New Orleans Hotels

When you think of New Orleans, you undoubtedly think of Mardi Gras. This Roman Catholic celebration has become quite an intense party, with beads, topless revellers and plenty of drinking. Therefore, if you wish to sleep in your New Orleans hotel room you might not want to venture to the city the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. There is also always the warm up parties taking place at least two weeks before the big event.

Music is a big part of the history of New Orleans, and the Jazz & Heritage Festival brings together many musicians, as well as many Louisianan craft and food makers. The food at the festival is unbeatable with samplings from the famous Louisiana cuisine. The Festival takes place in late April and early May.

Everything in the city has a multicultural feel with African, Indian, Cajun and Creole influences. Not excluded from that is the food, when down here you must try the tasty juices of the crawfish, a Cajun specialty.

One of the most famous parts of New Orleans is the French Quarter, the heart of the original city. Don't come here hoping to be transported to a little France: most of the old buildings were burnt by fire in the late 1700's. What emerged were Spanish styled buildings instead The Old Ursuline Convent, which was built in 1749 is one of the only French buildings still standing. While in this district take a stroll down infamous Bourbon Street and experience the exciting nightlife. The French Market has shops, cafes and restaurants in buildings that were once used during French and Spanish rule. Stop here and enjoy a cafe au lait and beignets (cubes of fried dough with powdered sugar).

New Orleans also offers the Aquarium of the Americas with over 60 displays of water creatures. Also in the aquarium is an IMAX theatre where you can see giant-screen movies about the wondrous sea animals. Boarding the complex is Woldenberg Riverfront Park, which offers great views of the river.

After travelling throughout this city you will experience a new world, interesting people, glorious food and generous southern hospitality, thrown in with so much partying you might have to stay an extra week in your New Orleans hotel.