Armstrong Airport

Senior going to New Orleans first week December, what Hotel, what to see, what to do?

Would like to See New Orleans. Senior planning trip first week of December. What is weather like, what to see (museums, tourist attractions, tours), what to eat, nightime entertainment. Heres the catch. It has to be on the CHEAP. Need advice to save money. I travel on a limited budget. What is a cheap hotel that is within walking distance to attractions? I need suggestions. HELP!

Public Comments

1. There is a holiday inn and a hampton inn in the quarter that have reasonable rates. December will be great weather! Warm during the day, with a slight chill at night (pack shorts for daytime, jeans for evening). Definitley try to get to the aquarium on the riverfront, walk around the quarter. For nightlife, go to the back of the quarter onto Frenchman street...it's known for it's small clubs with live music. If you will be in town on a Tuesday, take the St. Charles bus all the way uptown (or take a cab) to the Maple Leaf bar and see ReBirth brass band-not to be missed!! Kermit Ruffins also has a music club on Frenchman, and that's where a lot of the jazz clubs are (d.b.a., snug harbor, etc). You can eat for cheap in New Orleans. The food is great-po boys, gumbo, jambalaya, fried catfish, etc...there are plenty of cheap, good places to eat in the quarter and beyond. Enjoy your trip and thanks for coming down!
2. I can't advice you of a "cheap" hotel because I won't stay in one...lol..but we stayed on Bourbon St. at the Bourbon Orleans Whyndam..anything right on Bourbon at the heart of things will not be cheap..but...surprisingly not too expensive either. We've been there several times...once in December. It was comfortable..take a light jacket and you'll be fine. ANYWAY: (and I'm 50 yrs old if it means anything) Best bar / club? Hands DOWN...the Funky Pirate. Drinks are reasonable - no cover charge ..and? The very VERY best entertainment in town...see: Big Al Carson and the Bluesmasters...they were awesome. We went there every night even if we went elsewhere - we made sure to stop there to see at least one set...we did see all 4 sets on two nights. You will not see a better show - I guarantee you that. They do not charge a cover, but there is a rather large tip jar in front of the band...give them a buck or two (they play for tips). Big Al is known as the gem of Bourbon St and has been in various movies. You can buy his cds there and most anywhere in New Orleans...he'll even autograph for you. The Tropical Isle is near there but a much younger crowd. Johnny Whites has a variety of music - normally no cover either - and a mixed age group. Jackson Square offers much just to stroll through it and along the Mississippi that runs along it. You can take guided tours from most all of the hotels for a very reasonable price as well. The Quarter is nice to visit (and you can get a trolly or tour bus to the quarter) but I much prefered staying on or near Bourbon St at the heart of town. We did trolly to the French Quarter one day though to see the beautiful homes and gardens there. Was about $20.00 for a morning or afternoon tour. Enjoy yourself. The very best part of New Orleans? The people AWESOME folks, AWESOME music...and spicy food (that's fairly expensive at the large restaurants no matter where we went)...but there is lots of smaller street cafes, etc that are reasonable for authentic N' Orleans food and there is a Jimmy Buffet's Cafe near Jackson Square that was reasonable and fun!..and great Pizza at a great price at a place called (are you ready?) Pizza and Daiquiris.. Have a drink for me! (a hand grenade..)
3. www.nola.com can help alot. Also try www.bestofneworleans.com for attractions close to your hotel. Downtown is going to be your best bet because many attractions are within walking distance or shuttle ride. There are TONS of places to get muffallattas, po-boys, jambalaya and the like for cheap. There are millions of bars and clubs. Drinks can be more expensive on Bourbon Street and parking is tricky. Finding a hotel with parking would be great because the lots are expensive. Weekdays you have to pay to park on the street in most places. Nights and weekends are free but you might have to walk a ways so get ready. Harrah's Casino has free parking if you get a card at the desk and gamble for 30 mins. They also have clean bathrooms and a relatively cheap midnight buffet. The ghost tours are fun for first timers. You can get flyers for them at visitor centers or your hotel. Try www.neworleansmuseums.com for museums in your area. I hope this helps. Thanks for visiting us!
4. Easily write for hours on this one - favorite city... Haven't been since the hurricane - been the longest I've been away in 15 yrs... I'll give general locations - but ask anyone local - they will point you in the direction.... MUST (food & some other stuff): I'll list a few... Cafe du Monde (accross from jackson sqr) Ben-yais (no idea how to spell it) and cafe au lait - MUST - you'll end up here alot - its open 24hrs (used to be at least) Central Grocery (right by jackson sqr) - split a half mufaletta (its huge). Mother's (not far from harrahs - two blocks away from canal and a block away from the river) - GREAT FOOD End of bourbon you'll find the blacksmith shop - now a bar (I think the oldest in america). On the edge of the quarter is a graveyard (walking distance - daytime) - go see it. Acme oyster - block off of canal and 1/2 block off bourbon in the quarter - historical and a must for some oysters or mudbugs. Columns Hotel - cool place - take the st. charles street car out there from the quarter. As to the cheap hotel - try to get something off the St. Charles Line (street car) assuming its still running. have fun and be safe.
5. the french quater has a thick history . if i were to go id definate ly want to see : the birth place of anne rice marie leveau's grave and home pt barnum birth place barnum and baily musem new orleans is a cultural hot pot its hard to know where to start