Mardi Gras 2010 – New Orleans French Quarter Hotels

It’s the first day of Carnival, and that means raucous Mardi Gras celebrations can’t be far behind.  We were a little late out of the gate last year, but this year we’re coming back strong with tips, suggestions and Mardi Gras 2010 hotel recommendations.

Officially, Mardi Gras 2010 takes place on February 16, “Fat Tuesday”, but in reality that’s just the final day in a weeks-long smorgasbord of parades, costumes and merriment. As early as January 31, flamboyant Carnival krewes will be hitting the streets, spreading cheer and handing out “throws” like beads, toys, stuffed animals and doubloons by the sack-load.

For that reason, you really don’t have to wait until Fat Tuesday to celebrate the Carnival with the locals. However, most experts will tell you (and we’ll happily agree), that visiting the weekend before Mardi Gras and staying through Tuesday is, hands down, the way to do it. All the biggest and best krewes host their parades during this time – ZULU, Bacchus, Endymion, Rex – all of them famous for over-the-top floats, delightful costumes and celebrity guests. View the parade schedule.

You’ll want to see as much as you can, but the one show you cannot miss is the Krewe of Bacchus Parade, Sunday at 5:15 p.m. in Uptown. The krewe spends all year constructing jaw-dropping super-floats like Bacchasaurus (pictured). Add in a roster of celebrity kings that has included Bob Hope, Charlton Heston, William Shatner and Dick Clark and it’s obvious that “go home” isn’t in this krewe’s vocabulary. They only go big.

Mardi Gras Tips
Most importantly, you must separate Mardi Gras from what happens in the French Quarter. That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with what happens in the French Quarter (not at all), it’s just to say that’s not technically Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras is floats, festivity and family fun. It’s also highly policed with zero tolerance for debauchery. You can and should bring along the kids if able; they’ll have more fun than you.

Be prepared. Check the weather ahead of time, wear comfortable shoes, bring a bag to collect all the throws, and find a parade spot early to ensure a good seat. Some people bring ladders to stand on to improve their view, and it’s allowed, but we urge you to be very careful.

Collecting throws is fun. They’re cool souvenirs that convey instant meaning to whoever sees them. But, they’re not worth a trip to the hospital. If a throw hits the ground, we say let it go. If you reach for it, you have a much higher chance of getting trampled than you do coming up with a fun prize.

Enjoy New Orleans. The Big Easy is a joyous destination at any time of year, so use your time to experience the city. Stroll the French Quarter (during the day), dance to some live music, sample the incredible food, shop your heart out.

View more tips at this family-geared Mardi Gras Web site.

Mardi Gras Hotels
Mardi Gras hotels fill up fast, and some may already be sold out. Two of our favorite New Orleans hotels still have vacancies, however, so get yourself a room before it’s too late:

• Holiday Inn New Orleans French Quarter Hotel – affordable, well-located, kids eat free
• Chateau LeMoyne – historic ambiance, scenic views, well-located

Don’t settle for stories any more. Experience Mardi Gras in New Orleans for yourself in 2010.

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