Anyone been there? We're going June 2-4 and we've never been and I'm looking for tips. I have reservations at the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon street but I am willing to change them if something better comes along.

PM Stacey (user name Stacey). She grew up there :)

we've been there twice. what sort of tips are you looking for? things to do??

We got married there and my DH grew up there. We go at least 4-5 times a year. What do you need to know?

Stella

Bring water with you everywhere you go. Its so armpit hot here, I dont know what kind of parties are on bourbon street at that time of year but I probably wouldnt chance it. Ive been to Bourbon steet once and never again!

We got engaged on a trip to N.O. and went again for New Years Eve...the year is turned 2000. I LOVED the french quarter. We had a blast & drank & danced too much. I remember that we took a cemetary tour and it was so neat!!!

Thanks everyone.

I do want to go on a cemetery tour, and a tour of the garden district.

I guess I'm mainly wondering about the hotel we chose, and whether there's something better I should consider. Also places to eat, places to shop, things to buy, places to drink. Really just anything anyone has to mention!

Hey Becky!!!

I live in Jackson, MS - about a 3 hour drive to the big easy. We go all the time and absolutely love it. I think your hotel is awesome!!!! I have never stayed in it, but it is right in the heart of bourbon and has a very nice lobby. I think you will likely be happy with it. We always stay at the Maison Dupry. Dupuy? I can't think of how to spell that right now for some reason.

Both DH and I like to have a good time (ie: we drink and can be loud and obnoxious) so we love bourbon street! One of our favorite places to go is Pat O'brien (Pat O's) piano bar. The piano bar entrance is actually not on bourbon but around the corner. If you see Pat o's sign on bourbon, then just follow it around the corner for a bit.

During the day it is great to go to Jackson Square and look at the artists. Get your palm read if you want! Cafe Du Monte is great to get beniets and coffee. Work great on a hangover. :)

Watch out for those hurricanes!!!! Have a great time!!! Stay on the popular streets! Don't wander off anywhere other than where there are a lot of people!!! Remember, anything goes in New Orleans, so feel free to do whatever! Whatever happens in New Orleans stays in New Orleans!!!!

Sandy

Thanks Sandy!

I had a reservation at the Maison Dupuy, but I am planning to cancel it even though the rate is much better, b/c my guide book said not to walk back there at night. Do you think that's true?

We walk it all the time!!! I think it is on the corner of Toulouse? Have never had any problems, and that is one of the reasons we like it b/c of its close proximity to Bourbon. We walk back and forth all the time for our numerous bathroom breaks. Just keep your wits about you, and if you are too drunk to do that then make sure you have someone walk with you.

But your other hotel is right on Bourbon and should be super fun! If you can afford it, go for it!

Sandy

I have done the cemetary and the garden district tour. I loved both. The garden district is beautiful especially if you like historic houses and enjoy gardens. The cemetary is very cool too. Everyone walks in NO so I think you will be fine with whichever hotel you choose!

Just make sure you wear something loose and comfortable. It's going to be very hot and humid that time of year. Put your hair up in a ponytail if you can. :nod:

We stayed at the Maison Dupuy, as well. I didnt think there was anything shady about the area :dunno: Maybe if you walked a block or two in the wrong direction, but if I remember correctly, it was only 2 blocks off Bourbon. Anyway - we liked it. And the hotel rest. at the time (Dominiques, I think) was where we had dinner right after we got engaged :heart:
I agree w/ Sandy...do the touristy stuff. You gotta have a hurricane at Pat O' Briens. Have Bananas Foster from Brennans. Do the cemetary tour and the garden district tour. Go to Jackson Square and shop at the market. And definately have a Cafe au Lait and beignets from Cafe du Monde. YUMMY! We also did a carriage ride around the french quarter in the evening (we got engaged on one!) and it was so freaking pretty.

If you don't want to stay on Bourbon Street, which I would suggest if you want to get some sleep, stay in the Garden District. You can catch the trolley to the Quarter and it is more historic/bed and breakfast. It all depends on what you want to do. The hotel where we had our reception is on St. Charles in the Garden District and it is called The Columns www.thecolumns.com (http://www.thecolumns.com) and it is very traditional and fun. There is a bar actually in the hotel and it very popular with locals.

If you do the cemetary tours, just be careful because some of the not so nice locals pickpocket tourists in the cemetaries. Just always be aware of scam artists. Don't get me wrong, but it is like any other city and there are nice people and people who take advantage of you. Go with a big appetite. Armani's is always wonderful food, which is in the Quarter. Have fun and bring good walking shoes!!!


Stella

Thanks for all the help everyone! I am thinking now we should stay at the Maison Dupuy instead of the Royal Sonesta.

Karri, did you walk from there to the streetcar? Was that okay?

Don't forget the zoo!! (if you have the time that is) Take the trolley out from the Quarter. It's very large zoo so wear something comfortable. Plus, it will give you an opportunity to get out from the Quarter & see some gorgeous houses along the way.

There is the zoo and the aquarium. I wouldn't stay on Burbon street if you don't have to. It may be kind of loud at night.

Also, wear comfortable shoes, loose clothes. It is hot and humid this time of year.

Yes, Becky. We walked everywhere (except when we took the streetcar, of course). We never once took a cab or car.

I just wanted to report that we did stay at the Maison Dupuy and it was fine, especially for the low rate we paid. Also, we walked everywhere and felt perfectly safe. I will try to post a full trip report with pictures soon. Thanks everyone!!