STEPHANIE & RICARDO
TRAVEL
GETTING THERE
TRAVEL
WHERE TO STAY
Though our ceremony is taking place in the famed French Quarter, we'll be calling the Lower Garden District home for the weekend. This beautiful, oak tree-lined neighborhood is quiet and charming with its nostalgic streetcar and lovely Grand Dame mansions, but there are plenty of bars & restaurants in the area keeping good trouble well within reach—more on that in Lagniappe.
We've arranged room blocks at the Henry Howard Hotel and the Pontchartrain, just across the street from one another. And while they each serve looks and fresh vibes, their different environments offer a choice for your appetite. Guests interested in private rentals can also find several options nearby with Airbnb. Here's a list to get you started.
PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL
Once host to Rita Hayworth, Sinatra, and the Doors, this icon has been reincarnated as Condé Nast Traveler's No. 1 hotel in New Orleans. Dine at four on-site restaurants, see the whole city from the rooftop bar, and do Chambongs next to Weezy in the lounge.
This room block has now closed
Just around the corner, this historic townhouse is now a hip boutique hotel focused on service, style, and all the important modern touches. Take daily breakfast in the parlor and sip cocktails on the porch.
With a group? The Millie Wing can be booked together to make a private floor.
Call directly to book and ask for Monika.
TRAVEL
GETTING AROUND
The best ways to get around New Orleans are on foot and by public transportation. The city's neighborhoods are very compact, making them perfect for strolling sightseers.
"Stellaaaaa!"
Parts of his famed play, A Streetcar Named Desire were written by Tennessee Williams while in residence at the Pontchartrain Hotel.
The real Desire Streetcar ran through the French Quarter, passing along Bourbon Street in one direction and Royal Street in the other, making its way to and from Desire Street in the neighborhood now called Bywater.
Public Transportation
STREETCAR & BUS
The Quarter is just a quick 10-minute car ride from the Garden District but if you're not in a rush, hop on a streetcar at St. Charles at Josephine to take in the views and enjoy some people watching #SlowYourRoll. Next train ETA
The bus features more extensive routes providing access to nearly all of the city's top attractions, like City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Our closest stop will be at Jackson and St. Charles, where you'll want the 91 bus for service to the French Quarter. Operating hours for both streetcars and the buses vary by line, so peep those details on the RTA website.
PURCHASE INFO
One-way fares cost $1.25 per person, but day passes are just $3 and offer you unlimited rides on both busses and streetcars. Passes can be purchased on-board, with exact change only. Alternatively, Jazzy Passes valid for 1, 3, or 31-days can be purchased online, or at places like Walgreens and CVS.
Uber, Lyft, & Taxi
Because New Orleans is really a “small” big city, going from here to there by cab is reasonably affordable. Local companies United Cabs and New Orleans Carriage Cab are well-regarded by recent travelers.
Uber and Lyft are both easily available in the area, with nearly identical pricing. Here are a couple sample itineraries:
PONTCHARTRAIN HOTEL TO FRENCH QUARTER – 13 MIN
$9 UberX, Lyft • $24 UberBlack, Lyft Lux
HENRY HOWARD HOTEL TO CITY PARK – 16 MIN
$15 UberX, Lyft • $30 UberBlack, Lyft Lux