New Orleans since the hurricanes

My friend and I might be going down there at the end of October... last time I was there was 1997 for Mardi Gras...

Just wondering if anyone has stayed there since the hurricane and where they stayed? We would like to stay somewhere in the French Quarter.

Thanks.

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

We are going Memorial Day weekend so I will let you know when we get back.

I am having dinner tonight with friends who were just there for Easter weekend. They go often but this was their first time back since the hurricanes. It will be interesting to hear what they have to say....

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

We are staying at Le Pavillion -- my favorite hotel wasn't opened yet when we made reservations.... But I think most in the French Quarter are opened already.

http://www.lepavillon.com/

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

We are going in february over night and then on a cruise out of New orleans, and staying at The Crowne Plaza right in the French quarter. I am also interested in feedback. I heard the French Quarter is okay.

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

Welllll..... I am supposed to leave next Friday but we may have to cancel for "medical" reasons. Which would really s u c k ....but I will def. post when we get back if we go!!

Just met with some friends who were there over Easter and they had a great time -- lots of fun, without the huge crowds. Commander's Palace is still closed, but Cafe du Monde, K-Paul's, Brennans, and most places in the French Qtr. are open. They said the biggest thing you notice is the lack of sanitation workers. So the streets are not as clean as usual, since there aren't enough employees to go around. Supposedly some of the restaurants and shops are taking it upon themselves to clean up in front of their own establishments, but not everyone is following suit.

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

I kind of agree with you -- last time I was there it hadn't rained in a LONG time and the streets were pretty filthy.

But apparently this isn't the issue, it has more to do with the streets not being swept and garbage collected on a regular schedule right now.

I'll let you know how it goes, as we are definitely going nest Friday, yipee!!

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

My husband and I usually go for jazzfest but couldn't make it this year. I've heard that the French Quarter is almost fully back to its old self. Unfortunately the areas outside of the French Quarter are supposedly not so hot, like the Garden District, which is sad because the houses there (and yummy Commanders Palace!) are so great to see.

If you go you should try tp get to Preservation Hall (it just reopened) and def. go to Acme for some Oysters and crawfish!!!

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

Posted by Christine

Posted by karacg

I'll let you know how it goes, as we are definitely going nest Friday, yipee!!

How was it??

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

We had a great time. Although I was probably the only sober person in the city, lol.

Things we noticed:
- Filth. There is garbag on the streets, and everything is just kind of covered with a layer of dirt. Not that is was ever a very clean city, but there is garbage piled up on the sidewalks. It's really a shame.
- Not nearly as many tourists as last Mem. Day weekend.
- Some places are still closed. They are renovating, even tho they may not have had much damage, and plan to open later int he year - Commander's, Dickie Brennan's, Brennan's, Mr. B's....
- French Quarter is mostly back to normal except again the garbage.
- Easier to get into the top restaurants. We got into K-Pauls and Rib Room with no problems at all. No wait at Cafe du Monde. And Palm Court was practically empty, which was sad.
- Not nearly as many musicians and other artist in Jackson Square or on the streets.
- Lots and lots of help wanted signs -- and yet lots of panhandlers....?
- They say there is a "problem" with an influx of illegal immigrants. Well, they will live anywhere and work hard for cheap so I think they will be a saving grace for the city, to be honest.
- Flea market does not have the fruit and veggie stalls now because most of the farms were wiped out.
- We took a tour of the devastated 9th ward and all over the city. It was just heartbreaking. You would not believe the massive devastation and ruin. In upper-middle class areas as well, not just poor districts. DH took a video and once he downloads I will post it.

I am glad we went -- I feel like even tho we gave beucoup $$ to Red Cross, this way we were really helping to bring the city back and boost up their main industry.

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

I am glad you had a good time! Thanks for the review.

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

I will post pics as soon as DH downloads them. I would like to post the video too but it is an hour long!

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

My friend is going July 4th weekend...I'll let you know where she stayed, how it was, etc...!

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

We stayed at Le Pavillion Hotel and it was wonderful. Apparently the W is working on skeleton crew but ours was one of the first to open after Katrina and there is no problem with the services at all...

Re: New Orleans since the hurricanes

A co-worker came back from there on Tuesday and she said it was a bit sad, and they went through some of the hard hit areas and she said you could smell the mold....

Looking forward to seeing Kara's pixs.

Message edited 6/2/2006 12:36:09 PM.