HOTELS IN NEW ORLEANS....................

Yeah, I know some of the Holiday Inns are franchised owned, some are corporate managed to though...same is true with Best Westerns I believe. I've had good luck with Holiday Inn Express' in outer suburban metro areas...but all negative experiences related to inner city Holiday Inns. That said, it's been several years since I've stayed in an inner city Holiday Inn as a result, but from what I hear they still have many management issues related to inner city locations. I can only speculate that maybe they have problems finding adequate management & employees to work those areas? I dunno? The Marriotts in inner cities I've stayed at do real well, but they have top notch security hired too.

Twice I've had personal items stolen from luggage in rooms staying at inner city Holiday Inns. I'm talking stuff you wouldn't think someone would steal...perfume, costume jewelry, jacket, etc.. Had to be hotel employees with master keys. :(

Beckxy said:I believe I sent the info to Arlene on fb, as well Connie. However, you two are the only ones I had a chance to send it to.PS Connie.. I'm not much one for Holiday Inns either... tho it really don't matter the hotel chain, but more who franchises that property ~wink I will usually call where I am staying to make sure the person on the other end of the phone is nice and professional.

Well, I'm not sure which one you booked at, haha. Everything was chaotic here last week, and I needed time before I could help Beckxy...which I'm now able to provide. I thought she was in communication with our small group of KRAA friends, but she may not have had time yet to get with y'all, as she works many hours...which is an important reason she asked for and needs my help. It's all good though, don't panic, lol. There are many people in a panic unnecessarily due to false info circulating at Facebook and elsewhere...most providing this info have speculated, rather than going to the source directly for facts. We're good, don't panic! :)

achava06 said:So is this the Hampton Inn I reserved at?

May at Sixthman stated recently that they DO NOT foresee any problems related to the port being in New Orleans and the cruise being affected from the oil leak/spill at this time. Cruise ships are entering and leaving the port daily, as well as are other ships, and are not being hindered due to the oil. They are accustom to risk of oil spill and have measures in place of which prevent ships being affected. I agree with you 100% related to hotel location risks. Crime rate in New Orleans, specifically in the French Quarter tourist area, was already among the highest in the US and has drastically increased according to factual stats as a result of the Katrina and flooding. I've known several people who have had issues related to staying at hotels in the French Quarters...damage to property, hotel room theft by employees...including articles of clothing, of which the hotels will not be responsible for. I'm sure these incidents are minimal compared to a majority overall, and most will stay in their hotels without problems...but I'd still feel more comfortable staying at a hotel outside the French Quarters.

suzie white said:I was looking at New Orlean's on Bing and that is one place you will want to know the area before you book. Alot of that city look's really trashy and dangerous. Maybe you could get a recommendation from AAA travel club on what part of the city would be safe. Also since the oil spill is just 50 mile's outside New Orlean's the deportation for the ship might be changed back to Florida again. I know on the news they keep saying a hurricane could easily push that oil right into New Orlean's. Tampa is pretty safe from the oil spill so they could alway's use Tampa.

Becky and I have been talking in PM's at Facebook Arlene. I just assumed you knew the info. Becky is currently working with the Hampton Inn near the port to obtain a group rate for cruisers, they were to send her a proposal last week. I thought she told me $129 per night, giving us a $30 per room discount if we can fill 50 rooms. They're offering other ammenities as well, such as a trolley providing service to and from the French Quarter.

People are in a panic with booking rooms prematurely, hearing much inaccurate info circulating by some who have not thoroughly researched the hotel situation in New Orleans. A majority of the hotels are NOT BOOKED FULL, even though their on line website may indicate such. Hotels often will block off and prevent on line bookings this far in advance of a date...due to their future rates not being established as of yet. As well, there are other reasons for why they will block booking on line this far in advance. One must call the hotel directly for accurate info, rather than rely upon what their on line website states.

I just can't believe the panic related to this cruise I read everywhere, due to false info circulating, lol. From false rumors that hotels are booked full to some being in a panic due to false rumor related to the oil leak/spill, saying it is risking the cruise port being in New Orleans. I've talked to May at Sixthman directly, and they DO NOT foresee any problems related to the port being in New Orleans as a result of the oil crisis. Ships, including Cruise ships, are entering and leaving the New Orleans port daily, and are not being hindered.

achava06 said:Page 1 of this blog has the info it`s in Beckxy`s reply to me.Trix said:

yes there is on fb...

Colleen Williams said:Is there a new 2011 cruise page on Facebook? Or just the 2010 one?

I was looking at New Orlean's on Bing and that is one place you will want to know the area before you book. Alot of that city look's really trashy and dangerous. Maybe you could get a recommendation from AAA travel club on what part of the city would be safe. Also since the oil spill is just 50 mile's outside New Orlean's the deportation for the ship might be changed back to Florida again. I know on the news they keep saying a hurricane could easily push that oil right into New Orlean's. Tampa is pretty safe from the oil spill so they could alway's use Tampa.

I'm sure we will get together! The Windsor is by the convention center and the port and the quarter. Sorta of a neat location. I like old world style with a twist.LOL

achava06 said:I have no idea where our hotel is but I TRULY PRAY it`s next to your`s!Lady Viper said:Hi Guys! I booked the Windsor Court Hotel not sure if i'm near all of you but hopefully we can hook up. You should see the penthouse at this hotel!!!!!!!!!! NO I didn't book it but what deal for a killer pad that sleeps 8 for 2500 a night. I forget one hotel wanted 5000 a night i giggled when i saw it online. Someone should book the 2500 a night thats only 312 per person. That would be a killer party pad! It's the whole top floor!!!!!!!!! You have club acess also.LOL I need to hit the lottery!!!

Acha can you send me the info too please? On fb or Paradise if possible, thank you!

achava06 said:Reservations are confirmed at HAMPTON INN & SUITES NEW ORLEANS CONVENTION CENTER ! Beckxxy hope this is where your at!

I gotta book close to Bourbon and Canal street; I am gonna go four days early.....I am thinking Ritz-Carlton for this stay. I will probably never get there again, might as well DO IT UP!!!! It is only one block from the intersection!! Just a stumble away ;-)

Seems like all the hotels are pretty overpriced, what do you want, it's N'awlins....let's put the KRC stimulus down on this town!!! They will never knew what hit 'em...hee hee

^__^

Yep, that is the exact same info many were discussing at the related Facebook pages...saying online the hotels show they're booked, due to unestablished rates, especially during peak tourist time, such as is the case they said with the Festival taking place around the same time. In reality they're not booked as you also discovered, and they need to be called directly for accurate booking info. Happy to hear you'll be aboard in 2011 also Lynn. :)

Lynn Gray said:One thing that is going on in New Orleans is the French Quarter Festival which is 4/8 through 4/10. I am sure a ton of people are going to get there early. That may be why some are having trouble finding rooms. I found a room on Bourbon Street at the Royal Sonesta, but I called the hotel instead of online. They told me they had not published their rates that far in advance and online would show no availability. I don't know if that is the same for other hotels. But it might be worth a shot to see, I hope everyone finds a good rate and a good place to stay.

Don't worry...you will be well taken care of, hahaha. As soon as the info is confirmed, we'll let you know. I'll either call or email. Arlene is working on it. :)

Romeo said:Someday please call me when you all decide on where you are staying. Please.... A few of ya have my phone # so please call.Thanks.

Arlene...have you read any of the hotel discussions at the 2011 Cruise Facebook page Dan Abernathy created? If not, there is info there related to explaining that even though many hotels show they're booked...they're not. You can't depend upon a hotels online website for accurate info, rather call them directly. They will block off rooms related to online booking, during peak times, as well as until rates are established for such, and for other reasons. Personally, I would prefer to stay at the Hampton Inn Becky gave you info for, based upon info & experience.

Also, you can call the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce, or such in any city when needing detailed hotel info...they're usually very helpful and knowledgeable at resolving any accomodation needs or concerns. :)

DUH!! I already told him I'd let him know as soon as I knew something, lol. I think he's got alot going on right now like I do...that keeps our minds preoccupied and we forget stuff, hahaha. :)

achava06 said:Like you had to ask! As soon as we know you`ll know!Romeo said:Someday please call me when you all decide on where you are staying. Please.... A few of ya have my phone # so please call.Thanks.

The official Sixthman Facebook cruise page is still 2010, but there are a couple other pages started related to the 2011 cruise of which people are discussing hotels, basics. :)

Colleen Williams said:Is there a new 2011 cruise page on Facebook? Or just the 2010 one?