NOLA Pre Cruise, area

[gumballz]

What would be the best area for us to stay overnight in New Orleans? Our flight will arrive late evening so we won't have much time to do anything. Are we better off staying near the airport? Convention area? French Quarter? Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

[gumbolady]

What would be the best area for us to stay overnight in New Orleans? Our flight will arrive late evening so we won't have much time to do anything. Are we better off staying near the airport? Convention area? French Quarter? Any suggestions?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Well, what are your parameters? Are you looking for the best price? Are you looking to be able to walk around & see a few sights that evening?

 

Staying near the Convention Center or the French Quarter will give you lots of options for things to do, even late. These areas will not likely give you a very good price.

 

Staying near the airport will give you a better price, but a longer cab ride to the port & not a lot of evening activities.

 

If it were me, & it might be the only time I get to see NOLA, I'd spring for the extra on the room & enjoy some nightlife. Even if you just walk up & down Bourbon St. & don't have a dime to spend, the people watching is priceless. Enjoy the street musicians, but don't let anyone bet you that they know where you got your shoes. Be sure to get something to eat! The most run-down, dive looking places are usually the best.

[gumballz]

Thanks for the reply gumbolady! I'm not too concerned about the money spent on a hotel. I want to be in a nice place that's safe. We'd like to be able to go out that night and hear some music and check out the local 'scene'. The street musicians especially interest us.

 

How is the crime in New Orleans? I'm guessing it's about the same as anywhere? We should be fine as long as we're careful, right?

 

Is the Maison Dupuy Hotel nice and in a good location? Can you recommend any others?

 

I appreciate your help!

[UncleInci]

Last time we sailed out of New Orleans, we stayed at the Marriott Convention center (thanks to lots of travel, I have Platinum status with Marriott). It is right across the street from the Cruise Terminal and you are within easy walking distance of shopping (Poydras, Canal, and Riverwalk), Gambling, and both the Warehouse District and French Quarter. Me and the wife felt pretty safe walking around those areas at night. That said I would not recommend the "Grey Line" walking tours - our guide sucked! Get a book and do it on your own....

[tiyana4]

When we arrived, our cab driver informed us that it is very safe in NOLA which was very reassuring. I actually felt safer in NOLA (particularly walking from the nightclubs at night) than I do in neighboring cities here at home.

 

I recommend staying near FQ (not in it) or in downtown area. You are close enough to the attractions without the noise from the clubs disturbing your sleep. Plus it is only a short cab ride to the port. The airport is almost 30 minutes away from the port.

[ntshop]

You can stay at the Drury Inn (5 blocks to Bourbon St.) for 99.00 a night with the NOLA Cruise Special. They do not have a shuttle to the port but they told me a taxi is 7.00. I have not personally stayed there but have friends that have. They said it is nice. They have evening coctails and hot breakfast.

 

My son is going to NOLA next weekend. He booked through Priceline. He picked map area 1 (downtown-convention center). He bid on a 4 star and was awarded the JW Marriott on Canal for 52.00 a night. This room listed for 169.00 on Marriotts website. It is located 4-5 blocks from Bourbon St.

[Wendell Pendell]

Priceline-- Got Marriott New Orleans (near Harrah's casino and river and French Quarter. and just a few blocks from cruise ship terminal), $60.00/nt + $13.78/nt taxes/fees, total $73.78/nt for nights of 4/26 and 4/27. This is right after the first of their two Jazz Fest weekends, which is NOLA's second busiest time of year. I believe I requested 4 stars. I booked three weeks ago, apologize for delay. My stay is not cruise related but I thought I would offer this info anyway.