New orleans seems to be coming back!

[Michael Wayne]

Guys I just spent almost two weeks in my old hometown of NOLA and had an amazing time. Business was good...if not spectacular. Jazzfest was amazing! The city is Clean and they seem to be working really hard on the crime problem. If you are looking for a fun and really laid back getaway this summer I can again reccomend Nola. http://www.rentmen.com/mikeyusatop

[Guest boiworship08]

It seems like the new mayor has made a difference. The awful crime rate has deterred many from enjoying the city's charms.

[+ azdr0710]

always liked the gritty side to NOLA....walking the back streets and old 'hoods, well away from the tourist traps, is a favorite of mine....what a great city.....glad to hear it, Mikey, and I'm glad it went pretty well for you, too

[+ Cock Eyed Optimist]

Thanks for the update. I have always loved this city - The Corner Pocket, and of course the Phoenix/Eagle Bar over on Elysian Fields.

[bigvalboy]

I always hoped, but didn't always believe that someday NOLA would make a come back. SO happy to hear Mikey that things are getting better. It has taken a long time, and one can not help but think that perhaps the recovery could have happened in a more timely manner. That being said, as azdr says, you have to get off the main drags and away from the tourist traps to really appreciate what an incredible city it really is.....

[rickp]

I was just in New Orleans this past February and had a wonderful time. Mardi Gras seemed to be as busy as ever. I don't think I've ever had a bad working trip to New Orleans, and it's especially busy around holidays.

[Stagger]

I was there for French Quarterfest three weeks ago and things have certainly improved. I'm very happy that the city is coming back as I try to visit at least 6-7 times a year and remember spending time with you Mikey over he years! Glad you had a good time at "home"!

[Michael Wayne]

It truly is home and is a very hard place to get out of your blood! Plus it is nice to be able to WALK to hotel row and not have to drive or cab forever! Mayor Mitch is an ANGEL and very gay friendly. The crime is a work in progress........

[McLeanspider]

Just don't go there in Mardi Grass, is too crowded, drunk and expensive.

[Michael Wayne]

actually wait until lundi gras (monday) and stay till wednesday (ash wednesday) Most of the tourist partiers are gone and the great locals come out. Mardi Gras DAY is not to be missed.

[robberbaron4u]

Hmmm. . .indeed, by today's news report on NOLA, one might think again.

[+ tristanbaldwin]

Sheraton hotels just released a deal- $99 for the W in the French Quarter or just outside it...and I think 109 or 119 for the Sheraton downtown. First time I've ever heard of a regular Sheraton being cheaper than a W? Any idea of why that might be, Mikey? Bad location?

[Stagger]

Hey Tristan,

 

The W is on Chartres Street in the French Quarter, close to one of my normal restaurant hangouts, the Chartres House Cafe. It is a pretty central location and easy walking distance to the waterfront, Bourbon Street and the gay bars. The Sheraton is a large chain hotel and is on Canal Street across from the Marriott. While it is close to Bourbon St., I think the location of the W is better. I've stayed in both and thought they were both o.k. I honestly can't believe the price of the W is cheaper than the Sheraton, as it is usually way overpriced. Give me a call if you want to talk about it.

[corndog]

There are two W hotels in New Orleans, one on Chartres St. in the French Quarter, and one on Poydras St (I think). The one on Chartres St. is very well located. The other one is an OK location, but not great. The Sheraton is roughly half way between the two. $99 seems like a great deal. I wouldn't hesitate.

[bigvalboy]

There are two W hotels in New Orleans, one on Chartres St. in the French Quarter, and one on Poydras St (I think). The one on Chartres St. is very well located. The other one is an OK location, but not great. The Sheraton is roughly half way between the two. $99 seems like a great deal. I wouldn't hesitate

I've stayed at the one in the Quarter. killer location, and not bad over all. Certainly worth the $99 price tag...Good luck.

[MrBigTL]

I have lived in New Orleans a coupe of times and I love the Corner Pocket, use to be a good friend of the former owner who was murdered by a trick. I haven't been there since 2001 and so I wonder how it has changed. Glad to hear it's coming back....

[Bryan]

That's great to hear, Mikey! Especially that business is good/spectacular!

 

I'll be visiting your hometown spending a long weekend at the end of May combining social time with friends and taking appointments. I don't know what to expect with New Orleans clientele but I will be checking things out over the brief visit.

 

Great to hear it the crime rate might be going down. I have walked from Art Gallery to Art Gallery for traditional "Gallery Crawl" on a Saturday night and it seemed anywhere off main paths were sketchy. Police presence for the event every couple of blocks was a welcome sight!

[Michael Wayne]

Hey guys! I have been REAL busy so sorry for the delay. The W on chartres is a great hotel and I would jump on that rate asap. They could name a wing of that place after me as I have seen so many clients there! lol . Now Bryan I did not say the crime rate is down but what I did say is that it is a work in progress. The Mothers Day shooting occured several days after I left and after my OP. I am sure this publicity will be devastaing. However NOLA is nothing if not RESILANT. NOLA is like an old boyfriend that you are no longer with but you cant get him out of your heart or your head no matter how good your therapist is. Nola is also like the wild wild west....almost a frontier town these days. When I think of nola these days the quote from Alec guiness to skywalker in star wars episode 4 comes to mind. Just substitute NOLA for mos eisley..." Mos Eisley spaceport....ther has never been a more wretched hive of scum and villany...we must be careful." And yet i love it!!!!!!!!! http://www.rentmen.com/mikeyusatop