Help with Pre-Cruise Hotel in New Orleans

[like2cruise]

We are looking for a pre-cruise hotel March 19, 2005. We are booked at the Embassy Suites for $113.00 per night includes cocktail hour if our flights are on time and breakfast. But I have read lots of mixed reviews. I just had Hotwire e-mail me that the 4 star hotel for that night has dropped $130.00 and is now $87.00. Which is either the Sheraton on Canal Street or the Hyatt at Poydras Plaza. On the map all 3 hotels look pretty close to each other. Opinions from any one that has stayed at any of these hotels is much appreciated!

[jgmpuma]

They are all good choices. I've never heard anything bad about Embassy Suites, but I haven't stayed there for a while. We like the extra room and the free breakfast. If you aren't carrying a lot of luggage, you can walk to the cruise terminal.

 

The Hyatt is a good bit further away from the others - about 12 blocks. Not much around it in the way of reataurants, etc. but they have a shuttle to the French Quarter. It connects to the New Orleans Centre, which has a Macy's, a bunch of smaller shops, and a food court.

 

The Sheraton is really a nice place. Just a couple of blocks from the French Quarter.That would be my choice.

[like2cruise]

Thanks to everyone for the help. JGMPUMA, I think I may take your advice and book the Sheraton. Can we walk to the terminal from there...we love to walk??!!! We have luggage on wheels that travel well.

[jgmpuma]

It will be about 10 blocks. Because of construction of a new parking building adjacent to the cruise terminal, traffic around there has been pretty bad, especially when the embarkers are arriving at the same time as the debarkers are getting off. I would much rather walk than sit in traffic.

[tarbashchaputi]

I have stayed at the Sheraton many years ago. It is a very nice hotel, however I think it is a bit of a hike to the pier from there. Have you thought about the Hilton Riverside or the Hampton Inn? They are in closer proximity to the pier.

 

Brian

[Budget Queen]

No I wouldn't consider walking to the cruise terminal from Canal. AND I always pack extremely light and take the city bus from the airport. :) An option however is to take the Canal St. Streetcar with a Riverfront Streetcar transfer to Julia St. then a walk to the dock. Not too bad if you have superior rolling luggage and don't over pack. :)

[like2cruise]

Has anyone stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza? I can get it for $89.00. I would love to stay at the Hilton Riverside, but the best deal I have found is around $300.00. I wish I could get that $99.00 pre-cruise package. That is the problem with traveling during springbreak.

[cali-croozer]

No I wouldn't consider walking to the cruise terminal from Canal. AND I always pack extremely light and take the city bus from the airport. :) An option however is to take the Canal St. Streetcar with a Riverfront Streetcar transfer to Julia St. then a walk to the dock. Not too bad if you have superior rolling luggage and don't over pack. :)

I've seen you mention the city bus before. What hotels are within walking distance of where the bus drops you off? It's a great bargain if it works out with your hotel plans.

[OK2Cruise]

Like2cruise,

 

We're on the same cruise! Looks like you have found some great hotel rates. Where did you find them?

Thanks!

[like2cruise]

Hi OK,

Welcome Aboard! We have decided on the Astor Crowne Plaza as we decided while in New Orleans we would be near the action :-). You can book the same hotel if interested at http://www.easyclicktravel.com/ It seems to get good reviews at http://www.tripadvisor.com

 

Look for the best value hotel that can't tell you the name due to the low price. This is $219.00 a night on their website. It is priced at $89.00 with this description:

 

Off the Record - Hotel Description

This Hotel is the gateway hotel to New Orleans' most exciting destination - the world famous French Quarter. Located where Bourbon Street meets Canal Street, the Hotel allows for quick access to both the excitement of Bourbon Street and nearby downtown attractions of Harrah's Casino, Aquarium Of The Americas, Riverwalk Shopping Center, Morial Convention Center, N.O. Sports Arena and the Superdome.

The rooms are lavishly appointed with amenities such as 27" televisions, in-room first run movies, irons/ironing boards, two 2-line phones, hi-speed Internet service, coffee makers, weekday N.Y. Times, Nintendo and in-room safes.

We have a full catering staff that can assist you with any culinary cuisine you may desire. The hotel is honored to have a Brennan Family Restaurant in our hotel called The Bourbon House featuring steaks cajun and seafood selections. The lobby also has a full service bar.

 

DISTANCE TO/FROM

 

Louis Armstrong Int'l Airport: 12 Miles

Convention Center: 10 Blocks

Saenger Theater: 5 Blocks

Superdome: 10 Blocks

Aquarium of the Americas: 4 Blocks

Harrah's Casino: 4 Blocks

Jackson Square: 6 blocks

D-Day Museum: 8 blocks

Six Flags New Orleans: 10 miles

 

If you prefer to be closer to the pier you can get either the Hyatt or the Sheraton for $89.00 on Hotwire...from my research it is most likely the Sheraton.

 

If you do Hotwire, let me know what hotel you got! PS easyclick is cancellable.

 

Happy Cruising!!!!!!!!

[Budget Queen]

The only problem with the Astor- is the NOISE- all night. I have friends who stay there all the time and frequently they do not get the rooms they request facing the back and away from Bourbon. I never would stay here myself, my limit is Royal. :)

[Budget Queen]

I've seen you mention the city bus before. What hotels are within walking distance of where the bus drops you off? It's a great bargain if it works out with your hotel plans.

 

 

If you have no mobility limitations the Canal Streetcar and buses on Poydras, offer easy access to plenty of hotels. Frequently I just walk from the Elk drop off. I have done this to the W on Poydras- a LONG walk, the Marriott on Canal, Holiday Inn on Royal, and last week the LaQuinta on Camp.

[OK2Cruise]

Like2,

 

We opted for the Hotwire $89...It is the Hyatt. Just booked flights today also...now we get to look forward to prebooking some excursions!

Thanks for your advice and happy sailing!

[like2cruise]

Thanks for the information...I appreciate it. Have fun booking your excursions. We have been to all the ports except Cancun...so if I can help, just let me know!

[lindslea]

Okay, I'm hoping some of you can help me out. I need to find a hotel room for March 5 where I can also safely leave my car during the cruise. I walk with a cane and will have my 3 young children with me, so the French Quarter does not appeal to me and being somewhere within walking distance from the terminal isn't a factor. Any suggestions? Or would it be easier to just park at the cruise terminal?

Debbie

[hlsess]

We may stay ay the Monteleone- pool on top. I called and she said they have a summer special for $99. Cab fare is $10 flat rate. I think my kids woudl think it would be cool with the pool on top!!

[Gryphon]

I'm also looking for a hotel.. the problem I'm running into is that I know nothing about New Orleans or the transport.. so I'm not sure what hotels are going to work for us. We would like to be within walking distance (5-8 blocks) of the french quarter/ some attractions... We'll be staying in New Orleans for 3 days pre-cruise and 1 day after. .. Figure the day after we can get one near the airport and just rest.. any suggestions? How late do the streetcars/local transport run?