MARDI GRAS Help. Anyone been?

[funhouse8]

My sister & her DH wants us to attend Mardi Gras 2011. We want to stay close enough to walk to the parades but not so close that it costs us alot of money. I don't know anything about New Orleans. Have you been to Mardi Gras. Where did you stay? What parades do you recommend? We are going without kids. Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[LoraJ]

I have been twice. The first time was the one after Katrina. The crowds were low and I really enjoyed myself. We stayed at what was then the Chateau Sonesta (can't remember what it is called now). It is right on Canal and we had a view of the parades that were on Canal. It was great to watch them from there when I didn't feel like getting hit in the face with a doubloon.

We went again last year and I did not like it as much. Way too crowded for me. We stayed at the Royal Sonesta which is right on Bourbon. I did a lot of people watching from our window. I really love the Royal Sonesta.

As for the parades, they all start to look the same after a while. There are a few that have some celebrities. I can't remember which ones those are. And I could never find out any info on who would be appearing in them until they pass you by.

After the last trip, I decided no more Mardi Gras for a while. We were just in NO last month and stayed at Place D'Armes. It's cheaper than most other places in the area and the location was fantastic. It was a bit old school though (an actual key to the room) and not every modern, but that makes it charming.

 

[brmom]

Go to www.nola.com for info about what parades are where. Look for the metro New Orleans thread that is on this board. Those ladies are experts and can tell you where to stay and where to watch from. BE SURE YOU HAVE ACCESS TO A BATHROOM.

 

[princessmom29]

I live in Mobile, and have been over to NOLA several times for Mardi Gras. Be fully aware of what you are getting into. Lots of crowds,and lots of drinking. It gets pretty rowdy on a very large scale and you will need to watch yourself because of pickpockets and the like. That being said, you can have great time if you are aware of what is going on. We love the Monteleone on Burbon, but it is pricey at Mardi Gars. We also like the Chateau Motor Hotel. It is an old home converted to a hotel, and has that old world feel. It is not a luxury hotel, but is clean and we enjoy the atmosphere. It is a block off Burbon.

 

[Tiana]

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[arminnie]

Most (but not all) of the parades line up on Tchoupitoulas and go up Napoleon to St. Charles Avenue and then down to Canal (near Quarter).

I live very near the intersection of St. Charles and Napoleon. It is very family oriented in this area - even more so on Napoleon. It's like a big tailgate party. If you "flash" in this area you will get arrested - not so on Canal.

Hampton Inn is on St. Charles (about 2 blocks from me). I've stayed there before - it is less than 10 years old and very nice. The Columns Hotel is also on St. Charles.

There are quite a few bathrooms available for a price at different schools and churches in this area.

I had not been to Mardi Gras in ages until Katrina (I bought my condo 10 days before Katrina). I had no desire to have drunk 18 year olds vomit on my shoes. It is so totally different out the in the neighborhoods. I didn't get to go this year (I live in Little Rock - but go to New Orleans for a second home) because of my father's death. I really missed it.

 

[funhouse8]

OK We just booked the Country Inn and Suites New Orleans in the French Quarter on my brother-in-laws recommendation. What do you think?

 

[Sinderelli]

Most (but not all) of the parades line up on Tchoupitoulas and go up Napoleon to St. Charles Avenue and then down to Canal (near Quarter).

I live very near the intersection of St. Charles and Napoleon. It is very family oriented in this area - even more so on Napoleon. It's like a big tailgate party. If you "flash" in this area you will get arrested - not so on Canal.

Hampton Inn is on St. Charles (about 2 blocks from me). I've stayed there before - it is less than 10 years old and very nice. The Columns Hotel is also on St. Charles.

There are quite a few bathrooms available for a price at different schools and churches in this area.

I had not been to Mardi Gras in ages until Katrina (I bought my condo 10 days before Katrina). I had no desire to have drunk 18 year olds vomit on my shoes. It is so totally different out the in the neighborhoods. I didn't get to go this year (I live in Little Rock - but go to New Orleans for a second home) because of my father's death. I really missed it.

I second this! DH and I lived on Milan & Carondelet when we were first married- one block from St. Charles & very close to Napoleon. This is a GREAT place to stand for parades. You do get the college crowd at Fat Harry's, but that is a usually peaceful group. This is the place to go if you want to see the parade and catch lots of throws- downtown is very crowded, rowdy, and more for people watching (my opinion).