Solo Travel Deal-New Orleans:  I have had a life long love affair with New Orleans. For much of my life, I have had family living there. My first trip was as a 12 year old.  Two memories I took away were: 1. Lunch at fabled Commander’s Palace Patio in the Garden District where a hug toucan was in a bird cage in the dining room and 2. “Spooky” aboveground cemeteries which, as a child, made me thing of Halloween! There is much to see and do in New Orleans from:

1. Nightlife in the French Quarter
2. Jazz and live music
3. 18th and 19th century history
4. Top cuisine from formal restaurants to local cafes
5. Architecture tours of the Garden District
6. Adventure canoe tours of the bayou.

It is key to be aware of personal safety, especially after dark. In my many trips there, I have not had any incidents, but recommend you check out your lodging ahead of time and recognize that late night strolls are not a good idea. Check out the reputation of surface transportation ahead of time. If you choose a home stay, research the neighborhood prior to booking.

Lodging Options:

Aside from Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, lodging rates tend to be moderate. One factor to think about: There are many charming bed and breakfasts. However, all those we found had a two-night minimum stay. That is great for a weekend but not an overnight.

Solo Travel Deal-New Orleans: French Quarter:

Option One:

My favorite is the fabled Monteleone, a 4-star hotel:

It looks like a wedding cake with European styling. It is on the edge of the French Quarter. While all the top sights are walking distance, it is a bit quieter than being in the midst of the Quarter’s night life.  Bourbon Street is one block away.  However, the hotel has its own standalone destination for night life, the famous Carousel Bar. That’s right, the center piece is made from an old fashioned merry-go-round. I was disappointed to find out that it did not move!  Another feature that is rare in the Quarter is a rooftop, heated pool as well as an on-site spa and fitness center.  Each guest room has a coffee maker plus marble and granite bath rooms stocked with plush robes.

Option Two:

Hotel Mazarin:

I have stayed in this boutique hotel in summer.  Its style is that of a former private residence with a real New Orleans courtyard. It too is in the heart of the French Quarter and walking distance from the main sights, such as Bourbon Street. A large buffet breakfast was served on the patio. When my delayed flight arrived in New Orleans around 2 AM or 3 AM in the morning, the hotel staff helped me get a full dinner delivery. Although I found that having my favorite crawfish étouffée at that hour wasn’t the best choice, it was a great example that New Orleans like New York is “the city that never sleeps”. Each guest room had free Wi-Fi, coffee makers and flat-screen TV. plus bathrobes and slippers  Many guest rooms have a choice of  views of the courtyard or the French Quarter. (If you are a light sleeper, you may want to opt for the courtyard!)  There is also a 24-hour fitness center and valet parking. Since there is little parking in the Quarter, this is a real plus.  For drinks, there are two choices: 21st Amendment at La Louisiane, the on-site bar. They offer crafted (powerful) cocktails and live music in a speakeasy-themed bar. Secondly, there is the Mazarin’s on-site wine bar, Patrick’s Bar Vin. They have a lengthy wine list and light bar snacks.

Option 3: The Cornstalk Bed and Breakfast

I have not stayed here but love their real New Orleanian iron fence that is decorated with cornstalk. This was another sight that fascinated me during my childhood visits.  I couldn’t resist snapping a selfie on my summer trip there in the past year.

Jackson Square

St. Louis Cathedral/Cabildo

Pirates’ Alley