Every year during the month of December visitors from around the
world visit the Christmas New Orleans Style festival. During the
month-long celebration, the city flaunts its unique music,
architecture and cuisine traditions. Papa Noel, a spicy Cajun
version of Santa Claus, delivers gifts in his pirogue (canoe),
guided by bonfires along the Mississippi levee to the homes of
local children.
Local chefs share their secrets in free cooking demonstrations,
and restaurants serve the Reveillon, an adaptation of an old Creole
dining custom. Local musicians perform public concerts, gospel
choirs sing in the Saint Louis Cathedral, and carolers sing to
visitors in Jackson Square.
Other events include tours of decorated 19th century homes, the
lighted Celebration in the Oaks (see sidebar), a bonfire and
riverboat cruises. To accommodate visitors, 100 hotels are offering
special Papa Noel rates of up to 80% off of published rack
rates.
Some examples:
The Hotel Inter-Continental, with 482 rooms and
suites, on the St. Charles Streetcar line in the central business
district, is offering a rate of $80 per night. Call 800-327-0200.
Web site: www.intercontinental.com.
Those preferring to stay at a mid-size hotel might consider the
Chateau Sonesta Hotel New Orleans, on Bourbon
Street, at a rate of $99 per night. Call 800-SONESTA. Web site:
www.chateausonesta.com.
Boutique hotels in the French quarter offering discounts are the
Hotel Saint Marie (800-366-2743;
www.hotelstmarie.com); the Hotel Prince Conti
(800-366-2743; www.princecontihotel.com); and the Hotel
Place D’Armes (800-366-2743; www.placedarmes.com). All
three are offering a rate of $79 Sundays through Thursdays and $99
Fridays and Saturdays. During December parking is free Sundays
through Thursdays and is reduced from $20 to $10 Fridays and
Saturdays.
From Dec. 6 to Dec. 31, the Fairmont Hotel’s Angel Hair
Lobby, a block-long canopy of angel hair and twinkling
lights, will re-create a New Orleans tradition begun in the 1930s.
Rows of flocked Christmas trees, decorated with ribbons and lights,
will also line the lobby from end to end. While at the Fairmont,
take part in the Teddy Bear Teas and Storytelling and photo visits
with Santa in his sleigh. Call 800-441-1414; www.fairmont.com.
For more Papa Noel hotel rates, call 800-749-5679. For more
information about Christmas festival events, call 800-673-5725. Web
site: www.christmasneworleans.com.
