TULANE
My daughter didn't particularly want to visit Tulane. She had her heart set on another school, but I planned a trip to New Orleans----based on Mother's intuition that it might be a good fit....and also--- because I wanted to visit New Orleans. Thankfully, we visited as it was love at first site and now the rest is history. She applied Early Decision and was accepted, and we couldn't be more excited for her and us (my family) to spend the next four years in the Big Easy.
Before my trip- I reached out to a few friends who have kids at Tulane to get the run down on where to sip, shop and stay when visiting New Orleans.
WHERE TO STAY
MAISON DE LA LUZ
Warehouse District, 10 min Uber to Campus
A gem of a property in the Warehouse District that feels like you're re staying in a Parisian private home. With its art deco flair and regal, globally inspired interiors, the 67-suite Maison de la Luz is one of historic New Orleans’ most stylish guest houses. Loved the decor, the honor bar in the lobby where guests can help themselves to cocktails all day and all night--- and the secret passage to Bar Mailou--- a sexy speakeasy bar where all my design dreams come true. When you book with me you receive complimentary breakfast, a $100 resort credit which buys you a round or two at Bar Maliou and the chance of a room upgrade and other VIP amenities.....and guests receive priority reservations at Josephine Estelle, Bar Marilou, Three Keys Jazz Club, and Seaworthy. The Warehouse District is a great location where you can walk to the French Quarter.... and shop all the antique stores and boutiques--- and explore the city.
THE CHLOE
Garden District, 5 min Uber to Campus
This Boutique hotel blends iconic Southern hospitality with modern charm. This 14-room hotel with a restaurant,. pool and patio housed in a 19th century mansion in the Garden District is a great place to land while exploring NOLA. It's old-world glamour meets chic New Orleans home. Located in the Garden District--- NOLAS prettiest address!
HOTEL VINCENT
Garden District, 10 min Uber to Campus
Originally an orphanage, Hotel Vincent in the lower Garden District is a 75-room boutique hotel that's cool and embodies the eclectic style that New Orleans is known for.
FOUR SEASONS NEW ORLEANS
Downtown, 14 min Uber to Campus
Four Seasons New Orleans: There is nothing on par with the Four Seasons in every city and in the Big Easy at the Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans you can expect nothing less than this high-class luxury. Think stylish rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling views of the Mississippi. Two signature restaurants spearheaded by James Beard-award-winning chefs serving everything from classic Southern fare like whole buttermilk-fried chicken to paddlefish caviar and a full-service spa blending French beauty techniques with state-of-the art technology. There’s even a private rooftop venue, perfect for intimate dinners and major milestone celebrations. Ask me about my preferred partner perks when booking with Curated Escapes Travel.
WHAT TO DO
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Visit Cafe Du Monde---- Beignets and coffee at this legendary bakery is an obvious Day 1!
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Explore the French Quarter and Frenchman Street
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Hop on a Streetcar and explore this city with so much southern charm
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Walk around the Garden District and stop for coffee and shopping on Magazine Street
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Do a walking food tour, beignets, oysters, Muffaletta, crayfish crawl....New Orleans is a foodie town known for its Creole and Southern Food. Trust me- you will not tire of amazing food options in this fun and eclectic city.
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Sign up for a Ghost Tour
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Listen to live music at Tipitinas or on Frenchmans St.
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Take a campus tour: At Tulane-- this really counts.
WHERE TO SHOP
Antique Stores and costumes shops in the French Quarter and the boutiques on Magazine Street
NOLA is surely a place you’ll want to keep visiting. JazzFest and Mardi Gras are the two most notable festivals—but there are many. With good music, so many hotel choices, and dining options-this is an eclectic city with loads of southern charm that keep you wanting more.
WHERE TO EAT
SABA
5757 MAGAZINE ST.
Mediterranean
Chef Alon Shaya's journey through food and beverage which pays homage to the culinary landscape of Israel. Wood fired pita bread baked steps from the table soaks up the flavors of Bulgaria, Yemen, Syria, Morocco, Turkey and Greece to name a few. Saba aims to source seafood, meats and produce from local farms around New Orleans, guiding them over hot coals to family-style platters on the table.
PESCE
800 MAGAZINE ST.
Spanish Seafood Grill
Inspired by the cooking of South America, Spain, and the Gulf Coast, Chefs Donald Link, Stephen Stryjewski and Ryan Prewitt designed Pêche Seafood Grill. Focused on working with local fishermen and farmers who harvest sustainably, Pêche serves simply prepared contemporary dishes, rustic cooked on an open hearth, as well as fresh oysters and Gulf fish.
SEAWORTHY
630 CARONDELET ST.
Seafood
Housed in a classic Creole cottage built in 1832, Seaworthy draws inspiration from the Gulf Coast waters, the timeless traditions of Southern hospitality, and the vibrant spirit of New Orleans.
HERBSAINT
701 ST. CHARLES AVE.
Rustic Italian
Chef Donald Link’s kitchen is overseen by Chef de Cuisine Tyler Spreen who works closely with local farmers and fishermen, offering contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine with elements of rustic Italian cooking. An eclectic wine list and a knowledgeable staff make for perfect pairings. The restaurant earned Chef Link a James Beard Award for Best Chef South in 2007.
RUBY SUNSHINE
204 DECATUR ST.
Brunch
Famous biscuits are made completely from scratch and baked fresh all day, every day. Fun Fact...we serve over 40,000 biscuits a week! And the best part is that these butter clouds of goodness are served with our house-made cane-syrup butter.
Reach out to jodi@elitetravel.com for more information and to receive VIP amenities including complimentary breakfast, $100 resort credit and priority room upgrade, subject to availability at many properties in New Orleans.
