I’ve wanted to attend Mardi Gras for as long as I can remember but the way my fear is set up, I was too afraid based on the high crime rate of New Orleans. You gotta remember, I’m a country girl from a small town where crime is almost non-existent. However, over the past two years, we’ve been able to visit New Orleans a number of times for various events ranging from music concerts, Essence Festival, NBA All Star Game, plus more. These trips helped us learn the city and have a better feel for our surroundings. Therefore, we decided to give Mardi Gras a try this year. This trip was a two in one because we also celebrated my birthday while there.
Le Méridien New Orleans
Here’s an copy of my review that I shared about the hotel:
I booked a room at Le Méridien New Orleans for my birthday and my stay was amazing. Mardi Gras Carnival was going on and many of the parades went right by the hotel. Talk about prime real estate! The hotel is only minutes from the French Quarter, entertainment, food and shopping which makes the location even more awesome. The room was comfy and cozy, clean and neatly decorated. The style is eclectic which I liked. The bathroom has a shower only but it’s very spacious. The room has an upscale feel to it.
There we few cons to this hotel. The walls are very thin, thus you can overhear conversation of your neighbors and those passing in the hallway. We were not in the room long enough for that to be much of an issue but it’s worth noting should you have loud neighbors. Valet parking is a bit pricey, averaging about $45 nightly. Even still, I definitely would stay here again! The location is everything + more.
Mardi Gras 2016
Having parades pass right by the hotel was super amazing. When booking the hotel, I had no idea we would be in the heart of all that greatness. I could not have planned that better if I tried. For real, for real, we were able to stay in our hotel room until seconds before the parade started. Talk about convenient! There were a ton of parades, parties, public intoxication and arrests. I love people watching and there’s plenty of crazy people to watch in the French Quarter.
I played clarinet in my high school band, did color guard for a few years and have marched in too many parades to count. Seeing the kids march in the Mardi Gras parades took me back to my youth. I really had a blast.
Oh and as for the beads, according to the locals, it’s illegal to flash for beads unless on Bourbon Street. Violators will be arrested! Therefore, we did not see anyone flashing for beads. I was not disappointed about that. My bead catching was done in support of friends and family that wanted some Mardi Gras Bling!
Shopping
I always spend a little money when in New Orleans at stores not in my local area. Lush Cosmetics got my money on this trip. I also purchased some trinkets here and there at the French Market, an open air flea market.
Food
I love seafood but my husband hates seafood. I hate spicy foods but my husband loves it. Talk about opposites attract.
Because New Orleans is known for Cajun Seafood, we had a difficult time finding restaurants that we both liked on some of our earlier trips. But now, we got this food thing figured out. We research places in advance to make sure the restaurant has food we both can enjoy.
New Orleans has amazing food and something for everyone. The highlight from this trip was Mother’s Restaurant, a good southern eatery known for its famous ham. Although we didn’t get ham, we heard it’s really delicious. We have to be in the mood for ham and wasn’t on our visit. We ordered fried chicken instead and it was quite tasty. I forgot to snap a picture of my golden brown chicken so you’ll just have to take my word for it.
Video Footage
While in New Orleans, I captured some brief moments of Mardi Gras to share with friends and family. I didn’t plan to share it here on my blog but decided why not as I was clearing off my memory card. Therefore, I apologize in advance for not having a ton of footage but I hope you enjoy the little bit I do have!
What’s Your Favorite Spot to Vacation?
Stacie says
June 3, 2016 at 8:48 amI’ve never been to New Orleans but it sounds like you had a blast. It would have been fun to look out your hotel window and see all the fun.
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:51 amIt was so cool being in the heart of things.
Eva says
June 3, 2016 at 12:17 pmI have never been to New Orleans, but my husband is a huge Saints fan and he wants to go. It looks like you had a fabulous time!
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:52 amWe did and you guys would love it!
DudeMom says
June 3, 2016 at 9:03 pmI played the clarinet too1 And I’ve always wanted to go to NOLA. I really thought about it last year but thought I’d rather just stay home and sleep. Sigh, exhaustion is real!
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 7, 2016 at 7:21 amExhaustion is really real – I get it! Woodwinds unite! Do you still have / play yours? I no longer have mine and regret not keeping up with reading music.
Shari Neal Williams says
June 3, 2016 at 10:02 pmYour hotel room looks amazing! New Orleans is so much fun. I pretty much just go there to eat. That’s too bad your husband doesn’t like seafood, have you told him he’s missing out???
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 7, 2016 at 7:22 amI totally told him and he’s totally ok with it. Lol More for me! Yummm
Ihuchi says
June 4, 2016 at 8:01 amHappy birthday, Jay! Your blog has really been an inspiration to me in various aspects of my life. I’m glad you had so much fun. Cheers!
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 7, 2016 at 7:25 amHey Sis! TY so much for the support and birthday wishes. I have grown to love NOLA! Ppl watching is so fun to me. I feel so honored to have been an inspiration to you. Thank you for making my day. Stay forever blessed….
Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva) says
June 4, 2016 at 6:42 pmThe ‘Le Meridien’ looks like a beautiful hotel. I will have to definitely stay there when I visit New Orleans. I love a beautiful contemporary hotel in a fab location
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 14, 2016 at 9:04 amMe too. I’m all about staying somewhere nice.
Dana Carmel says
June 5, 2016 at 9:09 amSounds like you had a great bday trip! Happy belated bday! I’ve been to Mother’s and can vouch for the ham…it’s really good. I’ll have to consider a stay at this hotel the next time I’m in NOLA!
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 14, 2016 at 9:04 amIt’s right by Mother’s so you can’t miss it. I’ll def try the ham next time.
Nicole @Nicole's Lifestyle Lounge says
June 5, 2016 at 10:09 amThis looked like so much fun! I just added to my bucket list.
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:52 amOh how cool is that!
Kim says
June 5, 2016 at 10:13 amLe Meridien is a nice hotel. I want to go back to NO, as I haven’t been since I was 16. I would definitely love to experience Mardi Gras.
Looks and sounds like you had fun.
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:55 amYou def should go if you can.
Mimi "MimiCuteLips" Green says
June 5, 2016 at 6:49 pmThis was cool, I’m heading to New Orleans for Essence in a couple of weeks. I’m getting started on my pre-game research now.
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:55 amLooks like I will be missing Essence this year. Bummer.
Frugal Flirty N Fab says
June 5, 2016 at 9:15 pmLooks like the perfect way to spend your birthday!!
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:55 amIt sure was, thank you girl.
Tomes Edition says
June 5, 2016 at 10:25 pmThe hotel looks amazing. I’m sure you had a wonderful time. Many more blessing to you.
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:56 amThank you sis! Blessings to you as well.
Foodfashionandflow says
June 5, 2016 at 11:45 pmThat room is beautiful! I love the food in New Orleans
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:54 amJust thinking about it makes me hungry.
Bijee says
June 6, 2016 at 8:35 amI love Love LOVE New Orleans. Never been for mardi gras though. I don’t know that I would either cause I hate crowds. But the city and food are awesome!! Glad you enjoyed
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Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:54 amI thought it was going to be super crazy during Mardi Gras but it actually wasn’t all that bad.
Valerie Robinson says
June 6, 2016 at 12:02 pmNew Orleans has so much character! I cannot wait to go back! Glad you had a fantastic time!
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 26, 2016 at 11:53 amWe go several times per year and we love it.
Kiwi says
June 7, 2016 at 10:36 pmI actually partied at Le Meriden last year for Essence. My had is broke so I dont know if I will be going to Essence this year but going to Mothers is a must love that place!
Jay | relaxedthairapy.com says
June 14, 2016 at 1:32 pmWishing you a speedy recovery!