New Orleans--French Quarter Hotels

In My Humble Opinion
1

Myself and a friend of mine are thinking about going to New Orleans in August as sort of a celebration of our 30th birthdays, mine was in February and hers is in August. She’s been there before but it was about 9 years ago so she’s a bit rusty when it comes to where to stay. Her parents are paying for it so it’s more her choice than mine as to where we stay. She’s also a bit more picky than i am, she wants a pool, cable, and wifi. I just want the place to be clean with a/c and decent staff.

We want to stay in the French Quarter and she was looking at deals on a site called http://www.bookit.com . My first question is does anyone have suggestions on where to stay in the French Quarter, places you really liked or disliked? Have you ever heard of or used bookit.com before? And finally what are some must see things in New Orleans?

Thanks!

2

I’ve always stayed at the Royal Sonesta and love it. The rooms are nice, the courtyard and lobbies comfortable for mingling and more than once we’ve partied in the Quarter late, walked out of a bar wondering how to get to our hotel, looked across the street and, hey, there’s the Sonesta!

3

I have stayed at both the Monteleone and the Sheraton. Plus one other place I don’t remember. I recommend the Monteleone especially. It seemed the least corporate.

4

Just got back (JazzFest) from a stay at The Inn On Bourbon. Owned by Ramada, it is just classy enough. Free WiFi, etc. Doorman to keep out the riffraff. Right in the heart of everything. Ask for a poolside room if you want quiet time.

5

Please go to Willie Mae’s Scotch House and try the fried chicken. Then report back as to its goodness.

6

Be sure to stop in at my favorite bar, Erin Rose Bar. The owner has become like family to us. Great drink specials starting at 10 am for when you need an eye-opener.

Make sure to get a Lucky Dog at 3 am.

7

If you like twee and/or kitsch, then I’d head for the St. Peter House. Not too spendy and reasonably quiet given its central location.

8

My family always stayed there as well when they visited me. It is a nice hotel that meets all the requirements and the location is great.

9

I really like The Dauphine Orleans boutique hotel. I really liked it when I stayed the last time and I’ll be there at the end of June as well. Not on Bourbon, but it’s close.

It’s hard to find a bad meal in NOLA, but be sure to eat at Mother’s.

10

Thanks so much for all the replies so far, I’ll let my friend know as well. Our top picks for hotels so far based on reviews and suggestions have been the Place D’Armes, Royal Sonesta, Dauphine Orleans, and the Monteleone. Hopefully we’ll pick the right one haha :slight_smile:

11

I too really liked Hotel Monteleone. Great location for getting to places outside of the French Quarter too. Going in August? pew! N.O. doesn’t smell great in the summer months; plus it’s that gross sticky kind of hot there. blechh.

12

If you stay at the Royal Sonesta, ask for a courtyard or inner room; not one that overlooks the street. Unless you enjoy hearing pounding club music and crowd murmur all night until about 5 am… when the street cleaners show up.

The inner rooms are fairly quiet.

13

Just throwing out that I really enjoyed my recent stay at the Omni Royal Orleans on St. Louis and Orleans across the street from the Supreme Court.

14

I stayed at the Bienville house - it was beautiful and very much what I wanted from a French Quarter hotel…

15

Thank you everyone! My friend told me she booked the Dauphine Orleans last night. Should be interesting going in August, hopefully i won’t melt haha. Now we just have to figure what we’re gonna do there for 5 days.

16

So you know T&A too? It is a classic bar. Good mix of locals and visitors, great jukebox, and some of the best bartenders you’ll ever meet.

Be sure to watch HBO’s Treme series before you go.

17

My gf has been friends with Angie going way back. Angie seems to hang out at the bar more than Troy. As in many relationships, he does more of the “work”. :smiley:

18

I usually stay at Degas House in Faubourg Tremé, mostly because it’s cheap in the off-season. It’s a mile from the Quarter, so it’s an easy 15- or 20-minute walk. When it’s Africa-hot, or when it’s raining, or when you’re legless (which happens sometimes, in New Orleans), it’s a cheap cab ride to get to and from the Quarter. Pastries, coffee, fruit, instant oatmeal, grits, and I think Cream of Wheat during the week, and cooked breakfasts on the weekends.

19

I really hope you enjoy it!

20

Small world. Angie and I go way back too, long before the bar. Maybe we know each other :dubious: It’s always fun to meet other Erin Rose-ites. It’s a brotherhood you know!

Lor213, if you’re there between 8/4 and 8/7, the Satchmo Fest will be happening. It’s a small, free festival held at the mint, celebrating the life and music of Louis Armstrong. It’s a nice place to chill and listen to some great music (although “chill” is a state of mind in August).

And remember, while there’s some fun to be had on Bourbon Street, it’s like the bad outlet mall for what New Orleans has to offer. The cool stuff lies elsewhere.