Holiday Inn Express Natchitoches Louisiana

So I was kind of peeved when I realized there was one nice hotel in Natchitoches, but that was only after I was already there. I booked the Holiday in Express and Suites on internet before I left for my trip.  I was not expecting anything too wonderful and I was partly right.  I was pleasantly surprised by the decor, it had a clean modern look.  The bad part came when we went to our room.  It smelled like a dirty gym.  We needed two beds and they had no rooms with two beds left.  We were offered another room with an extra roll a way bed.  We took it in an effort to escape the bo smells.  The floor in the next room was wet, and the entire room had a damp feeling to it.  My bed was the hardest thing since rock bread.  I had a horrible night, barely being able sleep.  The price of the hotel was also high in my opinion.

Cafe Du Monde - Original French Market Coffee Stand New Orleans

French Market, 800 Decatur Street, New Orleans, La, 70116
Open 24 hours a day, closed 6pm December 24, opens 6am December 26
504-525-4544
http://www.cafedumonde.com

Really? What's not to like!  Delicious hot fresh Beignets. I was really surprised too by how fast they brought the little pastries out. The place was packed when we arrived, as I am sure it is all the time.  We chose to sit in the inside section.  Once we sat down a server was there instantly to take our order.  We ordered a plate of Beignets and before we could bat an eyelash they were coming to the table.  This place is a machine of servers and plates full of confections. Like I said, the beignets were fresh and delish.  You can't miss this place if you are in New Orleans.

Oh and the best part, our tab was $4.  They only take cash.

Muriel's Jackson Square Restaurant New Orleans

Muriel's Jackson Square Restaurant New Orleans 

 

801 Chartres Street
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116
Phone: 504.568.1885
Fax: 504.568.9795
Email: info@muriels.com

On our recent visit to New Orleans we visited Muriel's for dinner.  Our concierge told us the food authentic Louisiana fare.  We were not disappointed.  Everything we had was tasty, and the service was great.  The goat cheese crepe appetizer was delicious, and my gumbo was wonderful.  My brother had the jambalaya, it appeared to be a different take on the dish, but was excellent none the less.  We finished off the meal with a creme brulee.  I would definitely recommend Muriel's to anyone headed to New Orleans.

Royal Sonesta Hotel New Orleans Louisianna

I chose the Royal Sonesta in New Orleans on advice from friends and reviews on trip advisor.  It was my impression that this was at least a four star hotel.  The positive about this hotel was the location.  It is situated on Bourbon street which provided easy access to a bevy of restaurants and attractions.  The rooms were very dated, with the exception of the bathrooms which looked to be redone.  I called ahead and specifically asked for no goose down due to allergies.  There was down on my bed.  The more irritating problem was that there was only one person in housekeeping for the entire hotel that night.  Needless to say it took forever to get a regular blanket.  When I checked out I told the lady at the front desk-- who by the way was laughing and dancing with her friend behind the desk- and she literally didn't give half a you know what.  The other problem I had with the hotel is that the overnight parking was over thirty dollars.  Honestly I think there has to be much better hotels, with better service, in the same area. I have never stayed at a Royal Sonesta before, and this stay will be my last time.