Hot Fun, Cool Deals in New Orleans

July 30, 2006 — -- Summering in the swamps? Relaxing in the relief effort? New Orleans is not a typical summer tourist destination, especially while it struggles to rebuild.

But the embattled city, desperate for tourist dollars, has created several attractive deals. You may not beat the heat, but you will find New Orleans has more to offer than you thought.

"There is just so much to do in the month of August, so it's really a great time to come to New Orleans." says Sandra Shilstone, president of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation. "There are great deals on hotels and restaurants right now. And you will be embraced by New Orleaneans who are just so happy to see you."

Large parts of the city still are working to rebuild. But the French Quarter, the Garden District's historic homes and shopping, the Warehouse District's galleries, and the jazz clubs that line Frenchman Street all escaped the floodwaters and are open for business.

The New Orleans Tourism and Marketing Corporation has teamed up with Travelocity.com to make booking trips to New Orleans easier and cheaper. Many fine New Orleans hotels have cut their prices to attract weekend visitors in the typically slow summer months. French Quarter Hotels have rates starting near $75 per night right now.

To further entice vacationers to the Big Easy, MasterCard is also offering a deal. Travelers booking trips with a MasterCard before Aug. 31 will receive $75 off on a visit to New Orleans.

Not only are New Orleans' famed restaurants open, they are hosting "a COOLinary Summer." Through July and August, over 30 of New Orleans top restaurants -- such as Emeril's, Brennan's and Jacques-Imo's -- are all offering three-course lunches for $20 and dinners for $30.

Tourists can go on a safari at the Audubon Zoo or see underwater at the nationally recognized Aquarium of the Americas. They can step back in time at the many area plantations such as Houmas House, which offers tours and dining on its historic grounds. Revelers can party all night along Bourbon Street, or catch a late night jazz set at one of the Big Easy's numerous clubs.