New Orleans questions

[richbum]

I am just starting my search, and I need a LOT of help...We will be traveling to NO in December 2014 (so plenty of time) for my sons wedding cruise. I would like to get a hotel that has airport shuttle, cruise port shuttle, breakfast, and is close to things to do. If possible, a view of the ships would be nice, but since I have never been there, I don't even know if this is possible. Does this type of hotel exist? I am used to cruising out of Miami, so I have a lot of research to do.

 

Thanks in advance for your help. :D

[CruzieSue]

Wyndham Riverfront is directly across street from the "whale" parking lot which is right at the port. If a ship is docked, you will be able to see it !!

 

Also check out the Hilton New Orleans and Harrah's. Both of these are adjacent to the port. Don't know about the views though, or what shuttle services are provided. Any of these hotels will be close to things to do easily - French Quarter, Warehouse District, Garden District, etc.

 

Keep looking through older threads here and you will probably find the information you are looking for on these and other hotels and what they offer. Have fun planning !!! :)

[Human Speedbump]

The Riverside Hilton would be the best bet. This far in advance, you can probably request a river-view room up high and you will be able to see several miles up and down river. Also, try the Westin, it has terrific river views but I'm not sure you can see the ship from there.

 

Airport shuttles are usually privately operated in NOLA, most folks just grab a cab or downtown NOLA shuttle at the airport. They have a set rate of $35 for 2 passengers anywhere downtown, it's about a 15-25 minute ride depending on traffic.

 

The cruise terminal is located behind the Convention Center (Carnival) and behind the Riverwalk Shopping Area (RC and NCL). There is a great observation deck at the Riverwalk that you can watch all the activity on cruise days. Unfortunately, these 2 structures obscure the view of the ships for the most part.

 

I do business in NOLA and travel there at least 2 nights a month and My pick for a cruise passenger...The Hyatt Place on Convention Center Blvd. This hotel is the totally remodeled Hotel New Orleans, completed about a year ago. It has over the top customer service, a fantastic free breakfast, and the rooms are new and contemporary. It is 4 or 5 blocks walk from Harrah's Casino, and about 4 more blocks to the French Quarter. It is very quiet at night and in a safe area.

 

A very close second would be the Residence Inn on St Joseph St. Also newly remodeled, it has really nice common areas, both indoors and outdoors. Also, half of the hotel is a renovated apartment building. If you have a large group, you could get one of the 2 bedroom suites and put a whole family under one roof. A big plus on this one is that they have a free evening meal as well as a great free breakfast. It is about 10 blocks to the French Quarter, but only 2 blocks off of the St. Charles street car line, which for $3 per day per person, will take you all over Downtown NOLA. You simply must take the streetcar out St Charles Avenue past Loyola and Tulane to see the real deal New Orleans.... St Charles Avenue!!

 

I have stayed at most Downtown Nola, Convention Center, and French Quarter hotels and do business with about half of all the hotels in NOLA, so if you have a question:confused: feel free to ask.:cool: I grew up about thirty miles from the city and the older I get, the more I love NOLA.:D

[k2]

How do the Courtyard by Marriott and Hilton Garden inn compare for pre-cruise Carnival?

[mafig]

HumanSpeedbump,

What's your opinion of Harrah's? Not pre or post cruise, but for a land cruise. :)

[Human Speedbump]

Both of these hotels have completely remodeled common areas.

 

Courtyard has the wow factor with its new Bistro lobby. the rooms are kind of plain and in the mid 90's decor. I was a little dissapointed after seeing that lobby and getting a ho-hum room. They do have a realy nice level 2 pool deck. There are no free meals here, you pay a-la-cart:mad: for morning or evening meals or snacks. It is located just 3 blocks from the convention center and would be no more that a $7-$8 cab ride to the port.

 

The Hilton Garden Inn has a really nice remodeled lobby and restaurant, I am not sure if the rooms have been remodeled. this is one of the hotels that I do business with but have not stayed at. it is about 2 blocks from the Convention Center, same cab fare as above. If you are driving into NOLA, there is a cruise parking garage (Fulton Street Parking) directly caddy corner to this hotel, and would make the whole park-stay-cruise seamless with a free shuttle ride to the port with parking. As with all HGI properties, no free breakfast or evening reception. :(

 

Both are about 10 blocks from the French Quarter.

[Human Speedbump]

HumanSpeedbump,

 

What's your opinion of Harrah's? Not pre or post cruise, but for a land cruise. :)

 

 

I have not actually stayed at Harrah's, but know plenty of people who do often. Most are Total Rewards members and gamble a lot and get the rooms either really cheap or free. They seem to really like it at this hotel. It is in a great location, it is in the center of everything. You would not need your car at all in this locale. They have multiple dining options onsite. Try Manning's For ribs and Grand Isle for reasonably priced seafood.:cool:

 

Also 2 blocks down the road is 7 on Fulton Street, try the BBQ shrimp. It is located in the Wyndham Riverfront, tell Chef Ryan hello.;)

 

I do gamble a little, but usually in Shreveport/Bossier City as my business takes me there monthly also. I am a Total Rewards member and could probably stay at Harrah's for free, just never thought about it.:D

[mafig]

I have not actually stayed at Harrah's, but know plenty of people who do often. Most are Total Rewards members and gamble a lot and get the rooms either really cheap or free. They seem to really like it at this hotel. It is in a great location, it is in the center of everything. You would not need your car at all in this locale. They have multiple dining options onsite. Try Manning's For ribs and Grand Isle for reasonably priced seafood.:cool:

 

Also 2 blocks down the road is 7 on Fulton Street, try the BBQ shrimp. It is located in the Wyndham Riverfront, tell Chef Ryan hello.;)

 

I do gamble a little, but usually in Shreveport/Bossier City as my business takes me there monthly also. I am a Total Rewards member and could probably stay at Harrah's for free, just never thought about it.:D

 

 

Thanks for the recommendation of Grand Isle. I read not to eat at Harrah's, but this restaurant looks like it gets pretty good reviews and the menu looks nice, too.

We did book through Total Rewards. Since we live in Florida, we don't gamble at Harrah's often enough to get free rooms (in New Orleans) but with a comp rate it was $129 a night, which I think is pretty good for end of April/beginning of May (mid-week). :)

Thanks again!

[Kim_KS]

Human Speedbump - I am so glad I found this thread - you've shared some great information! We will be in NO for the first time in May before our Conquest cruise. I've already booked a room at Maison St. Charles (Quality Inn) because I really wasn't sure where to stay. Is this a good choice? Or should I switch to one of your recommendations? I was thinking of the Hyatt Place you mentioned - it's about the same price as the room we have reserved.

 

Any other information about "must do" or "must see" or "must eat" :) in New Orleans would be appreciated. We will have all day Saturday to explore. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

[Human Speedbump]

Human Speedbump - I am so glad I found this thread - you've shared some great information! We will be in NO for the first time in May before our Conquest cruise. I've already booked a room at Maison St. Charles (Quality Inn) because I really wasn't sure where to stay. Is this a good choice? Or should I switch to one of your recommendations? I was thinking of the Hyatt Place you mentioned - it's about the same price as the room we have reserved.

 

Any other information about "must do" or "must see" or "must eat" :) in New Orleans would be appreciated. We will have all day Saturday to explore. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

 

 

I like modern contemporary hotels, just me though. I would pick the Hyatt Place on Convention Center Blvd. if the price were the same. The hotel is newly remodeled and has nice contemporary common areas, with a great breakfast to boot. This hotel is also right next door to Fulton Street Parking garge and you can park there and catch the shuttle to the port.

 

Must Do: buy an all day pass for the streetcar ($3) ride the St Charles Avenue line all the way out to Carrollton Avenue through the oak tree lined St Charles Avenue, past Loyola University and Tulane University. For a real treat, go to Maple Street Patisirie for some of the best hand made patries on earth. Use that all day streetcar pass to go all the way down to the French Market. Shop around a bit and amble back towards Jackson Square and see all the artists painting all the way around Jackson Square. Walk across the street and have Beignets and cafe ole' at Cafe DuMonde. Or go to Cafe Maspero and get a mufelatto. The list is endless.

 

Or

 

Take a river cruise to Audubon Zoo, You can catch the boat down by the aquarium, about a 6 block walk from the Hyatt Place. From the zoo, you can walk down the artsy Magazine street and shop till you drop.

 

Or

 

Go to Mardi Gras World down by the cruise ship terminal.

 

OR

 

The WW2 museum is outstanding and only 3 blocks from the Hyatt Place, If you are into that kind of thing. It has a John Besh restaurant in it called The American Sector, Ive heard great things about it, never partaken myself though.

 

Must See-Bourbon Street at night (I would not take a kid under 15 though)

 

 

Must Eat- GW Fins (http://gwfins.com/) restaurant is really great, this guy starts checking with his seafood suppliers at 7 am every morning, and builds a menu around what he can get fresh every day.

 

Gallatoires Restaurant- (http://www.galatoires.com/). This place has stood the test of time and is located on Bourbon Street. Great service and great food. A jacket is required on men in the dining room, they will loan you one if you dont have one.:rolleyes:

 

Any of Dickie Brennans restaurants ( http://www.frenchquarter-dining.com/) Great food...pricey though.;)

 

And now my favorite....Breakfast at Brennans (http://www.brennansneworleans.com/breakfastmenu.html) Be prepared to wait, but its 5 star dining for BREAKFAST!!!:cool:

 

Let me know if you need more (or more affordable) options.:D

[Kim_KS]

Awesome info!! Thank you! Muffuletta was already on my list to find so I'm glad you mentioned it. I can't wait! :)

[Human Speedbump]

Central Grocery claims to be the origin of the Muffeletto.....There is a Central Grocery across the street and 3 blocks down from Cafe Dumonde. To me, its not really a mufeletto unless its buttered and pressed (kind of like a panini). Not the healthiest thing on earth, but your on vacation.

 

I forgot to mention another of my favorites in NOLA, Drago's Chargrilled Oysters (http://www.dragosrestaurant.com/about/our-oysters/). Its in the lobby of the Riverside Hilton.

 

BTW...The company that I represent in NOLA is based out of Mission KS, and most of the employees live in Shawnee KS. I love me some Jack Stacks BBQ!!

[Kim_KS]

Ha - small world! We do love BBQ around here! :)

 

Central Grocery was where I was planning to go before talking to you. Maybe I will have to try both so I can decide which I like. Lol.

[mafig]

Which of these above-mentioned restaurants require a reservation?:)

 

 

Also, what do you think of Court of Two Sisters?

 

Thanks for helping us.

[themnms]

Central Grocery claims to be the origin of the Muffeletto.....There is a Central Grocery across the street and 3 blocks down from Cafe Dumonde. To me, its not really a mufeletto unless its buttered and pressed (kind of like a panini). Not the healthiest thing on earth, but your on vacation.

 

I forgot to mention another of my favorites in NOLA, Drago's Chargrilled Oysters (http://www.dragosrestaurant.com/about/our-oysters/). Its in the lobby of the Riverside Hilton.

 

BTW...The company that I represent in NOLA is based out of Mission KS, and most of the employees live in Shawnee KS. I love me some Jack Stacks BBQ!!

 

 

Those oysters are DELICIOUS!! I had them last year and will be having them again!!

[Human Speedbump]

Which of these above-mentioned restaurants require a reservation?:)

 

 

Also, what do you think of Court of Two Sisters?

 

Thanks for helping us.

 

 

I have never been to the Court Of Two Sisters, I hear it is great though.

 

I think that GW Fins needs reservations. I have walked in to Gallitoires before without. I think all of the Brennan Restaurants accept reservations, except the breakfast, we waited 45 minutes for a table there.

 

Drago's does not require reservations and I am not sure if they accept them or not. We have always been able to just walk up and get a table in less than 20 minutes.

 

If you want a really fun night, go to Mulate's on Convention Center Blvd. They have live cajun music and dancing and great cajun food.

[socalcyn]

Lots of great info in this thread. We are cruising out of NOLA in June. We will be driving and are hoping to find a hotel where we can leave our cars during the cruise. Do any of the hotels recommended above fit the bill?

[richbum]

Thanks a bunch for all of your help. I really appreciate it. I'm sure I will be asking more questions as i get planning!:D

[satchiesmom]

Drago's charbroiled oysters with an Abita Amber - yum! The best!

[WhoDat2009]

Human Speedbump - I am so glad I found this thread - you've shared some great information! We will be in NO for the first time in May before our Conquest cruise. I've already booked a room at Maison St. Charles (Quality Inn) because I really wasn't sure where to stay. Is this a good choice? Or should I switch to one of your recommendations? I was thinking of the Hyatt Place you mentioned - it's about the same price as the room we have reserved.

 

Any other information about "must do" or "must see" or "must eat" :) in New Orleans would be appreciated. We will have all day Saturday to explore. I'm really looking forward to it. :)

 

I've stayed at this hotel. It's a nice location, it's relatively quiet, and it's an old-fashioned courtyard arrangement. (all the rooms open inward on big outdoor patio) I'd recommend it. However, it's not a modern, brand new hotel, it's old, and the Quality Inn thing is basically just a logo on the door.

 

Again, good spot. I believe they have a shuttle that would take you to the port, but you should double check that. It's not a bad taxi ride, though. Very short taxi ride to basically anything you'll want to do.

 

If you're feeling adventurous, Root Nola is a must eat.

[beav2]

Could someone tell me if there is a car rental place close to the ports, or is it better to take a shuttle back to the airport. We will be staying another week when we get off and are going to visit family that live in Miss. Thank you

[Kim_KS]

I've stayed at this hotel. It's a nice location, it's relatively quiet, and it's an old-fashioned courtyard arrangement. (all the rooms open inward on big outdoor patio) I'd recommend it. However, it's not a modern, brand new hotel, it's old, and the Quality Inn thing is basically just a logo on the door.

 

Again, good spot. I believe they have a shuttle that would take you to the port, but you should double check that. It's not a bad taxi ride, though. Very short taxi ride to basically anything you'll want to do.

 

If you're feeling adventurous, Root Nola is a must eat.

 

Thanks! It helps to know someone that has stayed there and recommends it.

[k2]

I think there is a Hertz by the convention center

[Human Speedbump]

There is a HERTZ in the first floor of the Fulton Street parking garage. You may be able to just jump on the shuttle for the parking facility, I dont think they would even know if you were renting a car or picking up yours from their facility.

[jigger]

Great !