New orleans weekend before mardi gras

[clarkcourt]

We are sailing on triumph saturday before mardi gras. Any suggestions on where to stay night before to avoid the crowds? We have been told to avoid downtown and french quarter area.

Will we have trouble getting to port on saturday am?

Thanks for your replies.

[nocruiser66]

First, you will not have a problem getting to the port on Saturday morning. The parades will not be downtown until the afternoon. Secondly, good luck finding a hotel room on Friday before Mardi Gras. Occupancy in any decent lodging either in the quarter or downtown runs 99.5% on that weekend, plus there are generally 3 night minimums. Would suggest you try for something in Jefferson Parish, Metairie or Kenner. The Sheraton in Metairie is very nice but will probably be very expensive. Do not stay across the river (Gretna).

[Sargent_Schultz]

You could try Hilton at the airport (free shuttle from the airport),.

You might consider Holiday Inn Superdome. They have a shuttle that can run you around and also will shuttle you to the port.

I'd book something now that you can cancel without penalty later, while shopping around for bargains.

[Calliope]

You might want to check what the cruise line has to offer. Honestly, that might be the best way for you to book a hotel in New Orleans the weekend before Mardi Gras.

When the AMERICAN QUEEN was still operating, I was on her the weekend before Mardi Gras, and I booked a post cruise stay in New Orleans for the nights of Lundi Gras and Mardi Gras. It was no more expensive than any other two night New Orleans post cruise package during the year, and they placed me in the old Fairmont Hotel on Canal and Baronne. I practically stepped out the door and was right there for the Orpheus, Proteus, Zulu, and Rex parades. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

[texastransplant]

We have a room booked for Feb 12, 2010 at the Wyndham Riverfront. I booked the room the end of March through Priceline. I requested a 3 star room, and got a 4 star. You might give that a try. I picked the area that I wanted to book. I chose the convention center area. Didn't think I wanted a room in the quarter during Mardi Gras. I did book a room in the quarter for our Sept 19 Fantasy cruise. Got both rooms for a fantastic price! Good Luck