Need help for large group

I have a group of @ 80ppl sailing out of NO on 8/21. We are arriving a day early. As most of the group have never been to NO, they want the French Quarter experience. They are arriving at different times, so will take cabs individually from the airport to French Quarter. I am looking for a great hotel. (I have personally stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza and loved it.). Also I need a shuttle to the boat and back to the airport after the cruise. Any suggestions on the best way to make this happen?

Thanks!

Do you want all 80 ppl in the same hotel? Nearby hotels? If so, I would strongly encourage you to reach out to the Convention and Visitor's Bureau (neworleanscvb.com). They will have a good sense of what is going on at that time, and what hotels might have availability to meet the groups needs. They may also be able to help you get a special group rate, depending on what else might be going on in the city and availability.