Weekend Getaway in New Orleans

You Have One Weekend in New Orleans- Here is Where to Stay, What to Eat, and What to See

New Orleans is not just a place. It is an experience. Because it was originally a French Colony, the city has its own unique character filled with history, tradition, and culture which makes it so different than anywhere else in the U.S.

We first experienced NOLA a few years ago when I was in town for a work conference. Now, we live about 2.5 hours away and try to get there as much as possible, although it is not enough. So, when any of our friends or family come to visit, we send them over to NOLA with this list of recommendations

Below is the break down of what to see, eat, and do in 36 hours. Oh, no need to talk about where to drink because, well… that is everywhere (even allowed in your car- what??!!) Which is why the city has its own slogan “laissez temps bon rouler” literally translated into “let the good times roll!!!”

Stay

1) The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is located just a few blocks away from the French Quarter, but in walking distance. It is a a quick walk down the block to Canal Street, turn right, then a few more blocks on your left is the FQ- about a 5-7 minute trek. The hotel is 125 years old and the lobby is a sight to see in and of itself. I love sparkly things anyway, so a lobby filled with beautiful grand chandeliers is obviously going to really toast my bun. Also in the lobby you will find Sazerac, a bar named after the New Orleans famous drink. Sazerac- the drink is not my favorite, but we loved Sazerac- the bar. Domenica is also downstairs which has delicious pizza and the squid ink tagliatelle is ahh-mazing. If you have time, the spa is also top notch.

2) Ritz Carlton New Orleans is a little bit closer to the French Quarter on Canal Street. The best part of this property is the outdoor garden courtyard, perfect for breakfast beignets and coffee. I don’t know what it is about this hotel, but it just feels really romantic and kind of transports you to the old south. The rooms are also really unique and distinctive. Of course, it is a RC property so the beds are super comfy with the best pillows.

3) Hotel Monteleone in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street is a New Orleans icon. It has been operated by the same family since 1886 and is a registered Historic Hotels of America. Full disclosure we have never stayed here, but have popped in the lobby and also taken a spin on the famous Carousel Bar. This is definitely next on our list of places to stay. The rooms look cute and some rooms are pet friendly!

4) Q & C Hotel is a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel located in between the French Quarter and Mercedes Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Stadium. I stayed here when I went to see the one and only Justin Timberlake at Smoothie King and I really enjoyed my stay. The rooms were trendy, yet comfortable. However, the Q&C is making its name with the happy hour in the hotel lobby bar. It is a perfect place and atmosphere to grab a drink before going out on the town!

5) Fairfield Inn & Suites is actually a really nice hotel, with a great location, and even better price point. My mom always stays here when she comes down to visit us and does her little weekend getaway to NOLA. The lobby is nice, the rooms have everything you need, and you are right in the midst of the action. It has a pretty high rating (4.6/5) on Marriott.com and the best is that you can get it with your Marriott Bonvoy points for a relatively small amount of points for a good value.

Eat

1) Restaurant R’Evolution is consistently at the top of the best restaurants in a very competitive foodie city. The menu changes, but stays true to elegant, refined cajun/creole cuisine. If you are going to be eating in NOLA, then you need to eat at least one meal that is traditional cajun/creole and this should be it.

2) Saba New Orleans is Chef Alon Shaya’s new restaurant after leaving John Besh and the #metoo controversy behind. Clearly, he has moved on to better things because this restaurant is so, so, so, so good. You can feel (and taste) the thought that goes into every detail, including the way he treats his staff. The tastes and flavor profiles of each dish are so unique. They are like nothing you have ever had before, but once you try it, you CANNOT stop thinking about it. Absolute must. Do not skip. Go here. I can’t stress it enough, you need to eat this Israeli food in New Orleans!!

3) GW Fins is another landmark in the French Quarter, known for its delicious seafood. Chef Tenney Flynn personally oversees the fish that are brought in. People don’t call this a dinner, but a fine art experience. It is high end and major foodies rave about it, and I have had people tell me they go to New Orleans just to eat there. So yes, it is delicious. Dress code is “dressy casual” and they ask that men wear collared shirts, but not required.

4) Dooky Chase - an institution in New Orleans of traditional creole cooking. Chef Leah Chase just passed away at age 96 and was working in the kitchen until the very end. However, her philosophy- that any of the world’s problems can be solved by sitting down over a bowl of gumbo- lives on. I was watching Chef Leah on Somebody Feed Phil and she said that she slapped Barack Obama’s hand when he tried to put salt in her gumbo without trying it first. If her gumbo is good enough to slap the President of the United States hand, then you know it is legit.

5) August is the first restaurant me and the hubs ate when we first went to New Orleans. We were blown away. We ordered a pre-fixe meal, with a bonus dessert. I can’t even remember exactly what we ate for dinner, but I do remember two things: 1) that it was one of the best meals of my life; and 2) the dessert was a deconstructed banana pie that may or may not have changed the way I look at bananas forever. It was a romantic atmosphere, not overly expensive, and we still talk about that meal years later.

See

Friday: The first day after you check in to your hotel, you want to get your bearings and hit the ground running. We would recommend taking the day to walk around the French Quarter, enjoy Bourbon Street, Jackson Square, and indulge in a beignet at Cafe Du Monde overlooking the mighty Mississippi. Drink a Hurricane, listen to music, enjoy the vibe, and take it all in.

Saturday: Head over the Garden District to tour the New Orleans Cemeteries, made famous by Ann Rice’s Interview with a Vampire and the inspiration for countless other stories and movies. Also, check out the beautiful homes and architecture, including the homes of Sandra Bullock, The Manning Family, and Brad Pitt. We booked a walking tour through the Viator app and I would definitely recommend that to be able to get the full history and story. Definitely grab lunch over here at Shaya, Coquette, or Cassamentos. On Saturday night, head to Frenchman Street, specifically, The Spotted Cat to check out amazing live music. We had so much fun in this little bar and the music was some of the best jazz we have ever heard!

Sunday: Definitely do not miss the warehouse district for lunch on your last day. Especially if you went to Frenchman Street, head to Couchon Butcher for a nice big sandwich to cure that hangover, or if you are feeling ok, the seafood at Pesce is absolutely amazing. The Warehouse District is very up and coming and definitely a must see. If you have time, the WWII Museum is incredible. If you are with the kids, check out the New Orleans Zoo! If you want a brunch closer to downtown, our neighbors who go to Saints games often love Sunday brunch at The Ruby Slipper Cafe before tailgate!