Prytania Park Hotel New Orleans

Really this is a review of two hotels. The PRYTANIA PARK HOTEL has been in New Orleans since I was in college (that was a long time ago). It is a series of converted townhouses merged with new buildings.

Key reasons to stay here:

1)For New Orleans it is not expensive,

2) It has free parking (unheard of in New Orleans - if you have a car, your going to pay anywhere from $15-60 a night just to park your car).

3)The rooms are decent and basic - but need updating.

4)LOCATION on this one is the key - if you are looking for a real experience of New Orleans (one that is not overshadowed by being drunk the entire trip, then stay here). You will be in an area surrounded by locals. You will be one city block from the famous St. Charles Ave. Street cars (that will take you to the French Quarter). You are a few blocks from the famous Magazine St. - where the locals shop and only a small well informed handful of tourist go. There are a dozen places to eat within walking distance of your hotel.

And IF you need an UPgrade to a better hotel - Ask for a room in EITHER the Prytania Oaks Hotel OR the Queen Anne Hotel - both are one block from the main hotel and are wonderful. Both buildings are renovated old homes with all the high end needs of a 4 star hotel.

BOTTOM LINE: The French Quarter is a must-see place for any one to gain a good understanding of the city. But, combined with it's history and beauty, are tons of garbage for tourists. Venture away from it, use the trolly line to get around, stay in the Garden District and you will experience a different New Orleans - part of the real New Orleans. If you have a car and want to understand recent history, travel to the 9th ward - there you will see what Katrina has done and see what the locals are doing to build up their community again- you might even be asked to lend a hand and help out for a few mins -- now that is what real travel is all about.