Husband and I have never been to NOLA and we have some time off coming this December. We have heard the city is a fun, crazy place, but exactly where should we stay and what should we do? A little background, we have been happily married for 20+ years. We are not swingers but we love hanging out at places where swingers can be found (e.g. Temptation, Desire and our local swingers' club) We enjoy a little bit of exhibitionism and voyuerism, and lots of PDA. I love the party at the old PattyO's and Bash is good, too. So that's what I'm looking for in New Orleans: that kind of fun, flirty, wild but mature vibe... I've heard the French Quarter is great but I'd appreciate specific suggestions. Also, should we rent a car or is it good enough to just walk around/take the bus etc?
We have been to New Orleans a few times, most recently was for Naughty in Nawlin's in July 2018 which may be the largest Lifestyle takeover in the US with over 1,000 couples. Bourbon Street is the only area we have stayed and I would highly recommend it if you are staying for a few days or just a long weekend. During our last trip we stayed at the Astor Crown on Bourbon street for 8 days (it was the main takeover hotel). In hindsight we would have enjoyed staying in a different area and exploring some other neighborhoods further away from the French Quarter for a few days. I dont think a car rental is necessary especially in the French Quarter, everything is walkable and Uber works well. Most of Bourbon Street is an adult frat party, 3 for 1 drink deals, huge plastic containers of alcohol and the occasional flashes for beads. Of course, there are nicer clubs with great jazz, but most bars and the numerous strip clubs along Bourbon Street is a bit on the seedier side. With that being said, we have enjoyed our trips in NOLA thoroughly and would go back again, especially for the food. To this day, I don’t think I have ever taken a bad bite in New Orleans. Our Favorite restaurants include Commander's Palace, Mr. B’s, Acme Oyster, Felix, Mothers, Central Grocery, Cochon, Emerils, Brennan’s...etc The one lifestyle club that we did enjoy in the French Quarter is Colette, as with most clubs, Friday and Saturdays are best bets. It is definitely one of the better clubs that we have been to in North America. As for other fun activities, we enjoyed the City Tour which included cemetery stops and the garden district, the swamp tours (alligators/swamp boars were awesome), taking the streetcar to the Garden District for lunch at Commander’s Palace. Listening to great jazz on Frenchmen Street and the House of Blues. Great food, cheap drinks, music and debauchery, what more could you want for a getaway.
Try staying at the Country Inn & Suites on Magazine Street. Renovated construction of an older hotel, combined with attached new construction of a new wing, operated by Radisson. It's a very clean, well-run hotel, a block caddy-corner to the "opening" of Bourbon St party area (basically, you leave the Country Inn & Suites, walk down tot he corner 1 block, turn right walk another 1 block nd you're right there). Prices are VERY competitive with anything actually on or within 1 block's walk of Bourbon Street.
We've been to NOLA Many times. You do not need a car. Take a cab or a shuttle to your hotel. We love Chateau Lemoyne on Dauphine. One block off Bourbon Street. Colette's was nice (we are not swingers either, but the Mrs loves women). Prive Nola is also very nice (and has a pool) and is closer to Bourbon Street. Check out their FB page. Frenchmen Street is also a very cool area as is Magazine Street (Garden District) mentioned by someone above. French Market is a great morning place then try the beignets at Café Du Mon. We also enjoyed Harrah's Casino. Favorite restaurants include Green Goddess (breakfast) Napoleon House (lunch) and Muriels, Mr. B's Bistro, Kingfish or M Bistro (dinner). Hope that helps!
Green House Inn isn’t too far from Bourbon Street and has a large c/o pool in the center courtyard. Not a party pool/place, but a good place to unwind nude (and see/be seen) between lively outings to Bourbon Street and touristing. From a pure tourist standpoint the WW2 museum is amazing and is easily a day or two visit if interested in history.
Looking to rekindle this conversation as we will also be heading to New Orleans for the first time. Anyone with updated suggestions?
We were looking to go as well (for the big party)!!! But we were told it is a lot more fun on a balcony, so I’m not really sure where to start looking for that… Ann suggestions?
What will you do when you're there? Do you just take it day by day or do you have things scheduled/planned?
It will be an our first time going and besides planning out a few places to try some local restaurants, we're just going to bar hop and see where the day and night leads us. With it being the last week of Mardi Gras I am sure there will be plenty to do
