Urgent Hotwire Help Required

[LaTiDa]

Getting rate of $109 an night for 3* star boutique in French Quarter... advice.

I'm scared to push the button... Please, help this Pisces out!

[McGregor]

What hotel is it so I can take your room?

there's your answer.

[Headless Hornman]

Getting rate of $109 an night for 3* star boutique in French Quarter... advice.

I'm scared to push the button... Please, help this Pisces out!

Did you go here?
http://jazzfest.swagland.com/bidding.html

[jonnygospeltent]

I'd say book it for 1 night just to be safe,A couple of years ago there was a price too good to pass up but it was The Raddison on Canal that was a dump ,even by my cheapskate not so fussy standards.

[LaTiDa]

Yeah thanks... think it may be the Holiday Inn Chateau LeMoyne.

Know there is a whole group of people staying there... meant to post this on the other board to get an idea if it may be it.

I go through this every year... i'm a true pisces when it comes to descion making! :(

[McGregor]

I'd say book it for 1 night just to be safe,A couple of years ago there was a price too good to pass up but it was The Raddison on Canal that was a dump ,even by my cheapskate not so fussy standards.

good advice, seen the Days Inn on Canal lately? I can't believe they actually rent those rooms, disguisting.

[LaTiDa]

No. Last year got the Intercontinental but was scared to get stuck at the Radisson (why I never have gone for anything under 4 stars).

[McGregor]

The Days Inn on Canal is not even cleaned up yet. The second floor has about 8 of the 40 rooms cleaned, the rest looked like they did the day after the hurricane, not kidding or exaggerating one bit.

We met a friend over there and just laughed about it the whole time.

good luck on your search!

[LaTiDa]

Everything has always has a way of coming all together.

Thanks McGregor... and you too!

[Goose]

Hi LaTiDa...another way to go about it is to go into Hotwire and choose the packages option & punch in your same dates. It will show the various hotels offered. You can compare the hotel features of each 3-star option to your $109 rate given. That is one way to narrow down what hotel it could be (of course it's not a sure thing)...

I know it can be somewhat nerve wracking! Good luck, and I hope you get the hotel you want!

[LaTiDa]

Hi LaTiDa...another way to go about it is to go into Hotwire and choose the packages option & punch in your same dates. It will show the various hotels offered. You can compare the hotel features of each 3-star option to your $109 rate given. That is one way to narrow down what hotel it could be (of course it's not a sure thing)...

I know it can be somewhat nerve wracking! Good luck, and I hope you get the hotel you want!

Wow... very interesting! Thanks.

[LaTiDa]

Thanks to Goose's a dvice I now thik it is The Queen and Crescent Hotel.

Anyone stay there before?

[jonnygospeltent]

I like the russian roulette thrill about booking on Hotwire.

[LaTiDa]

Gives me "ah ja na" (no idea how to really spell that)... you should have seen me booking the flight.

[jonnygospeltent]

How did your flight come out?
I have had some layovers in wacky places.

[LaTiDa]

How did your flight come out?
I have had some layovers in wacky places.

Coming from Philly we have a layover in Atlanta. (One year had a layover in Chicago... never, ever again!)

Last year we flew non-stop and it was awesome. We wanted to do it again but this way was only $190-- could't pass that up and it mean more money for cold, cold beer.

[pokerchick66]

Latida, if it was Chateau Lemoyne . . . book it. :)

[LaTiDa]

Latida, if it was Chateau Lemoyne . . . book it. :)

No.. now think it's The Queen and Crescent Hotel Pokerchick.... my tunnel vision prevented me from seeing the "downtown" description... def. not Chateau.

[tangledupinblue]

Oh BOY, almost had another threadhead victim in the LeMoyne.
What dates are you coming LaTiDa?

[LaTiDa]

May 2nd thru 7th... I'm a second weekend kinda girl.

[tangledupinblue]

Cool, we are the same dates baby! Come to our pool patry at Chateau LeMoyne. That is where you will find Amyp and Poker drinking much wine and singing and dancing on our balconies!

So many of us staying there. I can't wait!!

[LaTiDa]

Cool, we are the same dates baby! Come to our pool patry at Chateau LeMoyne. That is where you will find Amyp and Poker drinking much wine and singing and dancing on our balconies!

So many of us staying there. I can't wait!!

I love pools and wine and singing and dancing and balconies!

Haven't booked a room yet TangledUp... so who knows where our krewe may wind up?

[LaTiDa]

PS. Love your avatar Tangled!

[pokerchick66]

Cool, we are the same dates baby! Come to our pool patry at Chateau LeMoyne. That is where you will find Amyp and Poker drinking much wine and singing and dancing on our balconies!

Wow! Geez, I'm looking forward to that one, lol. Hey Amy, looks like it's gonna be a good time to me!

[swag]

The Queen and Crescent gets mixed reviews on Tripadvisor (http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g60864-d89155-Reviews-Clarion_Collection_Queen_Crescent-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html). 3.0 on a scale of 1-5, ranked 74 out of 148 in the city, smack dab in the middle.

As with all hotels on that site, it's best to ignore the best and worst reviews (think East German figure skating judge). Then look at the negatives, and see what specifically was wrong. And then decide if you can deal with it.

[ohio]

good advice, seen the Days Inn on Canal lately? I can't believe they actually rent those rooms, disguisting.
<comic book guy> Worst room ever </comic book guy>

[joe]

It won't be that location. I've seen some under $90 Hotwire offers
for 3* for what sounds like the Holiday Inn Royal Street (not showing boutique) and some between days dates for $52. Just might bite, next time it comes up.

[joe]

Actually just saw between days for $49

[joe]

Now showing $49 3* Garden district for days between, but no pool.... getting itchy fingers here.... parking would be free in this case, no?

[Amy Winette]

Ah, too bad it wasn't patry central lemoyne!!

A friend of mine just tried to book there actually and they only had smoking rooms left. It must be filling up fast!

[ohio]

It won't be that location. I've seen some under $90 Hotwire offers
for 3* for what sounds like the Holiday Inn Royal Street (not showing boutique) and some between days dates for $52. Just might bite, next time it comes up.We got HI Royal last year for $98, tip off was laundry...

[ohio]

I think HI Royal St. is a good value at that price. Great location, decent rooms, good bar tender.

[mightyradgumbo]

I think HI Royal St. is a good value at that price. Great location, decent rooms, good bar tender.

Good to hear, Ohio. Me and my brother are chillin' there. We got a great deal. 89$ night for the entire run! Tried to get into the Lemoyne-booked solid on all sites I tried. Still right on the outskirts of the 1/4 and not going to be in the room much anyway LOL

[ohio]

Good to hear, Ohio. Me and my brother are chillin' there. We got a great deal. 89$ night for the entire run! Tried to get into the Lemoyne-booked solid on all sites I tried. Still right on the outskirts of the 1/4 and not going to be in the room much anyway LOL
super easy cab grabbing too! store right across the street for Zaps and Abitas...

[stlbarb]

The Days Inn on Canal is not even cleaned up yet. The second floor has about 8 of the 40 rooms cleaned, the rest looked like they did the day after the hurricane, not kidding or exaggerating one bit.

We met a friend over there and just laughed about it the whole time.

good luck on your search!

we stayed at the days fest 94 & 95 - it was a dump then.

[ohio]

we stayed at the days fest 94 & 95 - it was a dump then.
It was a dump in the early 80's too. First and last time I've had a room with roaches crawling around, even in the daytime.

[brush]

I just booked the Wyndham Whitney for 4 nights between the Fest 4/29 thru 5/3. It came out to $65 a night. I'm still looking for a deal for the first Weekend. It looks like rooms are getting kind of tight. I don't know how long I can wait.

[ohio]

I just booked the Wyndham Whitney for 4 nights between the Fest 4/29 thru 5/3. It came out to $65 a night. I'm still looking for a deal for the first Weekend. It looks like rooms are getting kind of tight. I don't know how long I can wait.Wyndhams are nice! Join their club and they'll have a bottle of wine and some cheese waiting for you in your room....every time you stay.

[swag]

There's a nice (and mostly refundable) deal available now for daze between and 2nd weekend. Check my site or my blog for info.

[joe]

[QUOTE=brush;26047]I just booked the Wyndham Whitney for 4 nights between the Fest 4/29 thru 5/3. It came out to $65 a night.

That is a great deal, you'll be comfortable.
Did you get the Whitney through Hotwire?

And the free wine & cheese & paper, "Wyn. by request" doesn't work when I book by Hotwire or Priceline.

[brush]

Yes, I got the Wyndham Whitney through Hotwire. Its listed as a 3.5 Star Hotel in Downtown NO. They seem to have Friday and Saturday Nights blacked out. I first booked Sunday 4/29 through Tuesday 5/1, last week, but I wanted to stay through 5/3, in order to make the Ponderosa Stomp. Two days ago 5/1 through 5/3 opened up on Hotwire for the Whitney. The place sounds pretty cool, it's an old bank building. I also noticed that Hotwire has Thursday 4/26 available for $65. I'm thinking of booking it. The weekend rate through Wyndham is $225 a night. I haven't seen anything come up on Priceline yet. Nothing like the $45 a night rates at the Hyatt that came up 2 years ago.

[LaTiDa]

Me again...

Still havn't pushed that Hotwire button.

NOW the 3* Boutique is up for $59/night. Still thinks it's the Crescent and Queen. Anybody stay there before? Any thoughts other than I'm crazy for not pressing the button already?

[NYMAMA]

JUst checked out the reviews on City Search and Book It the reviews and pictures were great. Never stayed there myself. Hope this helps.

[brush]

I ended up booking Thursday the 26th at the Wyndham through Hotwire. It was $65. I called the Hotel to confirm my reservation and to see if I could book the 27th & 28th, but all they could offer me was book rate at $249 per night. The clerk said that they are almost sold out for the 1st weekend. They didn't have an AAA or Online discount available. It sounds like the Hotels are booking up.

[swag]

Me again...

Still havn't pushed that Hotwire button.

NOW the 3* Boutique is up for $59/night. Still thinks it's the Crescent and Queen. Anybody stay there before? Any thoughts other than I'm crazy for not pressing the button already?

LTD, if you're right about it being the Q&C, consider buying it thru Priceline (direct purchase, not bidding) instead. Price is about the same, but cancellable for a $25 fee if you change your mind or something better crops up.

See http://swag.livejournal.com/35728.html

[LaTiDa]

True Pisces and Idoit that I am... I missed it. Finally decide to do it and I missed it. (hitting head, hitting head, hitting head).

Let this be a lesson to all.


Agghh!

[brush]

Don't worry too much. I've found that Hotwire seems to release new rooms in the morning. I live in Los Angeles and sometimes try after 9pm, to get the next days stock. It worked for me last night. I finally booked the Wyndam Whitney for April 26. It came up yesterday afternoon, but when I tried last night it wasn't coming up. I tried this morning and it was there again. A couple other cool sites I've been using are Sidestep.com and Travelaxe.com. Good luck.

[steeleye]

We stayed at the Q & C two years ago. Not a bad hotel at all and a short walk to the Quarter. The staff was a bit indifferent but nothing that diminished our trip. We liked it much better than it's "sister" boutique hotel that we stayed in last year, Royal St. Charles. I would say the Q & C is a steal at anything less than $100/night.

[vegout]

Not to scare you but last year we booked a 3* via Hotwire and got the St. Louis. When we returned from the Fest, had to fight a huge cockroach to it's death in the bathroom. We checked out and to their credit, Hotwire gave us a full refund. I've read other reports of rats in the place and the management response was "that's New Orleans."

[Profester No Hair]

Getting married on May 7th and have some folks booked into Chateau Lemoyne...We toured a few rooms in December and they were fine. From my Jazz Fest experiences you really only need a clean shower and sleeping is optional.

[stlbarb]

Getting married on May 7th and have some folks booked into Chateau Lemoyne...We toured a few rooms in December and they were fine. From my Jazz Fest experiences you really only need a clean shower and sleeping is optional.

showering is somewhat optional. if three different people ask you - did you shower? its time.

[joe]

consider buying it thru Priceline (direct purchase, not bidding) instead. Price is about the same, but cancellable for a $25 fee if you change your mind or something better crops up.

]

And maybe somebody left out the first digit - sounds like $160 is more the Priceline direct and Hotwire 2nd weekend rate. And it hasn't come up again since.

[brush]

Hotwire has a 3* Boutique for the first weekend at $51 a night. From the list of amenities, it appears to be the Queen and Crescent.

[stlbarb]

Hotwire has a 3* Boutique for the first weekend at $51 a night. From the list of amenities, it appears to be the Queen and Crescent.

decent reviews on tripadvisor. a negative is that them appear to charge an additional $6.95 per day charge for resort fees. http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g60864-d89155-r6787209-Clarion_Collection_Queen_Crescent-New_Orleans_Louisiana.html

[LaTiDa]

Ok... the deed has been done... the button has been pushed.

The final outcome.. Hotwire... Holiday Inn Select at The Convention Center... 5/2-5/7... $79/night plus taxes.

Someone tell me I did good... this is a little bit off the beaten track for me.

[stlbarb]

Ok... the deed has been done... the button has been pushed.

The final outcome.. Hotwire... Holiday Inn Select at The Convention Center... 5/2-5/7... $79/night plus taxes.

Someone tell me I did good... this is a little bit off the beaten track for me.

in general, the reviews from tripadvisor.com are pretty good. there are some bad reviews about rude staff - but those were pre-katrina. and appears to be a good location for grabbing cabs. its a good distance from the 1/4 and it may not be the safest area for walking after dark.

[swag]

Ok... the deed has been done... the button has been pushed.

The final outcome.. Hotwire... Holiday Inn Select at The Convention Center... 5/2-5/7... $79/night plus taxes.

Someone tell me I did good... this is a little bit off the beaten track for me.

What * level was this? I'd like to post to my results page.

Remember, it may be a bit farther away than you'd like, but the money you saved will pay for a lot of cabs and then some.

[LaTiDa]

What * level was this? I'd like to post to my results page.

Remember, it may be a bit farther away than you'd like, but the money you saved will pay for a lot of cabs and then some.

It was a 3* Swag.

We Usually cab it at night anyway, but in the daze between I'm gonna miss the proximity to the quarter. But then I'm close to Lafayette Square and Mother's... always looking on the bright side.

[joe]

meanwhile that $51 3* was snapped up, apparently........

[brush]

Yes, the $51 for the 3*was snapped up for the 1st weekend. Prices seem to be creeping up, a Hotwire 4.5* was $266 a night last week, is now $316 per night. I believe it is Le Pavillion. Last year is seemed like the best Priceline deals were released a couple weeks before the fest. I like to have my Fest reservations lined up by now, but guess I'll have to ride it out and see what happens. Are the 2 Renassance Hotels very nice? I've seen them listed at $175 a night, and they allow cancelations up to 24 hrs.

[stlbarb]

Yes, the $51 for the 3*was snapped up for the 1st weekend. Prices seem to be creeping up, a Hotwire 4.5* was $266 a night last week, is now $316 per night. I believe it is Le Pavillion. Last year is seemed like the best Priceline deals were released a couple weeks before the fest. I like to have my Fest reservations lined up by now, but guess I'll have to ride it out and see what happens. Are the 2 Renassance Hotels very nice? I've seen them listed at $175 a night, and they allow cancelations up to 24 hrs.

always good to have a backup plan.
basically, its like any clearance sale. if 1-2 weeks before fest, they're sitting on a bunch of roooms, they're going to drop the price. i wouldn't expect bargains on the high end places until closer to fest. why get 100 per night if you can get 300+.
tripadvisor has very good reviews for the Renaissance Pere Marquette on Common and even better reviews for the Renaissance Arts on Tchoupitoula.
i'm a big fan of the Marriot corp -and now they are smoke free (assume that includes their Renaissance brand). but 175 is a little steep when you're staying 11 nights, and we need parking. come on Lotto!

[ohio]

Yes, the $51 for the 3*was snapped up for the 1st weekend. Prices seem to be creeping up, a Hotwire 4.5* was $266 a night last week, is now $316 per night. I believe it is Le Pavillion. Last year is seemed like the best Priceline deals were released a couple weeks before the fest. I like to have my Fest reservations lined up by now, but guess I'll have to ride it out and see what happens. Are the 2 Renassance Hotels very nice? I've seen them listed at $175 a night, and they allow cancelations up to 24 hrs.
Book it, you can always cancel!

[swag]

I've stayed a couple of times at the Ren. Arts, and liked it a lot. Just 4 floors high, just 3 floors of guest rooms, so it feels a lot smaller and more relaxed than the high rises. Renaissance is part of the Marriott chain, and is branded to be on a par with, but a bit boutiqueier (hey, a new word), than the flagship Marriott hotels. They have the same, very comfortable beds as all the high-end Marriotts.

[Mardigrasbaby35]

I've stayed a couple of times at the Ren. Arts, and liked it a lot. Just 4 floors high, just 3 floors of guest rooms, so it feels a lot smaller and more relaxed than the high rises. Renaissance is part of the Marriott chain, and is branded to be on a par with, but a bit boutiqueier (hey, a new word), than the flagship Marriott hotels. They have the same, very comfortable beds as all the high-end Marriotts.
My boyfriend used to work as a bartender at Rene Bistro, which was connected to the Rennaissance Pere Marquett hotel, since the storm he's been at La Cote which is connected to The Rennaissance Arts - both of the hotels are quite nice, boutique like, as swag sayed - for purposes of location, the Rennaissance Pere Marquette is right on the "other side" of canal, not more than three blocks from the French Quarter. The Rennaissance Arts is in the Warehouse District, its closer to venues like the Howelling Wolf and walking distance to the Casinos - you COULD walk to the French Quarter from the Arts but it is a bit of a walk, but a short cab ride .... of course, the Bar at La Cote isn't a bad place, and the Bartender is pretty nice :D if anyone stays there, go to the bar and look for a big guy (looks like he might have played football) - tell him your a Jazz Fest Threadhead and his girlfriend said to tell him hi - he'll look at you like your crazy (he thinks i am when it comes to jazzfest) but then he'll take awesome care of you you're entire stay :D

[hikerlady]

Getting married on May 7th and have some folks booked into Chateau Lemoyne...We toured a few rooms in December and they were fine. From my Jazz Fest experiences you really only need a clean shower and sleeping is optional.
Prof, We're booked in there the 2nd weekend and am glad to hear you've checked it out. We'll be there for out May 8th 25th anniv. Maybe you'll go back in 25 yrs too.

[flyingkiwi]

We just booked for full 11 nights from NZ on Easyclicktravel and got Astor Crowne Plaza for an average $90 per night plus tax. Given it's location and user reviews on TripAdvisor this seemed like a great price, and the deal was still there this morning.
Hope this helps someone, and would love to hear from any others staying at this pub.

[herohero]

We just booked for full 11 nights from NZ on Easyclicktravel and got Astor Crowne Plaza for an average $90 per night plus tax. Given it's location and user reviews on TripAdvisor this seemed like a great price, and the deal was still there this morning.
Hope this helps someone, and would love to hear from any others staying at this pub.

i booked this joint from Canada. any other reveiws or ideas for me and da kiwi appreciated............

[brush]

Congrats! I stayed at the Astor Crowne Plaza last year. It was ok, that's a really good rate. The hotel is pretty old & I thought it was noisy. Its right on Canal Street, so there is a lot of street Traffic. Also the airconditioner and heating is a little loud. Ask for a room on a high floor. Its a classic older hotel.

[swag]

Thanks to those of you who have used the Swagland link to book this.

It's showing to me that you are getting "Astor Crowne Plaza Hotel & Adult Tour w/Lunch". So maybe ask at check-in, besides a good room at a great rate, they may feed you too.

[joe]

Awhile back was looking at 1st weekend and the popup offered "notify me when rates drop", so filled it out and nothing but routine generic Hotwire email ads have shown up. In other words, they didn't share the $51/ 3* rate with me, though it would have made a sale. Maybe there's a time limit to this service, or do they really "notify me" when rates drop? Or could the fact that New Orleans East was showing $50/ 1* at the earlier inquiry have thrown it off?

Guess I'll check in here more frequently!

[brush]

I've been checking Sidestep quite a bit. They were offering first weekend at the Doubletree on Canal for $90 a few days ago. Sidestep also has the two Renassance Hotels for $175 first weekend. Hotwire's Weekend prices all seem to be in triple figures today. Last Minute Travel still has the Astor Crowne Plaza for $91. I'm holding out, I want something a little quieter. Hotwire sill has the 3.5* Wyndham Whitney for $62 a night starting 4/29. Finding a deal Friday and Saturday seems to be the problem.

[Corona]

I've been checking Sidestep quite a bit. They were offering first weekend at the Doubletree on Canal for $90 a few days ago. Sidestep also has the two Renassance Hotels for $175 first weekend. Hotwire's Weekend prices all seem to be in triple figures today. Last Minute Travel still has the Astor Crowne Plaza for $91. I'm holding out, I want something a little quieter. Hotwire sill has the 3.5* Wyndham Whitney for $62 a night starting 4/29. Finding a deal Friday and Saturday seems to be the problem.
Hey brush...when did ya post the Astor? I have a couple more newbies who want to come for 2nd weekend and they'll be on their own. I figure the Astor is cool cuz they can catch the shuttle from there for fest and it's a good location. Do you have a link for this?
Thanks so much!

[Underdug]

http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=fBw9gX*E07s&offerid=86493.10000006&type=3&subid

this link will click to easyclicktravel that has the astor listed for 91 'on request'

the link get's swag a beer, if booked

[swag]

I got a couple of emails today from folks who had the Astor "on request", that their room had been confirmed. So, so far, they're still filling the reservations.

[Corona]

I got a couple of emails today from folks who had the Astor "on request", that their room had been confirmed. So, so far, they're still filling the reservations.
yup, she did it yesterday....just waiting for confirmation now. Fingers crossed!

[Underdug]

It's been about 48 hrs and still no 'confirm' from Easy Click for 26th-30th. Spoke with them yesterday. the 26th, 27th and 28th are avial, Fri the 27th is the day making it 'on request'. The guy said they had gone through the intitial allotment but the number of requests was still within what they call a 'cushion', meaning they do have rooms and it is very likely. I guess when they exceed the cushion, then there is little chance, thus, it sounds pretty good. Will post when they confirm it.

[Underdug]

thurs 26, sat 28, sun 29 are avail for direct booking, the 27th is the day making it 'on request' -- the inventory was pretty deep for sat/sun

[PaulC]

that's amazin' because the hotels own website has them booked solid even if you try for Sat and Sun,..and add a third night for Mon... I still don't get it.... The Astor is still (as of a few minutes ago) bein' shown as possible for the first weekend at cute rates....Can anyone please explain why a hotel (the Astor specifically in this case) would have their own web site indicating that they are booked for the first weekend (and that was the case before all of the recent requests were filled),.. and then they go and release rooms to a third party that are sold for $91/night... hello?????

I'm thankful for the gift,.. thankful yes indeed,.. but what the heck is stuff like this all about??.. If Easyclick prepurchased rooms I can undertand that,.. but then they would/should know how many rooms they have and not use that silly "on request" method.... If Easyclick has the rooms already,.. then wouldn't they know that before sayin' "give us a few days to find out",.. they should know then and there.... If Astor is tellin' the world that they are booked solid and then they go lettin' rooms go for 67% less than I just don't get it....

Bottom line,... more than few of us got lucky and secured a very nice place (ranked #37 out of 147 on trip advisor) to sleep and shower,.. and at very decidin'ly non fest rates,.. allowin' more money to be freed up tp be spread around,.. savins' that will hopefully find their way into the hands and pockets of the purveyors that provide us all with what we individually find best about New Orleans..... Despite my not understanding Astors motives here,.. this is still a win/win/still good thing... A definite win for me,.. a most definite win for wherever my savins' end up (I'm thinkin' a local artist as I always budget plenty enough for my belly and head),.. and the hotel has at least sold a room at a regular rate that they are happy to advertise for the overwhelming majority of the year...

[swag]

Latest filled request I've heard of was for 1st weekend, requested Tuesday night, confirmed last night. I haven't yet heard of anyone declined, so definitely reason to be hopeful, and even to still put your request in. If they turn you down, nothing tangible lost.

[brush]

I had a big problem last year when I book the Astor Crowne Plaza through Last Minute Travel. I called the Hotel to confirm my reservation, they said they didn't have it. I then called Last Minute and apparently Astor Crowne Plaza was trying to reneg on my reservation. It took several weeks to finally get the Hotel to acknowledge my reservation. The people at Last Minute Travel were very nice and said that if the Astor wouldn't take me, they would find a comparable hotel. I didn't have a comfortable stay at the hotel, the AC was very noisy, but $91 is a good deal.

[funkkjunkie]

paulc, two years ago, several of us got the staybridge suites for $57 a night on hotwire! Can't say why. Don't really care why but we were just thrilled to get such a price during fest! My philosophy is never question the gift gods.

[stlbarb]

that's amazin' because the hotels own website has them booked solid even if you try for Sat and Sun,..and add a third night for Mon... I still don't get it.... The Astor is still (as of a few minutes ago) bein' shown as possible for the first weekend at cute rates....Can anyone please explain why a hotel (the Astor specifically in this case) would have their own web site indicating that they are booked for the first weekend (and that was the case before all of the recent requests were filled),.. and then they go and release rooms to a third party that are sold for $91/night... hello?????

I'm thankful for the gift,.. thankful yes indeed,.. but what the heck is stuff like this all about??.. If Easyclick prepurchased rooms I can undertand that,.. but then they would/should know how many rooms they have and not use that silly "on request" method.... If Easyclick has the rooms already,.. then wouldn't they know that before sayin' "give us a few days to find out",.. they should know then and there.... If Astor is tellin' the world that they are booked solid and then they go lettin' rooms go for 67% less than I just don't get it....

Bottom line,... more than few of us got lucky and secured a very nice place (ranked #37 out of 147 on trip advisor) to sleep and shower,.. and at very decidin'ly non fest rates,.. allowin' more money to be freed up tp be spread around,.. savins' that will hopefully find their way into the hands and pockets of the purveyors that provide us all with what we individually find best about New Orleans..... Despite my not understanding Astors motives here,.. this is still a win/win/still good thing... A definite win for me,.. a most definite win for wherever my savins' end up (I'm thinkin' a local artist as I always budget plenty enough for my belly and head),.. and the hotel has at least sold a room at a regular rate that they are happy to advertise for the overwhelming majority of the year...

i believe some of these cheap rates come from hotels whole-saling rooms to the travel sites. once they do that, those rooms are no longer part of the hotels inventory, so the rooms they have available are sold out.

[socaleric]

If I get a hotel in Metairie, how much can I expect for a ride to/from the airport, and to/from JF? The most affordable package I can find for air/hotel is around $750 in that area.

Also, anyone ever stayed at hostels? There's one in the Garden District.

Thanks for advice, I REALLY REALLY want to go, but my monies is not making it possible!

[socaleric]

Scratch that last post. I found a package deal!

[joe]

Watching Hotwire car rates lately. Noticed that the cheapest shown was from Saturday - Saturday or Sunday - Sunday, not real convenient unless staying near airport. Days before seemed the most expensive. Well just picked up Priceline compact from Wed. before, return 2nd Sunday, for $17 bid, about $22/day actual. This is a few $/day under Hotwire's total.
Provider is Hertz.

I hope that the car doesn't come with the dreaded "commercial"
tags, telling every petty (or worse) criminal that you may have good stuff in the trunk and won't be coming back to town to testify in any court proceedings. Didn't Florica get rid of the "special" rental plates for just this reason?

Still looking for those room rates, the cheaper kind.

[stlbarb]

Watching Hotwire car rates lately. Noticed that the cheapest shown was from Saturday - Saturday or Sunday - Sunday, not real convenient unless staying near airport. Days before seemed the most expensive. Well just picked up Priceline compact from Wed. before, return 2nd Sunday, for $17 bid, about $22/day actual. This is a few $/day under Hotwire's total.
Provider is Hertz.

I hope that the car doesn't come with the dreaded "commercial"
tags, telling every petty (or worse) criminal that you may have good stuff in the trunk and won't be coming back to town to testify in any court proceedings. Didn't Florica get rid of the "special" rental plates for just this reason?

Still looking for those room rates, the cheaper kind.

you have a car, you just need access to a shower. :rolleyes:

a friend would take his front license plate off in NOLA because he thought it made him an out of town target for the cops.

[joe]

you have a car, you just need access to a shower. :rolleyes:

a friend would take his front license plate off in NOLA because he thought it made him an out of town target for the cops.


Also now need access to legal parking!

Interesting thought about front plates, but it's always been the cops following behind that make me nervous. Meter maids seem to write up everyone regardless of state, no 2 minute grace period.

[stlbarb]

Also now need access to legal parking!

Interesting thought about front plates, but it's always been the cops following behind that make me nervous. Meter maids seem to write up everyone regardless of state, no 2 minute grace period.

legal parking for sleeping in car?
for 1/4 or marigny area?
for jazz fest?

[joe]

Legal parking to avoid hotel $30+/day rates --- actually more to park the car than rent it!

For sleeping in car, recommend something larger than compact.

Planning on taking the very next 2.5* or nicer, with swimming pool, that shows up on Hotwire under $50.

[funkkjunkie]

joe, let us know where your hotel is and we can probably help you find a parking lot.

[brush]

It looks like some deals are starting to pop up on Priceline. I just booked the Hilton through Priceline for the first Saturday 4/28. I got it for $99. I was hoping to get the JW Marriott, which I got last week for $90. The Hilton is ok, but pretty big. I'll be at the Wyndham Whitney for the daze inbetween, which I got on Hotwire for $65 a night. The deals are like they were Pre-Katrina, $45 a night at the Hyatt, but this is about 1/2 of what I spent last year for similar lodging. Hope this helps someone out.

[herohero]

I am at the Crowne Plaza on Canal, Any cheaper parking than the hotel that is close to the property? Thanks in advance

[swag]

I am at the Crowne Plaza on Canal, Any cheaper parking than the hotel that is close to the property? Thanks in advance

That's a tough corner for cheap parking.

Check this map. The purple areas are public lots and garages. But no prices.

http://www.neworleansonline.com/assets/pdfs/maps/FQMap.pdf

Best bet is probably to just drive around the 1st day and price things out. If you're willing to walk a bit, I'd guess prices get cheaper as you look north and west of your hotel (CBD) rather than in the Quarter.

[funkkjunkie]

I can't remember what block astor crowne is in, but a couple blocks behind the sheraton are two public lots where you might be able to sweet talk the lot guys into letting you park for the week.