Stayed in NOLA for a night b4 Christmas

[dennis99ss]

Had a tough time finding a place, but ended up at the Holiday Inn at the French Quarter. Just for one night. But, for those who know the hotel, it was not the greatest before the storm, but now, it seems to be full of FEMA residents, except for the top two floors, which were clean. The floors below it were covered with protective plastic, with cups, cigarette packs, etc. discarded in the hall, etc. I received the distinct impression that the people living there had it better than ever had before, or at least, had never stayed in a hotel before.

The French Quarter was scary. Nothing at all like even the slow times in the past. being before Christmas, it would be slow anyway, and it was very slow. However, it appeared that most of the smaller shops, restaurants, etc. were still shuttered. All, of course, except for a handful of bars and the topless clubs. The people, however, made it uneasy to walk back to the hotel at 10-10:30. Groups of young men, walking together in a way that was simply uneasy. I have been to NOLA numerous times since Katrina, this was the only time I could not find a flight in and out the same day. I was there a lot pre Katrina as well. I do not see how the FQ can make a comeback with tourists, unless the current FQ residents are segregated out. It seems that roaming groups of young men in dark, unpopulated streets does not bode well for tourism.

Just errant thoughts. If you are going to NOLA, be careful.

 

[lulu71]

That is completely different than my experience, and I am talking clear back to October. It wasn't as crowded as it usually is, you're right, but there certainly were places open and lots of foot traffic. And I certainly wasn't uneasy, but then again I am a native and am used to city living.

 

[arminnie]

That is completely different than my experience, and I am talking clear back to October. It wasn't as crowded as it usually is, you're right, but there certainly were places open and lots of foot traffic. And I certainly wasn't uneasy, but then again I am a native and am used to city living.

Me too. This is my fourth time back in New Orleans, and this is the SAFEST I've ever felt here.

Now I have to admit that I am not wondering around on foot through the flooded areas at night - although I have driven through them at night a lot. I've been to Cafe du Monde several times, but it has been during the day.

I'm just not a big fan of Bourbon Street (except for Galaroire's) so I don't know how it's faring at night.

But St. Charles and Magazine are both thriving - lines out the door at restaurants and clubs - lots of people.

 

[Planogirl]

I think that the time of year you were there made a big difference. Like you said it's always quiet during that time and it's even quieter now I imagine.

It sounds like you were in the highrise HI and not the Chateau LeMoyne. That area is kind of dark and gloomy anyway IMO even though the Monteleone is down there. Did you pass it?

Did you make it to Jackson Square and along the river? Those are my favorite areas of the quarter and I've wondered about them.

arminnie, I agree with you about Bourbon. There's Galatoires and I also like Mike Andersons. Way back when, there was a few good clubs on Bourbon but I don't know of any nowadays.

 

[dennis99ss]

I understand galatoire's is not coming back, but instead has opened in BR.

I was in the high rise HI. Like you said, a less then desireable location, but availability was difficult. I too have been to NOLA numerous times pre Sept. 2005. This time was just "different".

Sorry, I did not make it to the river, although I expect jackson Brewery and the like faired well.

 

[Muffin]

Galatoire's on Bourbon Street will reopen this month.

The French Quarter is doing okay. It's not as bad as you make it sound.

 

[lulu71]

But St. Charles and Magazine are both thriving - lines out the door at restaurants and clubs - lots of people.

You're not kidding. We ate at Restaurant August a few months ago and it was hopping. If you haven't been there, you must try it. It ranks up there with Commander's, IMO.

We tried to go to Byblos for lunch one day right before the holidays and it was closed for the day so we went next door to Rocky's for pizza - it was packed. Same with all the other places on that stretch of Magazine. I've been dying for breakfast at the Bluebird, but I can't imagine how crowded it must be. Pre-Katrina you had to time it just right, LOL.

 

[arminnie]

You're not kidding. We ate at Restaurant August a few months ago and it was hopping. If you haven't been there, you must try it. It ranks up there with Commander's, IMO.

We tried to go to Byblos for lunch one day right before the holidays and it was closed for the day so we went next door to Rocky's for pizza - it was packed. Same with all the other places on that stretch of Magazine. I've been dying for breakfast at the Bluebird, but I can't imagine how crowded it must be. Pre-Katrina you had to time it just right, LOL.

I had dinner at Byblos a few weeks ago. It was just great. It was a Monday night (as you know lots of places don't open on Monday), and they took reservations.

I'll have to try Restaurant August - sounds great. I'm having lunch at Lilette tomorrow, dinner at Crepe Nanou Wednesday night, and lunch at Bacco on Thursday (for a friend's 80th birthday).

I have two brunches on Sunday - the first one at Arnaud's I'll just stop by for coffee. The second is at Dante's kitchen. I also ate at Frankie and Johnnie's (shrimp poorboy) on Saturday. I love this city.

My excuse for spending all of this money is that I need to help support the city. I spent all day Saturday in a meeting with Mignon Faget. I'm afraid to go in her store. With my new "you need to buy it to help New Orleans" attitude I could do some real damage in there. I did buy a set of four glasses that she had designed to raise money for Newcomb College - but I did that at the meeting.

 

[lulu71]

I had dinner at Byblos a few weeks ago. It was just great. It was a Monday night (as you know lots of places don't open on Monday), and they took reservations.

I'll have to try Restaurant August - sounds great. I'm having lunch at Lilette tomorrow, dinner at Crepe Nanou Wednesday night, and lunch at Bacco on Thursday (for a friend's 80th birthday).

I have two brunches on Sunday - the first one at Arnaud's I'll just stop by for coffee. The second is at Dante's kitchen. I also ate at Frankie and Johnnie's (shrimp poorboy) on Saturday. I love this city.

My excuse for spending all of this money is that I need to help support the city. I spent all day Saturday in a meeting with Mignon Faget. I'm afraid to go in her store. With my new "you need to buy it to help New Orleans" attitude I could do some real damage in there. I did buy a set of four glasses that she had designed to raise money for Newcomb College - but I did that at the meeting.

It sounds like you're painting the town red! I think that's great!

love Mignon Faget jewelry, in fact, I bought a couple of pieces for gifts a couple of weeks ago. I wish her success in her fundraising efforts for Newcomb, but I doubt it will do much good. I know that there are some really upset women out there right now. Are you an alumna?

 

[arminnie]

I wish her success in her fundraising efforts for Newcomb, but I doubt it will do much good. I know that there are some really upset women out there right now. Are you an alumna?

Yes - I'm an alumna of Newcomb. We got some good news from Scott on Saturday - I think they are going to name the new school of liberal arts after Newcomb. Not the same as before - but then nothing can stay the same. I honestly thought the name would go to the highest bidder - and I had visions of the "Jerry Springer School of Liberal Arts." He is a Tulane graduate.

 

[lulu71]

LOL. I sent you a PM, arminnie.

 

[SplshMtn99]

Is this the Holiday Inn you stayed at?
http://new-orleans.rezcenter.com/hotels/HI_SUPER.shtml

DH & some other guys from his MA Army National Guard unit stayed there from end of Sept to end of Oct. They had the entire top floor (18th flr)....and the roof for their satellite dishes while helping with communications between agencies.

 

[Zurealsoon]

love Mignon Faget jewelry, in fact, I bought a couple of pieces for gifts a couple of weeks ago. I wish her success in her fundraising efforts for Newcomb, but I doubt it will do much good. I know that there are some really upset women out there right now. Are you an alumna?

OK, I'm not up on Newcomb gossip (as a child I attended Saturday art classes at Newcomb-a special for Professor's children. My Dad taught in the night school division of Tulane & Mom had to "fight" to get me in that class. LOL!).....but anyway-why are there some upset women out ther?

 

[arminnie]

OK, I'm not up on Newcomb gossip ....why are there some upset women out ther?

The Tulane Renewal Plan is merging Tulane College - used to be Arts and Sciences (men) and Newcomb College (women). Faculty for the two schools were merged almost 20 years ago. But this eliminated Newcomb entirely.

It is now (as of 1/7) being proposed that the new School of Liberal Arts (merged) be named the Newcomb School of Liberal Arts - probably because of the uproar out there.

I am a past president of the Newcomb Alumnae Association and just spend 2 days in meeting discussing this.

 

[Zurealsoon]

Friends just told us of their stay at the Windsor Court during the week. A $400+ suite was had for $250, but the restaurant was buffet style due to lack of wait-staff. They walked around some, but being mid-week many restaurants they wanted to try were closed-they maily wanted to visit the hard hit areas of NO and bay st Louis(I think that's a bit morbid )

 

[LoraJ]

I hope it will be better during Mardi Gras when we are there. We will be staying at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel. Hope that is in decent shape too. My BF's mom drove by there and said it looked fine.

 

[tink38]

Lora,
It should be fine for Mardi Gras. My husband used to work at the Chateau until right after the hurricane. We relocated here because of the hurricane, but we are going home for Mardi Gras the weekend of the Iris parade. Not sure when that is, but I will find out. Let me know if you need any recommendations and I'll be happy to help!

 

[MrsKreamer]

tink, the full parade schedule is on nola.com! I cannot wait until parades start!

 

[Planogirl]

Can we get reports? I hope that it's a great party!

 

[tink38]

I know it's there, i was too lazy to get off the DIS boards to check it! I spend the OTHER half of my day on NOLA.com! It's the only way I can keep up with what's going on down there. I feel so disconnected up here sometimes.

And, yes, I'll be HAPPY to post a report!