Replying to New Orleans

There is indeed a city bus that runs from the airport to downtown. We did a quick reconaissance trip this past summer, since until my upcoming layoff date we could fly in and out of there for free. The taxi fare is $47 or the bus fare is a couple bucks. Very easy decision. Anyway, the bus stop is a long walk from the convention center which is evidently where our hotel was located. I didn't know any better and that explained the lower cost. It was even a longer walk with it being 98F and extremely humid...kids can really complain a lot. Something about how they were going to die but I kept telling them they were building character, then occaisionally they would refuse to walk another step without Slushies from 7-11. But we got there eventually and had to all take showers for the second time that day so we could tolerate each other. For our short stay we toured the area by exploring the trolley lines, and the convention center tourist shops. In the evening we walked the market area, having been told by a friendly clerk in a souvenir shop that I was not allowed to take the kids to Bourbon street. Did not see the French quarter at all. It was only a quick trip to get a look around. The next day we went back to the airport and went home. We were going to try and visit Nawlins again this fall, to stay longer but the trip is on hold for now. When rescheduled, the plan is to fly in.. hopefully.. then take the bus from the airport to downtown, hoping for a place to stay that is walkable from both the bus stop and the Amtrak station, then ride the CONO to Chicago.

I'm looking for some orientation in this area..is the Amtrak station near the bus stop where the city bus drops you off (same bus that runs from airport to downtown?) and are there hotels within walking distance of the Amtrak station? Yes, I will do my own Google research but am curious for any recent suggestions. I like Jim's restaurant suggestion but was told to keep my kids away from the French quarter.

Yes..on google maps..you can see where the city bus stops are.. but i do not thing there is bus from airport..that would be taxi...
there are several hotels within a half mile walk and of course more in a mile walk of Amtrak... French Quarter is nice..if you have kids you may want to ignore bourbon street.. Hope you enjoy NOLA!

I'm looking for some orientation in this area..is the Amtrak station near the bus stop where the city bus drops you off (same bus that runs from airport to downtown?) and are there hotels within walking distance of the Amtrak station? Yes, I will do my own Google research but am curious for any recent suggestions. I like Jim's restaraunt suggestion but was told to keep my kids away from the French quarter.

I've enjoyed staying at Crescent City Guest House, a cute little place in the Marigny. Note, though, that breakfast is continental breakfast on your own -- the owners stock the fridge and leave you to fend for yourself. While I don't mind that at all, it's important to know what to expect.

Have heard very good things about The Chimes in the Garden District, which I think I'm going to try for my next stay in the Big Easy.

I stay at Hotel Provincial. It is in a very convenient, yet quiet, location, is reasonably priced, is not a chain, and has a breakfast - though breakfast at Croissant d'Or which is just around the corner, is cozier and calmer.

When Mrs Crockett and I have gone to town and lived it up, we've stayed at the Elysian Fields Inn. Located in the Faubourg Marigny, it is a great place to stay if you want to check out 'the scene' on Frenchman street.

I hope Isaac is kind to N.O.

Tangentially related, and keeping this to one thread about NOL, my Fiancee and I will be visiting the city next January, and were wondering if anyone had any Bed and Breakfast recommendations. We prefer B & Bs or small Inns to the big chain hotels, so if anyone has any favorites they'd recommend, chime in!

~ DCTE

Check out Prytania Park in the Garden District.

Check out Plas D'Armes Hotel!(usually under $100 a night, Google it up!) Its two blocks from Jackson Square behind the Cathedral, Cafe Du Monde, couple of blocks to Bourbon Street etc.(if thats your thing, plenty to do in New Orleans!)They have a beautiful Courtyard with Pool, Continental Breakfast is included and while the Cheapest Rooms (Ground Floor) have no windows, they are very Commfortable, Clean and Modern in a 200 year old Building! Ive been in New Orleans about 100 times and stayed lots of places that are average to great, this one is my favorite!

Tip: Be sure and ride the Algiers Ferry, it's Free, and buy a Day Pass for the Busses and Street Cars, best deal going in New Orleans! For Food and Drink try Coops Place on Decatur, locals go there and its got great Jamabalaya (and other good stuff too) plus the Coldest Beer Ive ever had! Dont be put off by the Gambling in the back and the "Working Girls" that hang out there!

Tangentially related, and keeping this to one thread about NOL, my Fiancee and I will be visiting the city next January, and were wondering if anyone had any Bed and Breakfast recommendations. We prefer B & Bs or small Inns to the big chain hotels, so if anyone has any favorites they'd recommend, chime in!

~ DCTE

So how much is parking in NOL at amtrak lot??

Last I heard it was $5 per day. Not bad for New Orleans. Most hotels charge more than that! According to the Amtrak site, there are 180 spaces for cars parking overnight, however there is no parking attendant. You have to put money in a box next to your space to cover parking fees while you're gone. Someone goes around collecting the money on a daily basis, and if there isn't enough in the box while you're car is there, it may get towed. Make sure you bring enough cash in $5 bills to "stuff" your box. Also, make sure the bills go all the way into the box, as sometimes they might get "extracted" if they're showing in the slot.

If the price has gone up, hopefully someone will post an update. We'll be needing to park there for 6 days when we go on our trip in August.

Well, there is a house in New Orleans they call the Rising Sun...
On second thought, no. I've heard that it's been the ruin of many a poor boy.

You animal.