Cruise Ships are back! Taking a Mexican or Caribbean vacation cruise? Enjoy Norwegian, Carnival or Royal Caribbean!  The Port of New Orleans is bustling like never before: The return last year of three major ships — the 2,052-passenger Elation and 2,974-passenger Conquest, both from Carnival Cruise Lines, and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas — will bring more than 1 million cruise passengers to New Orleans!

And the long anticipated arrival of new paddle-wheel boats, including the Great American Steamboat Company, American Queen , that will offer cruises up the Mississippi River and along the Gulf Coast this year, signals the return of passengers to the Mighty Mississippi.

Enjoy lively Bourbon Street: Take in some jazz, crawfish, gumbo or jambalaya. New Orleans is a city that knows how to have fun. Whether you take time to savor authentic Creole cuisine, view the mighty Mississippi River, browse through quaint antique shops in the French Quarter, or take a historic mansion tour, you’re sure to find dozens of things to delight you in this happy, spirited port city that pulses with the beat of authentic New Orleans jazz.

Wonderfully located steps from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and the French Market, French Quarter Inns welcomes you to the Big Easy! Before or after your 2012 cruise, enjoy charming hotel accommodations in the Heart of the French Quarter. The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Southern Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Our historic New Orleans French Quarter hotels, set within the alluring French Quarter, are steps from Bourbon Street, French Market & Jackson Square. And for our International Visitors, the Louisiana Tax Free Shopping Program (LTFS) celebrates over 20 years of Tax Free Fun! Louisiana was the first state to offer International Visitors tax-free shopping.  International visitors enjoy the opportunity to make tax-free purchases at more than 900 participating retailers throughout Louisiana. Experience Cajun & Creole cuisine and world-famous New Orleans Jazz music. The unique local styles of cuisine, music and live entertainment make for an exciting experience.Visit authentic Louisiana plantation homes, explore the world of Mardi Gras, learn to cook Cajun cuisine, try your luck at the Casino or just enjoy people watching on Bourbon Street. And remember, you won’t go home empty handed: Tax-free shopping is offered for International Visitors.

The Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from the world famous Bourbon Street, French Market and Jackson Square. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & authentic Southern Creole architecture. Book online for our best French Quarter Hotel specials. Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Operation Sail Coming to New Orleans: War of 1812 Bicentennial Events to Begin Here on April 17-23, 2012

In commemoration of the bicentennial of the War of 1812, The NOLA Navy Week Host Committee and Operation Sail, Inc. have confirmed that three vintage tall ships will be coming to New Orleans April 17-23, 2012. The historic USCG Barque Eagle will join theGuayas of Ecuador and the Gloria of Colombia, docking alongside the Mississippi River at Woldenberg Park.

New Orleans was chosen as the host city for the opening events marking the 200th anniversary of what has been referred to as “America’s Second War for Independence.” The three-year celebration will also end in New Orleans where the last battle of the war was fought.

The commemoration is expected to include a spectacular air show by the U.S. Naval Air Division’s celebrated Blue Angels aircraft. The week-long program in New Orleans will also include parades of sail, public visitations to the ships, international athletic competitions, and community relations activities. The theme of the event is, “Our Flag Was Still There.”

The tall ships will be participating in the sixth major event sponsored by Operation Sail, Inc., a periodic gathering of historic sailing craft that began in New York in 1964. The U.S. Navy has invited some 120 countries to send appropriate combat ships as well as their national academy sail-training tall ships to America for the 2012 commemoration events.

The Navy and Operation Sail have partnered in producing major patriotic events for more than 50 years. More ships coming to New Orleans will be announced between now and April 2012.
New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu appointed Mark Romig, CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, to be Chairman of the host committee in New Orleans. The website can be viewed at www.nolanavyweek.com.

While in town for all the fun,  stay with us in the French Quarter!  Centrally located in the French Quarter, the Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from world famous Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, French Market and the parade routes. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & fabulous, authentic Creole architecture. Our courtyards are in bloom so come on down, we have wonderful New Orleans French Quarter Hotel 2012 Specials all the way through the Spring and Summer. Some restrictions apply; book early for best availability. Easy on-line reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

New Orleans: The World’s Tastiest Town! ”There’s no taste like home” and readers of Southern Living magazine will have a chance to vote for New Orleans as the “Tastiest Town in the South” between December 23, 2011 and January 31, 2012. The Crescent City has already made the Top Ten in the reader poll; now it’s up to the voters to make the final selection. With an internationally renowned reputation for exquisite food and a wide selection of fine restaurants serving it, New Orleans has an excellent chance of taking the crown.

Locals as well as visitors are eligible to vote in theSouthern Living poll for “Tastiest City in the South.” The Birmingham, Alabama-based magazine with wide circulation throughout the South, opened up the poll with their January issue, which hit newsstands and mailboxes after December 23. The contest winner will be announced in SL’s April issue which comes out on March 23.

Famed oyster bars, Gulf seafood, muffulettas, po’boys, “dangerous cocktails” and many more culinary delicacies have assured New Orleans of its place in the contest. Southern Living editors and Test Kitchen Professionals gathered for a summit in Birmingham recently and chose New Orleans and nine other Southern cities.

Southern Living editors chose the Top 10 “Tastiest Towns in the South” based on the following criteria:

• Food as a cultural identity: The unique food or ethnicity that defines a particular Southern region.
• Growth of a culinary-minded community: The influence that the culinary industry has on the local community and tourism.
• Diverse cuisine at a variety of price points: Accessibility to hearty, flavorful meals at any budget.
• Local, sustainable food practices: The focus on sourcing products from local purveyors to geographically define where each meal comes from.
• Hot chefs on the rise: The influence of the area’s culinary talent in the media and pop culture.
• Abundance of buzz-worthy food events: The number of festivals in the area that celebrate all things food and drink.

Please vote for New Orleans.  While in town tasting all of our delicious local cuisine, stay with us in the heart of the French Quarter.  Fabulously located in the French Quarter, the Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from world famous Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, French Market and the parade routes. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & fabulous, authentic Creole architecture. Our courtyards are in bloom so come on down, we have wonderful New Orleans French Quarter Hotel 2012 Specials all the way through the Spring and Summer. Some restrictions apply; book early for best availability. Easy on-line reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Enjoy the new Gray Line Heart of the Gardens Tour in collaboration with the New Orleans Botanical Garden! The tour is operated for private groups on a mini-bus with a step-on guide and lasts 3 hours. Contact Gray Line Tours at (504) 569-1401 for more information.

While in town, stay with us in the heart of the French Quarter!  Steps from all the fun, French Quarter Inns welcomes to enjoy delightful French Quarter hotel guestrooms located amid centuries-old, romantic courtyards & authentic Creole style. Book online for our best Heart of the Garden French Quarter rates and specials.  Easy on-line French Quarter Hotel reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

The colors, the lights, the music, the joie de vivre. Blaine Kern Studios Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. It’s a world of wonders, created for you by the people who bring Mardi Gras to life every year—the artists of Blaine Kern Studios. Now located in beautiful studios at the Port of New Orleans, Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras world features thousands of sensational sculptured floats and breath-taking giant Mardi Gras figures. You’ll see the artists as they build the floats for next year’s Mardi Gras and taste the free king cake included in each tour– don’t forget your camera!

In the French Quarter, the Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from world renowned Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, French Market, the New Orleans Arena and Louisiana Superdome. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy enchanting guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & fabulous, authentic Creole architecture. We have New Orleans French Quarter Hotel Mardi Gras 2011 rate specials all the way through February. Some restrictions apply; book early for best availability. Easy on-line reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!

Join us as we celebrate the start of Festival Season, right here in the French Quarter! Located steps from Bourbon Street, Jackson Square and the French Market, enjoy the charm and ambience of the French Quarter at the Hotel St. Pierre & Andrew Jackson Hotel.

• Sunday – Thursday: Spring-Summer Rates Starting at $79*
• From our wonderfully located French Quarter Hotels to our Free (limited) French Quarter Parking, Free WiFi, and Free Continental Breakfast, we offer the best hotel deal in the French Quarter, New Orleans.
• Enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & fabulous, authentic Creole architecture.
• *Some blackout dates apply; weekends and special events excluded.

Enjoy with us as we celebrate Spring in the Heart of the French Quarter.  Book on-line or call 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040 to make your French Quarter Hotel reservations!

While staying at the Hotel St. Pierre or Andrew Jackson Hotel, French Quarter Inns, here are some of our favorite places to visit, all easily accessed from the New Orleans streetcar routes!  For more than 150 years, the city’s streetcars have been providing an inexpensive means of transportation while keeping old traditions alive — not to mention, it’s a great way to see the city’s wonderful landmarks without the trouble of driving.

1) Old U.S. Mint and Louisiana State Museum, French Quarter, Riverfront Streetcar

The Old U.S. Mint was built in the 1830’s and has produced both Confederate and U.S. coins throughout its history. The Mint is now part of the Louisiana State Museum, which is comprised of a number of historic landmarks, including Madame John’s Legacy, The Cabildo, The Arsenal and The Presbytere.

2) National WWII Museum, Warehouse District, St. Charles Streetcar

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar all the way to the National WWII Museum, where you can spend the day among authentic war artifacts like photographs, original film footage, personal documents and heavy artillery. While you’re there, catch a show at the museum’s Stage Door Canteen, a live theater with vintage musical and comedic performances.

3) Audubon Aquarium of the Americas, French Quarter, Riverfront Streetcar

Ride to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas by hopping on the Riverfront Streetcar, which follows the curve of the mighty Mississippi River. While you’re riding, catch a look at the enormous cruise ships, small boats and old-fashioned steamboats like the Steamboat Natchez and the Creole Queen. After a ride along the waterfront, you can explore the aquarium’s wide-ranging underwater habitats, featuring sea turtles, Southern sea otters, sharks, stingrays and much, much more.

4) New Orleans Museum of Art, City Park, Canal Streetcar

Take the Canal Streetcar to the New Orleans Museum of Art, located in historic, beautiful City Park. With more than 40,000 objects in its permanent collection, frequently changing exhibitions and a lush, five-acre sculpture garden, this world renowned cultural institution has plenty to see and explore.

5) Audubon Park & Audubon Golf Course, St. Charles Streetcar

New Orleans is a great golfing destination, but you might find it surprising that many of the city’s best courses are so easily accessible. For a game at the Audubon Park Golf Course, pack up your golf clubs and catch the St. Charles Streetcar from the French Quarter. On the way, you’ll see Lafayette Square, the historic Garden District and Loyola University before getting off at stop 292, at Audubon Park. There you’ll find a par-62, 18-hole course designed by Dennis Griffiths, which includes noteworthy features such as contoured Bermuda fairways, Tif-Eagle greens, lush landscaping and lagoons.

New Orleans Festivals: A Few of Our Favorites! Festivals are all about great music, food, art, crafts, and being outdoors. New Orleans has some of the best in the world, and each year more and more visitors come to the city for these festivals.  Here are a few of our favorites:

New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: The largest outdoor concert event in New Orleans, typically falls on the last weekend of April and the first weekend of May and is held at the New Orleans Fairgrounds. With 12 stages of soul-stirring music—jazz, gospel, Cajun, zydeco, blues, R&B, rock, funk, African, Latin, Caribbean, folk, and much more—the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a singular celebration. In between stages, be sure to check out the Fest’s “Food Fair,” as well a hundreds of arts and crafts.

French Quarter Festival: Happening in mid-April each year, you can enjoy 250 hours of free entertainment featuring more than 150 musical performances on fifteen stages throughout the French Quarter over a three-day weekend. Nearly 60 food and beverage booths located in Jackson Square, Woldenberg Riverfront Park and the Louisiana State Museum’s Old U.S. Mint will make up the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch,” a signature event, featuring authentic local cuisine from renowned area restaurants.

Satchmo SummerFest: “What a Wonderful World” you’ll discover during an entertaining and educating weekend in the French Quarter honoring New Orleans’ native son, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong. The Satchmo-inspired program includes musical performances, lively discussions, jazz exhibits, a jazz mass, activities for budding young jazz fans, a club crawl, “red beans and ricely yours” foods, and a star-studded line-up of performances that would have made Louis smile.

Essence Music Festival: This 4th of July weekend festival takes place in the Superdome, with one main stage and four “Superlounges,” which are smaller, nightclub-like settings for more intimate shows. The five-stage format ensures that you’ll always be able to find the right music and crowd for your mood.

Tennessee Williams Literary Festival: The festival is an annual five-day celebration throughout the French Quarter held in late March, which showcases national and regional scholars, writers, and performing artists. Programs include panel discussions, theatrical performances, a one-act play competition, lectures, literary walking tours, musical performances, and a bookfair.

While in town enjoying the festivals, stay with us in the French Quarter!  Centrally located in the heart of the French Quarter, the Hotel St. Pierre and Andrew Jackson Hotel are steps from world famous Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, French Market and the parade routes. French Quarter Inns welcomes you to enjoy delightful guestrooms located amid centuries-old, landscaped courtyards & fabulous, authentic Creole architecture. Our courtyards are in bloom so come on down, we have budget minded New Orleans French Quarter Hotel 2012 Hot Rate specials all year long. Some restrictions apply; book early for best availability. Easy on-line reservations or call us at 504-524-4401 or 1-800-225-4040!