anyone every been? and any pointers on where to stay? and when to go ?
I know the mardi gras parade is on Feb 21...so do people party before or after? or both? meaning should we go 19-22....20-23, etc?
any help would be great!
mjm2012
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Member since
Re: NWR: New Orleans & Mardi Gras
definitely go the weekend before, that's the best weekend to party.
in terms of where to stay, it depends on if you want to be in the heart of it or if you want to be a little bit away from bourbon street to relax. I was down there last year (non mardi gras) and stayed at the w on poydras. has a great bar in the hotel and is across the street from harrah's. bourbon street is probably about a 10 minute walk. if you look online, you can usually find a deal, i'd just start looking now.
Mardi gras is definitely a must-do, you will have a great time.
LoveyDovey
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Re: NWR: New Orleans & Mardi Gras
thx!
yes, we are looking to book soon!
probably want to stay very close to the french quarter, would like some sleep at night! lol
adelz
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Re: NWR: New Orleans & Mardi Gras
Hey lady! I just came back from New Orleans -- obviously not doing Mardi Gras, but we stayed right in the French Quarter and LOVED IT. We were at the Marriot on 555 Canal Street. Sooo close to everything. The food is amazing, we had a blast on Bourbon Street and its such a beautiful city with an amazing vibe. Feel free to let me know if you have any q's
CarolAnn721
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Re: NWR: New Orleans & Mardi Gras
When I was in my very early 20's I went to Mardi gras 3 times... It is toooo crazy and packed. You get torn away from whoever you are with, pushed in crowds, a lot of more gross stuff I don't want to get into now... I don't recommend going during that time... In January they start the Mardi Gras parades and stuff, that is a good time to go. mardi Gras begins the day after Christmas and ends on Ash Wednesday. New Orleans is good all year. I think January or in April for the Jazz Fest are the best times to go... HTH
MrsCtoBe5512
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Re: NWR: New Orleans & Mardi Gras
I went recently for the French Quarter fest (beginning of April). It was awesome weather, really sunny and I'm glad we went then because I can't imagine the crowds being any larger than they were.
We stayed at the clarion on canal butttttt i'm not sure I would recommend staying there. it was a really short walk to bourbon street and the rate was awesome, but everytime we left, we had to walk along two really bad roads. I felt so uncomfortable that I turned my ering around when we walked past them, no joke. it took us until later on the 2nd day to realize we should walk along the street car line which was better lit and there was a buffer zone between us and the other crowd... If I were to go again, I would definitely stay closer to or in the french quarter.
go to cafe du monde for beignets yummmmm, go to the garden district to see some sweet houses, and if you're up for some very interesting food, check out jacques-imos (they have an alligator cheesecake appetizer, not my thing but my friends loved it). I'd also recommend a plantation tour if you're up for it/have enough time... we did one that was about a half day and included transportation to and from the hotel and it was really interesting.
oh and get a hurricane from pat o'briens feel free to fM me if you have questions
