or smile!

Quick Tips:

Buy a map of the city before you visit and plot out where your hotel is and where you want to be sure to visit. That way you will start to get a feel of the areas that you want to visit and how long you think you will need to spend in each area – then add at least a few hours to each area!

Face the fact that it is easy to get distracted while here, and you are not apt to be able to see all you want to without feeling that you are running and missing out on so much else. Plan extra time to just walk and view the shops, the city and the people.

We found that a roll or two of quarters came in very handy! They not only provided easy exact fare when we decided to take the trolley, but also were great for the few times we used public meters for parking.

Best Way To Get Around:

Walk, Trolley, Walk, Walk, Walk, Trolley, Walk, Trolley!!

Seriously, This is a town to walk around, especially the French Quarter and the Riverwalk. You start walking and don’t realize how far you have walked until you feet are aching, there is so much to see!

The Trolley is wonderful! There are two main lines, and I was told they are about to expand them (reinstating Canal Street line). The St. Charles Avenue line is only .25 and the Riverfront is .50 -- be sure to have exact change or a pass!

There are also plenty of buses and taxies all over the city, but we never made use of them, instead we rode the trolleys and walked. Read Less

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Hampton Inn New Orleans Downtown French Quarter Area

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Hotel | "Hampton Inn New Orleans-Downtown"

Room 2 Photo - Hampton Inn New Orleans Downtown French Quarter Area, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote:

The Hampton Inn New Orleans-Downtown is interesting to approach. It is on a one-way street and you have to pull to the curb just in front of it, for they have only valet parking. The main corridor leads past the elevators, and the entrance to the small lobby is just past, on the left. You need to tell the front desk if you are using the valet parking ($17 a day, with unlimited in and out). I found it to not be a bad deal since you can access your vehicle (it is in the parking lot just outside the side door of the building, and they do not object if you access it at a...Read More

The Hampton Inn New Orleans-Downtown is interesting to approach. It is on a one-way street and you have to pull to the curb just in front of it, for they have only valet parking.

The main corridor leads past the elevators, and the entrance to the small lobby is just past, on the left. You need to tell the front desk if you are using the valet parking ($17 a day, with unlimited in and out). I found it to not be a bad deal since you can access your vehicle (it is in the parking lot just outside the side door of the building, and they do not object if you access it at any time – we used it to put our belongings into it before checking out, left our car in the lot for the day, and had the valet bring it around when we were ready to leave). When you are given your room keys you will be informed that they are also needed for the elevator.

We reserved a king bedroom – noting that a double was acceptable – leaving options open for all upgrade possibilities. We were assigned a small king room that had the bed, desk and recliner. The windows faced a brick wall and the room, was small and cramped. Later that day the rooms on our floor were left open (where you place the security lock in front of the door) so I scouted around – looking in all of them. Be aware that the rooms numbered _12-_21 (the _ for the floor number) are small rooms that face the brick wall. I was able to call down and change our room to a double – which was HUGE, not only by comparison! In both rooms the ceilings are over 9-12 feet high, and in the double room the windows were almost as tall!

The breakfast is served on the 4th floor in a room for just that purpose, yet it doesn’t feel like a dining room. The breakfast was expansive (for a continental breakfast).

Do not miss Rudy! He is the concierge, and is situated at the desk in the main hall opposite the lobby area. He is a treat! If there is anything that might interest you in the area feel free to ask him, for the odds are that he not only knows about it, but is happy to let you in on the ‘inside scoop’! He can also answer all the usual questions, but you are very apt to find yourself caught up in his joy of the city! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Hampton Inn New Orleans Downtown French Quarter Area
226 CARONDELET STREET
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504 529-9990

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Hampton Inn New Orleans (St. Charles Ave.)

Hotel

Quote:

The Hampton Inn New Orleans (St. Charles Ave.) was a great experience! We were not planning to spend the night in New Orleans, so we called and made a reservation at a Hampton Inn in an area we were not staying in – with no idea what to expect! We followed the directions, and were disappointed to find it located so ‘far’ from the French Quarter. When you approach it from St. Charles Ave. you will note a driveway at the front, but if you turn onto the street just before the hotel main entrance, you can access another entrance that also allows access to the ‘private’ parking area (where a room key is required to lift ...Read More

The Hampton Inn New Orleans (St. Charles Ave.) was a great experience! We were not planning to spend the night in New Orleans, so we called and made a reservation at a Hampton Inn in an area we were not staying in – with no idea what to expect! We followed the directions, and were disappointed to find it located so ‘far’ from the French Quarter. When you approach it from St. Charles Ave. you will note a driveway at the front, but if you turn onto the street just before the hotel main entrance, you can access another entrance that also allows access to the ‘private’ parking area (where a room key is required to lift the gate). We parked in that entrance way and I went in to register.

Either way you enter the lobby, it is impressive with its airiness and feeling of openness! The desk is situated in the middle of the inside wall. I saw repeated problems of no one manning the desk, but if you spoke loudly enough someone would appear. The pool is just outside the full-length windows opposite the desk. It is more of a lap pool than a swimming pool, but beautifully displayed in a walled garden setting.

They offer both an evening snack of cheeses and crackers and breakfast in the lobby. Both were very enjoyable. In each case you can take your plate to one of the inside tables or easily exit to the tables outside that are covered, but are situated in the garden area next to the pool.

Your room key not only opens your room door, the gate to the walled parking area, but also allows the elevator to access the guest levels. Our king room was unimpressive, a rather standard Hampton room, that looked over the walled garden and pool.

The front door of the hotel opens onto St. Charles Avenue in the lovely garden district of the city. We took a long walk down the lovely avenue, gaping at all the beautiful homes and their wonderful landscaping. We walked until it became very dark and then as we saw a trolley approaching went to the nearest stop in the middle of the road. We hopped on the trolley, paid the fare and rode right back to our hotel! We were not hungry that night, having filled ourselves on the evening snack of cheese and crackers at the hotel, but were aware of the Superior Grill right next door (3636 St. Charles Ave. -- 899-4200). There are menus included in the hotel material in the room – they offer free delivery (even of their specialty of margaritas), and each time we went by it the place was busy with a variety of smiling patrons. It is nice to have such a well renowned restaurant so close by. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Hampton Inn New Orleans (St. Charles Ave.)
3626 ST CHARLES AVE
New Orleans, Louisiana 70115
504-899-9990

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Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center

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Hotel | "Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Downtown"

the room Photo - Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote:

The Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Downtown is a bit difficult to find at first, with all the one way streets and all, and is not in one of the "best neighborhoods", but it is a lovely place to stay! We ‘lucked’ into a ‘great escapes’ rate of only $79 and were upgraded to a junior suite upon our arrival. They first assigned us a non-smoking suite, but when I asked if a smoking suite was available we were happily provided with one! We were given coupons for (2) free bottles of water and a coupon for a continental breakfast. When I asked for a second breakfast coupon I was told that they were only allowed one for ...Read More

The Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Downtown is a bit difficult to find at first, with all the one way streets and all, and is not in one of the "best neighborhoods", but it is a lovely place to stay! We ‘lucked’ into a ‘great escapes’ rate of only $79 and were upgraded to a junior suite upon our arrival. They first assigned us a non-smoking suite, but when I asked if a smoking suite was available we were happily provided with one! We were given coupons for (2) free bottles of water and a coupon for a continental breakfast. When I asked for a second breakfast coupon I was told that they were only allowed one for the Hilton Honors member.

Our next goal was to park our vehicle. They have a parking garage around the corner, which connects to the hotel and costs about $16 a night. We were parked in front of the hotel in the passenger-loading zone and in order to get to the garage needed to drive around the block. We did so, but found that our vehicle was too large to fit into the entrance of the garage. We returned to the hotel desk, asked their advice, and were told of a couple of local garages that we could use and also advised that there was parking on the street in designated areas. We were able to bring our belongings up to the room before moving the vehicle, and when we went to move it I noticed an available parking space on the street (1-way) directly across from the hotel entrance (no meter, so for free). I was rather leery about leaving such a new vehicle on the street in a warehouse district, but it was fine.

The hotel has a rooftop pool and a small exercise room. It also has an on-premises restaurant and bar. We did not make use of either, but it was nice to know that they were there. Each room has a mini-refrigerator and microwave. There is a self-service laundry room and a small ‘pantry’ store.

We walked over toward the convention center and the riverwalk. They both are very close (a couple of blocks). The convention center did not interest us, but the Riverwalk was an experience! From the Riverwalk we walked to the French Quarter, but we took the Riverside Trolley on the way back – which dropped us off just a block from the hotel.

This would be a wonderful hotel if your sites are set on the convention center or the Riverwalk area! The staff is very gracious and helpful and the whole feel of the hotel is that of an oasis in a busy world. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center
1001 SOUTH PETERS STREET
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
504 525-0044

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Royal Cafe

Best Of IgoUgo

Restaurant

from balcony Photo - Royal Cafe, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote:

The Royal Cafe can be seen in many pictures and postcards of the French Quarter. It is on the corner of Royal (one street over from Bourbon Street) and St. Peter (two blocks up from Canal Street). The menu is posted on both sides of the corner of the building, at street level. We really were not that hungry, but could not resist having a nice meal in the French Quarter. We entered the first floor, a few steps up, and were greeted by a hostess. When we told her that we would like to dine on the balcony the directed us straight back, to the wall, then up the stairs on the right’, so off we went. ...Read More

The Royal Cafe can be seen in many pictures and postcards of the French Quarter. It is on the corner of Royal (one street over from Bourbon Street) and St. Peter (two blocks up from Canal Street). The menu is posted on both sides of the corner of the building, at street level. We really were not that hungry, but could not resist having a nice meal in the French Quarter. We entered the first floor, a few steps up, and were greeted by a hostess. When we told her that we would like to dine on the balcony the directed us straight back, to the wall, then up the stairs on the right’, so off we went.

The stairs are wooden and curving to the right. The first few stairs are narrow, so be careful as you round the corner from the hall, for anyone coming down the stairs is apt to have no where to go but forward, into you! The top few stairs are very worn and care needs to be taken both upward and downward, for it is easy to misjudge the depth of the stairs that are worn thin by many years of traffic. At the top of the stairs another sign will greet you stating that a hostess will seat you, if not the hostess herself. We asked for a table on the balcony, she picked up some menus and asked us to follow her.

We were lead to a small table for two on the narrow side of the balcony that overhung St. Peter Street. There was a family of four at the table that occupied the corner of the balcony that overlooked the intersection of the streets below (the most desirable table, in my view). Our table was very wobbly, and the floor was severely slanted towards the street. It was in the shade, while many tables were in the strong light of the setting sun, but it was just not comfortable for us. When our waiter arrived we told him about the table wobbling and how we were uncomfortable. He apologized and told us that we were welcome to choose any unoccupied table. We choose a table that overlooked Royal Street, on the edge of the shaded area – the floor did not slant as much as it did on the other side.

We had a lovely meal, and were serenaded by a street player on the corner below. I am out of room to tell you how wonderful the full experience was, but I suggest that you make an effort to fit a meal here into all you want to do while in the city! The food was wonderful, the service gracious and the setting is so much a part of the feel of the French Quarter that it is not to be missed! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Royal Cafe
700 Royal Street
New Orleans, Louisiana
(504) 528-9086

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Cajun Cabin

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Restaurant | "Patout's Cajun Bistro"

Trina Photo - Cajun Cabin, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote:

We had not eaten since breakfast and were walking up Bourbon Street, in the evening, loving the crowds, music and general joy of life present ( check what we were in the middle of! ), when we realized that we were hungry! Most of the places are geared to adult entertainment and consuming alcohol along with listening to great music. While I would have been welcome in any of the establishments, my daughter is only 16 and not allowed in most of the places at that time of night on Bourbon Street. We checked a couple of posted menus and then ended up liking the choices at the ...Read More

We had not eaten since breakfast and were walking up Bourbon Street, in the evening, loving the crowds, music and general joy of life present ( check what we were in the middle of! ), when we realized that we were hungry! Most of the places are geared to adult entertainment and consuming alcohol along with listening to great music. While I would have been welcome in any of the establishments, my daughter is only 16 and not allowed in most of the places at that time of night on Bourbon Street. We checked a couple of posted menus and then ended up liking the choices at the Patout's Cajun Bistro , so I asked the gentleman at the door if there was any problem with us eating dinner there and he invited us right in.

We were escorted back to a small raised area in the back corner, and were seated at a table. We decided to move forward, within the raised area, to a table closer to the front edge, overlooking the bar area and the band. This did not make a difference in the noise level, for there was not a chance to do anything but enjoy the vibrancy and life of the music anywhere in mile radius! Our waitress was experienced in pointing, nodding and leaning close enough to hear projected voices! I ordered a "Cajun Margarita" and my daughter ordered a coke. The decision about what we wanted to eat was not nearly as easy, as everything on the menu looked so good. We finally made our decisions, gave them to the waitress, and enjoyed the music and show, for all the musicians have to be performers to succeed in such a demanding atmosphere as Bourbon Street!

When the food arrived at our table the music was forgotten in our delight at the taste sensations that engulfed us! Each bite was a treat, even for untrained palates! After our initial hunger was satisfied, and our palates had adjusted to the wonderful subtle melding of flavors we were unfamiliar with, but they rejoiced in exploring, we began to allow the band to engulf us again. They had moved on to playing the washboard. That was such a show and a laugh! They used a thin bid style and played it with spoons. They even offer the washboards they play for sale – not to mention the cds that are offered during their break. I took my last drink out, into the street with me with no objection.

This is a neat place to stop at when you are spending your night on Bourbon Street! The music, the food, the atmosphere and the service are great! Do not overlook this place among the many choices you have! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Cajun Cabin
501 Bourbon Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 529-4256

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Laura's Candies

Best Of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is from across the street Photo - Laura's Candies, New Orleans, Louisiana

Quote:

During our tramping around the French Quarter we saw many candy shops, but were drawn back to Laura's Candies , even without knowing the history, just because of the wonderful sights and smells that it offered each time we passed it! We held off until our last day, and just had to stop by to get some treats for the road, and even then they almost didn’t make it out of the door! The store on Royal Street is very small, but all the better to allow the tempting odors to waft out the door and draw you inside, like those old cartoons where they turn into a hand with a crooked finger inviting you in! When you enter it is hard to know where to l...Read More

During our tramping around the French Quarter we saw many candy shops, but were drawn back to Laura's Candies , even without knowing the history, just because of the wonderful sights and smells that it offered each time we passed it! We held off until our last day, and just had to stop by to get some treats for the road, and even then they almost didn’t make it out of the door!

The store on Royal Street is very small, but all the better to allow the tempting odors to waft out the door and draw you inside, like those old cartoons where they turn into a hand with a crooked finger inviting you in! When you enter it is hard to know where to look first, but the glass counter/display case in the back is most apt to draw you that way. There is a small dish on top of it that contains bits and pieces of an item for you to sample. The day we were there it contained bits of pralines, and I sampled them while my daughter went thru the agonizing decision of what to order. All of the truffles are $16.95 a pound and we were told that about 8 of them are in a pound. She thought long and hard, asking many questions of what was in each one, which the young lady behind the counter answered patiently, and with a smile. Finally she made her decisions and gave them to the salesgirl who carefully wrapped each one in a separate piece of tissue paper and gently placed them in a small white bag.

We spent the rest of the day passing the bag back and forth, making our mouths water with the wonder, rich, smell of chocolate that escaped each time we opened the bag. When I finally allowed myself to have the one truffle that we bought for me (a Triple Chocolate Truffle) it took me a long time to consume it for each tiny bite was an experience in ecstasy! It had a wonderful texture and the melding of flavors were beyond what I would have imagined!

You can order the candies from their webpage, but that is not nearly as much fun as following your nose into the shop and then debating each candy that you want to reward your pallet with! When you are in New Orleans it is worth your time to stop by, if only to inhale! Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

Laura's Candies
331 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
(504) 525-3880

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New Orleans Old Time Photos

Attraction | "Old Time Photos"

Quote:

We came across this when we were walking about the French Quarter. At first we walked right by it, more interested in the mask shop next door, but on the way back towards Royal we could not resist going in. You don’t really walk in the door, more like slide in between the wall and counter. We told the gentleman behind the counter that we were not sure if we were interested in having a picture taken or not and he offered two three ring binders containing a wide variety of pictures, showing numerous poses, outfit and props. I asked if I might sit down and was immediately offered the chair behind the counter. While me daughter was looking at the books two young ladies bounded in! The ...Read More

We came across this when we were walking about the French Quarter. At first we walked right by it, more interested in the mask shop next door, but on the way back towards Royal we could not resist going in. You don’t really walk in the door, more like slide in between the wall and counter. We told the gentleman behind the counter that we were not sure if we were interested in having a picture taken or not and he offered two three ring binders containing a wide variety of pictures, showing numerous poses, outfit and props. I asked if I might sit down and was immediately offered the chair behind the counter.

While me daughter was looking at the books two young ladies bounded in! The gentleman behind the counter greeted them with "So you decided to take a picture?" to which they nodded and said ‘The southern belles’. They were invited behind the counter, handed dresses, and shown into a curtained changing room. Amid much giggles, choosing hats, and minor adjustments the girls were dressed and situated in front of the camera. During this time my daughter had decided that she wanted to pose as a southern belle, in full hoop skirt. The pictures went quickly, with the girls being asked to stay in costume while the photograph was checked to make sure that it was acceptable. They wanted two copies of the picture so were asked if they wanted two different poses or two copies of the same pose. They chose to have two copies of the same pose since it was the less expensive option.

I was allowed to take my own pictures of my daughter, all during her session. She was well directed on how to best stand and the final picture was very lovely. WE were also offered the option of buying the original color photo for a small fee.

I know these type of establishment are all over the place – at almost every amusement park I have been to – but this was a really nice break, and the Bourbon Street sign was a fun touch. The people here were very nice and it was a great experience! They are open 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM daily. Read Less

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 4, 2001

New Orleans Old Time Photos
630A St Ann Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
504-527-5004

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Clang, Clang, Clang went the Trolley :-)

Best Of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

Quote:

What fun! That is the best description of the Trolley ride for us! We first became aware of them during an evening stroll from the to Hampton Inn St. Charles Street. We were walking down the street looking at the wonderful homes and decided that we were too tired to walk back to the hotel, so we found a trolley stop next to the tracks in the medium of the road and waited. The first ride we were so busy making sure that we got off at the hotel that we really didn’t have much of a chance to enjoy it. The next day we were given a map (most hotel have them on a tear off pad|...Read More

What fun! That is the best description of the Trolley ride for us! We first became aware of them during an evening stroll from the to Hampton Inn St. Charles Street. We were walking down the street looking at the wonderful homes and decided that we were too tired to walk back to the hotel, so we found a trolley stop next to the tracks in the medium of the road and waited. The first ride we were so busy making sure that we got off at the hotel that we really didn’t have much of a chance to enjoy it.

The next day we were given a map (most hotel have them on a tear off pad|) that showed most of the trolley line, and told that we could take the St. Charles line all the way to the end and back if we wanted to. So we caught one just before the Hampton Inn Downtown (that way it was full, but about to empty out on Canal Street where it turns around to head back to the garden district and we were able to get good seats). It is such fun that the cars are kept so clean and the windows open widely. Do be aware that trees, sign posts and such are very close outside the windows! An arm stuck out of the window could result in disaster!. My daughter got a kick out of how the wooden seats can be switched from facing one way to the other so you could create a small conversation for 4 people on two seats, but then you would miss all the sights!

At the last stop, before they go into the station to turn the car around (actually reverse the power line and seats, the car never turns around) we were told we needed to get off and catch the next car back. There were many restaurants in the area, but we decided to people watch and just wait. The way was about 10 minutes – not bad on a pleasant evening. This time we rode it back to the other end and got off at Canal Street. It is just across the street that it turns into Bourbon Street – THE street to be on after dark in New Orleans.

On our last day we were staying at Hilton Garden Inn which was a quick walk from the Riverside Line . Here there is a map of the route and cost ($1.50) listed on the signs at the stops. The market, French Quarter, Riverwalk – all are easily accesable from this line!

We used a roll of quarters that I had – and they worked very well – but you can buy passes if you plan to use the trolleys more than we did. They are a good deal, and easy to use. Read Less

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