NOLA Where to stay?

We will be arriving in NOLA 2 days pre-cruise to take in the city. Our goal is to visit Bourbon Street and any other NO sites. Other posters have mentioned taking shuttles from the airport to hotels and also from hotels to the port.

I am trying to decide where to stay and if we would need to rent a car. We are in our mid 60's, can walk a few blocks but have trouble with walking long distances.

If we were to rent a car and yet stay near the port, do the hotels charge for parking? If we were to stay near the airport or outlying area, is there adequate Bourbon Street parking for a day's visit?

Thanks for the help. Any suggestions?

The Dauphine is a lovely place, in a great area, and within walking distance to the major sites in the French Quarter. You would not need a car.

http://www.dauphineorleans.com/

Russ

DH and I are staying at the Hampton Inn (Convention Center) precruise but just for one night. It's near the port and close to the Riverwalk and restaurants. They also have a free shuttle to the port. I got a lot of information from the New Orleans forum on the Ports of Call board. I was advised to book in advance and glad I did as New Orleans is a busy place and hotels fill quickly. We'll probably take a cab from the airport to the hotel, the price is comparable to the shuttles.

MY opinion...... take a taxi, stay in hotel near the port like the Hilton. Its on the river for a nice view, next to the street car line so you don't have to walk as much, across the street from Harrahs Casino for good food. Of course, all of NOLA has good food. Take street car to Cafe DuMonde, and its just a few blocks walk to Bourbon. Streets in the French Quarter are narrow, and parking is at a premium. Your mileage may vary.

I always stay at Hilton (across from Harrah's casino) because it's very close to the pier. Short walking distance to Bourbon St. and restaurants, etc.

I will "third" staying at the Hilton. Very easy to get to the French Quarter. Parking is usually $40 per night at the hotels. $16 per night at the pier, $12 per night at off site parking decks. Last time we stayed the night before we had a room which looked out on the river and on the morning of the cruise we opened our curtain and had a view of our ship.

Stayed at the Hilton two nights before the cruise, really enjoyed the location...only problem I had was that my wife wanted to shop more the sight-see, so we spent more money precruise than anticipated....still had a great time though....close to a lot of places, hotel is broken up sort of strange though and you have to pay extra for the use of the gym.

Go to breakfast at the Ruby Slipper! Banana's Foster French Toast is awesome!

The Riverside Hilton is a good location and convenient to the Riverwalk, and Streetcar. New Orleans, is a walking city. Parking is costly. The Sheraton and Marriott on Canal, are good for public transportation ease. I have also stayed and highly recommend the La Quinta on Camp, and the W on Poydras.

The Hampton listed above is closest to the Jefferson airport bus- IF anyone doesn't mind some walking. I always take this bus, even when traveling with my wheelchair husband. :) I'm there again next week with staying at the Drury on Poydras and will again use the E2 bus.

We will be arriving in NOLA 2 days pre-cruise to take in the city. Our goal is to visit Bourbon Street and any other NO sites. Other posters have mentioned taking shuttles from the airport to hotels and also from hotels to the port.

 

I am trying to decide where to stay and if we would need to rent a car. We are in our mid 60's, can walk a few blocks but have trouble with walking long distances.

 

If we were to rent a car and yet stay near the port, do the hotels charge for parking? If we were to stay near the airport or outlying area, is there adequate Bourbon Street parking for a day's visit?

 

Thanks for the help. Any suggestions?

Close to a lot via walking with emphasis on Bourbon Street/FQ I would recommend:

New Orleans Marriott

555 Canal Street New Orleans, LA 70130

Rates in August look very good too.

Parking on the pricey side though at around $40 a night. They often have deals where you can get a parking for $15 a night though but would need exact dates to look.

How far of a walk is it to Bourbon St. from the Hilton? Is there public transportation available other than taxis? Trying to figure this all out since walking far can sometimes be an issue. 4 blocks in 1 city can be doable but way too far in another.

About 8 blocks to Bourbon and Canal Street......edge of French Quarter. About 12 blocks to Bourbon bars. New Orleans is not a city to get lost in while walking. And never bet anyone that they can tell you where you got your shoes. You got them On your feet !!

How far of a walk is it to Bourbon St. from the Hilton? Is there public transportation available other than taxis? Trying to figure this all out since walking far can sometimes be an issue. 4 blocks in 1 city can be doable but way too far in another.[/quote}

 

If you are staying at the Hilton Riverside, you can ride the Riverfront Street Car and get off at Canal or Ride it all the way to Esplande (French Market) this will put you in the French Quarter and within blocks of Bourbon St.

We decided to use taxis rather than renting a car. Worked out quite well since parking in the quarter is non-existent.

There are numerous hotels, especially down Canal St. Pick one that fits the budget.

When you want to go sightseeing, have a taxi drop you off at a convenient location. Getting a taxi back is not the easiest. But they are plentiful, so it is just a matter of finding one looking for a fare.

To start, I would suggest getting dropped off at the corner of St Ann and Chartres St. Walked back (south west) along the pedestrian only section of Chartres, taking in the cathedral, park, and museums. If you want to continue, turn right at St Peter St. and head up to Bourbon St.