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FunTripsLIVE
Christmas in New Orleans
Memories
are Forever |
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It's been said that the French Quarter begins in the
lobby of the Hotel Monteleone on Rue Royal.
It's the kind of place that bellmen and doormen are waiting to serve
you the minute you arrive. Inside the bustling, elegant lobby, a
ceiling high Christmas trees beckons us to gather 'round and join the
family.
'Hotel Al', his white hair standing straight up in a modern day cut,
greets us and tells us he's been around for 30 years and whatever we
want to know or do, he'll be there to answer our questions. He
gives us a card and tells Dub a mother-in law joke - it's a guy
thing, but I don't mind. He's warm and funny and probably a great
resource! While getting the check-in
procedures taken care of, I imagine coming face to face with William
Faulkner, Tennessee Williams or Truman Capote.
They've all stayed here, brought their families here and written
about the Hotel in one way or another. They are just a few of the
many literary figures and celebrities that have
made historical impressions since the Hotel Monteleone opened it's doors
over a hundred years ago. |
The Hotel Monteleone is on Royal Street which abounds
with art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.
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If these walls could talk! Picture for a minute the kinds of things this hotel may have seen in
the last century.
Being, foremost, in one of the most exciting cities in the world, in
the Vieux Carre (old town), just a block from Bourbon
Street, steps from some of the most famous restaurants in the world,
including Brennan's, and in the middle of Royal
Street, one of the most
sophisticated shopping sections in New Orleans!
Mardi Gras alone would fill a book of stories. Then there are
flu epidemics, Storyville, the once red-light district, jazz greats and
other music celebrities and Hurricane Camille for starters!
Without a doubt there must be staggering tales of intrigue,
fascinating people, historical events and progress.
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To our left is the legendary Carousel Bar, a gathering
spot for tourists and locals alike. A Carousel indeed! The
famous bar overlooks Royal Street and is the only bar in New Orleans
that revolves in a complete circle giving you a new perspective every 15 minutes! It's a slow,
steady turn, but we've heard if you have too much fun, you may think the
bartender has turned up the speed!
Once known as the Swan Room (before the Carousel was
added) a nightclub where celebrities, such as Liberace, performed,
a piano bar on a lower lever, entertains loyal patrons with live
entertainment. Still attracting
celebrities - most recently, Michael Jordan, Dennis Quaid, Greg Allman,
and Sally Struthers - the Carousel has been featured on PBS, Discovery
Channel and the Food Channel.
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There are a variety of suites; our favorite is the one that overlooking
the city and the Mississippi River. Take a peek for yourself with
our virtual tour.
A fitness room with big window
views on both sides
and
a pool on top of the building make working out
and
lounging something of a fantasy!
Food won't be a problem!
!
The Hunt Room
The Hunt Room serves International cuisine by an
award-winning Chef, Randy Buck, who is noted for using the freshest
ingredients and creating imaginative dishes.
Another local favorite is the Aft-Deck Oyster Bar, where
the claim is the coldest, fresh oysters, stuffed seafood po'boys, crawfish
pie and other creole favorites.
For an excellent breakfast buffet, Le Cafe boasts one of
the best in New Orleans as well as a soup and salad bar and local cuisine
such as crab cakes and po'boys.
One of the things I'm loving about New Orleans; the food
is so incredibly regional, and New Orleaneans are so anxious to share
their distinctive flavors and traditions.
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Speaking of tradition, tonight we'll sample a favorite - the
great Bonfires on the banks of the
Mississippi, one that's about as ancient as they get.
Let's Go!
A few of the famous literary figures
who left their mark at the Hotel Monteleone. Some used the hotel
as settings in their novels or plays.
Tennessee Williams
Truman Capote
Ben Lucien Burman
Eufora Wlety
Winston Groom
Richard Ford
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;)
;)
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