NOLA/ Madri Gras help

[mjc05]

Are there any Dis'ers who can help me with some questions about Mardi Gras in New Orleans? (I know it's a crazy time to go)

The most affordable hotel I can find so far is on the I-10 service road. It says it's about 7 miles to New Orleans. My question is, should I pay the $50 extra per night for a hotel on Magazine St. or will we be able to get into New Orleans for the parades and find parking?

Last time we went we stayed in a hotel on St. Charles Ave. but the prices for Mardi Gras are insane. Just looking for advice....and a good parking garage near St. Charles. LOL

Thanks in advance.

 

[mum4jenn]

I personally would pay the extra to avoid having to travel on the roads.

My Dh and I went to NOLA many years ago right after Jazz Fest and were lucky to get out of that town alive. Even the cab drivers were drinking and driving!! They have (or at used to have ) drive through liquor bars that did a bang-up business. Drunks on the road at ALL hours.

 

[LoraJ]

I would pay the extra $50. Parking can be a pain.We also found it extremely difficult to get a cab when we wanted to get out of the French Quarter area.

 

[MrsSpratt]

SPEND THE MONEY. Get as close to the action as you can. (You will be paying 50/night to park if you drive in, so there wouldn't really be any "savings," iykwim.)

Also, as it gets closer to the date, prices will drop. Drastically. (Friends stayed at the Ritz for 150/night last year - they got their reservation a week before!)

We got a great rate at Le Pavillon last year - easy walk to the Quarter, lovely hotel, free pb&j's and cold milk at 10pm in the lobby, free parking - 200/night on Expedia (booked 2 months out....) GOOD LUCK!

 

[BelleWDW]

Are there any Dis'ers who can help me with some questions about Mardi Gras in New Orleans? (I know it's a crazy time to go)

The most affordable hotel I can find so far is on the I-10 service road. It says it's about 7 miles to New Orleans.

That probably means you are 7 miles form the City limits-and another 20 miles to the Quarter-BTW!

I'd stay within walking distance-but be aware you will have to pay $$$ for food and it will NOT be lovely attentive waiters in a calm restaurant atmosphere-more like a hot dog from a street vendor!

That's why i'd go to NO in the spring-personally

 

[FloraFauna]

I would definitely stay in the city. The Marriott has a great location. You are right on Canal St. to get a great parade viewing spot and the hotel backs up to the French Quarter. Kind of have the best of both worlds. Lots of good restaurants around and I'll bet you can get a decent rate there.

We live in the New Orleans Metro area, and always make a mini vacation out of Mardi Gras. We usually stay at the New Orleans Hilton because my husband rides in the Krewe of Endymion (parade that is on the Saturday night before Mardi Gras) and a lot of the members of the Krewe stay there. Its also a good choice, but I think the Marriott has a better location.

I've lived in the New Orleans area all my life and I've never eaten a "lucky dog", although they do smell good. We find good restaurants to visit even during Mardi Gras. I don't think it will be a problem for you.

As a side note, we enjoy Lundi Gras (Monday before Mardi Gras) better than the actual Mardi Gras day. It is more low key with special events going on. If you walk down to Spanish Plaza by the river on Lundi Gras evening, you will see fireworks celebrating the arrival of Rex (king of Mardi Gras). He arrives by riverboat and meets up with the King of Zulu (also a very prominent Mardi Gras Krewe). Its a lot of fun. There's usually live music playing too.

 

[Sinderelli]

I personally would pay the extra to avoid having to travel on the roads.

My Dh and I went to NOLA many years ago right after Jazz Fest and were lucky to get out of that town alive. Even the cab drivers were drinking and driving!! They have (or at used to have ) drive through liquor bars that did a bang-up business. Drunks on the road at ALL hours.

That would be daiquiri places- they don't put the straw in the cup, so it's not considered an open container

I've lived in the N.O. metro area all my life and have never heard of cab drivers drinking and driving.

I would also stay as close to the action as possible- unless you are planning on attending parades in the outskirts of New Orleans. There are HUGE parades in Metairie and other places, and a little more family friendly.

Have you looked into Bed & Breakfast places? You may find a better deal. Anyway, enjoy your visit to our wonderful city and be prepared to be in the middle of LOTS of Saints fans. Who Dat!

 

[shortbun]

I agree with most everyone else-pay the extra and leave your car parked. I've been to Mardi Gras twice and it would have been a time consuming nightmare to have to drive in and out not to mention the fact that reveling then driving is NOT recommended.

 

[mjc05]

Thanks everyone! I think I had a brain freeze last night, it's about $100 more a night for the cheapest place I could find on Magazine St. I guess I will suck it up and pay the big bucks but keep a lookout for lower rates closer to the date and keep my fingers crossed I can find them.

 

[webprinter]

Traffic is crazy as is parking. I would pay the extra $50 if you can afford it and not have to take your car.

 

[MouseJunkie]

Don't do it. We did the Motel 6 for a couple of nights because we decided to go earlier than planned. What a nightmare. The beds were itty bitty, the hotel had a funky smell and we couldn't get towels to save our lives. Had to go to the store and buy paper towels to dry off with. Plus the only two restaurants were IHOP more like YouHop (couldn't get service period and then they refused to split our bill up with 5 people.) and McDonalds. Obviously, this are was very hurt by Katrina, but talk about awful.

We stayed at SpringHill Suites Marriott the next few nights. It was not directly in the French Quarter, but walkable, although a pretty good walk night after night both ways.

Awesomely insane time...would do it again in a heartbeat!