I am checking on hotels deals in New Orleans for a one and two night stay before the blackjack cruise (Thursday 12th & Friday 13th, close to the cruise lines). And then for deals for the Thursday 19th, - Saturday the 21st when we get back from the cruise, for those who want to enjoy the sights and sounds on New Orleans. As soon as I find the best deals I'll post them. As I am working on a Friday 13th get together for all the cruiser's (probally at Harrah's) the night before we sail. Hope to see lots of you there.
I was down there last week for Mardi Gras.:joker: They have gotten just about everything hotel-wise back on line in the French Quarter. They are also desperate for tourists. That should help your quest.
Thanks Rebel I contacted the Travelors and Visitors bureau in New Orleans today about some hotels (had to leave a message), plus asked Tammy (my travel agent) to check for us as well. I did send an e-mail to the marketing dept. of Harrah's New Orleans about possibly hosting a "Super-Mini" tournament for 54 players the night before the cruise (July 13th). Hopefully they will be able to accomadate us for such an event, it should only take four hours and will draw in about a 100 of us that night.
Sheraton Storm and I are booked at the Sheraton on Canal Street near the French Quarter for the nights of July 12 and 13. I booked the room at $149 a night a few weeks ago and I believe the price has already gone up. We would love to cancel that reservation and move over to Harrahs for a cheaper rate and also play in the super-mini if that works out.
Harrah's New Orleans Well I just found out Harrah's in New Orleans finally has their own hotel (opened about two months ago) and it is only a couple of blocks from the peir where the ship leave from. I contacted the group sales today and am waiting to hear what type of group rate we can get. They also told me that Diamond and Seven Star may even get comps, they did tell me we could have free parking, (that's at least $12 per day savings) while were on the cruise for 5 days ($60 saved already). As soon as they contact me I'll post what kind of a deal they can give us.
Best for the buck... Well I think our best hotel deal will be at the Staybridge hotel located across the street from the Harrah’s casino. Which I am sure most of the players will want to checkout. Another bonus is, I was told this is a brand new hotel, it just opened. Now anyone who can get comp-ed at the Harrah's hotel, by all means should stay there (only a block or two away), but for all others the Staybridge suites has given us the best deal, $99.00 per night and they are just 5 blocks from the pier. They also are giving us a meeting room to host a private party (get together) on Friday night before the cruise. This is where my wife and I are planning on staying. Just tell them you are with the Texas Tournament group for the special room rate. Here is there contact information: Staybridge Suites New Orleans 501 Tchoupitoulas St. New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: (504) 324-3023 Fax: (504) 588-1493 www.staybridge.com/ssneworleansla Below is a list of all they offer: Hairdryer Full Kitchen Coffee Maker Iron and Ironing Board 25” Television Extended Cable Package with over 60 Premium Channels Direct Dial Phone Number to each Suite Full size Sofa Sleeper in Select Studio Suites Hotel Amenities: Complimentary Hot Breakfast Buffet Complimentary “Sun-Downer Dinner” Light Dinner served with Beer & Wine (Tuesday – Thursday 5:30-7:30) Complimentary 24-Hour Business Center Complimentary High Speed Internet Access Complimentary Local Newspaper & USA Today Complimentary Local Phone calls Complimentary On-Site Guest Laundry Facilities Complimentary Cardiovascular Fitness Center Complimentary Safety Deposit Boxes Outdoor Pool Open Seasonally Guest Barbecue Grills by Pool Area 24-Hour Suite Shop with Toiletries and Snacks Valet Laundry Dry Cleaning Service Available
Staybridge Suites Stormy and I changed our reservation from the Sheraton over to the Staybridge Suites for $99 a night. We arrive on July 12th for two nights at the hotel and plan on playing in the super-mini tournament on the 13th if that works out. Thanks Rick for saving us $50 a night on our accomodations. I'll buy you a beer the next time I see you.
I'm booked up for both days... I'll get in to New Orleans on Thursday 12th, and booked at Staybridge for both the 12th & 13th. I want to thank Thrasht for pointing out that they didn't have Texas Tournaments on their 800 number, (I was able to correct this) and made sure they had the Texas Tournaments discount for all players coming in to New Orleans for the Blackjack Cruise III.
After the Blackjack Cruise.... We get back to New Orleans on Thursday July 19th and my wife and I are planning on staying a couple of extra days to see the sites. If anybody else would like to stay over I am working on a discount for two nights at another hotel in the French Quarter. Bienville House. 320 Decatur Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130 (504) 529-2345 or 1-800-535-9603 www.bienvillehouse.com
July 19th & 20th rooms confirmed for after the cruise. We got the discounts at Bienville hotel after the cruise. Here is an e-mail I just received from the Director of sales. Dear Mr. Jensen, Awh! We would have loved to have your group in July! We do have rooms available for July 19-20, 2007. We can offer the rate of $79 for 7/19 and $99 for 7/20 per night plus tax. Thanks, Erin Boreros Director of Sales Bienville House Hotel 320 Decatur Street New Orleans, LA 70130 Direct Line 504-378-1113 Phone: 504-529-2345 Fax: 504-525-6079 www.bienvillehouse.com eboreros@bienvillehouse.com Come fall in love with New Orleans all over again.