NEW ORLEANS VACATIONS

SAVE MONEY ON NEW ORLEANS HOTELS

1. VISIT NEW ORLEANS  IN THE OFF-SEASON- New Orleans doesn't really
have an "off-season", but some times are always busier than others. Try to
avoid the Sugar Bowl and late January through early May. If in doubt about a
particular time period, call the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce to see
if any major conventions are scheduled.

2. KNOW WHAT ROOM AMENITIES TO EXPECT: New Orleans hotels seem
to missing a few common room amenities we’ve learned to expect. Most
rooms do not have refrigerators, safes, and/or tea/coffee pots. Most hotels
allow refrigerators to be requested for an additional fee.

3.  WATCH FOR HIDDEN AND UNEXPECTED FEES: Most New Orleans hotels
charge for local calls and internet access. Watch out for other hidden fees
such as one hotel's advertised "free in-room computer." Yes, use of the
computer is free, but the internet charge is very expensive. Some of the
larger hotels charge a daily "resort" fee beginning at $5 per person, per day.

4. BE AWARE OF ROLLAWAY/COT/CRIB FEES: Before you request an extra
rollaway, cot or crib check the price. New Orleans hotel rates range from
$15-$25 plus 9% sales tax PER NIGHT for rollaways, cots and cribs.

5. BOOK YOUR NEW ORLEANS HOTEL ROOM AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE
FOR SPECIAL EVENTS: Don't wait for the prices to go down because they
won't. New Orleans hotel rooms book up months in advance for Mardi Gras
so plan early.

6. ASK ABOUT EXTRA PERSON CHARGES BEFORE BOOKING:  Rates
quoted are usually for two adults, additional guests are charged in average
of $15-$25 per person, per night for guests 13 or older. Some hotels charge
for 3rd and 4th guests in a room, regardless of age. What at first may sound
like a bargain, may actually turn out to be an expensive hotel room. Know
your facts before you go so you won't be surprised.

7. CHECK OUT PRICELINE IF YOU NEED A SHORT-TERM HOTEL ROOM-
Several New Orleans hotels are listed on Priceline, but be very careful
when bidding or you might end up in an undesirable area. Check out
informational websites like www.betterbidding.com for information on how
to bid.      

8. DON'T TRY TO SAVE MONEY BY STAYING OUTSIDE OF TOWN DURING
SPECIAL EVENTS: If you're planning on going to a special New Orleans
event, don't try to save money by staying outside of town. Since driving in a
rental car is impossible during big events, cab charges will more than
make up for the hotel savings.

9.  ASK ABOUT HOTEL PARKING CHARGES: Before you rent a car, ask
about hotel parking charges which may run you $15-$25 per day. It may be
cheaper to forego a rental car and take a cab to your hotel instead. Cab fare
runs $25-$35 from the airport.

10.   COMPARE PRICES ON SEVERAL INTERNET SITES BEFORE YOU
BOOK: Room prices for New Orleans hotels are all over the place for any
given night. Check several internet sites before booking. After finding the
best price, be sure to read the site’s cancellation policies. Sometimes it’s
better to pay more and received a flexible cancellation policy.  
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SAVE MONEY ON NEW ORLEANS HOTELS