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?
I’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.
Stacie recently posted…New In Beauty: Summer Edition
It was so cool being in the heart of things.
I 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!
Eva recently posted…Caribbean American Heritage Month Essay: How Much Do I Really Know About My Dad?
We did and you guys would love it!
I 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!
DudeMom recently posted…The Boho Shorts My Thighs Love & 6 Ways to Wear Shorts in Summer
Exhaustion 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.
Your 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???
Shari Neal Williams recently posted…HBO’s Confirmation, Silence & Sexual Harassment
I totally told him and he’s totally ok with it. Lol More for me! Yummm
Happy 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!
Hey 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….
The ‘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
Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva) recently posted…Fab Products to Pack for Fabulous Skin!
Me too. I’m all about staying somewhere nice.
Sounds 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!
Dana Carmel recently posted…Life with thatgirlcarmel: May 2016
It’s right by Mother’s so you can’t miss it. I’ll def try the ham next time.
This looked like so much fun! I just added to my bucket list.
Oh how cool is that!
Le 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.
Kim recently posted…Love Deals? Then You’ll Love Groupon Coupons!
You def should go if you can.
This 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.
Mimi “MimiCuteLips” Green recently posted…#IABFLYIN: Small Publisher Conference & Fly-In Recap
Looks like I will be missing Essence this year. Bummer.
Looks like the perfect way to spend your birthday!!
It sure was, thank you girl.
The hotel looks amazing. I’m sure you had a wonderful time. Many more blessing to you.
Tomes Edition recently posted…Relaxer Day Results…
Thank you sis! Blessings to you as well.
That room is beautiful! I love the food in New Orleans
Foodfashionandflow recently posted…No Sleep
Just thinking about it makes me hungry.
I 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
Bijee recently posted…What If You Have to Let Go to Get More?
I thought it was going to be super crazy during Mardi Gras but it actually wasn’t all that bad.
New Orleans has so much character! I cannot wait to go back! Glad you had a fantastic time!
We go several times per year and we love it.
I 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!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!