Have you ever seen a city completely shut down? Well, then you haven’t seen New Orleans during Mardi Gras; all the streets are shut down, business are out for the day, and people are everywhere. Everyone is dressed in crazy costumes, kids are running around, and everyone is having the time of their life. Come experience all it has to offer;

• Family Gras- Enjoy the traditional show of Mardi Gras with artists, shopping, concerts, and lots of fun. Wear a costume that is colored with yellows, purples, and greens, and be sure it is as goofy as Goofy himself.
• Art Market- See local as well as regional artists with booths of festive art displays.
• Food for Everyone- Try some jambalaya, crawfish pasta, pizza, muffulettas, or gator; there is a dish for every taste bud.

With so much to do and so much that will be going on during the season of Mardi Gras, it is important to be prepared. So, here are a few tips everyone must know prior to joining in the festivities of Mardi Gras:

Book before January- Get a hotel room booked early. Mardi Gras is one of the most famous events in the United States, and if you wait too long, you won’t find even a bed to sleep in for the night.

Be Early not Late- If you want a good spot, you will want to be there four hours ahead of the parade. Some people get there as early as 6 am. If you do happen to be late, do not move chairs that are unoccupied as this won’t be an easy in for you.

Sassy will get you locked up- If you are sassy or disrespectful to the cops, they will not hesitate to take you downtown as they don’t have time to deal with those behaviors.

Wear a costume- Everyone is going to dress in anything imaginable as there are contests, parades, and fun for everyone. This is the second time of the year you get to be who you want so go ahead and be someone new. You can get really great costumes at www.Costumesmegastore.com.

Check the Weather- You never know what it will be like.

Catch the stuff- Jump up and catch all the Mardi Gras, cups, animals, balloons, and beads that are being thrown your way, but be careful not to bend down and pick anything up as you may get your hands smashed by floats.

Don’t take kids to French Quarter- This is the highlight place for the media, but unfortunately it is not what the Mardi Gras is all about, and in fact it does not even have parades, and is strictly an adult area.

Be Cautious- There are people there that make it unpleasant so be sure you don’t wear expensive jewelry or other valuables on your person.

Have Fun!

Each room comes equipped with a flat screen television, wireless Internet, a mini bar, ironing set, hair dryer, and a safe, which can be used to secure any valuables that you may be bringing along with you and any money that you would like to keep secured. There is also a pool available at the hotel, along with a tropical courtyard, which is perfect for rest and relaxation. And, if you decide to become part of the RClub, you will have breakfast served to you each morning, along with gourmet cocktails, which will be served throughout the evening.

There are several on-site dining spots at the Royal Sonesta Hotel of New Orleans. Such restaurants include Desire Bistro & Oyster Bar, Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, Le Booze, PJ’s Coffee Café, and Daiquiri Delight Shop. The Desire Bistro & Oyster Bar is actually one of the most popular restaurants in the city of New Orleans, known for its ambiance and the fine cuisine that is served at the restaurant. Visitors of the city are sure to stop in at this restaurant to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the atmosphere. Those who have a love for jazz and want to see a live performance can head over to the Irvin Mayfield’s Jazz Playhouse, where performances typically take place each night of the week.

If you are looking for the right place to stay, the Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans may be the right choice. Aside from everything that the hotel has to offer in terms of amenities and services, the hotel is also conveniently located near a number of popular New Orleans attractions. Some of the attractions within distance of the hotel include the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium of the Americas, Harrah’s New Orleans Casino, and Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. Being able to stay at a hotel that is so close to these attractions is ideal to many and offers an added sense of convenience to all.

When booking this hotel, you will have the choice of which room you will stay in. There are Deluxe Rooms, Superior Rooms, King Suites, Luxury Suites, Waldorf Suites, and Astoria Suites. The deluxe room is cozy and comfortable but offers less space than an Astoria Suite or Waldorf Suite. You can choose a room that meets your specific wants and requirements based on the number of people you are traveling with and how much space you will want and need.

The Roosevelt Hotel offers many accommodations to its guests and is equipped with a complete day spa, the Guerlain Spa of New Orleans. At this spa, you will be able to enjoy some rest and relaxation in one of the several different treatment rooms. Some of the spa services that are offered include hydrotherapy, deep tissue massage, facial peels, couples therapy, and makeup services. There is also a full service salon that is connected with the spa.

Aside from the rejuvenating day spa, the hotel is equipped with a 24-hour fitness center, which features tons of different equipment for working out and staying fit. Some of the equipment found in the fitness center includes treadmills, an elliptical cross trainer, exercise balls, workout mats, weights, and much more. If you are a fitness lover, you will enjoy being able to work out whenever you want at this hotel. There is also a pool on the roof of the hotel, providing a fabulous view of the city to all.

The Roosevelt Hotel is also a popular place for dining and grabbing a few drinks from the bar. There are several restaurants at the hotel, which includes Domenica, The Blue Room, and Sazerac Restaurant. If you are looking for an enjoyable dining experience, you can eat at any of these restaurants. And, if you are looking to grab a few drinks alone or with friends and family, the Sazerac Bar is the place to be. Having been around for decades, it is one of the most popular bars in the entire city of New Orleans.

Many different sized rooms are available at this hotel. Rooms include Deluxe, Junior Suite, Executive Suite, Club Executive Suite, and Studio. Each of these rooms offer a number of different amenities, which includes an iPod docking station, alarm clock, ironing board and iron, robes, and much more. The larger suites will come with even more, such as a fireplace and multiple tubs and showers. Regardless of which room you choose to book, the experience will surely be lavish and enjoyable for you.

There is also a spa that happens to be located within the Ritz Carlton, which is perfect for anyone who wants to really spend time being pampered. The Spa of Ritz Carlton comes with over 20 treatment rooms and nearly one hundred types of therapy. Along with the spa, there is also a fitness center in the hotel and a retail store, enabling guests to enjoy some shopping during their stay. The staff members want to ensure that as a guest of the hotel, you feel comfortable throughout your stay.

There are two separate dining areas in the hotel, both of which serve fine cuisine that guests cannot seem to get enough of. These restaurants include the Davenport Lounge and M Bistro. The Davenport Lounge is very vibrant, serving plenty of cocktails and different Louisiana-favorite appetizers. The M Bistro is all about serving guests the type of cuisine that is most popular and appreciated in the city of New Orleans. Some of the dishes that are on the menu at M Bistro include Jambalaya Fritters, Chicken and Waffles, and Bananas Foster French Toast. All dishes are prepared with the finest and freshest ingredients.

As a guest of this hotel, you will truly feel appreciated. The hotel has so much to offer, whether it is the spacious and comforting rooms or the various amenities available. Another convenient part of this hotel is the fact that is located near many famous New Orleans attractions, including the Audubon Zoo, the French Quarter, and the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas.

One of the most popular New Orleans tours is the Swamp Tour. This tour is like no other tour in any other part of the country. While on this tour, visitors get to sit upon a boat which floats across the marshy areas by the lakes and rivers in the city. While on the Swamp Tour, tourists will become unbelievably close to alligators, waterfowl, and some seriously creepy snakes. This is a tour for anyone who is looking for a thrill-seeking adventure like no other.

The French Quarter tours are also quite popular. The French Quarter is known for being rich with history and is basically the heart of the city. There are a number of different tours that take place in the French Quarter, which include bicycle tours, walking tours, bus tours, and even night tours. Some people prefer to take the walking tours but others prefer the bus tours or bicycle tours so that they can get around faster and see more along the way. There are also Horse & Carriage Tours that will take tourists around the French Quarter.

The Haunted Tours seem to be popular amongst tourists as well. New Orleans is known for being a haunted and spooky city, which is what makes these haunted tours even more thrilling. During a haunted tour, tourists are taken to some of the very old historical buildings in the area, as well as cemeteries. Most people believe that the cemeteries and buildings are haunted.

With so many different tours available, it is no wonder why there are so many people who come out to take a tour of the city. The city of New Orleans is such a vibrant and exciting place to be, with so many events and festivals that take place throughout the year, and people simply want to learn more about it.

There is a lot of history behind the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. The festival first started in 1970 with only a little over 300 people who actually came out to attend the festival. After it first started, it gained popularity at a fast pace and eventually, it became a major event for the city of New Orleans. By 1975, nearly 80,000 people attended the festival, which was a huge increase from the few hundred that attended just a few years before.

Some of the most amazing and successful artists have performed at the festival. Some of these artists include Aretha Franklin, Bob Dylan, Patti LaBelle, Celia Cruz, James Brown, Gladys Knight, and many other big names as well. And, in good fashion, there continues to be a music schedule set for the festival, enabling visitors to know which performances will take place on which particular day of the festival, along with the time.

While music plays a major part of this festival, there is a lot more that the festival has to offer to those who attend. The food also plays an important part of this festival; so much so, there is even a Jazz Fest Food List! Of course, the food that is served will be some of the favorites that are found in New Orleans, which includes an assortment of Po-Boy’s, Crawfish, Cajun Cooking, Red Beans and Rice, and plenty of seafood. People of all ages can come out to enjoy good music and good food.

Last but certainly not least, while attending the festival, guest will be able to look at all sorts of crafts and buy some if they want. There are tons of craft artisans who come out to sell some of their fantastic pieces of art at such a vibrant and happening festival. Attending the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival will be like no other experience before. Everyone seems to have the time of their life.

One of the top hotels in the French Quarter is The Prince Conti Hotel. This hotel is right between Bourbon Street, which is basically the heart of New Orleans and the French Quarter. The hotel is equipped with spacious rooms, private bedrooms and bathrooms, private patios, and a number of other amenities. The hotel is known for its sophisticated atmosphere and has been quite a success amongst visitors of the city who are looking for a lavish place to rest their head.

The Hotel St. Marie is another popular hotel in the French Quarter. This hotel has a relaxed yet elegant setting. It is known for being one of the most comfortable hotels around. There is an assortment of rooms and suites to choose from, most of which have balconies attached, which provides an amazing look over the French Quarter. The hotel is also equipped with a pool and a courtyard and is generally a great place to stay.

The Royal Sonesta Hotel is yet another popular choice amongst visitors. This hotel is known for its spacious suites, wide variety of available amenities, dining opportunities, and its outdoor pool. Most rooms are also attached to balconies, providing a great opportunity for those who want a great view that overlooks the French Quarter.

These are just some of the best hotels in the French Quarter. There are also several other top hotels which includes the Hotel Monteleone, the Omni Royal Orleans, the St. Pierre Hotel, and the Bourbon Orleans Hotel. Each of these hotels offers a number of services and amenities and the staff also works very hard to ensure that each visitor feels comfortable and welcome during their stay. Anyone who plans to stay in New Orleans will have a tough time choosing which hotel to stay in because there are so many fantastic hotels to choose from.

Each of the guestrooms provides an adequate amount of space to ensure that guests feel as comfortable as possible during their stay. Each room comes equipped with a refrigerator, flat-screen HDTV, telephones, an ironing board, and wireless Internet access. Rooms also come with a coffee maker and fresh ground coffee for brewing, a hair dryer, extremely soft plush robes, and clock radios. The suites will also include these accommodations, along with a Jacuzzi and a separate glass shower, aside from the tub.

There are many services and amenities that are offered at this hotel. Such services include a fitness center with state of the art equipment, a rooftop heated pool that provides an excellent view of the city to guests, and a day spa for increased relaxation. Guest can indulge in various different spa treatments at this prestigious hotel day spa. Along with guest services, at this hotel, your pets will be welcome and will be offered some top notch services as well. Bring your dog along with you and he or she will be offered bowls for water and food, along with a mat and special treats.

The hotel is also known for being home to several dining and entertainment areas. The Carousel Bar, which is located in the hotel, has even been voted as being one of the best hotel bars in the city of New Orleans. The Carousel Bar is an interesting and unique way to enjoy a drink or two. The hotel is also home to The Hunt Room Grill and Le Café.

The staff members at the Hotel Monteleone strive to provide their guest with the absolute best experience. As a guest of this hotel, you will feel welcome and comfortable, as staff members will go above and beyond to ensure that you have everything you want and need during your stay. If you are looking for a luxurious and comfortable place to stay during your visit to New Orleans, the Hotel Monteleone is a fantastic choice.

If you choose the guest room, you will have an assortment of beds to choose from, varying from one king bed to two queen beds or even double beds. Each guest room comes equipped with a 37 inch flat-screen television, with plenty of channels to watch. There is also an iPod dock, alarm clock, ironing set, hair dryer, and coffee maker in each room. The suites offer the same convenient items but with more space and a larger television. The executive rooms are the most elegant of all rooms and include all of the other features as well as terry cloth robes and Internet access.

This hotel has plenty of services and amenities to offer people of all ages. Regardless of whom you are traveling with, whether you are with your friends, family, or children, there will be amenities that are appreciate by everyone. Such amenities include a fitness center, tennis court, pool table, swimming pool, arcade, gift shop, cribs, beauty salon, and much more. The staff members of the hotel strive to make sure that you have everything you need during your stay in New Orleans. With that said, they are always willing to help and provide you with the services you are interested in.

The Hilton New Orleans Riverside is also home to several restaurants. You can enjoy a lavish dining experience at one of the five different on-site dining spots. These restaurants include River Blends Café, Spirits, Le Croissant Express, Drago’s Seafood, and Crescent City Marketplace. Unlike the others, the Crescent City Marketplace is much more like a grocery store, providing added convenience to guests. The marketplace is the perfect one-stop shop that sells alcoholic beverages, assorted fruits, plenty of snacks, and much more. With all that it has to offer, it is no wonder why this hotel has received such stellar ratings and reviews.

Each room at this hotel is spacious, providing its guests with enough room to move around and feel comfortable in. Room service is offered to each and every guest as well. Spa services are available in the room, which is something guest can appreciate. You can get a massage or other spa-related service right in the comfort of your own guest room. Each room comes with a coffee maker, hair dryer, and an ironing board. Smoking is prohibited in the hotel, which means better air quality for all. Each room offers a unique vantage point of the city of New Orleans. You can choose from a Superior King, Deluxe Queen, or Superior Double room.

There are many available amenities at the Ambassador Hotel. The hotel is home to an Extreme Sports Bar & Grill. The hotel also offers wireless Internet access to those who want to use the Internet at any given moment. Other popular amenities include a fitness center, which can be used at any time of the day or night, a business enter, and phones for each room. The staff members of the hotel are very friendly and they strive for excellence because they want to offer their guest the absolute best service possible, which ultimately improves the experience for guests.

Aside from all of its amenities and accommodations, the Ambassador Hotel is also a great hotel to stay in because of its location. The hotel is located in a very convenient spot on Tchoupitoulas Street, right near several popular attractions in New Orleans. Such attractions include the Harrah’s Casino, the Aquarium of the Americas, The Children’s Museum, and even an IMAX Theater. There are also plenty of stores within walking distance which is perfect if you plan to grab a few souvenirs during your visit to this vibrant city. Just about everything that you will want to see and do in the city of New Orleans will be easy to get to because you will be so close to all of the popular attractions.